The Future of Wearable Tech

By Tracey Dowdy

Mankind’s obsession with technology predates technology itself. Early Chinese merchants tired of counting on fingers and toes and the abacus was born; Greek mathematician and engineer Heron Alexandrinus invented a rudimentary steam engine way back in the first century and DaVinci’s visions of man flying became the foundation of modern aerodynamics.

It’s incredible when we fast forward and realize that very soon the self-driving cars in Total Recall and Bones’ tricorder on Star Trek are about to move off the screen and into our lives. What’s even more amazing is the wearable technology that’s being developed that will soon be as much a part of our daily life as our smartphones.

Developers are working on three primary categories of wearables: complex accessories, smart accessories and smart wearables. According to experts, activity trackers and health monitoring devices are the most popular right now and this trend will likely continue for the foreseeable future, as these are the most affordable and most closely tie in with our lives and lifestyle choices. Consumers can expect them to become more stylish as the trend to incorporate technology with fashion flourishes.

What else can we expect?

Greener – Developers are constantly looking for ways to make our lifestyle greener and more eco-friendly, so it’s no surprise that initiative is moving into the tech we wear. At this years’ Consumer Electronics show, fitness and lifestyle company Misfit introduced the Swarovski Shine, a fitness and activity tracker that runs on solar power.  Back in December, Tommy Hilfiger launched a line of clothing with solar cells to power your devices, and Sean Hodgins has created the Peltier Ring that uses body heat to power tiny LED lights.

Collaborative – Your Apple Watch is synced with your iPhone6 and both are collecting data on your activity levels. Your Fitbit syncs with your Galaxy 6 to track calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken and more. Technologists are researching ways to pull information from different sensors on your body, drawing data to provide a picture of how your body is performing.

Standardized – Wearable tech is a relatively new field but with the demand for accuracy we can expect industry standards to regulate manufacturer claims and ensure devices deliver what’s promised. The more dependent on the data we become, the higher the expectation and the need for precision.

Personalization – We all know Google and Facebook use complex algorithms to track our interests and provide content related to past searches and “Likes,” and we can expect that level of targeted advertising to move into our wearble tech as well. With dwindling numbers for TV and print media, savvy marketers are constantly on the lookout for the next big trend and wearable tech is definitely part of the next wave.

Multi-Function – Developers understand that although there will always be early adopters, a new device has to meet a need and have long term value. The more functionality – think how your cell phone is now a camera, map, calculator etc. – the more likely consumers are to become loyal to both the brand and the product.

Ultimately we can look forward to devices seamlessly assimilating into our lives. They’ll communicate with each other, control our environment and record what’s happening in the world around us. In the words of Tom Emmerich, founder of We Are Wearables, “The end game for wearables is to integrate our technology with our lives in a way that creates a more balanced relationship. This would move tech into the background so that it enhances rather than distracts us from life.”

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Friday, August 28: Mobile Education and Back-to-School

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY,Friday, August 28, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Mobile Education and Back-to-School’

Join @TheTechDad @RobynsWorld @TheOnlineMom and friends TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we chat about Mobile Education and Back-to-School!
Digital technology has transformed the educational experience, both at school and at home. We look at the opportunities for students and parents alike, and share some memories of our own classroom experiences!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker or a Microsoft Lumia 735 smartphone!
Plus, join Monica Vila, Marty McPadden and special guest Sandi Simos on Blab.im as we recap the chat and offer another chance to win a Microsoft Lumia 735 smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/QkJ7d      
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, August 21: Mobile Entertainment

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, August 21, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Mobile Entertainment’

Join @TheTechDad @RobynsWorld @TheOnlineMom and friends TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we chat about Mobile Entertainment!
Faster wireless networks and a vast trove of accessible content are turning smartphones and tablets into our own personal TV screens, music centers, gaming consoles and more. We look at the devices and apps that can help you join the mobile entertainment revolution!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win an Ultimate Ears UE Boom wireless Bluetooth speaker or one a Sony Xperia Z3v smartphones!
Plus, join @MartyMcPadden on the Video Recap right after the chat for another chance to win a Sony Xperia Z3v!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/QkFuc       
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, August 14: Smartphone Photography Tips & Tricks

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, August 14, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Smartphone Photography Tips & Tricks’

Join the VZWBuzz team and friends TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we share Smartphone Photography Tips & Tricks!
While smartphone cameras have become more and more sophisticated, that doesn’t always result in better photos. Join us as we look at some of the smartphone settings that can help improve our photography skills and the tips and tricks that will create photos that we can be proud of!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win one of SIX (yes, 6!) LG G4 smartphones!
And join Monica Vila on the Video Recap right after the chat for THREE MORE chances to win a LG G4!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/QkDmj       
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

10 Gadgets for Summer Getaways

By Chantal Bechervaise

Summer is in full swing and whether you own a summer home or are planning a camping trip, these 10 gadgets will help make life easier and more enjoyable for the whole family. (And they also make great gift ideas!)

Grill Daddy

Cleaning your grill can be a messy and labour intensive task. The Grill Daddy uses the power of steam to clean your grill.  No scraping needed. Easily steam away baked-on food, grease, and black residue. According to Grill Daddy, the brushes won’t gunk up either. They are specially designed to clean and sanitize grills safely and thoroughly, and the Grill Daddy keeps all grills looking brand new and keeps food tasting great.

Cost: $14.99 up to $99.99 for the Deluxe BBQ Package


Pulse Dimmable LED Light with Wireless Bluetooth Speakers

Are you looking for an innovative way to add speakers around your summer home without having to add wires everywhere? Try Pulse, a smart bulb that combines the energy efficiency of a dimmable LED light with the high-quality audio of a JBL Bluetooth speaker. It provides a premier home entertainment experience that you can easily control with a free app from your smart device.

Simply twist Pulse into any standard light socket, and adjust both lighting and sound from almost any Bluetooth enabled device, including your smart phone and tablet. The app is available for iOS and Android. You can link up to 8 of these LED lights to play music and work in unison throughout the cottage.

Cost: $130 per pair on Amazon


August Smart Lock

If you are tired of misplacing keys or you don’t know how many keys are out there, you may want to try using a smart lock. The August Smart Lock is designed to use with your existing deadbolt and keyset and is easy to install. It replaces the thumbturn on the inside face of your door. With the iOS or Android app, you can control who has access to your summer home and when. You can grant a family member access 24/7 and a cleaner or maintenance worker access for only a couple of hours a week. The lock works over Bluetooth and the lock itself uses 4 AA batteries. The lock uses encrypted locking technology and you can see a log of who has entered the cottage and when.

Cost: $249


Jokari Snap-On Can Strainer

Not all gadgets need to be high-tech. The Jokari Snap-On Strainer is a simple and innovative tool that is great for summer home use or camping. Simply clip it onto the can, invert and drain.

Cost: $3.99 on Amazon


BioLite CampStove

This gadget is great for using outdoors at the summer house or while camping.  Burning only wood, the CampStove creates a smokeless campfire that can cook meals and boil water, plus it charges mobile phones and other personal devices. Setup is easy, fuel is free, and flames are hyper-efficient with performance on par with white gas stoves.

Cost: $129.95


The Big Turtle Shell Wireless Speaker

This rugged, wireless speaker is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign. It is perfect for outside on the deck, while barbequing, at the beach, or around the campfire at night. The Big Turtle is a water resistant, dust proof, and shock proof Bluetooth speaker ready to go wherever you go. It will pair with devices within a 10 meter radius and a charge lasts up to 16 hours. It can also be used to charge your phone or tablet.

Cost: $199


Sherpa 100 Power Pack

There are a lot of power pack options available for charging phones and tablets but here is one that can fully charge your laptop – twice – while keeping the rest of your gadgets charged too. The Sherpa 100 Power Pack can be loaded from a wall socket in three hours, a car socket in four, or even charged in 15-30 hours by a Nomad solar panel.

Cost: $349.99


McMurdo FastFind 220 Personal Locator

If you are adventurous and enjoy hiking and exploring while away, then you might want to give some thought to what would happen if you got lost. With the McMurdo FastFind 200, you have a simple and subscription-free way to signal for help. The device is small enough to fit in a pocket or a pouch. Once activated, it transmits on two frequencies simultaneously. The 406 MHz signal goes to both the GEOSAR and the LEOSAR satellites to ensure someone picks it up. The beacon can help rescuers pinpoint you within yards.

Cost: $285


Here are a couple of gadgets for use at home while you are away for the weekend.

Ring Video Doorbell

Over 1 million burglaries occur just in the United States each year during daytime hours, when homes are usually unoccupied. Being home is often enough to deter a potential burglar. Whereas traditional security systems activate once a break-in has occurred, the Ring Video Doorbell is designed to help you prevent a break-in from taking place at all. Answer the door from anywhere. With Ring, you’re always home.

With Ring you receive instant alerts when someone rings your doorbell or motion is detected, via the free Ring app (iOS and Android). See and speak with visitors from anywhere using your smartphone, and watch recorded footage anytime with Cloud Recording.

Cost: $199


Petnet SmartFeeder

Can’t find a pet sitter for a day or two? Ever wish you could feed your pet from afar? Meet the Petnet SmartFeeder, a device that lets you feed your pet using your smartphone. The SmartFeeder lets you set feeding times and programs itself to dispense your pet’s ideal food portion, so you can put an end to overfeeding. Once your pet has been fed, you can choose to be notified via SMS, Twitter or even Facebook.

Cost: $99

CBechervaise67Chantal is located in Ottawa, Ontario. She is passionate about everything related to the World of Work: Leadership, HR, Social Media and Technology. You can read more from Chantal at her TakeItPersonelly blog or follow her on Twitter @CBechervaise.

Outsourcing Your To-Do List

By Tracey Dowdy

Though it’s been around since 2008, I was recently introduced to the world of TaskRabbit, a site that connects your to-do list with available to-doers in your area. Got a refrigerator that needs a good cleaning? Gutters that need to be cleared? Music that needs to be cataloged? A basement that needs organizing, a dollhouse to be assembled, a dog walked, groceries delivered or help moving a piano…you get the picture. If you have a list of things that you’ll eventually get to – I’m looking at you, baby albums – chore sharing or outsourcing those jobs may be the answer.

Of course posting on a site like Craigslist is always an option, but it’s difficult to know if the individual you’re hiring is who they say they are. Credentials, resumes, references, and past clients are easy to fake and sometimes difficult to verify. These sites are reputable and have done the homework for you.

TaskRabbit

Taskrabbit_logo13Once you sign up, just let TaskRabbit know what chores you need done and they will match you with a fully-vetted “tasker” in your area. Rates are posted with each profile with a minimum one-hour fee charged. Once the task is complete, you pay online so no cash is involved. All jobs are fully insured and you can cancel at no charge up to six hours before the task. If you cancel inside that six hour window you’ll be charged for one hour of work. Customer service is available 24/7, so you’re never left hanging if you run in to an issue or have a problem. TaskRabbit is currently available in 18 cities nationwide with plans for expansion.


Agent Anything

askanythingAgent Anything carries the taglineDo less, accomplish more” and helps you accomplish that task by outsourcing your to-do list to local students. Simply post what you need done, set your price, choose from the offers that come in and pay once the job is done. You can choose to award the job to the first person who responds or review the profiles before making your choice. You also have the option to allow the agent (student) to make you an offer. Once you’ve made your choice, Agent Anything runs your credit card but the amount is on hold until the task is complete. Past jobs include everything from beta testers for start-up companies to running errands for seniors. Available in New York and New Jersey.


Zaarly

zaarlyZaarly connects small businesses and local independent contractors with home owners looking to get home improvement projects done. Jobs can be as small as fixing a broken hinge or as big as putting in your garden. Each small business has been screened for quality and customer service and is regularly evaluated to ensure standards are maintained. Users browse the list of experts, choose the one that best meets their needs, clarify the project by answering a few questions and generally receive a response and a quote within three hours.  Payment is secure – neither Zaarly nor the service expert you hire can see your credit card and the card isn’t charged until the job is complete. Zaarly even offers a message platform so you can chat and share photos with your expert. Available in Austin, Denver, Kansas City and San Francisco.


Thumbtack

Thumbtack_Logo_2014Thumbtack connects you with professionals who will do everything from hang pictures in your den to redecorate the entire room, help you move across town, plan a birthday party for your six year old or train your dog to sit. Tell Thumbtack what you’re looking for and they’ll match you with local service providers who will then send you a quote that includes a price estimate, customer reviews, contact information, a personal message and their business profile so you can have confidence you’re making the best match for your needs. Best of all, Thumbtack is available in all 50 states.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Wednesday, July 29: The Benefits of FiOS

THE BENEFITS OF FiOS

#FiOSPhilly

When: TODAY, Wednesday, July 29, 2015
8:00 – 9:00 pm ET
5:00 – 6:00 pm PT
Join the #FiOSPhilly team TODAY at 8 pm ET as we discover what a reliable Internet, fast connection speeds and great TV programming can do for you and your family!
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win a Mophie Powerstation portable battery charger or a Kindle Fire HD tablet!

(Click here  to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: FiOSPhilly) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/QfWhR
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#FiOSPhilly) today between 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon.)

Monday, July 27: Choosing the Right Hospital

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOSPITAL

#StPatsBabies

When: TODAY, Monday, July 27, 2015
7:00 – 8:00 pm MT
9:00 – 10:00 pm ET
Whether you are a new or experienced mom, having a baby is a life-changing event and choosing the right facility for delivering your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Join @MakeItMissoula and @StPats TODAY, Monday, July 27 at 7 pm MT as we hear directly from the experts and share the key resources that will help you make the right choice for you and your family!
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win one of three $100 gift certificates from buybuy BABY!

(Click here  to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: StPatsBabies) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/Q3BpH
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#StPatsBabies) today between 7:00 – 8:00 pm MT.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Providence.org.)

6 Apps for the Serious Mobile Shopper

By Tracey Dowdy

Mobile shopping has been around for a while now and as shoppers get savvier, so do the apps. At this point there are almost as many shopping apps available as there are products to buy.

Most major retailers have jumped in with apps featuring their best online or in-store deals. Wal Mart’s app allows you to scan your receipt to compare prices in your area. If the item is available at a lower price locally, they will refund the difference. Target enables you to use your Apple Watch to build your shopping list or find items in-store by aisle number as well as use Apple Pay for online purchases.

Online retailers like Etsy, Amazon and eBay all offer mobile apps to alert you to deals, discounts on products you’re monitoring, or sales that are ending soon.

With all the options out there, where do you start?  How can you be sure you’re getting the best deal? These apps are a great place to start.

Retail Me Not

retailmenotTD1On its Facebook page, Retail Me Not states “We’re Out to Save the World (Some Money)™ and with a goal “to be the most useful site for internet shoppers looking for savings” it’s well on their way. Retail Me Not goes beyond clothing and products and includes deals on food and restaurants as well. Bookmark favorites, search by Today’s Hot Deals, browse Categories Trending Deals and get coupons from over 50,000 retailers and restaurants. They’ll even alert you when your coupons are about to expire.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free


Red Laser

RedLaserTD1If getting the best deal is important to you, you’ll love Red Laser. Simply scan the product barcode and the app immediately searches millions of products across thousands of stores and online retailers to find the best deal. Download store loyalty cards and coupons, and be alerted to the best deals when you walk into a brick and mortar store. You can choose to have items delivered in-store for pick up or delivered straight to your door.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows
Cost: Free


ShopSavvy

shopsavvyTD1ShopSavvy is a comprehensive barcode scanner, price checker, QR code reader and sale search engine bundled into one app. You can price match in-store to ensure you’re getting the best deal, browse by product category and be alerted to online sales as well as sales in your area for products you’re in the market for and share them with your friends.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Cost: free


Shopular

shopularTD1Pick your favorite store, be alerted to nearby and online
sales, receive coupons, promo codes, markdowns, weekly ads and browse for deals all through one simple app: Shopular. Instead of jumping from one app to another to keep up with what’s on sale, Shopular consolidates your favorite stores into one convenient app. One of its best features is that it sends notifications for specific products you’re following and enables you to redeem the coupons directly from your phone.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free


ShopAdvisor

shopadvisorTD1ShopAdvisor bills itself as “Your personal shopping concierge for fashion, tech, decor and more.” Instead of telling you what to buy, ShopAdvisor tells you when. Browse preselected lists of sale items or create your own customized list and be alerted to when and where they’re available at the lowest price. By partnering with top magazines and influencers like Cosmopolitan, The Today Show, People StyleWatch, Real Simple, Men’s Health, This Old House, Cooking Light, Parent and Child among others, ShopAdvisor keeps you on trend while getting you the best deal.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free


Polyvore

polyvoreTD1150Take a quiz to see what you should buy or build your dream closet online or in real life. Polyvore definitely isn’t your typical shopping app. Instead of items being listed individually, they’re presented as outfits. Each item that you “Like” – tops, dresses, shoes, accessories etc. – is logged and your style preferences noted. You can save your choices and Polyvore will send you alerts when items are on sale. You can share your favorite looks on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram and be notified when someone likes what you’ve found or created.

Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Free

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.