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The Tech IDEA

The Tech IDEA

Your Source for the Best and Newest Thinking in Technology

10 steps to finding the best smartphone for you

1/14/2021

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10 steps to finding the best smartphone for you

(BPT) - Quality smartphones come in all configurations and price points these days. Here are some of the key things you’ll want to look for to make sure you find one that works best for your needs. Happy shopping!

1) Operating system (OS): There are two different operating systems to choose from. iOS works with iPhones, while Android operates with a wider variety of smartphones, like those from Samsung or Motorola. In general, iOS is considered easier to use, but you need to have an Apple device. Android gives you more options, plus the ability to customize it with third-party software and widgets.

2) Camera: Most people now use their phones as their primary camera, so the right selection here will be an especially important one. More and more smartphones boast cameras with at least 12 megapixels, so don't go by only that stat. Instead, focus on individual camera specs and special features like dual lenses or the ability to edit and enhance photos.

3) Screen size: Get the right size screen for the things you’ll want to do. Buy a phone with a screen smaller than 5.5 inches if one-hand use is important to you or if you have smaller hands. Get a bigger-screen phone if you like to watch a lot of videos or play games, or simply want to have an easier time navigating on your touchscreen.

4) Display: You’re going to spend many hours gazing at the screen, so make sure it offers the viewing experience you’re after. If you plan to watch a lot of videos, look for a minimum of full HD (high definition), which is 1920 x 1080 pixels. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with some of the underlying technologies: LCD, OLED, and AMOLED are all terms you’ll see used, and each offers a different range of advantages.

5) Design: Determining good smartphone design is purely subjective. Many people prefer a metal or glass design; others, plastic. If you’re concerned about durability, look for a phone that is water-resistant. A handful of phones also now feature a shatterproof glass display, and many include a Gorilla Glass display to protect it against short drops (a protective case will help with that, too).

6) Processor: Even midrange phones now offer satisfactory performance for nearly any user level or basic task. A good processor inside a phone will translate to faster open times for apps, smoother navigation and quicker photo editing.

7) Battery: Many factors, including the screen size, processor and operating system, determine how long a smartphone lasts on a charge. A decent benchmark is to look for a smartphone with a battery capacity of at least 3,000 mAh. Any phone that lasts longer than 9 hours of straight 4G LTE use is considered very good.

8) Storage: Go for as much internal storage as possible. Some apps and games can easily take up more than 1GB of storage, and most smartphone owners capture and store large numbers of high-res photos and videos. While some models offer just 8GB or 16GB, the minimum on premium handsets these days is usually anywhere from 32GB to 64GB. Adding a microSD card will also help expand your storage. It's available on many Android phones, some of which can accommodate 1TB or more.

9) Price: Don’t pay for more than you need. The latest iPhone and premium Android phones start around $800, and can easily run $1,000 or more. But there are great options below $500, and even some solid choices for well under $200.

10) Carrier: A smartphone requires a wireless plan. Choose a service provider that offers what you’ll really use, and at a price that suits your budget. Consumer Cellular, for example, offers a wide variety of smartphone choices from entry level to top of the line, along with talk, text and data plans, with no contract.

Let today’s top technology work for you. It’s a very competitive marketplace, so by shopping wisely, you’re sure to find a smartphone that keeps you connected at a great price.

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Unemployment Insurance Cybercrime Alert

9/30/2020

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Unemployment Insurance Cybercrime Alert

Five ways to help protect yourself from unemployment insurance fraud

Unemployment Insurance Cybercrime Alert

Five ways to help protect yourself from unemployment insurance fraud

Image courtesy of Brandpoint; Used with permission

Many people around the U.S. are relying on unemployment insurance assistance as the country battles the pandemic and associated economic effects. As unemployment has risen, fraudsters have been targeting consumers to steal unemployment insurance benefits. They do this by taking personally identifiable information (PII) that cybercriminals have posted on the dark web, stolen from unsuspecting consumers or gained from past data breaches.

Once fraudsters have this information, which can include a victim’s name, address, Social Security number and driver license number, they falsely apply to a state’s unemployment insurance program to register for unemployment insurance benefits. These benefits are typically distributed via direct deposit or prepaid debit cards for those without bank accounts. Once a fraudster has access to the stolen funds, they can use a prepaid payment account service and its mobile app to cash out or make purchases — in-store or online — for items like gift cards, electronics, cryptocurrency, money orders, and money transfers.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in fraudulent purchases in July, related to unemployment insurance fraud schemes,” said Michael Lemberger, senior vice president and regional risk officer for North America at Visa. “Fraudsters are actively targeting state unemployment insurance programs hoping to find gaps. This problem requires a collective effort with everyone doing their part, including the state workforce agencies, law enforcement, financial institutions, payment processors and payment networks. Consumers must be on-guard for suspicious activities so fraudsters cannot exploit their identity for financial gain.”

The warning signs for these crimes can be tough to spot, but here are common red flags to look out for:

1) Offers from people or organizations you don’t recognize promising early and faster unemployment insurance benefit payments.

2) Solicitations from people you don’t know offering money in exchange for your personal information.

3) Letters or email correspondence indicating new accounts or unemployment insurance benefits have been initiated in your name.

To avoid your personal information from being used for fraud, Visa recommends the following to protect yourself:

* Proactively register for an unemployment insurance account directly through your state’s website. This way, if anyone tries to steal your information, state authorities will notify you as soon as possible and prevent your money from getting stolen.

* Secure your personal information — online and offline. Use online tools to encrypt and lock down sensitive digital information, such as your financial and health documents. For physical documents with your personal and financial information, make sure they’re locked in a secure spot and safely shred any documents you don’t need.

* Be mindful of social media and email scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters will try to convince you that you can get your benefits sooner, you may be eligible for more benefits, or a person you don’t know needs help with their unemployment insurance payments.

* Just like our physical hygiene is crucial right now, so is our cyber hygiene. Don’t click on links or attachments from email addresses and people you don’t recognize or offers you didn’t ask for.

* And, last but not least, your information is valuable so keep your personal information to yourself. Never share your personal information unless there is a legitimate reason to do so.

If the worst-case scenario happens and a fraudster gets hold of your personally identifiable information to commit unemployment insurance fraud, there are steps Visa recommends you take, including:

* Contact the three primary credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

* Contact your respective financial institution.

* Contact your state unemployment office.

* Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the fraud to the FTC and get help with important next steps for recovery.

* Review your credit reports often.

Cybercriminals are continuing to up their game, but if people take the necessary precautions and remain on the lookout for anything suspicious, these fraud attempts will become much less successful and frequent. (BPT)

Good Advice Publishing
Basically, the Instruction Manual for Life….medium.com

More Money Articles from Good Advice Publishing

The Smarter Way to Buy a Home
How private mortgage insurance works and why it might be the best way to help you get the house of your dreamsmedium.com
3 Ways to Discover the Value of Both Your Time and Your Money
Expert advice on finding the value of your money and your most precious asset, your timemedium.com
Simple Steps to Take to Be Safe from Cybercrime
Red flags and smart advice to know to avoid losing your money to financial scamsmedium.com
3 Key Steps You Can Take Now to Prepare for the Years After You Retire
How do you prepare for the future when life is so uncertain now?medium.com
6 Ways to Save More by Saving Smarter
Practical advice to get your 20/20 financial visionmedium.com
How to Retire with Money Confidence
4 steps to market-proof your retirementmedium.com

By Good Advice Publishing on September 14, 2020.

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Exported from Medium on September 19, 2020.

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4 Creative Ways to Drive Website Traffic

5/25/2020

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​Expert tips to give your business website a traffic boost

Consistent website traffic is an essential building block for a successful online business. While paid ads and search engine optimization are valuable strategies, there are some lesser known, but equally effective, ways to attract potential customers to your website or funnel.

Learn more by reading the full article here.

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Take Steps to Secure Your Money and Yourself Online Today

2/28/2020

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Red Flags and Smart Steps to Avoid Scams

In order to keep your financial and personal information safe, it’s necessary to look for red flags and be proactive about security. Here’s important information to help safeguard your money, your personal information, and your family today. Learn how by reading the full Medium article here.

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Be Smart About Your Next Smart Phone

2/26/2020

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Here’s why smartphone upgrades don’t have to cost a fortune

The pace of smartphone innovation has slowed from the breakneck speed of a few years back. In fact, the most recent tweaks to brand-new models have tended to be more about refining existing features than rolling out indispensable new technology. What that means is that slightly older models — the flagships of two or even three years ago — can offer a great deal for users looking for an upgrade that won’t break the bank.

See how you can save on your next smartphone purchase in the full Medium article here.

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5 Innovations That Are Making the World a Better Place, Thanks to UNICEF

2/25/2020

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LEARN HOW UNICEF INNOVATION PROJECTS ARE DRIVING CHANGE GLOBALLY

Saving and protecting children for decades, UNICEF, the United Nationschildren’s agency, has been implementing new ways to reach families more quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. In honor of World Creativity and Innovation Day, meet five innovations that are making 2020 the start of a decade of good — even in the midst of all the negative news we see everyday. Learn the details in the full Medium article here.

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Tips for Holding On to Family Photo Memories

2/18/2020

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Preserving analog photos is easier than ever today

When it comes to passing down family memories, there’s nothing like the visual impact of a photograph. Here's good advice on how to convert your analog photos into digital images that will last forever. Read the full Medium article here.

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Keep Mom, Dad and the Grands Home Safe with the Latest Technology

12/10/2019

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santa-on-a-scooter

Here's the latest tech trends from Lisa Cini, Founder/CEO at Mosaic Design Studio and BestLivingTech.


(BPT) - Technological advancements are helping aging adults stay safe, comfortable and connected as they age in place. And, families can feel more confident about mom, dad and the grands living independently, especially around the holidays.

“The year 2020 brings new innovative technologies to enable us to address the unique challenges we face as we age,” says Lisa Cini, president/CEO, Mosaic Design Studio and BestLivingTech.com. “Even the simplest tasks, like going to the bathroom, turning on the faucet, or cleaning up afterward can be difficult or dangerous for aging adults, but by integrating the latest gadgets into our home designs, seniors can remain safe, connected and independent.”

Lisa’s 2020 tech trends include:

  • Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa can be used for a multitude of activities like listening to music and audio books, appointment and medication reminders, and hearing the weather. These gadgets can even make calls and respond to a simple “OK Google” or “Hey Alexa,” which can be useful after a slip or a fall (if within hearing range).
  • A bidet eliminates the need for assistance in the bathroom by allowing users to clean up after themselves, providing independence and removing the embarrassment of asking for help.
  • Hestan Cue Chef’s Pot measures the surface temperature of the pan via Bluetooth and is great for braising, poaching and perfecting dishes.
  • Roomba the robot can vacuum multiple rooms daily and is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. It travels back to its charging dock and can be customized to clean when you want it to.
  • Moley Robotic Kitchen is a fully automated kitchen that acts as a MasterChef to cook thousands of meals. This smart robot takes away the hassle of cooking and cleaning and does everything at the touch of a button.
  • Nest Smart Thermostat makes homes energy efficient, with a display that can be read from across the room or remotely by cell phone and works with Amazon’s Alexa for voice control.
  • Loop keeps you connected to friends and family through a loop of photos, video and video chat.
  • The Human Charger light therapy device enhances energy levels and helps you get restful, sustained sleep.
  • The Dementia Day Cycle Clock displays the day of the week and morning, afternoon, evening or night, to help you distinguish between days of the week and cycles of the day.
  • Med-Q Automatic Pill Dispenser will flash the corresponding day slot with a bright red light and blast an alarm that increases in volume until you take your pills at the scheduled time.
  • A One Button Dementia Radio allows you to turn the radio on and off without confusing buttons and dials.
  • The Wander Alarm Security Alert chimes or vibrates to let you know that the door or window has been opened.
  • iGuardStove and FireAvert prevent burnt pans or fires by automatically shutting off power to the stove when the smoke alarm goes off.
  • Joy for All Companion Pets provides joy without the headache as it responds to hugging, petting and motion like any typical cat or dog, mimicking the movement and purring sound of a cat to bring comfort and companionship. No need to clean the kitty litter or walk the dog in the snow with this companion pet.

BestLivingTech.com offers many of the available products above to help seniors embrace aging and independent living. As a boomer living designer, Lisa searches the world for the best technology to help people age in place and brings them all together in one online store — think Sharper Image meets AARP.

By keeping the home retrofitted with the latest technology, we can help our parents and grandparents stay safe and comfortable at home and eliminate some of the worry when we’re not around.

Lisa Cini, ASID, IIDA, is an award-winning, internationally recognized designer with decades of experience developing interiors that improve quality of life for seniors. She is the author of The Future is Here: Senior Living Reimagined, Hive: The Simple Guide to Multigenerational Living, and BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that you can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive.


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