(BPT) - A picture has always been worth more than a thousand words; images capture feelings and retell cherished memories. Modern technology has increased the value of an image, by making it easier than ever to preserve and share special moments.


While your grandparents may have relied solely on tangible prints to save and share images, today you have access to even more ways to capture, store, share and print memories. These technologies help families and friends feel more connected, regardless of distance. Devices like the Canon Connect Station CS100, a photo and video storage device that can connect to multiple compatible imaging devices, are revolutionizing the 21st century photo album.


Today’s “photo album” is:


* Flexible –Today, you can snap photos and shoot video on a variety of digital cameras, from a digital SLR camera like the Canon EOS Rebel T6i or a Canon VIXIA camcorder. The variety of imaging devices make it easier than ever to ensure you never miss the chance to preserve a special moment.


* Convenient – In the early days of digital photography, images were transferred from the device to a computer through use of a cable or memory card. Today, it’s easy to transfer images from device to device through a variety of means, using products with Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities.


* Shareable – You can send images digitally through a variety of devices. It’s now possible to snap a picture at your child’s sporting event and text or email it immediately to Grandma in another state. Or, you can share entire photo albums wirelessly between users. For example, the Canon Connect Station CS100 allows you to store images on the device wirelessly with the use of a compatible camera or mobile device.


* Vast – A variety of products and services today give you access to an abundance of storage. For a long-term storage solution in the convenience of your own home, this specific Canon device can store about 150,000 photos or 70 hours of Full HD video.


* Creative – Most modern image-capturing devices also come with built-in software to allow you to manipulate images, create video, add effects and more. Once you’ve created the images you desire, it’s easy to transfer them to your preferred storage device, print them out and create physical albums or crafts.


To learn more about the Canon Connect Station CS100 visit www.usa.canon.com.

(BPT) - From calls to texting to browsing the Web, today’s smartphones and tablets have the potential to keep us in constant communication while on the go. But for mobile users who suffer through dropped calls, slow downloads or delayed voicemails, that potential isn’t always realized.


In fact, 20 percent of respondents experience dropped calls “very often” (15 times or more per week), while another 15 percent experience dropped calls “often” (10 to 15 times per week), according to a recent consumer survey conducted by weBoost. When poor cell reception occurs on a daily basis, even the most amazing piece of mobile technology can lose a lot of its value to the user.


While those who report these common mobile challenges may be quick to blame their device or carrier, the real culprit may be neither. The surprising truth is anything interrupting the line of sight from a cell tower to a device — such as uneven terrain, dust in the air and tall foliage — can reduce signal strength.


Perhaps the biggest misconception of all is that there’s nothing we can do. On the contrary, it’s much easier than many mobile users realize to improve signal strength. Here are some simple tips for better reception:


Track your tower. Knowing which tower your device is using can go a long way toward improving your signal. A downloadable app called “Open Signal,” available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store, will show you all the cell towers in your area, as well as which tower you’re connected to. By knowing where the tower is, you’ll know which direction to face when using your mobile device, which reduces the chance of any obstructions blocking your signal. If you find you’re not connected to the closest tower, simply reboot your signal by turning your phone off and on again.


Keep your device charged. If you’ve ever picked up your phone and suddenly noticed several delayed texts or voicemails appear at once, try checking your battery. When you’re actively using your phone, it pings the towers more frequently, which uses more power. However, it conserves power when it’s on standby mode — which means if your battery is low, your phone could be receiving updates less frequently. The solution is simple: just charge your battery.


Roll down the windows. Energy-efficient building products, such as insulation and tinted windows, can block a cell signal in a home or office building. Similarly, most vehicles are built with large amounts of metal, often with a metallic tint covering the windows. If you notice you’re struggling for a good signal indoors, or while on the road, the solution could be as easy as rolling down the window. Your cell signal could double in strength.


Compare carriers. If none of the above solutions seem to improve your cell reception, your carrier could be the problem. Not all carriers serve the same locations, and it’s quite possible your carrier just doesn’t provide a strong signal in your area. To know for sure, simply look up coverage maps for each of the major carriers and compare their service areas. Switching to a different carrier could be the best option where you live.


Boost your signal. While there are many effective ways around the problem of poor cell reception, it’s also surprisingly easy to fix it permanently. A weBoost cell phone signal booster installed in a home or car can greatly amplify a weak signal — essentially creating your own personal cell tower. The result is faster download speeds, clearer conversations and better battery life (since your phone will no longer need to transmit over long distances). Just like a cell tower, a weBoost cell signal booster works with every network, and there’s no limit to how many people can use it at once.

(BPT) - Today’s youth are well-versed in transitioning their computers and phones from school to home, and futurists believe that will be even more necessary in coming years. Project Tomorrow’s recent Speak Up Data shares that “Students in a blended learning environment (utilizing both physical books and online digital resources) are more likely to self-direct their learning outside of school.”


The best tech device options allow your student to learn and play anytime, anywhere and in any environment.  The critical items to consider are devices that allow full access to learning applications; nine-plus-hour batteries; keyboards; easy connectivity; a backpack-friendly weight; powerful browsers that allow for fast-loading videos; access to school assignments and research tools.  


Cost-effective technology such as the Intel processor-powered Chromebook is being embraced by entire school districts for its fostering of streamlined education allowing faculty and IT administrators to communicate with students at school and at home.  As a bonus, your student can also use a Chromebook to socialize with friends and engage in fun learning apps and popular gaming sites.  


“This is a whole new definition of what school looks like,” notes Alice Keeler, author and Google for Education certified innovator. “Students can ask questions by posting to the stream in Google Classroom 24/7, (and) since other students have access to the stream, students are able to learn from and help each other.”


The ability to handle such multitasking is projected to serve youth well in the coming decades as technology evolves, according to a 2012 survey by the Pew Research Institute. Fifty-five percent of respondents agreed that by 2020, “The environment itself will be full of data that can be retrieved almost effortlessly, and will be arrayed in ways to help people young and old navigate their lives.”


The Intel-powered Chromebook addresses that need for multitasking with several advantages over ARM process-based models. In a Principle Technologies Test Report last year, those advantages included a 57 percent longer battery life while web browsing; 46 percent less waiting to read a textbook or take notes online; 47 percent less waiting to do math homework online; 50 percent less waiting to create an English presentation; 46 percent less waiting to team up in science class; and 100 percent more frames per second while rendering an anatomy situation.


That’s partly why school district IT specialist and education speaker Kyle Pace calls it “the biggest no-brainer in education.” 


“Schools must begin leveraging these tools to bring students into the world of working in the cloud, communicating, collaborating and creating on the web,” he advises.  “We can’t afford not to give our students this type of access -- at school and at home.”


For more information on creating and collaborating with Chromebooks, check out Kyle Pace’s blog.

(BPT) - As with all technology, mobile phones have come a long way in a short amount of time. Gone are the days of big, bulky phones. Today, phones are sleek and slender and, in most cases, smart, allowing users to surf the Internet, watch movies and keep in touch with friends and family.


The potential downside of smartphones is the assumption that they are difficult to use.  However, with a few simple tips, smartphones can be easier to operate than older cell phone models. Once the basics are mastered, users can easily take advantage of all the features, giving them a new way to communicate with friends and family - particularly younger family members.


With more than 2 million users and the highest overall customer satisfaction of any mobile carrier, according to Nielson Mobile Insights, Consumer Cellular caters exclusively to the boomer and senior demographic. If you’re uncomfortable with contracts, don’t worry. The company offers popular smartphones, like the Apple iPhone, without forcing you to sign a contract. This offers you the flexibility to pay month by month with the option to cancel at any time. It’s a perfect option for anyone who wants to try something new.


Consumer Cellular recently teamed up with AARP to offer smartphone classes for seniors. The classes don’t just cover the basics of how to operate a phone, but also delve into how smartphones can enhance your lifestyle. So if you’re ready to upgrade to a smartphone, or already have one but just want to better understand it, here are five tips that can help:


1. Communicate easier with family members – Text messaging has become one of the most widely used forms of communication. Many seniors report once they start texting, they are able to communicate with grandchildren more frequently. A unique “text” language has also developed, and many find it enjoyable to send emojis (small cartoonish pictures) or abbreviated phrases such as “idk” (I don’t know) or “omg” (oh my gosh!).


2. Learn to type faster – On first use, typing on the small touch screen can seem clumsy. The best way to become accustomed to typing on a smartphone is to hold the phone horizontally in landscape mode. Next, learn to love predictive text. While you’re typing out a word, the phone will offer several options, or predictions, of what word you want. If the word you’re typing appears, simply tap on it and move on. Once you get used to this you’ll be amazed how fast you can type.


3. Access the Internet on the go – Being able to access the Internet from almost anywhere is one of the most useful smartphone features.  Access to the Internet allows you to check and send email, view local news, shop online or visit your favorite website.  Connecting to Wi-Fi, which is available at many establishments, allows you to surf the Internet without using your cellular data plan.


4. Share your experience with pictures – Smartphones come with a powerful camera that takes high quality pictures that can rival most digital cameras. With the capabilities of sending photos as texts, you can instantly share your photos and experiences with loved ones.


5. Find your way and discover more with maps – Stopping to ask for directions is a thing of the past. You can easily find your way with the highly accurate maps smartphones can connect to, as well as discover new places to visit. For example, if you’re in an unfamiliar area and in need of a cup of coffee, all you need to do is type “coffee” in your map’s search bar, and you’ll see the locations to all the nearby coffee shops. You’ll even get directions on how to get there!


Smartphones are designed to be user friendly, and it’s easier to learn the basics than you might first think. It’s amazing from one handheld device, you can access the Internet, watch movies, store photos, listen to music and so much more. Visit www.consumercellular.com to find the phone that’s right for you.