How to Build the Perfect Playlist

(Family Features) Music can set the mood, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re playing jazz classics to give your dinner party a sophisticated ambience or blasting the latest dance-pop tracks for motivation on the treadmill, music is able to provide the soundtrack to different aspects of peoples’ lives.

These days, playlists are one of the most convenient ways to organize music, and there’s no limit to the number of playlists you can create. It can also be surprisingly simple to make the perfect playlist to match your music needs. These tips can help you on your way:

Tailor the Playlist to Your Audience
Crafting your playlist based on who you’re playing it for, like guests at a house party or family barbecue, can help you select the proper vibe, tempo, length and theme. The goal should always be to include songs the majority of your guests will enjoy. Just keep in mind that if you’re relying on a single playlist for an occasion, you’ll want to ensure that it’s long enough to last until the end of the party. A good rule of thumb is at least 30-40 tracks.

Make It Personal
Because different genres and styles of music are available in abundance, your songs and playlists can reflect who you are and the way you feel. A music streaming service like Spotify allows listeners to build personal playlists as well as listen to expert-curated playlists on-demand using its free mobile app.

When taking advantage of those custom features, be sure to clearly identify your lists with ultra-personal names. For example, instead of naming a list “Summer 2018,” go for something like “Favorite Poolside Beats 2018.” If you need help, the service can also help populate the playlist to at least 15 songs by suggesting tracks based on your playlist title and music tastes. Create your own personalized playlist and find more information atSpotify.com.

Mix It Up
Keep people interested with a wide variety of slow and fast, new and classic, and various musical styles. Don’t be afraid to combine genres or decades. This ensures you strike chords among listeners of various ages and backgrounds. When in doubt, add classic crowd-pleasers and chart-topping hits of today.

Update Often
If you’re creating a playlist that you plan to keep going back to, like a workout playlist, keep in mind you can update it whenever you like to keep it fresh. Switching out songs from time to time can make the listening experience more enjoyable.

Collaborate with Others
Allowing friends or guests to have access to your playlist and make their own additions ensures that everyone’s music tastes are represented. Another plus: it’s a fun way to discover hot new tracks and artists your friends and family are listening to.

Find Inspiration
If you’re short on time or just looking for some new ideas, check out pre-existing playlists that are already curated for your occasion. For example, on Spotify you can find options like “Afternoon Acoustic” for relaxing or “Songs to Sing in the Car” for a long road trip to the beach with friends.

Music is both universal and personal, so let your playlists tell a story about you. If you’ll use the list for entertaining, sprinkle in some extra flavor with tracks that appeal to the broader group or specific guests, and just like that, you have a winning playlist for your next party.

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5 Reasons to Get Streaming this Spring

The next wave of movies and shows to watch now

(Family Features) Whether it’s the kids or grandkids wrapping up the school year, spending a little extra time with mom or traveling with loved ones for a long weekend, the potential increase in quality family time is something many look forward to in May. When everyone is gathered together, it seems at some point the conversation always turns to who’s watching what when it comes to TV shows and movies.

Watching TV or going to the movies together can be a great way to bond, but people are discovering exciting series and films outside of cable channels and movie theaters. Even with busy schedules and differing tastes, streaming services like Netflix are always adding new shows and movies, so there’s sure to be something everyone can enjoy together (no matter how picky some family members may be). If you’re looking to discover something new or different from what you find on regular TV, here are five reasons to give an option like Netflix a try:

1. No More Fighting Over the Remote. Whether you’re sitting down to watch as a family or getting cozy on the couch for a date night in, there’s no need to commandeer the remote to ensure you have control of the entertainment choices. With a large selection of shows and movies, streaming services make it easy to find something you’ll love to watch together.

2. Like a Guide Channel That’s Customized for You. If you’re a fan of Blue Bloods, you can either catch up on old episodes, or give an option like MINDHUNTER a try. Or if you’re looking for laughs and love Friends, check out Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.. It’s like a guide channel, but because it knows your tastes, Netflix will only display show and film recommendations based on what you have watched in the past.

3. Rediscover Shows and Movies You Love. Experience some of ABBA’s greatest hits with Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth in the musical romantic comedy Mamma Mia!, or get your action fix with Matt Damon in The Bourne Ultimatum. If you’re feeling nostalgic but are looking for something outside of reruns, consider a trip down memory lane with a reboot of classic series like Lost in Space orGilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.

4. Take Your Shows On-the-Go. If you’re doing any travel this spring, discover a new way to stay entertained while you’re on the go. Whether you’re on the road for work or leisure, Netflix lets you watch your favorite shows wherever you are. Just use your phone, laptop or tablet to access the service and pick up right where you left off.

5. Sign-Up is Simple. All you have to do is go online to Netflix.com, choose a plan and provide payment information and your zip code. You may also be eligible for a subscription as part of some existing cable packages, and if that is the case, you may not need any additional equipment to access it.

Find more information about countless shows and movies, sign up for a one-month free trial and set up your account at  Netflix.com.

TV shows and movies on Netflix in May

Netflix is adding new shows and movies to the service every day. Whether you’re into comedy, suspense, drama or anything in-between, you can find those genres and more on Netflix.com. Here’s some old favorites as well as new content available to watch this month:

A Little Help with Carol Burnett: Season 1
In this series, Carol Burnett is joined by a group of the most honest and unfiltered people in the world – a gaggle of straight-talking 5-9-year-old kids. These opinionated “experts” weigh in on a variety of dilemmas brought in by adults. (Available May 4)

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman
Late night legend David Letterman interviews an iconic guest of choice – past guests include former President Barack Obama, George Clooney and Malala Yousafza. This month, he takes on comedian Tina Fey and radio personality Howard Stern. (Available May 4 and May 31)

End Game
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, this verite-style doc­umentary short follows medical practitioners working on the cutting edge of life and death, who are dedicated to changing the thinking about both. (Available May 4)

Evil Genius: The True Story of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist: Season 1
This docuseries, based on a true story, begins with the grisly death of a pizza delivery man who robs a bank with a bomb fastened around his neck, and only gets stranger from there. (Available May 11)

Explained: Season 1
This docuseries spotlights a wide range of topical and timely issues that impact lives on a daily basis, such as the gender wage gap, geopolitical politics, the rise of cryptocurrency and why diets fail. (Available May 23)

Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life
Comedy icons Steve Martin and Martin Short team up to provide viewers with musical sketches and conversations about their lives in show business and stand-up comedy. (Available May 25)

5 Ways to Boost Home Wi-Fi

(Family Features) In today’s connected world, it’s almost unthinkable to function without an internet connection, and for practical purposes most households need wireless connectivity for everyone to fully enjoy their internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, televisions, thermostats, security cameras and even refrigerators.

However, with the growing number of devices requiring access to your network, and in some cases even the quality of the connection itself, there can be limitations to your Wi-Fi network’s performance. The problem can be compounded by the reality that increased reliance on Wi-Fi networks isn’t just in your own home or office, it’s around the globe.

Some groups, such as WifiForward, are advocating for increased connectivity across America, including greater access to unlicensed spectrum, which are radio frequencies that consumers can use for a wide range of purposes, including Wi-Fi. Ultimately, greater access to unlicensed spectrum can result in benefits like more reliable connections and super-fast “Gigabit Wi-Fi,” as well as cost-effective wireless broadband for unconnected urban and rural areas.

In the meantime, these tips may help boost the quality and speed of your home Wi-Fi network.

Use up-to-date Wi-Fi technologies. It won’t matter what other steps you take to improve your network performance if you’re using old technology. Be sure your devices and router are all compatible with the latest network capabilities. Equipment that runs the latest Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ac, is ideal if you’re using multiple devices.

Improve network security. Be sure to regularly update your password and enable WPA2 encryption, which offers greater security.

Know that location matters. Placing your router in an open, centralized area is likely to create a better access point throughout the house. Be wary of walls and other obstructions than can hinder a clear signal transmission throughout the house. An ethernet cable and cable clips are all you need to move your router from its connecting point to a more signal-friendly location.

Reboot your router regularly. Like many devices, an occasional reboot can help improve function. A router that is continually running is processing a great deal of data and even in normal operation some data can become corrupt. A reboot can dump those errors and allow you to resume operations with a clean slate, so to speak.

Update your connected devices. Each device that is actively connected to your network depletes available bandwidth. When a device’s operating system is out-of-date, it can become a data hog, impacting the performance of the other devices you have connected in your home. Check regularly for software and connectivity updates to improve speeds and maximize your experience. 

Learn more about constraints of the nation’s current Wi-Fi airwaves and possible solutions at WifiForward.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Assistive Technology

Tools to improve the everyday

(Family Features) Most Americans want to stay in their homes as they age. Not a bad plan, but what if your home doesn’t fit you as well as it once did?

Often, aging can be accompanied by a change in your ability to manage and move around in your home. That’s where assistive technology – better known as AT –  comes in. No matter your age or what type of disability you may have, chances are there is an AT device out there that can help you with everyday tasks.

AT isn’t a new concept. In fact, most people have probably used an assistive device without realizing it. Smartphones, voice command technology and certain types of software all fall under the AT umbrella. AT also includes plenty of low-tech devices, like adapted pencil grips for students with disabilities.

There’s an ever-growing variety of AT tools available to help with household chores, work functions, getting around, seeing, hearing, learning and living independently in general. These devices and technologies are designed to help older adults and people with disabilities, but you may find that these tools can make life easier for anyone.

Examples of AT devices and tools include:

• Hearing aids
• Vehicle modifications, such as hand controls or wheelchair lifts
• Devices that help with bathing and eating
• Software modifications for those with hearing and visual challenges
• Equipment, such as grab bars in a shower, to help prevent falls
• Eye glasses and magnification devices to help individuals with low vision
• Communication devices for individuals with speech disabilities
• Wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices

The right AT for you
At first, trying to find the right AT tools and solutions can feel overwhelming. The network of State Assistive Technology Act Programs is a good place to start. Your state AT Act program can provide information and support to help you identify and acquire AT that meets your needs.

These programs offer:

• Device demonstration and short-term loan programs that allow you to try out equipment before purchasing
• Reuse programs that provide gently used devices at substantial savings
• Financing options, such as cash loan programs, that can help you get the AT devices you need

You can find the AT Act Program in your state or territory at acl.gov/AT. You’ll also find additional information on state AT programs, data about the network of state AT programs and additional resources to help you find and obtain AT that fits your needs.

With more research and awareness around the importance of AT, the future possibilities for living independently in the place of your choosing are almost limitless.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Personal Device Protection During the Holidays

(Family Features) If you’re like most Americans, you probably own two or more computers and have three or more smartphones in your house. As you prepare for traveling during the busy holiday season, you’ll likely plan on taking some of those devices with you. Protect yourself and your devices from cyberattacks during the holidays with this guide from the experts at Trend Micro, and find more information at trendmicro.com.

5 Tips to Make Sense of Cyber Security

(Family Features) It’s no secret that kids have a sense of invincibility. While that trait can bring some endearing reminders of the innocence of childhood, it can also have some highly unfortunate consequences. In the context of cyber security, an action by an unknowing child can impact the entire family.

The majority of U.S. households are filled with devices that pose a potential threat to your personal security. In fact, according to the 2016 Global Consumer Security Survey by Trend Micro, nearly half of households have two or more computers and nearly a third have three or more smartphones. That means the opportunities are plentiful for missteps to occur.

Despite the many benefits of a highly connected world, the potential for danger is strong. The same study found that 65 percent of respondents’ computers had been infected with a virus or malware. Other concerns included damage or loss of files, children viewing inappropriate content, cyberbullying and ID or password theft.

While there are plenty of parental controls and blocks available, they aren’t foolproof. Educating children about the potential risks and how to avoid them can go a long way toward protecting your family from potential cyber problems.

Open up a conversation with your children about cyber security with these tips from the experts at Trend Micro:

1. Understand what you’re saying yes to. Be involved, knowledgeable and interested in the devices, apps and sites your children use for school and for fun. For sites they use for school, ask their teachers for more information. For apps they’re using at home, spend 15 minutes trying it out yourself.

2. Use privacy settings and features. Make sure you understand what privacy protections your browser or devices offer for your family when your kids are accessing their favorite sites, apps and online services. Many browsers allow you to prevent sites from tracking what you do and where you go online, so spend some time looking at web browser settings to see what privacy options are available to you. Mobile devices also have settings that can restrict apps from knowing your physical location or accessing your camera, microphone, photos or contacts.

3. Use features and services available within an app or website. Also take a look at the privacy settings available in the specific apps, websites or games your family uses. Most will let you have a private account, which means the whole world won’t be able to see what you post or who you’re connected to. It also means that people have to ask your permission before they can follow you.

4. Remember that being online is a public life. Nothing is truly private online. If you and your family keep this in mind, it can help you all think through what you are about to post, like and click on, as well as who you connect with online.

5. Talk to other families. Other kids or families may have a different definition of what is or isn’t “private.” Encourage your kids to talk to their friends about how they will respect each other’s privacy online. Good friends will understand, think and ask before posting a photo or information about their friends. Talk to other parents about your feelings on privacy, too, and ask for their opinions with the goal of protecting and respecting each other’s privacy online.

Explore more ideas to keep your kids and family safe online at internetsafety.trendmicro.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images