Thursday, April 28, 2016

5 Best Wireless IP Camera System in 2016 Reviews

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Starting from the first practical photographic breakthrough by Louis Daguerre, way back in 1837, cameras have undergone magnificent changes over the two centuries. Let’s fast forward to today, wireless IP cameras are digital cameras often used for surveillance and are capable of sending and receiving data through the internet or computer network.

The beauty with these digital cameras is the wireless aspect of it, this means that when you hook your camera to a power source, there are no more worries of finding a cable that will essentially reach into your computer.

So how do you determine which wireless IP camera suits your needs?

Firstly, establish what you need. Many buyers often don’t really know which type of wireless IP camera suites and would satisfy their needs. As a result, they get sucked into buying wireless IP cameras that are beyond what they need.
Before clicking or picking on that item to buy, always ask yourself: what conditions will the camera be located in? (Hallway, outdoor, low light or bright); what precision of data do you want to capture? (HD images with or without audio) and most importantly, what is your budget?
Secondly, another essential feature to consider before getting yourself a wireless IP camera is the pan and tilt range. Of course, this feature will depend on the environment where you intend to use the camera. A wide pan and tilt range is never a bad thing.
Thirdly, zooming capability of the wireless IP camera is also vital. Ensure that you check the type of zooming capability, whether its optical or digital. Most of the IP cameras in the market are digital, but you’ll never fail to find one with optical zoom.
This feature becomes crucial depending on the environment you want the camera to focus on. If the distance between the camera’s location and environment is far apart, you better opt for one with optical zoom capability.
Fourth, test the equipment before purchase. This is vital, especially when you are buying from your local electronic store. Always request for a test setup as this will enable you to determine the picture quality of the camera. In addition, it will give you an opportunity to learn how to set up the equipment in a proper manner to ensure that you get the best image and audio quality.

BEST ANDROID WEAR WATCHES (APRIL 2016)

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Android Wear has evolved a lot since it was first announced back in 2014. In the early days, there were only a few options, mainly from Motorola and LG. These days, many handset makers have thrown their weight into Android Wear, and even traditional watchmakers have begun to embrace the Google-powered smartwatch platform.
With the number of watches available increasing dramatically, it’s hard to keep track of which watches stand out as the best. For one thing, most of the watches are all quite similar in software and hardware, leaving design preferences as the biggest factor. In order to help you make the most informed decision on which watch is right for you, we’ve rounded up what we feel to be the best Android Wear smartwatches you can buy right now.
Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Generation)
The original Moto 360 was one of the best Android Wear watches around for quite some time, and now its successor is also at the top of the list.
The Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) has a bigger battery than its predecessor, a Snapdragon 400 processor and comes in two different sizes to fit more users’ wrists. You’ll even be able to customize it with Moto Maker. Overall, the biggest advantages the new Moto 360 brings to the table are the refreshed processing package, a customizable design and the addition of lugs that will make it much easier to swap out watch bands.
The Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) starts at $299.99, though pricing increases considerably once you start making customizations.

Specs

42mm variant:
  • 1.37-inch IPS LCD display with 360 x 325 resolution, 233ppi
  • 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
  • 512MB of RAM
  • 4GB of on-board storage
  • 300mAh battery
  • 42.0 x 42.0 x 11.4mm
  • IP67 dust and water resistance
46mm variant:
  • 1.56-inch IPS LCD display with 360 x 330 resolution, 263ppi
  • 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
  • 512MB of RAM
  • 4GB of on-board storage
  • 400mAh battery
  • 46.0 x 46.0 x 11.4mm
  • IP67 dust and water resistance

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

8 Tips to Choose an Excellent Smartwatch

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A smartwatch can help you stay connected and multitask so you never miss a beat. Whether you’d rather keep your phone stashed away or you always find yourself missing important calls, smartwatches sync with your smartphone so you can manage your digital life conveniently and discreetly. Many even double as activity trackers, helping you monitor your health. Use this guide to help you choose the best smartwatch for your needs.

What Can a Smartwatch Do?

  • Smartwatches do much more than just keep time. They act as a companion to your smartphone by delivering alerts, notifications, apps and more right to your wrist. They can even double as activity trackers. In order to have full functionality, nearly all smartwatches must connect via Bluetooth and be within wireless range of an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. However, a few connected smartwatches actually have 3G/LTE capabilities and can operate without a connection to another device.
    As smartphones have become essential to staying connected and organized, smartwatches are truly designed for the world we live in today. Have you ever missed a call or text because you didn't hear your phone? Or been somewhere it wasn’t suitable to check your e-mail or social media? There are countless situations that call for hands-free, discreet access to your smartphone, and smartwatches provide that — subtly, conveniently and without the disruption that a phone can cause.

Smartwatch Operating Systems

Smartwatches require pairing to a smartphone for notification functionality. It’s important to understand that not all smartwatches will work with all smartphones.
Most smartwatches are compatible with an Android or iOS device, or, in some instances, both. Some have their own operating systems and will only work with specific devices of the same brand. Others might be compatible with a select variety of operating systems. Since smartwatches are devised to accompany your smartphone, you’ll want to be sure it’s compatible with your phone's existing operating system.
When choosing a smartwatch operating system, there are a few things to consider beyond basic compatibility. For the most part, Android Wear and Watch OS are more similar than not. Watch OS has a reputation for being quick, clean and consistent. Only apps that go through Apple's strict approval process get released. Android Wear uses an open-source model, creating many customization options.
Tizen is a newer operating system used by Samsung and is similar to Android Wear. It too is an open-source platform for smartwatches, smartphones, tablets and more. Tizen has its own applications and allows for a user experience that you can take from device to device.
The Microsoft Band 2 uses the Windows 10 operating system to deliver notifications, e-mail preview and calendar notifications. The Band will work with iOS, Android and Windows phone. When paired with Windows phone 8.1, Microsoft Band 2 also supports Cortana personal digital assistant functionality.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Summer's in the Air (Conditioning): 7 Tips for Cooling on a Budget

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Summer 2016 may not be sweltering yet, but it will be soon enough, and that means one thing for millions of people: air conditioning. And while we may take air conditioning for granted, it's generally an expensive luxury. Americans spend more than $22 billion a year on electricity to cool their homes with air conditioning — and use a whopping 183 billion kilowatt-hours, according to recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Energy. That accounts for at least 15% of all energy used in some homes, and in warmer climates can represent up to 70% of a summer electric bill.
If you're shopping for a new air conditioner, you'll notice quite a few different sizes and models. But one thing's for sure: Savings are always chill. Here's a quick primer to staying cool and keeping your wallet from overheating when picking out an A/C unit.

What's a BTU and How Many Do I Need?

Chances are you already know that BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and that the more BTUs an air conditioner cranks out, the stronger its cooling power. But here's the problem: Most American consumers aren't sure how to translate BTUs into the square footage of a room. (No disrespect to the Brits, but maybe we need an American Thermal Unit, where 1 AMU corresponds to 1 square foot?)
Lobbying for the AMU aside, you don't have to guess how much BTU power you'll need to cool your space. Instead, download this Energy Star document and turn to page three. There you'll find a handy chart that simply correlates the area you want to cool into BTUs per hour. So for example, an air conditioner with a rating of 8,000 BTUs can cool a room that's 300 to 350 sq. ft., aka one that measures about 18 ft. x 18 ft. Of course, you still have to measure your room, but we trust you can work a tape measure and apply this formula: Area equals length times width. For irregularly sized rooms, you can always estimate.

Air Conditioner + Ceiling Fan = Savings

It's one thing to run an air conditioner in your room. But combine its power with a simple ceiling fan, and you can have the best of both worlds. Costing less than a penny an hour to run, ceiling fans have an immediate impact on your domestic comfort once you buy and install them. They generally start at about $40 a piece. The nice thing about a ceiling fan is that it can make you feel anywhere from 3 to 8 degrees cooler.

Calculate Your Yearly Costs Before You Buy

When you buy any air conditioner these days, it should come with one of those bright yellow Energy Guide stickers on the box that tells you exactly how much that unit will cost to run. Take this into account, as that's part of your total cost for both buying and operating the unit. Most folks think bigger is always better, but not so. According to the Energy Star folks, "Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools." Damp and clammy isn't much better than sweltering.

Why a New Window Unit Could Pay for Itself

If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, seriously consider replacing it. Many new air conditioners are so efficient that, according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates, you will use about 10% less energy with a new Energy Star appliance than one without that designation. Depending on how long you hold onto that new unit, you could save $60 or more over its lifetime in energy costs alone — a de facto rebate just for upgrading to an Energy Star model.
The key number to look for is the Energy Efficiency Rating (or EER): The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit. So if you replace an old EER 5 unit with a new EER 10 unit, you'll cut your cooling costs in half. You should also look for the "Energy Star" and "Energy Guide" labels when purchasing a window unit. An energy-efficient unit will cycle the compressor on and off so that it doesn't operate continuously. And Energy Star central air units are on average 14% more efficient than standard models. Speaking of which ...

The Great Central Air Debate

If you're thinking about upgrading to central air, it's easy to beat yourself up for being an energy hog, or to get intimidated by the sticker price. Yes, it's true that central units will use a lot more power than, say, a single window unit on each floor of a 2-story dwelling. But if you have more than two rooms to cool, then your best bet is to go with a central unit, which also provides long term resale value for a home. Well-designed central systems also win out in terms of being able to filter the air for allergens and pollutants, and for controlling humidity.
Again: Keep in mind that window units aren't necessarily more energy efficient than central air units. A window unit that is too small to cool a room may run continuously, wasting energy. When shopping for a central air conditioning system, make sure the SEER number (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is 13 or better (14 in warmer climates). A less efficient system will cost you more to run.

Help Your New Air Conditioner Do Its Job More Efficiently

It's easy to think that buying a new air conditioner or two will solve all of your summer cooling problems. But your AC could use a little help. With central units, for example, a programmable timer or thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs by regulating the temperature when you're out of the house, and by turning on only when you return home.
With window units, air filters get dirty, and fast. Clean your AC filter at least every month, as a dirty filter makes your AC work harder and use more electricity. Regardless of the type or age of the unit, you should change your filters after every 90 days of use. What's more, you'll use less energy cooling down a room by keeping direct sunlight out during the day. Sunlight can raise room temperature by 10 to 20 degrees. The less heat gets into your home, the less you have to pay to remove it. It just so happens that drapes block sunlight and heat better than blinds.

Do Some Careful Deal Shopping for Your A/C

We've got an ever-updated list of air conditioning deals for you to peruse and compare. This time of year, sales are as plentiful as backyard barbecues, and the worst thing to do is feel a heat wave hit you in the face, rush to the first store you can find, and buy the first unit you see. Chill out, if you will, and do some comparison shopping, checking out multiple units for price, efficiency, reliability, and features.
The few minutes you spend comparing notes and using your shopping smarts will do more than show off how cool you are. It will help you make a prudent choice with your money that will keep your living space comfy all summer long, and for many summers to come.

Friday, April 22, 2016

5 Tips on Choosing a New or Used Smartphone

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Deciding to buy a smartphone is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By keeping a few key factors in mind, buyers can take a more focused approach to finding the right phone. Whether new or used, a smartphone is a handy device to own, but not all models offer the same features. Consumers can start by considering how and where they'll use their phone most. These clues can lead them to a smartphone that fits their needs and lifestyle. This guide will offer five sensible tips for choosing a new or used iPhone or Android smartphone.

By focusing on the way iPhone and Android devices differ, consumers will be better able to decide which brand will work best for them. After choosing a brand and model, buyers can look for new and used smartphones in many retail locations. Stores run by specific wireless carriers sell many different devices, as do big-box electronics retailers. Alternatively, many consumers opt to buy a smartphone via the Internet, either through online merchants or auction sites like eBay.

1. Explore Smartphone Operating Systems
Each type of new or used smartphone runs a particular operating system (OS) that can be updated but not changed once purchased. While they all aim to offer users similar features and capabilities, there are some important differences worth knowing about. Learning a bit more about the iPhone and Android operating systems can help buyers make a more informed purchase decision.

The iPhone Operating System
Many consumers find the iPhone OS's sleek and polished look to be irresistible. For some, Apple products are an instinctive choice because of the level of attention given to detail and design. The iPhone OS excels at multi-tasking by allowing apps to run in the background without sapping battery power. Several applications can run simultaneously with no negative effects to overall performance. The iPhone also offers an inbox that can be connected to multiple email accounts. With access to a large and vetted store of apps, users can customize their iPhone experience, but only to a point.

Some consumers are turned off by the fact that certain iPhone OS default applications can't be altered. This includes the Safari web browser, which is not capable of supporting sites that run Flash. Apple also strictly regulates its App Store, requiring approval for any apps made available to users. This approach can be a bit stifling to creativity, but it also ensures protection from malicious software. Consumers that prefer security and ease of use to device personalization will likely appreciate the benefits of an iPhone.

The Android Operating System
The Android OS is unique because it's an open source platform. This allows for a level of individuality that isn't offered by Apple. Anyone can create apps, and Google does not require approval before they can be offered to the public. Android smartphone users can purchase applications through many different vendors, which only adds to the wide variety of possibilities. Because manufacturers have free access to this platform, there are a number of brands producing Android phones. This leads to greater competition in the marketplace and more options for consumers. Android users can customize their device home screen to fit their needs.

With widgets, users have constant and convenient access to important processes and information like news and weather. Since Google contacts, calendar entries, and email are easily synced to Android smartphones, they are particularly suited to those that prefer Google services. The main downside of the Android OS stems directly from its biggest benefit. With little regulation, there is no standard for the quality of applications. It's up to the users to monitor the permissions requested by each app, and carelessness can compromise device security. Still, Android fans find this to be a small price to pay for the freedom offered by this versatile smartphone operating system.

2. Think About the Physical Characteristics
Physical appearance is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a new or used smartphone. Buyers generally formulate their first impressions based on the look and feel of a phone. Device features such as the display size, keyboard, and camera are often the deciding factors. Consumers will find that the abundance of Android models leads to greater diversity in smartphone size and shape. Even so, many consumers still prefer the polished design of the iPhone to the many Android formats.

Display Screen
Buyers will want to think about the display size and resolution when choosing a new or used smartphone. Those who plan to use their phone for Internet browsing and visual media may want a big screen. On the other hand, many smartphones with smaller screens are less bulky. With so many different Android models available to consumers, there are many screen sizes to choose from. The iPhone doesn't offer many options for screen size, but the advanced Retina Display Technology found in many Apple computers comes standard on some models. When it comes to screen size and image resolution, buyers will need to rely on personal preference and performance needs to make a decision.

Keyboard
The keyboard could easily be a deal breaker in the choice between Android and iPhone smartphones.. People who want a physical QWERTY keyboard on their smartphone will most likely opt for an Android. With so many different devices on the market, consumers can find various touchscreen and physical options available on Android smartphones. The iPhone does not offer any sort of physical keyboard, but its touchscreen is comparable to many Android touch formats.

Camera
Many consumers are concerned about the quality of the camera included in their new or used smartphone. Once again, with so many brands producing Android phones, there are many different cameras available. The standard iPhone camera is generally comparable to many higher-endAndroid camera phones.. Consumers will need to look at the product specifications to figure out the megapixel power of a particular smartphone's camera.

3. Consider Smartphone Storage and Battery Capacity
When selecting a smartphone, consumers will want to take battery life and device memory into consideration. It's important to note that iPhones and Android phones approach the idea of data and file storage a bit differently. With an Android phone, users have the option of adding to storage space using a microSD memory card. Some Android devices can handle up to 64 GB of additional memory. The iPhone does not offer the ability to expand device memory in this way. Instead, the original device capacity is supported by cloud storage space. Data saved to the cloud is stored on a separate server, not on the iPhone. While this offers an unlimited amount of storage space, it also requires an Internet connection for access.

When it comes to battery capacity, buyers will need to check out product specifications, since battery life tends to vary from device to device. People who rely heavily on their smartphone can look for a model that offers many hours of use between charges. Buyers may also want to learn some of the many tactics used by smartphone users to boost their battery life and cut down on unnecessary energy-sucking processes. Android owners also have the option of switching out their dead device battery for a fresh replacement battery,, but this strategy is not possible with the iPhone.

4. Learn More About Communication and Connectivity
With so many special features and functions available on various smartphones, it's easy to forget their main purpose, communication. Buyers will want to explore their network carrier options, as well as possible connectivity speeds. When considering the physical aspects of a phone, consumers should remember to think about how the phone will function when used to make a simple voice call.

They may also want to look into whether or not a particular smartphone will sync up with their email account, appointment calendar, and contact list. This may be especially important when considering a smartphone for business applications, since some companies only support a certain type of smartphone. Android and iPhone smartphones both offer a wide variety of communication and connectivity features. The challenge is finding the phone that best fits the consumer's current habits and preferences.

5. Conduct a Comparison of Various Smartphone Features
Consumers who have narrowed their search down to an Android or iPhone smartphone may benefit from a side-by-side comparison of features. This way, they can distill the overabundance of product information down to a few targeted points of interest. After carefully evaluating their options in this way, buyers may find it easier to choose between an iPhone and an Android device.

Android and iPhone Smartphone Features at a Glance
The following chart offers a simplified recap of some of the Android and iPhone features discussed in this guide. Buyers can reference this chart for a quick, easy-to-read summary.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Best Buy Coupons 20% OFF: 9 smart mobile security tips for safe online shopping

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‘Tis the season to avoid the maddening holiday crowd

This holiday season, it’s estimated that 20.4 percent of UK shoppers will avoid battling the throngs of high street shoppers and choose to do their gift shopping on their own terms. How? They’re going to use their mobile devices.
With that in mind, we’re sharing nine savvy mobile security tips for safe online shopping on your handset or tablet. Standing in queue is so 2012....

1. Forget debit; always go credit or online payment service.

Purchasing gifts with your debit card may seem preferable to credit because you don’t have to worry about accruing nasty APR fees.
But credit card companies tend to provide more protection than banks, should your card fall into the wrong hands. (Credit card users can bypass interest charges if they pay off their shopping sprees within the billing period; this is usually 15 to 45 days.)
The best option, however, is to go with an online payment service, like Paypal, that uses industry-leading technology to store and transmit your banking information.

2. Make it a habit: Capture your payment-confirmation window.

During your commute after work, you do a little holiday-gift browsing on your iPhone. You find the perfect prezzie – bacon-flavoured mouthwash – for that strange uncle of yours who harbours a dual affinity for processed pork products and oral hygiene.
Once you commit to buying and click the ‘purchase’ button, you receive a payment-confirmation window requesting you print a copy for your records. Not exactly doable if you’re on public transport.
Don’t solely rely on the merchant to email your receipt or for the site to save the transaction in your purchase history. The spike in holiday traffic taxes vendor systems and mistakes can happen.
If you don’t have the option to save the payment confirmation, take a screen capture of the window and email the file to yourself.
Not sure how to take a screenshot on your handset? Here's how you do it.

3. Never open retail emails on your mobile device.

During the holidays, your inbox runneth over with promotional emails boasting can’t-miss bargains. But don’t let commuter boredom force you into opening those messages. They could be phishing scams.
The gift-giving season attracts cyber swindlers who’d love nothing more than to steal your private data with a cleverly designed email.
Wait until you’re home and in front of your laptop or PC to open retail emails. Look for clues like spelling and grammatical errors and dodgy design work.
Just remember that once you open the email, clicking is forbidden. Instead, copy and paste each email link in a new browser window. This is a safe way to test the URL’s legitimacy.
Or, try this trick: Rest your cursor on top of each link in the email. A URL will pop up; if it doesn’t match the typed link, then the email is likely a phishing attempt and clicking should be avoided.

4. Remember to use mobile antivirus protection...

With mobile malware increasingly on the rise, antivirus protection shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Before you begin shopping, outfit your phone or tablet with mobile security software. Look for a product that scans apps for viruses and spyware, blocks shady websites, provides lost-device protection and offers automatic updates.

5. ...And don’t forget to update your browser app.

Always use the latest version of any of the major mobile browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Opera.
By keeping up with the latest browser updates, you’re taking advantage of built-in security features that protect you from malware. It’s as simple as keeping up with your app notifications.

6. Download shopping apps created by trusted developers

Of course safe online shopping is the goal, but the process should be convenient and save time, too.
Thankfully, many of the big-name merchants (like Amazon, eBay and Google) have created apps that allow you to compare prices, read reviews and choose the best bargains with a few slides of the finger.
A few suggestions:
  • Download apps from the major marketplaces: Amazon, Google Play and iTunes.
  • Read reviews, ratings and developer information to confirm the app’s authenticity.
  • Scan previously installed and newly downloaded apps for viruses and spyware (give it a try here).

7. Stay away from public Wi-Fi.

Shopping online with your mobile device and away from home? Give public Wi-Fi a miss and stick to your 3G/4G mobile network.
(Although if you’re insistent on showing public hotspots who’s in charge, you could always outfit your handset or tablet with a VPN that encrypts your data.)
Should you be Christmas shopping from the comfort of your home, then be sure you’re on a WPA2-protected network with enabled encryption settings.

8. Look for the telltale security signs.

Just as you would with your laptop or PC, look for the secure sockets layer (SSL) or transport layer security (TLS) signs on the mobile sites you visit.
The SSL and TSL indicators could look like a tiny padlock or an ‘https’ in the URL window. They let you know that the site will protect the transmission of your private data.
Because handset screens are so small, these signifiers may not always be present. Work around this challenge by only visiting online merchants that you trust – via typing the URL into the address bar.

9. Beware of shoulder surfers and prying eyes.

As mobile security tips go, this advice is about as low-tech as you can get. But shoulder surfing can have grave consequences should a crafty thief get too close.
Protect your sensitive information from snoops lurking near by; shield your login credentials from sight.
Additionally, use an online payment service when making a purchase. This way your credit card stays in your wallet or purse where it belongs.