Category: Technology

Where to Buy Top-notch Apple Products

Apple supremacy over the technological market, they are always broadening their varieties of items to get more market supremacy. How do you know which of their items is best for you and where can you get the best rate. This guide will assist you to respond to these questions.

Kinds of Item you can buy

There are a variety of items Apple deal. Each of these items has both different specifications than each other and different specifications within their own lines you ought to check out as many as you can to search for the item of your option. Among the first choices to make in this procedure is whether you want in an item to make a trade up for mobility, memory capability or rate as this significantly impacts what you are trying to find.

A terrific concept to take on board when trying to find a kind of item you can buy is to write a list of whatever you want in the item then you are trying to find, then adhere to this when buying the item. This indicates that you will not just get precisely the item that you are searching for however, you will also conserve money, as you will not be buying unneeded bonus.

Where to get the very best cost

When aiming to buy an Apple item you must always attempt not to buy straight from Apple, as they will always charge you the complete cost for whatever. Search for open box or reconditioned items as they are as great as the most recent Apple items however because they have needed to be fixed they are far more affordable than the typical items, another money-saving method.

When buying you ought to always take a look at both physical store and online sellers who sell iPad, as you can first get a much better concept of the real rate of what you are buying. You will also get a much better rate for the item itself and the contending sellers will frequently attempt to out complete the other and offer you the very best cost. They will also in some cases provide unique offers, which you might also benefit from if needed.

How Easy is it for Crestron to Integrate with Sonos?

If you have an existing Crestron home automation system, or if you are looking to install a completely new system, and are worried about Sonos integrating with your Crestron system, then fear not!

Crestron systems are able to integrate with Sonos. In fact, Sonos and Crestron have recently worked together to collaborate to ensure the integration is as seamless as possible. Custom Controls are a company who has worked with both brands for a long time, and they say that both systems work well together with no hitches. For example, it is possible to launch the Sonos app on your iPad within Crestron, which means you don’t need to switch apps, making it more user-friendly. Similarly, using a Sire gateway, it is possible to integrate Sonos onto an existing Crestron panel.

We have found that using the Sonos ecosystem is a fantastic way to enjoy music on your property. It is possible for the user to gain access to iTunes, internet radio, and Spotify via the user-friendly interface.

Because Crestron and Sonos now go hand in hand, coupled with Crestron’s audio distribution, home entertainment is taken to another level. It is also possible to make use of Sonnex, which is a high-end premium audio distribution solution developed by Crestron. Sonnex is extremely powerful, adaptable and flexible. With this system, it is possible to group different audio channels together and calibrate rooms with the possibility of adding sub-woofers to audio zones.

It is also extremely scalable. For example, Custom Controls recently completed a project in Dubai where they were able to install 72 zones of audio – with each zone being able to enjoy a wide variety of different audio sources, including Sonos.

For example, in the Dubai project they completed, the client had a basketball court, which is able to demonstrate the incredible flexibility of the Sonnex system. Custom Controls installed four high-end outdoor speakers which were fitted to the pre-existing floodlights and then enhanced further by adding four sub-woofers to the court with one in each corner. With this, the user just selects a playlist on Spotify for example, adjusts the volume, and shoots some hoops. It is possible for other people within the garden to enjoy a different stream if they so desire.

The flexibility and the growing popularity of the Sonos system work incredibly well with the Crestron system, so it’s highly recommended you use both systems for your home. For more information, check out https://www.customcontrols.co.uk/blog/crestron-sonos-integration/.

Apple say: Stop Holding Your Cell Phone Against Your Body!

I find it interesting Apple places the health warning in their legal section. Perhaps the reason is if you have any ideas of seeking legal recourse for health related damages, if you have been holding your cell phone next to your body, the usage instructions are clear.

“Keep the BlackBerry device at least 0.59 in. (15 mm) from your body (including the abdomen of pregnant women and the lower abdomen of teenagers) when the BlackBerry device is turned on and connected to the wireless network.” – Blackberry Bold 9930

“To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a hand’s ­free option, such as the built ­in speakerphone, the supplied headphones, or other similar accessories. Carry iPhone at least 10mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the ­tested levels. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a manner that has not been tested or certified.” – Apple iPhone 5

“Body-worn SAR testing has been carried out at a separation distance of 1.0 cm. To meet RF exposure guidelines during body-worn operation, the device should be positioned at least this distance away from the body.” – Samsung Galaxy S5

Will I stop using my iPhone? No. But I do use mine safely. I use a front shielded phone case that has been specifically constructed to block cell phone signals directed out of the front of the phone towards my brain. You can visit www.CruzCases.com for more information.

No bracelets, rings, necklaces, drinks, patches placed on your phone block the cell phone signals transmitted out of the front of your phone, except a properly constructed phone case.

“I do not use back mounted protected cases as they will reflect back the signal towards your brain and increase your exposure!”

When all else fails, distance is your best friend. Use your speaker.

Benton, EMF, Health Awareness Consultant

How 3D Mapping Benefits Transport Companies

New developments in 3D mapping are benefiting the transportation industry. The new applications and recent advances in three-dimensional mapping have brought about a number of benefits where the industry advances have been applied in various ways to not only speed up delivery time and efficiency but to also decrease the costs involved as well.

While there are numerous advances in transportation, one of the most notable developments in the industry involves 3D technology. The presence of 3D mapping technologies like what Hassan Sadiq offers has contributed so many positive things to transportation companies.  It has revolutionized the way that truckers are planning their respective routes. Not only has this led to truckers doing their work more safely, but also more effectively and efficiently too- which are really positive signs for the logistics industry.

One of the biggest challenges that truck drivers have to deal with on a regular basis is terrain uncertainty. This is especially true when drivers have to head to a new location. Most of the time, they will likely not have any prior knowledge of the area which means that they will not know what to expect as far as the terrain that they’ll be driving over goes.

Roads can sometimes be too rocky. Their surfaces may be too uneven or might have potholes and damage that may make for an unsteady driving. This is not only unpleasant for the drivers, but it can be quite dangerous too. Add to that the fact that this can damage whatever cargo they are carrying and that can indeed be a real headache. When trucking companies are well aware of these conditions ahead of time, they can be better prepared in ensuring that their cargo is placed in the right protective packaging so they will not get damaged along the way.

Sometimes, roads can be too narrow especially if the place of delivery is somewhere quite remote. These are areas where trucks will definitely not be able to pass through and where splinter vans will be able to do the job better. When the transport company is not well aware of this, it will waste time and logistics sending over a truck only to have it recalled later on.

There are problems that are now better-addressed thanks to existing 3D mapping technology. Now, drivers are given the opportunity to get terrains assessed and reviewed ahead of time before they will hit the road. The instances of drivers having to turn back have significantly lessened as a result since despite not having been through these roads and routes before, they already have comprehensive information of the place thanks to the informative details in today’s 3D maps.

The introduction of 3D mapping solutions significantly makes the process of delivering cargo and other items so much faster and safer too. Companies will no longer have to hesitate to take on new clients since they can already assess ahead of time whether they will have the means to meet that client’s needs by consulting the 3D map first.

With drivers being given effective tools that allow them to do more efficient it is expected that job satisfaction will also increase in the process. When truckers have the resources that allow them to do their job better, they will feel more empowered, satisfied with their work, and most importantly, happy with the job in the long run. Learn more about the many benefits of 3D mapping solutions in the modern world by reading more about Hassan Sadiq online.

Doing Business in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a very interesting market to consider doing business in or expanding into. Though maybe not the first choice for businesses in every industry or market, Puerto Rico offers a wide array of opportunities for others. Its strategic location in the Caribbean gives it a unique positioning, allowing for close relations to other Caribbean islands, as well as a convenient connection to the United States and Latin America. Businesses that operate in the private sector are poised to do especially well in Puerto Rico in the coming years, especially as improvements in infrastructure are erected. Tourism, textiles, manufacturing, and technology are among the most important industries.

If you are considering Puerto Rico as a potential location for your company to expand to, or are interested in developing markets, the following article will offer some excellent insight on reasons it is a very viable option.

Federal Tax Exemption

As you may know, the United States is one of the few countries globally that continues to tax its citizens, even if they reside elsewhere. Some entrepreneurs have been faced with the decision to either renounce US citizenship and forfeit legal protections that come with the affluent nation or suck up the losses in hopes of coming out on top despite the regulations from the IRS. This can be a major stumbling block for some startups that may be seeing large profits straight out the gate but are then impeded by Uncle Sam demanding his cut.

However, Puerto Rico — a commonwealth nation — has the great benefit of exempting its citizens from US federal taxes, while still extending the legal protections of US citizenship that is offered to citizens in the other 50 states and territories. The only catch is that Puerto Rico must be the primary residence for at least half the year (183 days each calendar year).

Low-Income Taxes

If no federal income taxes sounds enticing, also factor in the fact that Puerto Rico offers a fixed 4{69d371dc3a7215af1cf70e657e96c7414241106804c5daaddb02eee3606ab22c} personal income tax rate. This is in contrast to states like New York and California that may tax entrepreneurs up to 50{69d371dc3a7215af1cf70e657e96c7414241106804c5daaddb02eee3606ab22c} – 60{69d371dc3a7215af1cf70e657e96c7414241106804c5daaddb02eee3606ab22c} of their income (with federal taxes). This can be a significant amount of savings for those that can run their business remotely or hire native Puerto Ricans with the excess capital.

Low Personal Property Taxes

If you own property, you owe it to yourself to move to Puerto Rico. Thanks to Acts 20 and 22, Puerto Rico offers a 90{69d371dc3a7215af1cf70e657e96c7414241106804c5daaddb02eee3606ab22c} personal property tax exemption to entrepreneurs that specialize in the manufacturing and export services industries.

No Tax on Capital Gains

If you are concentrating on growing your investment portfolio, then Puerto Rico again offers an unmistakable opportunity: there are no taxes on dividend income or capital gains. By contrast, those who live in the other parts of the US can be subject to 15{69d371dc3a7215af1cf70e657e96c7414241106804c5daaddb02eee3606ab22c} – 20{69d371dc3a7215af1cf70e657e96c7414241106804c5daaddb02eee3606ab22c} taxation that puts a damper on one’s carefully chosen portfolio.

Puerto Rico’s Knowledge-Based Economy

Much like other fast-growing economies like Ireland, Puerto Rico has been quick to realize that the commonwealth’s recent turn of events may be leading to a brain-drain, where ambitious specialists in STEM fields move to where the money is. To ensure that the smart and talented people stay, Puerto Rico offers Act 73, which entails a 50{69d371dc3a7215af1cf70e657e96c7414241106804c5daaddb02eee3606ab22c} tax credit on research and development expenditures. This is good news for the future of Puerto Rico, considering that nearly 22,000 STEM graduates have been educated in PR. While a large majority move out to tech hubs and more stable economies, Puerto Rico hopes that its talented workforce will stay and create an economic powerhouse in the near future.

An Alternative: Virtual Phone Numbers

So, you may still be on the fence about Puerto Rico, especially since other US locations may offer more immediate opportunities. There is an easier way to tap into Puerto Rico without the risks and overheads: Puerto Rico virtual phone numbers. Essentially, a virtual phone number allows businesses and individuals to route calls to and from Puerto Rico by subscribing with a service provider, like Global Call Forwarding. The use of virtual phone numbers is only limited to an entrepreneur’s imagination. This allows companies to hire comparatively cheaper US-based employees in Puerto Rico as part of their strategy, or to test the waters to see whether their business gains traction in Puerto Rican markets without the risks of establishing a physical presence.

Author Bio: Tom Senkus has been a freelance writer for over 15 years. As an avid traveler and businessman, he frequently writes about little-known trends before they hit the newsstands, like cryptocurrency. For more info, visit tomsenkuswriter.com.

Various Business Benefits of Using Bulk SMS Sending Software

The basic goal of business marketing is that it intends to build a bridge of communication between the business and its potential customers. The business must communicate with loyal customers as well as potential customers to stay relevant. Nevertheless, it is important to let customers know about the products that your business offers. Helping customers to know the products will eventually create awareness of your products. Most importantly, businesses should stay in touch with customers in order to let them know about various offers or discounts that your company is offering. For communicating with customers, different modes of communication may be chosen and among those communication modes you can opt for bulk SMS software supplier.

So, in the following section, we shall find some of the advantages of having bulk text message sending tool or system. We shall try to understand various benefits of such tools over the conventional method of sending text messages.

Cost-effectiveness of Bulk SMS

Using bulk SMS sending system will eventually prove to be highly cost-effective. Sending text messages from one mobile phone to another mobile phone induces some expenses. From region to region, this expense will vary. The charge of one text message may be minimal, but sending bulk messages is always expensive matter. The cost can be minimized with bulk SMS sending system. Basically, instead of using normal method of sending message, bulk SMS tools mainly use VoIP system. As a result, expenses of sending bulk number of text messages will be reduced.

Saving Time on Sending Messages

With bulk SMS sending tool or system, you can significantly save your time. It will help you to cut down the time that you had to invest in sending messages to the customers or potential customers. Basically, sending text messages from mobile phone to mobile phone has some limitations. You cannot add bulk number of receivers. So, you have to send people in batches and that is quite daunting. It also induces mistakes and the same person gets the same text messages 2-3 times which is eventually annoying for the receiver. With bulk text message sending system, you can reduce the time of sending messages. You may add as many receivers as you want.

Easy SMS Integration with Marketing System

SMS integration with the marketing system is essential for contemporary businesses, especially with ecommerce businesses. A business needs to send SMS to confirm purchase of certain products. It may need to send text messages to customers to inform about order confirmation and delivery processing. All these things will become easier with the integration as well as implementation of bulk SMS software supplier.

Targeting Specific Customers

Sending right messages to right people is needed. With bulk SMS sending software, you can segregate your customer base. In other words, you can divide customers or potential customers in various groups. SMS marketing will be done accordingly. It would be easier to send messages to a particular group of people with bulk text messaging tool. The ultimate aim of such system is to provide seamless platform to users so that they can manage SMS campaign in better way.

How Is Cryptocurrency Changing Online Gaming?

The blockchain is changing the Internet and beginning to bear fruit via novel cryptocurrency games. If you’re not living under the rock, you must have heard of Crypto-Kitties.

CryptoKitties were ground-breaking in 2017 but had more flaws than the way Mr Zuckerberg sips water in front of the U.S. Congress. Move aside CryptoKitties, there are new dogs on the block: Coin Dogs!

Picture a game where you can make cryptos while you sleep. Imagine being at work and checking your phone to see new payments deposited into your wallet.

In Coin Dogs you race and breed virtual dogs for fun and profit using Litecoin. You can race your dogs on autopilot day and night against other virtual dogs. When other players breed your dogs, you earn passive income to your wallet.

You are a virtual entrepreneur. You are a digital tycoon magnate and the money you earn is real. Breed your dogs for speed. Breed them for profit. You can even buy them outfits and accessories to make them more attractive than your competitor’s dogs.

You aren’t breeding cute Bambi. You are breeding your own virtual Hercules that is totally unique. You become your own DNA engineer as you explore 6 trillion genetic possibilities to create the fastest virtual racing dog in the game. One that no one else has.

Your dog’s performance on the racetrack is influenced by the dog’s DNA, age, experience, mood, and even lunar phase.

Coin Dogs game racing is free of any fees. Dogs can even race automatically on autopilot without your presence.

Pixel Cloud’s earnings (the company behind Coin Dogs) is only limited to breeding fees, sales of new dogs and accessories. They take security seriously and they won’t pull a ZUCKERBERG on you by profiting from your private information.

Addictive and unique gameplay

The ability to breed unique dogs with special traits introduces scarcity, which increases the perceived price of those collectable dogs. Because of the interactive social nature of the game, different breeds will become desired among players seeking both financial and social value.

Coin Dogs’ racetrack aspect is the first of its kind in cryptocurrency gaming. Users can enter their dogs in racing events with a Litecoin entry fee, and the top dogs in each race earn profits. Characteristics like experience, mood, DNA, and age affect a dog’s racing time, so the element of chance is always there.

With a player-to-player game, the social part is a vital factor in players’ entertainment. The Coin Dogs platform allows users to display their best dogs for social capital, popularity, and breeding interest.

How to Get Started Playing

During Coin Dogs’ gradual rollout, users can join the game using signup codes. These codes must be sent from another existing player.

For more information and to get updates, see cryptocurrency game COIN DOGS

All You Need To Know About Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is commonly associated with Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrencies. There is a belief that Blockchain technology could end up changing a host of important sectors from education, to healthcare, to politics, etc.

The blockchain is effectively a database that is validated by a wider community rather than a central authority. It is a collection of records that a crowd oversees and maintains. It doesn’t depend on a single body like the government or bank.

Each “block” represents a number of transactional records and the “chain” component connects them all together with a Hash Function(a function used to map data of arbitrary size to data of fixed size).

As records are created, they are confirmed by a distributed network of computers and paired up with the previous entry in the chains, thereby forming a Blockchain. Make sure to update yourself on Bitcoin news.

The entire Blockchain is retained on this large network of computers thus making no one in control over its history. This is an important component because it certifies everything that has happened in the chain. This makes the Blockchain a public ledger that cannot be easily tampered with.

This as well makes the Blockchain a hub for the maintenance of the variety of information. An organization called Follow My Vote is making attempts to use an electronic voting system that is more secure than modern versions.

A paper published in 1796 titled “New Directions In Cryptography”, discussed the idea of a mutual distributed ledger which is what the Blockchain efficiently act as. It was later built upon in the 1990s.

The Blockchain employs complicated calculations. This makes it quite expensive to own, and operate. Bitcoin thus acts as the starting point for the introduction of Blockchain technology because it could reward those taking part in the process with something of financial value.

Bitcoin made its debut in 2009 bringing together the classic idea of the mutual distributed ledger, the Blockchain, with an entirely digital currency that wasn’t controlled by any individual, firm or organization.

Although alternative currencies like the Bitcoin uses Blockchain technology, they do so in a different manner. Since Bitcoin was first introduced, it has undergone a few tweaks at the behest of its core developers and the community at large.

In the case of Bitcoin, a new block in its Blockchain is created roughly every ten minutes. That block verifies and records née transactions that have occurred. The problem that is known to occur however with Bitcoin is that in recent months, as the number of Bitcoin transactions increases, the relatively-hard 10-minutes block creation time means that it can take longer to confirm all the transactions and backlogs can occur.

Blockchain technology has a lot of exciting potentials but a lot of things have to be considered and checked before we push Blockchain technology as the technology for the future. There is the problem of constant electricity, especially in developing countries. Though the exact power requirement of Blockchain technology is difficult to ascertain, it is compared to developing countries in its current state.

Transaction speed is also an issue. Blockchain used for other purposes other than cryptocurrency can also have this challenge. Most times, the transaction time for Bitcoin exceeds 41 hours and this can prove problematic.

WiFi – A Simple Technology You Must Get Right for Your Business

Today we are going to use a vacation rental business as a prime example of how getting your WiFi technology right will ensure that you can run a successful vacation rental business. You can then use this case study and apply the concepts to your business. It may seem like the most obvious subject to cover, but be rest assured, so many people overlook this important asset in running any business.

This is, in fact, a guide we picked up from https://www.ldogify.com on their blog that explains how you can make sure the easiest technological factor to your vacation rental can help you ensure your vacation rental gets positive reviews and is attractive for those that need WiFi.

For a vacation rental owner or manager, finding a good, well-balanced list of amenities to offer is always an important step in creating a good experience for guests. Among the amenities that are most commonly provided in recent times is free WiFi. Free WiFi is not new by any means, but it is becoming less of an option for property owners.

More and more guests expect at least some level of internet connectivity to be offered nowadays, and the popularity leaves a few questions for those providing it, with the most important considerations being security and cost.

Cost and Restrictions

One important feature of internet use that has to be considered is that quotas for uploading and downloading aren’t free. An internet package comes with a certain limit that cannot be surpassed without the property owner or manager footing the bill to upgrade the plan. For many in the vacation rental business, setting a weekly limit for their guests generally solves the problem of over-use.

On one hand usage limits encourage guests to modify their internet use habits, and on the other, it creates the opportunity to charge for overuse. When guests know that streaming video and downloading large files is going to run their quotas down, they often choose to restrict themselves. When they do not, guests go over their limits knowing that they will pay a fee – money that goes towards keeping the internet connection fast for all the guests, for the entire month.

Accountability

Another important issue to consider when offering a connection to guests is that it can be difficult to control what types of traffic end up passing through the hotel’s network. Illegal content is sometimes downloaded, and questionable sites are sometimes visited, and when law enforcement has questions regarding that illegal activity they come to speak with the manager or owner of the property.

Using a tool like OpenDNS which is a program that allows users to create complex keyword and content filters is one way to protect against certain types of content. Another thing that can be done is to create individual passwords for each guest and to have them sign a declaration that the hotel does not accept liability for internet misuse.

System/Network Maintenance

To maintain a solid network which is as secure as possible, vacation rental owners and managers should become accustomed to the way their router works. Instead of relying on third-party software to manage passwords and accounts, the option provided by the router give all the necessary tools for managing the network. Through the router network, names and passwords can be created and maintained. Encrypted channels can be set up and traffic can be analyzed.

Conclusion

There is no question that free WiFi should be offered by every vacation rental property that can provide it. Guests will often not even attempt to make contact when the internet is not available, so it is clear to see why staying connected is a must. To give guests what they require, while keeping usage practices legal and safe, all that is required is to follow a few ‘best practices’ when designing and implementing an on-site internet service.

What do IT asset disposal services do with plastic?

IT equipment is made from a variety of materials that can be recycled. Of course, there is plenty of metal in equipment – including monitors, printers, and computers – but they also contain plastic and this can be recycled.

The problem with plastic waste

The amount of pollution caused by plastic that has been thrown away is well documented, and here in the UK, the government has taken several measures to tackle the problem of waste plastic. They introduced a 5p charge for carrier bags in shops, are considering a ban on single-use plastic straws and cotton buds, and are also looking at ways to cut down the use of takeaway coffee cups.

What can IT asset disposal services do?

Each year, there are countless computers and other pieces of IT equipment that businesses no longer need. A system that was current a few years ago is now obsolete. Some media, such as disks and tapes, are no longer used. Worldwide, there is a vast number of obsolete computers and a whole industry of IT asset disposal services that have developed ways to deal with the waste IT equipment.

Some IT equipment can be refurbished and sold to people who no longer need the latest models. There are charities that send working computers to developing countries where users are not concerned about having high spec machines. This still leaves a lot of IT equipment that has come to the end of its useful life and needs its components stripped and recycled.

Plastic is removed from items including printers, monitors, and laptops. After the plastic has been recovered by an IT asset disposal service, it is known as E-plastic. Most E-plastic is shipped to China where it is sorted into various grades to be made into pellets. These are classed as low-grade plastic that can be used to make items like water tanks, outdoor furniture and decking.

Some E-plastic is recycled for use in IT equipment. Ink cartridges for printers are often made using recycled plastic. In 2014 Dell launched the first computer with all plastic components made from E-plastic. Dell practices what its calls Extended Producer Responsibility, which is a program to ensure that a manufacturer has a lifetime responsibility for equipment it manufactures, including the end-of-life phase when equipment is obsolete.

Some plastics used in IT equipment contain toxins that could be a health hazard, but researchers are working on safe ways to remove any harmful chemicals in the plastic before it is recycled.

What is the aim?

The ultimate goal of the government is for materials to be used over and over again. IT disposal services are helping this aim by recycling plastic, metal and other materials they recover from IT equipment.

The final episode of the recent BBC series Blue Planet II showing an albatross feeding chicks plastic, which shocked viewers and highlighted the dangers of waste plastic, and presenter David Attenborough’s heartfelt words on the importance of caring for the planet resonated with many. IT disposal services are doing their bit to reduce plastic waste.