Choosing The Right Phone For You*

*This is a collaborative post*

There Is So Much Choice!!

It has come to that time again where I am considering whether or not to renew my mobile phone contract with my current service provider. If like me you have some problems when it comes to knowing your iphones, from your Androids, and all the infinite details in between, then you should have a look at a comparison site which does the hard work for you. Being able to compare phone specs side by side makes it so much easier to choose which is the right phone for you. It also pays to check out mobile phone contract comparison sites such as this one. One of the major factors for many people when considering a new phone is cost and OneCompare allows you to browse and filter phones according to the monthly and upfront cost. You can also filter your search by data, network and contract length.

I have never been one of those people who has to have the latest phone, and I am not really bothered about it having a thousand functions, most of which I will never use. That being said, and being somewhat of a technophobe, my last three phones have all been Samsungs. I could not tell you the intricacies of what an android platform versus an iphone are, but one thing which has impressed me about the Samsung is the quality of the camera.

Being that I am an amateur photographer enthusiast, (it's a wild claim but I have always been fascinated by photography) being able to get clear snapshots of good times is very important to me. People often ask I why take so many photographs? In all honesty, I've lost count of the amount of times whereby a memory I have previously forgotten, is suddenly brought back to me in vivid colour thanks to the simple trigger of looking at a photograph.

So far I've had a Samsung S2, Samsung S4 Mini and now I have the Samsung S7, to be honest I think the best camera was actually in the S2, the 8 megapixels and internal setting enabled the user to snap away and take crystal clear shots. I find that with the S7, when taking photographs, in order to ensure a crisp and clearly focussed shot, you really need to use the flash. Trouble is the flash is so bright that when taking images of people it often results in people blinking. Fortunately the 'burst' shot function allows the user to take two (or even more) consecutive shots thereafter which is handy.

Image source Pixabay

I am tempted to next go for the Samsung S10, it apparently has one of the best cameras of any phone currently on the market. However, I find it difficult accessing some of the icons which appear in the top left corner of the screen rendering single (right) handed operation quite troublesome at times. This was a widespread enough issue for Samsung to offer up the S4 Mini, which enabled much easier single handed use. Unfortunately my current S7 is the same size as the S2 and so that problem persists. It is a relatively minor issue I personally have but it is not enough to outweigh the positives for me.

My brother and partner have Huawei phones, and from what I can tell the camera on them is great and it has some great functions, the portrait setting enables you to blur the background and increase focus to a really high level, enabling anyone to take some really incredible professional looking shots; and from what I can tell they are fairly decent all round phones. Although they have been in the press for all the wrong reasons of late, maybe do a bit of research before opting for one of these. 

After doing some research and looking at what everyone seems to be saying about the upgrade in it's camera software, I'm likely to get the Samsung S10 next. 

What phone do you currently use? Have you ever used a mobile phone comparison site?

*Header image source Pixabay. 

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3 Essential Tips For Staying Safe Online When You're A Blogger*

*This is a collaborative post*

When it comes to blogging and staying safe online, no matter how careful we think we are, there's always extra measures we can put into place. Even with GDPR now in full force, third parties such as hackers can still access our personal data and information all too easily when we leave ourselves open or vulnerable. Choosing the best vpn for privacy can lend some protection in this respect as it hides your online activity such as your browsing history. There's a reason that many individuals refuse to have social media sites and it's not just that they prefer to remain notoriously private! 

As I mentioned in a recent post on online security, it's important that you protect your identity, location and IP address so that third parties such as hackers can't track you or take advantage. Whether you're ordering products online or are simply browsing the latest news, you need to be vigilant. Here are three essential pieces of advice to consider;

Be Cautious When Posting Content

Never share your personal information ie. your full name, address, date of birth, workplace or location. If you do you're leaving yourself open to a whole host of problems such as cyber bullying, fraud, identity theft, harassment or stalking.

Be aware when writing your posts. Remember that once you put something out there onto the web, it's there for everyone to read forever more. Don't blog about something if you think you might later regret it, whether it be talking about a person in a negative light, moaning about an incident at work or simply reflecting on personal circumstances. Likewise, if you're not prepared to deal with backlash or repercussions, don't publish anything sensitive or controversial in nature.

Domain Privacy

Consider paying extra to protect your domain privacy. When you register your domain name it's hugely exciting, I remember all too well what it felt like once GirlGoneDreamer was 'official.' Of course registering is a necessity, but once done, your personal details are then added to the database WHOIS. This means that you may be more susceptible to identity theft, hacking or even worse. Investing in domain privacy may give you that extra peace of mind and it also shouldn't cost you a lot.

Protect Your IP Address

Your IP address is personal to you in the sense that it identifies your computer which in turn traces or leads back to you. (I guess sort of like your phone number could.) If you don't protect it then anyone can track you via this. Of course this might not particularly bother you but it probably should. Not protecting your IP address can leave you open to hacking, cyber bullying and extortion amongst other things. One way you can protect yourself is by hiding your real IP address behind a proxy. A proxy IP address essentially means a 'substitute' IP address ie. meaning that no-one will be able to identify you. 

*Header image via Pexels

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Simple Steps For Improving Your Online Security*

*This is a collaborative post*

I don't know about you guys but I tend to get confused *read mind boggled* by all the different computing abbreviations and acronyms that are out there. It's not just in the computing world either, it would seem that we use these abbreviations for just about any and everything nowadays. If you're not sending an SMS then it's probably an IM. If your web domain still reads HTTP then it ought to be updated to HTTPS. (Which btw I've not yet done myself!) When it's blogging I'm talking all things SEO and DA. When does it end? Well people, today's post won't actually answer that question. In fact I must apologise because I'm actually about to throw another abbreviation at you... VPN.

So what is a VPN? 

VPN stands for a virtual private network. To be completely honest, this still kind of goes over my head somewhat although I did read a great, more simplified explanation on website - 'What Is My IP Address?' I highly recommend you take a look at their article and also do your own research on VPNs.

A virtual private network is ideal when for example you're browsing online and want to remain anonymous. It ensures that your location, data and IP address are all protected so that hackers can't track you or take advantage. There are of course other measures you can take to up your online security too;

*If you don't already then you should be changing your passwords on a regular basis. As annoying as this is, it can really make a difference. Always choose long passwords as these will be stronger, and choose obscure words and not obvious things such as your pets name. For added password strength you should also add numerical characters and symbols. One mistake many people make is using the same password for several accounts and platforms. This is a big no, no!

*If any emails or links look dodgy then chances are they are. Do not click on them! 

*Be sure to keep your computer software up-to-date and run regular scans to check for viruses. Anti-virus software is an absolute must.

*Use two-factor authentication if it's available on the account or website you're using for extra security.  

*As mentioned, a VPN can actually significantly increase your online privacy and security and as such is well worth considering

The above may seem like relatively obvious suggestions yet many people don't do any of them and so fall victim to hackers and snoopers. Did you know that your IP address can actually give away your location? Scary isn't it? The internet isn't as safe as we would like to often believe. Don't panic just yet though, you needn't be at risk. The key is simply to educate yourself and then implement any necessary changes. Good luck! 

*Photos via Pexels

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A Smarter World: What Is IoT And How Can It Help You?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I bet many of you will draw a blank if I mention IoT. Yes? No? Any tech whizzes out there will no doubt know exactly what I'm talking about.

IoT is the abbreviation for the 'Internet of Things.' Sounds a bit like a science-fi movie if you ask me! It's another term that unless you've got your head around it, can cause much confusion. You only have to Google IoT to read a whole host of double dutch definitions. There are a few decent explanations too, you just have to scour the net to find them. 

To put it simply, IoT is a network whereby devices can connect/talk to the internet as well as each other. A prime example of this concept is 'Instant Ink.' Usually with a traditional printer, when your ink runs low, you'll need to go out and buy more from a store or you might order it online. With the IoT concept, the printer would be connected to a network where it could send and receive information. When the ink would run low, it would send a message to another device that would mean your much needed ink was then ordered automatically without you lifting a finger.

To use a completely different example, imagine an elderly person living alone at home, relying on carers. Or even an at risk patient on a ward in the hospital. It's often impossible to give round the clock care and in the past if a patient had fallen, they'd often be relying on a staff member or carer finding them, sometimes unfortunately hours later. My own grandparents had been through this on more than a few occasions. If they weren't near a phone then they'd be stuck until a carer turned up for rounds. 

Imagine how different life could be for a patient if they had a surveillance device which would monitor their heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen rate etc. Using the IoT technology, if the patient did fall or if their stats suddenly changed, the device would send information that could mean the difference between life and death. The quicker someone is notified, the speedier the emergency response. 

There are other ways that IoT works too - anyone here use an iPhone?? Our devices are getting smarter all the time, our data is recorded and tracked, our consumer behaviour monitored. It's all out there, accessible to marketers. This sort of data will prove most useful to them and will be a powerful tool to take any business forwards. 

If a company can visualise data, if they can see what's working and what's not, they'll be able to create solutions to problems, use more targeted advertising where appropriate and increase revenue. This helps clients to get more from there data thus improving business performance.

In a world where technology seems to be at the forefront of everything, no-one wants to get left behind. Choose a platfom that will give you that competitive advantage! 

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10 years of the iPhone – How has it revolutionised the world?

*This is a collaborative post*

Who remembers when the very first ground breaking Apple mobile device hit the high street? Believe it or not, the release of the iPhone X marks a decade since then. My brother - always an Apple fan - will no doubt be salivating at the latest model. The new gadget is eye catching and features a 5.8-inch Super Retina screen which stretches right to the very corners of the device. Face ID gives a whole new meaning to security and the dual 12MP cameras ensure high quality snaps wherever you might be. 

Torro Cases, designers of the stylish, genuine leather iPhone case, are aiming to celebrate ten years of the iPhone by looking at how Apple's devices have forever changed the way we perceive mobile phones. 

Constant Access To The Internet 

In October 2016 came constant access to the internet. Research company, Statcounter, tracked the internet use across 2.5 million websites. They found that we now load more websites on our smartphones and tablets than we do on desktop computers. (Doesn't surprise me, I'm always using my phone for surfing the net.)

The fact that 51.3% of all pages were loaded on mobile devices not only represented a huge increase from the less than 5% that were loaded as recently as 2010, but also showed that this was the first time that they had surpassed the corresponding figures recorded on desktop and laptop computers.

This research also came soon after Google had announced that searches on mobiles had overtaken those carried out on desktop. 

Helping to make the internet something that we could access whilst on the go was the iPhone. Steve Jobs said as much when he first unveiled the original iPhone and described it as a “breakthrough Internet communications device”. 

Eliminating The Need To Carry Multiple Devices 

Rewind back a few years and the list of things you'd have needed to pack if heading away, even if just for a day, would have been quite different from now. If we'd have wanted to capture great photos to keep memories of our experiences, we’d have needed to take an actual camera with us. And if we'd have wanted to listen to music for entertainment on the go? It would have been an iPod or mp3 player. Or go back a tad further and it would probably have been a trusty Walkman. I still have mine somewhere gathering dust.

If you weren't so sure of how to get to a destination? Then we had to make sure we didn’t leave home without our trusty sat-nav.

Before we knew it, we would have been carrying around a small collection of gadgets just to make the most of our adventures. Thankfully, Not anymore though, market research firm, KeyPoint Intelligence, found that 85% of digital photos are now taken on a phone - compared to 50% in 2011 - while GPS can now be used on our devices to lead us from our current spot to wherever we’d like to go. And when it comes to music, our favourite songs can either be downloaded to our devices or streamed through apps like Spotify and Apple Music. Hurrah for the iPhone! 

The Selfie Trend 

Whilst we're on the topic of our phones being used to take photos, can you now imagine not having a phone with a front-facing camera? These features first began appearing on mobile devices back in 2003, with the iPhone 4 being the first of Apple’s smartphones to introduce them. Many believed that these cameras would be used primarily for video calls, but it wasn’t long before people started to snap self-portraits and the selfie trend quickly took hold. 

Selfies have proven beneficial across many markets. For example, the popularity of the cosmetics industry (it was the top-performing category in UK health and beauty, with sales up £100m from 2015-2017) is suggested to be the result of YouTube tutorials and the desire to share selfies on social media apps. I myself love a good makeup tutorial.

Chloe Humphreys-Page, a director at data analytics company IRI, also pointed out: “The impact of the so-called ‘selfie generation’ -  where people are spending disproportionately long periods of time studying their faces and making sure they are camera-ready - is not just driving sales for certain cosmetics, but also boosting demand for ancillary products, like eyebrow kits, sponges, pencils, and brushes.” 

Location Tracking 

GPS is a standard feature on most mobile devices already, but the likes of Google Maps and Apple Maps offer so much more to iPhone users while they’re on the go. 

As of 2016, there was reportedly more than five billion searches or requests on Apple Maps each week. Each user gets access to features such as proactive suggestions (which sees the system predicting the places where people are most likely to go), up-to-date public transport information, and detailed indoor maps of a wide variety of airport terminals and shopping centres covering locations across the globe.

With Google Maps, one of the most intriguing aspects was announced in 2016 when it was revealed that users would have the opportunity to become the system’s editors. As a result, they can suggest new places or edit names of places to make them more accurate - improving the overall system of maps.

An Abundance Of Apps 

At one time, not that long ago, we'd have had to make do with what came pre loaded onto our newly purchased mobile devices. Then came the arrival of the App Store, originally on the iPhone 3G in 2008, when owners could originally boost their devices by downloading up to 500 additional apps. 

Today, the App Store is home to more than two million apps. People spent around £23 billion within the virtual market in 2016 alone, downloading everything from social media apps and photo editing software to games, health and fitness hubs, and TV and movie streaming services. Candy Crush anyone?

The Way We Pay 

Another app that deserves a mention in it's own section is Apple Pay, as the mobile payments platform has transformed how we pay for goods and services on the go. 

Launched in October 2014 while people were getting to grips with the iPhone 6, the app works by linking one of Apple’s smartphones up to a compatible debit or credit card account and then allowing people to make contactless payments by simply scanning their device across a payment terminal installed with NFC technology.

As of 2016, there were over 12 million monthly users of Apply Pay covering 15 countries, with transactions increasing by 500% between 2015 and 2016. 

Keeping In Contact

Over the years the iPhone has changed the way we use the internet, the way we take photos, get travel tips, stay entertained, and even pay for goods while we’re out and about. However, Apple’s gadgets have also changed the way that we use one of a mobile phone’s most basic features, and that's communicating with others.

The wonderful world of WhatsApp means that we can now message any one of our friends or family via the internet no matter where we are in the world and at no cost. At one time there would have been charge for simply getting in touch with someone from another country. Video calling is also easily accessible to all through FaceTime too, while the iPhone’s threaded message interface allowed us to see all messages on just the single screen instead of having to come out of a text and open others just to keep track of a conversation. 

I think it's fair to say that the iPhone has a lot to answer for. Both we, and mobile phones have come a long, long way. 

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The App That Can Answer Almost Anything

It would appear that there is now an app for everything. Perhaps you yourself are fond of using them? Or maybe you're sat reading this and you haven't a clue what an app is? An app is an abbreviation for the word application. It's basically a piece of software which can be downloaded onto a device such as a mobile phone. Designed to make life easier or provide you with information at the touch of a button or swipe of a finger, these days there are apps for booking dental appointments, for booking classes at the gym, for tracking how many steps you've taken that day, and even to tell you when you're due your period!
I've tried the Lady Cashback app which allows you to not just save money when you shop but to earn cashback too, always a plus! And I've also got an app which I use for scheduling my social media. I highly recommend this. But it would seem that I'm a bit behind the times with regards to all the others.
My colleague mentioned an app that she uses which is designed for vegetarians and it sounds fantastic. It tracks your location and then notifies you of vegetarian restaurants in your vicinity. There's one for vegans too.
Are you a fan of apps? Do you live your life by them? What are your thoughts on an SMS information service like Ask Bongo?


Until next time...

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Is Virtual Reality The Way Of The Future?

Whether you get along with technology or not, there's no denying that it just keeps getting better and better. Take virtual reality for instance. It's no longer just something to be associated with recreation or computer games, it now plays a very huge role in the real estate business. What once would surely be dubbed as fantasy or science fiction has now become a very real thing.

If you aren't perhaps au fait with what virtual reality is, then it's basically a computer generated simulation, a creation of something or in this case, a 3D world, which doesn't actually exist yet looks as if it does. By simply donning a clever virtual reality headset which looks rather like a giant pair of googles, you can actually experience this 3D world for yourself. If any computer whizz experts out there have a way of better explaining this then please feel free to comment below! :)

Whereas once upon a time you'd have had to walk into a model village or home before deciding if a property or proposed renovation was for you, these days you can pop on one of these remarkable headsets and instantly experience new surroundings. It puts a whole new spin on the 'try before you buy' concept.  

 

3D rendering enables you to really visualize your architectural project without even having to leave the comfort of your own home, office or wherever it is that you might be. Take note if you're planning a renovation or perhaps just want to experience a three dimensional walk through of your forthcoming project, as this incredible piece of technology could be just the ticket for you. By tapping into and utilizing the latest cutting edge rendering soft and hardware, experts can produce high quality 3D architectural renderings at an affordable price. Services include 3D floor plan renderings, 3D interior renderings, 3D exterior renderings, 3D aerial renderings and 3D architectural models.

If you want to experience the benefits of virtual reality then why not request a price list? And if you work in this field of expertise and haven't already adopted this technology then it might be wise to look into it as VR seems to be the way of the future. In a world that keeps moving ever faster forwards, you don't want to get left behind.

Have you ever tried a virtual reality headset? Or do you perhaps work in virtual reality real estate? I'd be curious to know your thoughts.

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Best Technological Devices For New Parents*

Technology is advancing all of the time, often providing us with new devices that can simplify our daily tasks. Together with Babythingz, retailers of cosytoes (carefully designed cocoons for your little ones), we have shortlisted the latest nifty gadgets which can provide a helping hand to new parents. If you’re stuck for a Christmas gift for a new parent, read on for some tips:

Parent and baby smartband

We are all probably familiar with the smartbands that have been created to monitor health and fitness. The parent and baby smartband goes one step further and has been specially designed for new parents.

It can be used during pregnancy to track foetal movements, exercise progress and doctors’ appointments. The parent’s fitness is tracked through steps, calories burned, distance travelled and hydration levels.

After birth, the technology can be used to track feedings, pump sessions, vitamin intake, diaper changes and many other reminders to help you day-to-day. As with most technological devices these days, there is a corresponding app so that you can link the data from the band to your phone.

These products have received positive reviews, with many new parents claiming that it has helped them through both pregnancy and with monitoring their new-born.

Portable white noise machine

As research revealed that the noises that a baby hears in the womb can be replicated after birth, white noise machines have been developed. They have been found to help your baby get to sleep as they find the noise soothing.

Technological advancements have led to the release of the portable white noise machine. This gadget is discreet meaning that only your baby can hear the soothing sounds and it will not disturb others. The gadgets can play a variety of tracks such as heartbeat, ocean waves and raindrops.

They have been developed to turn off after a certain amount of time too. So, if your baby does drift off, the sounds won’t be playing all night long.

Pacifier thermometer

As new parents will know too well, trying to take a baby’s temperature can be difficult as they wiggle and squirm out of your grasp. At the same time, it is important to monitor your baby’s temperature as it can be an indicator of a cold or perhaps they’re too hot under the blankets.

The recent invention of the pacifier thermometer has addressed this issue. In the shape of a pacifier or ‘dummy’, this thermometer will fit nicely into your little one’s mouth and they won’t even know what you’re up to. A perfect alternative to the traditional thermometers which can cause your baby to become a little agitated.

Video monitors

Baby monitors have always been an essential purchase for new parents. It allows them to sleep that little bit easier, knowing that if their baby stirs they will hear it through the monitor.

Through the rise of tablets and smartphones, the new monitor includes video feature. This allows you to see the baby from a different room. It also works across the internet too so you can watch your baby from work whilst the other half is babysitting.

Self-warming bottles

Many parents are reluctant to go out when they know that it will be feeding time. Often at a restaurant, it can be a worry that there won’t be a facility to warm your baby’s milk or what if they overheat it? Mimicking the design of self-warming hand warmers, self-warming bottles have been designed.

There’s no need for a microwave or kettle when you have one of these handy gadgets. With one press of the button, the system heats itself up and warms the milk to the natural temperature of breast milk.

You can use it as many times as you like too, simply recharge it in the microwave or pan and it is ready to be used again.


*Written by Laura-Jane Todd on behalf of Babythingz

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Workplace Essentials in 2017

The best way to have a successful and thriving work environment is to create a calm yet engaging and fun space for your employees. If you have employees in a small, cluttered space that is either too hot or too cold, the chances are you are not going to have a motivated team and usually a demotivated team means poor quality of work and an under-performing business. There are tonnes of ways that you can turn a workplace into a productive and stimulating setting for employees, make sure the décor isn’t ‘too much,' that there is lots of sunlight entering the room (rather than artificial light) and having facilities readily available such as a clean kitchen, tea and coffee. However, with the growth of technology moving at an extremely fast rate in today’s society, there are some gadgets that can be used in order to make office life that little bit more exciting (even on a Monday morning). Here are five interesting finds:

The Portable Projector

Projectors have been around for years, but gone are the giant, bulky boxes that required a small army to carry them, and in the place are sleek, portable gadgets that can project anything onto the wall. These projectors are great if you are a small business and do have limited workspace and struggle to find space for meetings with clients. Most of these projectors will project your work onto any flat screen and it will show up incredibly clearly. An office must have for 2017.

The Apple Mac Scanner

These are an essential part of any modern workspace and are compatible with all Apple Mac devices. They are super versatile and easy to move around the office. Scanning documents really does make a huge, positive difference to your workplace because it means every file is organised digitally. Keeping records on paper can not only over-complicate things, it can also mean that important documents get lost or destroyed. A modern scanner will scan your important files in seconds and store them securely on your work’s server. The documents can be shared easily with friends, colleagues and clients and will always be backed up in case they are ever accidentally deleted.

Desk Sensors

The desk sensor really is the epitome of modern workplace technology. The gadget is placed on your desk and will monitor your productivity. If you are less than motivated at your desk at times, this might seem a little dangerous, but in fact it is there to encourage you to engage in physical activity if your energy levels are getting low or your productivity has dropped.  Physical activity could be anything from going for a short walk to even doing a few at your desk stretches to revive yourself.

Solar Window Charger

If you’re one for doing your bit for the environment then this is definitely a great gadget for you. The solar powered charger traps energy from the sunlight in your office window and charges your phone with it (or your iPad). The charger is extremely easy to use and simply mounts onto your window. Job done.

Self-Stirring Mug

Who has time to stir their own coffee these days?! The self-stirring coffee mug is an absolute must for anyone that struggles to find the time to put a spoon in their mug and stir up their hot drink. Ok, maybe a little bit of a novelty that would probably get old very quick but it is bound to get a few laughs and wows in the office and brighten up everyone’s day. Dubbed the ultimate ‘lazy man’s mug’, we might just have to get one at home as well! 

*Contributed by Laura Nicholson

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