So wireless headphones are convenient? as well as popular. In fact, Apple sold over 28 million Apple Airpods so far. This shows no signs of slowing down. But health experts and researchers worry. Can wireless headphones cause cancer?
So these concerns mainly come from the UN (United Nations) and WHO (World Health Organization). About 250 health leaders signed pacts with these global institutions. Because they have serious concerns about Apple Airpods and other wireless headphones causing cancer. Already, there are legal limits to avoid this threat. For example, they can only allow so many EMF’s (electromagnetic radio waves). But is that enough? Some of these health leaders say no, it’s not.
Because some of these experts say EMF’s isn’t the only problem. The big problem is how we wear these wireless headphones. We wear them in the ear canal. One health professor argues headphones this close to the ear canal exposes the canals to radiation. He also goes on to say EMF exposure this close can affect them, even though the EMF is at or below the legal limit. They say more needs to be done. This is why they signed these petitions. They also lists other potential effects of wireless headphones: memory loss, brain disorders, even the increase of stress.
So what do we in IT service and IT support make of this? Obviously, a lot more research needs to be done. I’m not going to change my listening habits over the report of 250 scientists. I don’t care how intelligent and hard working they are. But it is something to consider, and not to totally ignore. This is why I’m glad they signed the petition, but I want more proof. At least this starts the conversation. They also say cell phones cause cancer. Some people dismiss that. But some other still believe that. So can wireless headphones cause cancer?
So I started in the computer repair business? in the early 2000s. Back then, our biggest source of advertising was the phone book. But today, phone books rarely exist. I don’t need to tell you that. Then I read an article that made me think. Traditional or digital advertising: the ad game is changing.
So the article says the inevitable is happening. They predict that 2019 will be the first year companies will spend more on digital ads than tradition ads. In fact, they say companies will spend over $109 in traditional ads. But they expect companies to spend over $129 billion. In 2018, traditional ads beat digital ads by $6 billion. The tide is turning.
And after digital ads beat traditional ads this year, don’t expect the trend to start. In fact, they say by 2023, businesses will spend 2/3 of all their ad spending on digital advertising. As of right now, Google and Facebook are the beneficiaries of this. They share a combined 60% of digital ad revenue that comes in. However, those numbers are slipping slightly. Guess who the clean up company is going to be? You guessed it, Amazon. Because in the next few years, their US ad revenue should increase by at least 50%.
When I say traditional advertising, I mean things like phone books (assuming they exist), radio, TV, newspaper, etc. When I say digital advertising, I mean basically all thing Internet, social media, and/or smartphone. Look at the Super Bowl. Gone are the days where we had to wait until Super Bowl night to watch the new ads. We can now watch them on You Tube and other places…before they even make it to their TV. As for our computer servicing company, you can bet our ad dollars are going digital. If you want your business to last longer than a year, then I suggest you invest in digital advertising nowadays. It’s not 1994 anymore (though sometimes I wish it was). It’s 2019. But it’s up to you: traditional or digital advertising?
So, it’s officially a week before Christmas Day. But you still can’t figure out what tech or?IT support gift to give. How does a wireless charger sound? Wireless chargers: Last minute holiday gifts.
So you think a wireless charger is too expensive, do you? No, they are not. Because thanks to online shopping electronics store AUKEY, you can get a charger for under $20. First, the AUKEY wireless charger will run you about $13. It will recharge any smart device up to 5W. It’s lightweight, and comes in only one color: black. It also works will all the latest and most recent smartphone models, like iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9. After all, you did pay around $1,000 for the most expensive phones (some of our computer repair clients did). So why break the bank even more for a wireless charger?
Then there is the AUKEY fast wireless charger. It will run you around $18. Please that I’m not including any kind of special shipping costs. But this one will charge your smart device at 10W. It also works with all kinds of phones, including the latest ones. It has the same safety features and package goodies as AUKEY”s regular wireless charger. The only thing that’s different is: The fast one charges at twice the speed, for what it’s worth.
However, there is a bit of bad news. Apparently, yesterday and yesterday only, Amazon ran a sale in which they cut these prices in half (just one more reason for me not to like Amazon that much). They could a least have these sales for 3 or 4 days. But these chargers are excellent buys. There will be no more looking for plugs and outlets, though more public places are accommodating that. Furthermore, no more lugging around these wires, because they can be a pain, trust me. In fact, trust anybody on that one. I’m not one bragging about other people’s products, but I think this is a good buy for a Christmas present. Wireless Chargers: Last minute holiday gifts. Does this make a good one?
So most of us know the saying. If mama ain’t happy, then nobody’s happy. Don’t let this be your dilemma this Mother’s Day weekend. The IT support world wants to help. Here are last minute Mother’s Day gifts for tech moms.
So in this day age, just about everyone has a smart device. This also means in this day age, everyone is going to need earplugs. This is where Jaybird’s X3 earbuds come in. Not only are these long lasting quality plugs, but they have their own app. Furthermore, they are sweatproof and waterproof, and have an 8 hour battery life. But they’re not cheap. The average price is around $100.
Or perhaps your Mom wants to join the voice speaker and smart home device craze. That’s where Amazon Echo comes in (I can’t believe I’m actually promoting anything from Amazon! Help!). But from what people around our Boston computer service shop tell me, Amazon Echo is easy to use. It plays music, gives recipes, turns off lights, and reads your books to you at your command. However, this Amazon Echo can be addictive, and can spoil you rotten. Amazon Echos can come in quite a few forms, generations and prices. The cheapest I can find is around $41.00.
Or your Mother may want a fitness tracker. There are plenty to choose from. But according to many tech critics, the best fitness tracker for moms is the Garmin Vivofit. First of all, it has a red bar that keeps you accountable. It tells you when you’re inactive, and gets you on the move. It has one year battery life. Furthermore, it records your moves and progresses. You can get this fitness tracker for as little as $60, depending on which vendor you use.
Those are just some last minute Mother’s Day gifts for tech moms. What are your last minute ideas?
Will Verizon cut off rural customers? Some reports say so. Some reports also say Verizon will cut off rural services as early as October 17, 2017.
They say it’s because rural customers use lots of data while roaming away from the Verizon wireless network. Furthermore, their ‘primary place of use’ is outside Verizon’s area. So far, they told over 8,000 customers in 13 states they were losing service. Apparently, Verizon cuts off rural customers because it’s cheaper. They’re not the only ones, nor is it the first time. Back in June 2017, Verizon cut off rural customers for using too much data in rural regions.
So this means those who Verizon dumps will have less than a month make do elsewhere. But there is a problem. Many in rural areas chose Verizon because it has vast coverage plans. It could be difficult to find small phone companies with such great coverage. Economics is hardly a factor. Rural and urban income are about the same. However, this follows Verizon’s almost stereotypical pattern. In January 2017: Verizon gave those using over 200GB of data a month a choice. That choice was to lower their data use or look for another Internet provider.
Now I know what the small print says. They can change rules ant terms at anytime. But I don’t think any customer, let alone 8,000 of them, expect to be kicked to the curb so coldly. I know what many of you may say, “It’s just business…Life isn’t fair”. Try telling that to the rural customers whose about to lose their internet and phone, and don’t know where to turn. I know Verizon has a business to run and need to conserve cost. But what about the cost of public opinion? Do they really think the American people will see it that way? Verizon has Yahoo now.They also need to keep perception in mind, like all of us in IT support do. Because from where I stand, this move makes Verizon look like misers. I guess you can’t impress everyone all the time. But will this change your perception of Verizon?
One thing I try to do is keep up with tech trends. Because even in our Boston computer service shop, people ask about such things. Though I never heard anyone ask about a thermostat, this one caught my eye. So here is introducing the Nest Thermostat.
Well, they call this latest one the Nest Thermostat E. Yes, it still takes the room temperature. But this learns your temperature preference. For example, you keep setting your Nest Thermostat E to 72 degrees. Eventually, it will set it to 72 degrees for you without you touching it. It also does your scheduling for you.
However, two thing separate the Nest Thermostat E from other thermometers, ?even it’s predecessor. Those things are the look and price. This one looks less like a smart thermometer. It has a circular white screen with a white ring. This makes it looks more homey and less technical. The older one had metallic rings. The numbers on the new ones on bigger. Instead of telling you the temp through a scale, it just displays the number. You choose whether you want it Centigrade or Fahrenheit. Again, this adds more of a homey feel. The leaf below the temp is pretty nice as well. The price will run you $169. Compare that to the $250 the original Nest Thermostat will cost you. You can control both on your own. Also, you can hook both up to Alexa or Google Assistant.
The Nest Thermostat E will cost less, but it seems to be a better buy. It does get you everything the original does. But this one looks better. That is, if you want one of these. This new thermostat will be available in the next several days. Between you and me, I’m not sold. This hardly sets themselves apart from other thermostats. I mean, what does the Nest do that other thermostats don’t?
