Author: Staff (Page 25 of 38)

      Is Your Information Safe Online?

      December 20, 2012 /


      Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

      Do you know all the ways that you’re being tracked through the Internet and your smartphone? Data aggregators, including Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, and more, are tracking everything you do. Are you okay with that?

      Privacy Online

      When we post things online, perform web searches, and write emails, many of us assume that that information is private. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The information that is found through this mining is stored on a database and with the right resources, this information can be pulled together and given to those interested.

      Reported in the New York Times article, “The Web Means the End of Forgetting,” such a thing happened to Stacy Snyder, a 25-year-old student teacher who in 2008 posted a picture of herself drunk on her MySpace page. Because of that photo, the university denied her degree just weeks before her impending graduation. She’s not the only one. Others have lost jobs for posting negative things on Facebook about their jobs. Some companies even require you to login to Facebook before they will hire you. Suddenly, there’s no disconnect between your personal life and your professional life; the Internet is bridging the gap.

      Apps Tracking What You Do

      But it’s not just the Internet that is tracking what you do. Apps that you put on your phone can track you as well. For example, Pandora reportedly asks you to give it permission to track your location. Many apps ask for this; it makes sense for a map app or for one that helps you find cheap gas near where you’re at. But why would Pandora need to know where you are?

      Other apps are doing even worse. Researchers analyzed 10,000 apps for Android cell phones and found that 8 percent of them ask users for access to the International Mobile Equipment Identity number, a unique code given to each cell phone. There is no reason these apps would need this unique identifier.

      Is It Possible to Be Private Online?

      In an interview with Tom Ashbrook on Boston’s NPR station, Michael Fertik privacy advocate and CEO of Reputation.com, shared the idea that there needs to be a barrier between us and the companies that we interact with.

      So if you want to go on Netflix and indicate which movies you like and what you don’t like, it’s anonymous. Instead of connecting these preferences to our real names, it would be connected to something like user10537. So it is possible, but will it happen?

      For now, be careful about what you post online and check the privacy settings on all social media websites.

      Digital Media, Lifestyle, social, Websites

      There’s a gadget for everything

      December 19, 2012 /


      Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

      Or at least that’s what it seems like. Everywhere you look there are cool and interesting gadgets that didn’t exist several years ago, and many of them are now on your holiday shopping list.

      But some gadgets are truly unique. For years smokers didn’t have many choices when trying to quit. Then the patch came along and at least there was a way to get nicotine while trying to kick the habit. But it was still difficult not having something in your hand to puff on. Now that problem has been solved.

      E-cigarettes are the new thing, and they just may be something you’ll want to add as a stocking stuffer for that person on your list who wants (or needs) to kick his smoking habit. The electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, vaporizes a liquid nicotine, food grade solution that is inhaled and exhaled, just like a regular cigarette. This vapor is free from tar, carbon monoxide and hundreds of carcinogens that are found in regular cigarettes. The vapor that is exhaled actually looks like the smoke from regular cigarettes but is simply an odorless vapor.

      Think about the person on your list who might want to try this. E-cigs from Ecigarette Direct are becoming more popular and this would definitely be a gift to remember. It’s frankly a lot better than an ugly sweater or a tie!

      General Gadgets

      The impact of Ebook readers

      December 19, 2012 /


      Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

      The way in which we read is changing, as is the way we consume most media. The introduction of Ebook readers and tablets has of course changed the book market. But is it for the better or for the worse? There are of course arguments for both sides, but either way the world and market is becoming more digital. To embrace it is to thrive.

      Negative effects

      There is of course some negative impact on the sales of printed books with the introduction of new technology. Fewer people are buying print copies, and even with soaring sales of Ebooks there are differences in the way people buy, and the way the book industry makes a profit. For example hardback copies are in decline, meaning a decline in the higher profit margin publishers receive. Though of course there will always be consumers who resist the new technology in favour of the emotive experience of a printed copy. Over time Ebook readers are becoming more authentic though and increasing numbers of traditionalists are embracing the digital future of books.

      People also consume books in a different way, whilst multibuys were highly valued by consumers in sales of printed books, the same techniques would not be so profitable when it comes to digital.

      Positive changes

      The reason for the difference in buyer behavior is that books are now more convenient. It’s far easier to purchase that new title, and it takes just moments whereas previously consumers liked to stockpile either whilst buying online (fewer deliveries and lower cost) or in the shop.

      This also means that if a particular author, or book crosses a consumers mind they can buy it there and then. This drastically reduces basket abandonment and will obviously lead to higher sales overall. Impulse buying is a real advantage of our new instant book culture. As we all know, consumers want their purchases delivered yesterday.

      The costs of producing digital versions is also far lower, eliminating print costs, packaging and postage means that profit margins are higher. Despite the slightly lower cost to the customer.

      Ebook readers and tablets have brought reading back up to date, and in line with the digital age. A development that long term will see the continuation of reading as a popular pastime, as opposed to it being left behind.

      The future of books

      Leaps in technology now also mean that children are becoming more and more familiar with the Ebook format, especially with the growing popularity of the Amazon Kindle Fire and other color Ebook readers. For the first time children can enjoy picture books in all their glory on a digital device. This will encourage a younger generation to read, and enjoy reading whilst keeping up to date with the latest technology.

      Of course there’s the risk of consumers being distracted from their book by all the other apps that are available on these multifunctional devices, but in time publishers will adapt and find new ways to keep customer “in” their app rather than distracted by others.

      ebooks

      The best gadget gifts for Christmas 2012

      December 17, 2012 /

      If you’re choosing a last minute Christmas gift for your gadget enthusiast (or a present for yourself) then you could well be weighing up the options. Whatever kind of gadget they’re into from consoles to tablets here’s the rundown of our favorite gadget gifts of the year, but you better get your order in quickly!

      Tablets

      There are tons of tablets on the market, but how do you choose the right one for you? This year it’s all about the mini tablet. Our favorite of the moment is the iPad Mini. It gives you access to all the apps available on iTunes for a fraction of the price of a full size iPad. It has the same feel previous incarnation, with the same smooth interface. What’s more it’s more practical as its smaller, but still big enough to run apps, watch videos and listen to music. It’s definitely on our list!

      Smartphones

      When it comes to smartphones there’s just too much choice available at the minute. After a lot of road testing we’ve finally picked the Nexus 4 as one of our favorites. The new smartphone from Google packs a serious punch with all the features you’d expect from a top of the range smartphone and more. Even better it comes with all Google’s apps preloaded, so it’s ready to go when you are! Add to that the amazing photo sphere camera (capable of taking 360° panoramic shots) and you’re on to a winner! Especially when you consider that it also offers wireless charging. The Nexus 4 is an insight into the future of smartphones.

      Games consoles

      If the person you’re shopping for is into gaming (or even is they’re not) the new Wii U console would be a sure fire hit this Christmas. The innovative tab game-pad is an entirely new way to play and adds a whole new dimension to the gaming experience. Coupled with HD graphics we think the Nintendo Wii U is the console to have this festive season! Plus you can get it in either the standard edition, or premium that offers 32gb of memory.

      So, those are our top tips for gadget gifts this Christmas. Whichever one you choose it’s sure to be their favorite Christmas gift. Now you just need to figure out which you’re buying for them, and which you want yourself. For even more gadget gift ideas have a browse at Misco.

      Computers, Tablet Computers

      Win a Power Programmer for Your Ride from AutoAnything

      October 8, 2012 /

      The good folks at AutoAnything.com have joined forces with Gadget Teaser to give away a power programmer. These high-tech gadgets give you complete control of your car or truck, allowing you to improve your fuel economy, horsepower, or torque.

      To enter the contest, simply fill out the form below. When the contest ends, AutoAnything wil select one lucky contestant and contact him or her. None of your contact information will be shared or sold to a third parties. The contest runs from 10/8/2012 to 11/7/2012 and is open to U.S. residents only.

      Power Programmers

      A power programmer gives you the ability to tune your car or truck’s engine. You’ll be able to program your vehicle to meet your driving needs. Whether you want to increase your fuel economy or give your ride some more get-up-and-go, a programmer will give you this ability. The winner of this contest will be able to choose from one of these programmers.

      About AutoAnything

      As a leading seller of aftermarket auto accessories and parts, AutoAnything carries the top-of-the-line accessories from the best brands. You can find anything from performance brake pads to any style of bike rack, whether it’s hitch or mount. AutoAnything is constantly adding new products and you can find out about them on their blog at RidePros.com


      *Excludes programmers & tuners over $400.

      Enter to Win!

      AutoAnything Giveaway

      Contests

      « Older posts Newer posts »

      © 2026 Gadget Teaser

      Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑