(BPT) – Are you the family member or friend who is always called when someone’s computer breaks or starts acting up? Do you have a person on speed dial whenever you need a website created or program updated? The old stereotype of a computer geek who’s always wearing a pocket protector and glasses with taped-together frames is quickly becoming a thing of the past.These days, men and women who are able to speak “tech” and fix those pesky computer programs are in high demand, both professionally and among friends and family. One reason is that more than 80 percent of…
Author: Brandpoint
(BPT) – If you’re one of the nearly 40 million Americans who suffer with hearing loss, maybe it’s time to consider investing in your hearing health.Research shows that the rewards can be substantial. In fact, identifying and addressing hearing loss has been shown to positively influence virtually every aspect of an individual’s life, helping people personally, professionally and even financially.New technological advances have revolutionized hearing aids in recent years. Today’s hearing aids can automatically adjust to all kinds of sound environments and filter out noise. Many are virtually invisible, sitting discreetly and comfortably inside the ear canal. Some are even…
(BPT) – For many homeowners the biggest utility bill is electricity. Heating and cooling the home makes up nearly half of electricity costs, but the next biggest source is the water heater. Water heaters can account for up to 25 percent of total household energy use. Taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of a home with better insulation and more efficient furnaces and air conditioners can reduce energy costs significantly, as can making sure water heaters are operating properly.However, purchasing a high efficiency water heater does little good if the environment in which it operates is not right. The…
(BPT) – Technology has made dramatic improvements in the lives of people of all ages, and the improvements made in hearing technology may be some of the most advanced to occur in the last several years.Just a decade ago, hearing aids were basic amplifiers. Now they’re completely connected with other technological devices, making everyday life easier for the wearer.For example, have an iPhone and want to listen to music, or answer a call and hear the person on the line? Starkey’s Halo hearing aids, and the companion TruLink app, allow the hearing devices to connect directly with an iPhone without…
(BPT) – Experts anticipate the number of cyber threats will increase this holiday season, as shoppers head online and in-store in record numbers to purchase gifts. Consumers should be on alert following this year’s high-profile cyber data breaches at national retailers, yet many are not taking sufficient precautions to protect their personal information.Research shows consumers know credit card fraud is a reality in today’s economy. In 2013, 552 million consumer identities were stolen from retailer data breaches according to the 2013 Norton Report, and that number is projected to grow in 2014. Nearly 70 percent of Americans frequently or occasionally…
(BPT) – How much thought have you given your kidneys lately? Actually, have you ever thought about your kidneys? Your kidneys clean your blood by removing waste and excess fluid, maintain the balance of salt and minerals in your blood, and help regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys become damaged, waste products and fluid can build up in the body. If left untreated, diseased kidneys may eventually stop functioning completely. Loss of kidney function is a serious – potentially fatal – condition. Chances are that unless you are afflicted with kidney disease or know someone who is, you’ve never thought…
(BPT) – Small business owners can easily get caught up in the December rush. But once the holiday sparkle fades, business owners and entrepreneurs will need to refocus and make decisions likely to impact their business in 2015. Before coming to any conclusions, entrepreneurs should be aware of some business revelations uncovered by the Q3 Spark Business Barometer while they feverishly plan during the last few weeks of the year. Women and millennials’ optimism will drive sales: Do you know an entrepreneur who is skyrocketing to the top? Surveys show that there is a good chance that person is a…
(BPT) – Tech gifts are hot this holiday season, and with all the latest gadgets and upgraded electronic devices, it shouldn’t be a surprise that many wish lists include the best in smart devices.As you get your holiday shopping started, check out these great tech gift ideas that will have your friends and family members shouting for joy when they open presents from you.* For your viewing pleasure – When it comes to switching from broadcast television to streaming services or having a big screen for the big game, new ‘smart TV’ platforms like webOS from LG take the cake…
(BPT) – Is your device your vice? Americans think they are able to easily balance their technology use with their regular activities, but when the numbers are crunched, perception doesn’t match up with reality.One in four Americans report they get stressed out when they’re away from their email or phone for longer than 30 minutes, according to a survey conducted by GMI and commissioned by Crucial.com. And 84 percent of male respondents admitted to checking a mobile device while driving, in a movie theater, at a funeral or at a child’s play or recital.Technology overuse is making many Americans feel…
(BPT) – Cures for disease, increased food production and higher graduation rates are most likely not the first outcomes you associate with big data. Worrisome incidents of data being stolen from major retailers and other businesses that have recently made the news may be more familiar. Those stories bring an important point to light and it’s vital that consumers and companies take protecting private data very seriously. But that same personal data – whether it’s about your health, finances or shopping history – can help organizations create incredible innovations that have the ability to improve the lives of every person…
(BPT) – Listen up, boomers: Do you want to stay active? Vibrant? Socially engaged? Professionally successful? Most of us do.So maybe it’s time to do something about your hearing.Chances are, if you’re like many baby boomers, you’ve rocked your way through your fair share of concerts, night clubs, and ear-blasting parties. And you’ve enjoyed years of other noisy recreational activities to boot. Simply: You’ve been enjoying life. You’ve spent decades doing it. And it’s been loud.So now, it’s not always so easy to hear the conversation around the table at the restaurant or dinner party – maybe not even in…
(BPT) – It’s shaping up to be a high-tech holiday this year, with more money being spent than ever before on consumer electronics gifts like tablets and phones, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. People are anxious to learn about new technologies and are shopping for the perfect presents to put under the tree. Are you one of them?CEA reports there is a ‘strong appetite’ for emerging technologies, such as smart wearable devices and smart devices for the home. One new technology trend that you may have heard about – even if you haven’t seen it – is 3-D printing.…
(BPT) – To succeed in today’s classrooms, students must be more than book smart – they must be digital learners as well. Modern technology such as e-books, online tutorial programs, educational social media options and apps are providing access to personalized learning opportunities which were not available to previous generations of students.And while this technology is helping children learn and develop in innovative ways, it is also collecting important data about how these students are learning. E-books, for example, have the ability to track which pages a student has read, monitoring a student’s progress. Data collected during learning sessions can…
(BPT) – Home is where the heart is, and now thanks to home automation, it’s also where technology thrives. More people want smart home features that let them control their spaces while increasing energy efficiency and cutting waste. In fact, the smart home market is forecasted to hit $12.8 billion by 2017 in North America and Europe alone.The rapid growth of smart home technology is closely connected to the large number of people who own mobile devices. Today 90 percent of American adults have a cellphone, 58 percent have a smartphone and 42 percent of own a tablet computer, according…
(BPT) – Have you ever found yourself wondering if it was appropriate to check your work email during a holiday party? Do you feel guilty about entertaining your kids with technology during the busy holiday season?In a recent survey commissioned by Microsoft, Americans shared their anxieties and concerns about holiday technology. Luckily for you, you’re not the only one sending your thank you notes via text and even better, most people think it’s completely acceptable.Still wondering about holiday tech etiquette? Here are some tips to help guide you this season. 1. Don’t fret, you aren’t the only one checking your…
(BPT) – With the significant impact elections have on our country, would it be surprising to hear that only 38 percent of eligible Americans voted in the 2010 election? What happened to the other 62 percent of voters?Perhaps it’s an overwhelming amount of information. Or maybe it’s a lack of access to the right information that keeps voters from feeling engaged. With the November mid-term elections quickly approaching, now is the time to learn more about candidates and issues on the ballot so you can make your vote count.Here are five tips for staying informed and updated on the latest…
(BPT) – ‘Tis the season for holiday shopping, and the top trend for 2014 is to skip the crowds and long lines and purchase holiday gifts online instead. In fact, the average shopper will do 44 percent of their holiday shopping online, according to the National Retail Federation, spending just over $800 total on holiday goodies.If you plan to shop online for your friends and family this year, technology can help you save time, money and keep you organized – so long as you know the best tips and tricks of savvy digital shoppers. Here are five ways you can…
(BPT) – Pay attention to the news headlines and you may be wondering if you and your loved ones are safe from unseen perils like germs, bacteria and viruses – even in your home. There are things you can do to protect your health but it’s also good to know where germs linger. Some of their hangouts may surprise you.According to WebMD, there are likely more germs in your kitchen sink than in your toilet. You’re probably using a bowl cleaner to disinfect your toilets, but is the kitchen sink getting equal treatment?Your salt and pepper shakers dispense salt and…
(BPT) – When it comes to finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, don’t be left out in the cold this holiday season. Ideas abound for warming the hearts and feeding the passions of anyone from friends and relatives to party hosts. Here are some ideas to make everyone think you’ve been reading their minds. 1. Tacklebox gear for the outdoor enthusiastAnyone who’s passionate about fishing will love to receive a stocking stuffed with Rapala Scatter Rap Series lures. Introduced in 2013, the one-of-a-kind Scatter Lip gives the baits their celebrated evasive, side-to-side, erratic swimming action. The lures…
(BPT) – Today’s holiday wish lists certainly have a lot more digital items than they used to. Whether it’s for school, work or personal use, everyone wants the latest technology. If you’ve started your shopping search already, you know the market is full of different types of devices. So how do you know which technology is the right option for the loved one on your list? It can be confusing, but don’t worry; the information below can help you make a wise choice and ensure your gift is the star of the holiday season.TabletsAvailable in various designs, sizes and operating…