(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…