10 Gadgets to Help You Catch More Fish

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Fishing has changed dramatically over the past decade with the increasing popularity of smartphones and other technology. Even those who have strongly resisted the change are giving into the pressure to adapt. Once there is a smartphone in your pocket, it's difficult to keep refusing time-saving, fish-catching options. 

Here are 10 tech tools that will make your outing both safer and more successful without ruining the great outdoors.

Find Where to Go

Fishing Hot Spots Maps: It's an old tool in a new format. You no longer have to track down paper maps for the water you want to fish but rather this company provides digital maps for both freshwater and saltwater. You can even get maps that work with older units and handheld devices.

The Fishidy Mobile App: This app provides maps as well as a community for sharing tips and up-to-date reports. You can track your fishing successes on a map using GPS in addition to identifying water depths, underwater contours and fishery data.

Learn How to Get There

Broadband RADAR: This tool boasts that it is the most significant radar breakthrough since 1940. It has much lower power requirements and crystal clear images, which helps for limited visibility situations or tight maneuvering. Plus, it does not require a license.

SIMRAD: This tool is very similar to Broadband RADAR. It also has clear imagery, low power consumption and low emissions. Whether you combine navigation with your fishfinder or separate the two, broadband technology is taking hold quickly.

Locate the Fish

Lowrance HDS-12 Gen3: There are plenty of fishfinder models to choose from, but the new Gen3 model uses a broadband sounder, supports wireless signals and uses Spotlight Scan Sonar, making it a top-notch gadget.

Raymarine Dragonfly: For CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) lovers, Raymarine Dragonfly is the tool for you. This new unit delivers incredibly clear images and includes Navionics charts on microSD in addition to a temperature sensor and 50-channel GPS.

Play it Safe

Iridium Satellite Phone: Whether speaking with family or getting out an emergency call to the Coast Guard, you can always contact land and other satellite-equipped vessels when you pack a satellite phone. They also claim that their call quality is three times better than their competitor's.

C-pod Security: The C-pod sends current status information about location, heading, intrusion, battery voltage and other vital statistics to your phone or computer. Remote on/off capability allows you to be in control of C-pod sensors from the helm.

Stay in the Game

XPand: If you are you taking a green seafarer along on the next voyage, consider the Xpand anti-motion sickness glasses to keep queasiness at bay. Pills and patches often cause drowsiness and confusion, but the sunglasses use electro-optical systems to reduce motion sickness in a noninvasive way. They are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer cell.

Gomadic Solar Charger: Stay prepared with a solar charger to keep any of these gadgets charged and ready to use. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously, and does it just as quickly as a wall outlet would.

Prices in each category can vary widely, so be sure to do your homework. Many times you can cut back on features to make a tool better fit the budget. Yesterday's top-dollar fishfinder or navigation aid, for instance, can often be found at rock bottom prices as others switch to broadband units. So, get ready, be prepared and fish on!

SEE ALSO: Science Nation - Electric Fish Charges up Research on Animal Behavior

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*by andreascy*

A Loving Son's Gift Guide: 4 Tools for Your Tech-Savvy Mother

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Your mother has threatened to become a technology ninja for the past decade. Maybe she once went wild playing "Grand Theft Auto" on the Playstation 2 and refused to give up the controller, but your mom’s enthusiasm for high-tech gizmos and gadgets is typically fleeting. 

This year, though, things are different. Mom is geeking out. OK, so maybe she is still more of a Candy Crush queen than a Wi-Fi warrior. You can help broaden her technological horizons with the following tools, a gift-giving guide for any loving son to turn his mother into a tech know-it-all.

Amazon Prime

Mom has always been an entertainment nut. In fact, she can quote her favorite Seinfeld episodes like the back of her hand (No, mom. Please. Don't). It’s your job to open her up to a whole new world of entertainment.

Photo by magerleagues via Flickr

First things first: Make mom the proud owner of a new Kindle Fire. After that, buy her a subscription to Amazon Prime, which gives her unlimited access to Amazon’s library of streaming videos. Also, with Amazon Prime the items bought from the Amazon store are shipped for free using standard or two-day delivery. If mom wasn’t a big online shopper before, she will be now.

Portability at Your Fingertips

If mom still spends her computer time sending emails on a desktop from the Dark Ages, a dial-up dinosaur, then it is high time for an upgrade.

Photo by Intel DE via Flickr

From laptops and ultrabooks to light, razor-thin and travel-ready tablets, Check out gifts from Lenovo, which has durable and affordable tech gear for all styles and tastes. 

Hey mom, this is the modern world. You need portability at your fingertips.

DoorBot

While so much of modern technology is about staying connected and up-to-the-minute on social media sites, what about some frivolous, good old fashion fun? If mom is engaged in a task around the house (or simply trying to level-up in a game of Plants vs. Zombies) and the doorbell rings, she can’t be expected to drop everything and answer it, right? No worries; the DoorBot will tell her who is at the door. 

Photo by AskDaveTaylor via Flickr

The DoorBot uses Wi-Fi and a night vision camera, which allows mom to see who is knocking. She can even talk with the visitor using an Android or iOS smartphone. The DoorBot is the modern version of Rosie the robot from "The Jetsons."

GPS Traveling Companion

Sure, a smartphone can get mom around town. And it is certainly better than wrestling with an old and partially ripped Rand McNally. However, there is something to be said for a GPS unit. Perhaps it is the feeling of suction-cupping the device to the car windshield that we love.

Photo by Anders Lageras via Flickr

Perhaps it is the fact that once we listen to the voice of the GPS, we can’t help but the give it a name and make it a member of our family. Large text, clear graphics and easy-to-use voice control make the Garmin Nuvi 2555 GPS system a spectacular traveling companion.

Spread this post with friends, family, and the world. Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments. We love feedback and fresh ideas. If you have any questions for the team then please feel free to use the contact form. 

Thanks! 😊

*by andreascy*

NFL And GPS Tracking

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Teams in the NFL are really making strides these days to practice differently than the rest of the league in an attempt to set themselves apart through better performance. Not only are they incorporating different types of work out regiments, like Crossfit, to get their players into shape but they are also incorporating modern technology into their workouts as well.

Now, you may think they are only logging times played in games or on the practice field. And we are all aware of the normal statistics that the NFL tracks being big factors considered when players get their starting slots, but with the help of a few small GPS trackers installed in the players jerseys these teams are taking stats to a whole new level.

Catapult

Catapult Company, is the manufacturer of a small GPS tracking device that sports teams around the world are beginning to integrate, not only into their practices, but also in the actual games. A small device in inserted into a pocket that has been sewn into the player’s jersey, this device is used to measure all types of criteria to help measure output from the player as well as g-forces. 

The equipment managers and trainers for these teams will gather a lot of extra information from the tracking devices that would be very difficult to gather any other way. They will be able to measure the exact amount of time on the field, practicing and playing. The intensity from the players while they are playing, through their speed and how many G’s they pull when stopping, starting and cornering (or cutting) across the field. Of course the amount of G’s that are created when a hit is laid on another player is also tracked. I can see this information being very important with the new concern of players and head injuries.

Preventing Injuries

As we mentioned the amount of head injuries has gone up a lot over the past few years in the NFL. Not only have the head injuries gone up but also have the amount of other injuries. Teams are hoping to use these tracking devices to help assess when a player has played too much, and may be in need of rest. These Catapult devices relay the necessary information to a server that takes it all in and then gives out a performance number for each player. These numbers range from 300 to 400 and are based on their activity, so the more they play and the faster they run, or hit, the higher the number. Team managers are taking these numbers and giving them to the coaching staff so that they may then decide if a player is approaching the point that they may be more easily injured. If a player has practiced and played at a level of 400 4 days in a row that may not be a good thing for his body, at this time they can pull a player from practice or they can make sure they are practicing at half speed to prevent injury. Essentially the teams are preserving players for game time and hopefully for many more years to come.

SUGGESTED: The Business of Sports [INFOGRAPHIC]

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*by andreascy*

Fitness Apps For Life

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

You are set for your morning jog. Your sportswear’s on, running shoes laced up, sunscreen applied, baby jogger occupied, and the beagle’s in tow. As you rush out the door and down the drive, you realize you left behind the most important tool for a successful workout - your smartphone. 

It has everything you need to map your route, log your exercise time, track your distance, measure your heartbeat and your pulse, and then provide you with a refreshing smoothie recipe after you return home. You log your consumption, count your calories and fat, and post an update for your fitness pals, and then you use your Internet service to get online and check your overall fitness progress.

Fitness On The Brain 

Health and fitness are on the minds of almost everyone as we struggle to diet, exercise, and eat right while balancing work, play, and the kiddos. Medline Plus reminds us that physical exercise on a regular basis can help to control our weight, improve our mental state, lower our risks for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and strengthen our muscles and bones. The more activity we engage in, the more likely we can continue to exercise and live longer. 

Reader’s Digest concludes that people should try to exercise for about 30 minutes five to seven days a week. The magazine recommends walking briskly or gardening, at a minimum. For weight loss, a more aggressive schedule of 90 minutes of intense activity, such as aerobics or jogging, is preferred. In preparation for an exercise solution that fits with your business schedule, it may be time to tap into your mobile device. Now, more than ever before, fitness apps are not only readily available but also free! 

Apps for Fitness Monitoring 

• MyFitnessPal — Track food intake, calories, fat and nutrition, makes notes, and share updates with your fitness pals. 

• Nike Training Club — Select a fitness level and goal for more than 100 workouts that last 15, 30, or 45 minutes, with audio from Nike athletes and trainers. 

• Endomondo — A GPS-type system for tracking how far you bike, run, walk, or travel while engaging in physical activity. It also connects with social media. 

Apps for Diet 

• Epicurious — More than 30,000 professional recipes, with an option to set favorites and create a shopping list. 

• Zipongo — For healthier eating, locate discounts on healthy food items, plan meals, and enjoy rewards. 

• TrackNSlim — Tracks and reports your food intake and habits, including calories, carbs, fats, protein, sodium, and cholesterol. 

Apps for Abs and Cardio 

• Runtastic — A robust personal sports and fitness app for biking, hiking, running, skating, or skiing. Track activities, use built-in GPS, run reports, create graphs, listen to music, configure dashboard, get voice feedback, monitor heartrate, and more. 

• Adidas miCoach — Provides audible coaching and GPS for customized training and workouts. Save and view workout data, measure distance, pace, calories, and time. Access music, track shoe usage and wear, and set alerts. 

• Gym Technik — Guidance and tracking for workouts including body statistics, workout schedule planning, workout routines, progress charting, and summaries.

RECOMMENDED: The Hottest Fitness Gadgets on the Market

If you are looking for a great way to get started with a winning fitness routine, count calories, or manage your health data, this section is the best place to start. 

*by andreascy*

How To Improve The Control Over Your Employees

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Always knowing what your employees are doing or how they spend their time during working hours is one of the key things in making a great company and improving productivity of the people that work for you. This is way more and more employers are trying to find ways to monitor their employees and the best way to do that is to use mobile phones monitoring software like mSpy that enables you to always know what your employees are up to. 

Even though it’s not legal to monitor someone’s private phone, if your employees are using company phones that you provided and paid for you have all the legal rights to monitor the way they utilize this company asset.

The basic motive to do this is not to spy on your employees’ personal life but to monitor the way they act while they are working so it’s done only for the company’s best interest and not your own. You are using company property in order to do this and no one can accuse you of invading their privacy. Some employers even tell their employees that they are monitoring their company phone so employees are more focused on their job and on the way they act during working hours.

There are a few Acts that explain the ways and the rules which say that unauthorized interception of electronic communication devices like computer, email or phone are prohibited, but these Acts exceptions that employers can apply. These exceptions are:

•  A business owner has the right to monitor employee’s use of the company property, which includes company mobile phones, in order to improve company service, prevent illegal activities or harassment or to make sure that the employees are actually working when they are supposed to.

•  Business owner can monitor company mobile phones used by his employees if he informed his employees about this. Employees that continue to work in companies despite the fact that their phone are being monitored are giving their consent for these actions.

•  Employer has the right to spy on mobile phones that are in his possession and are only given to the employees for work purposes.

Conclusion

Once you decided to use the monitoring software the first step is to define the thing you want to monitor and then find the best app for this. A good monitoring app will let you see all call logs including the numbers associated with the call, time of call and duration. Some will let you to listen to these calls. You can also read all text messages, monitor internet activities, see all photos and videos stored on the phone and even locate the phone via GPS. After installing the app you will get a web account in which the data will be stored with unique log in details so only you can access it.

Using a monitoring app can help every employer to prevent the use of company phones for personal purposes, prevent leakage of sensitive company information, stop harassment and stop all unproductive activities that will affect the company.

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*by andreascy*

Seven Best Buy Gadgets To Improve Your Life In 2013

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

It's pretty standard right now - every year brings more new and interesting developments in consumer technology – many of which were displayed at the recent CES consumer electronics show. 

Some are much more interesting than the others and here’s a brief take a look at 2013's more interesting choices within the gadget world. 

MakerBot Replicator 2 (3D Printer) 

Brooklyn-based MakerBot Industries continues to be sell awesome desktop three dimensional inkjet printers (and have done since 2009) and the Replicator 2 is their latest offering. Just as your traditional printer allows you create things in 2 dimensions, a three dimensional printer allows you render objects from plastic into 3d. Rather than purchasing every small item that you'll need to create a product, you can now manufacture it yourself without leaving the comfort of your own home. The only real limit is very literally your imagination. 

Pebble Smart Watch Phone 

It’s taken some time, but finally it is here. The smart watch that acts as an interface together with your Apple iPhone or Android phone to create a heads-up display of sorts for your wrist. As you would expect, it display the time, tells you who's calling, who's texting, and even when you have received a new email. It will also have an application store, so 3rd party designers can go nuts stretching the functionality of this awesome device. 

Oculus Rift Headset 

This virtual reality headset is among the most promising devices within the gaming world at this time. The company that makes them raised nearly $2.5 million on the Kickstarter investment website to get the device to the gaming market. It is set to become a a thrilling accessory for PC gaming (with support for consoles in the future). 

Xbox 360 720 

Everybody already knows that Microsoft can come up with a remarkable console. With the proposed enhancements coming with the 720 there will be more aesthetically impressive game titles to help keep the Generation X of players hooked for years to come. 

4K Televisions 

Forget High Definition HDTV, 4K televisions will generate images at four times better resolution of current HD models. They are pricey and expensive, but having seen them at CES, we believe that these will soon be flying off the shelves. 

TrakDot – GPS Tracker 

This little device is supposed to fit onto your checked baggage at international airports to really make it much simpler and easier to locate it - assuming the airport staff managed to get yours on the plane in the first place! You could also use it for other purposes too - why not use it to monitor your vehicle whether you can’t remember where you packed or if it gets stolen? 

Ouya 

The gaming world was ignited with excitement when the Ouya was introduced - this is an Android-based gaming console made to be as hackable and easy to customize as you desire. Interesting stuff! And it's not only a completely new console, it also combines with your home media center too, offering its very own movies and online applications for music and video. The console has to date been met with favorable reviews which should make it a very popular gadget in the future. 

SEE ALSO: Our Selection of the Top 10 Devices Revealed at CES 2014 Mega - Event

If you want to purchase any of the gifts mentioned in this article then they should be available from Best Buy late in 2013. Let your voice be heard down below in the comments.

*by andreascy*

5 Top Tech Toys For Your Car

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Dogs and technical car gadgets are a man's best friend. There's something about a man and his ride. But, after he obtains this favorite wheels, he must have his technical toys to use along with it.

Actually the truth is that a lot of car tech toys are pretty practical and savvy for today's rising technology. Who says they are only for men? Women love these gadgets too. Let's examine the 5 top tech toys for your car. 

Stereo equipment 

Today just the men are switching to digital audio especially during the car ride. Because of the Bluetooth, more audio manufacturers are changing from the standard input receivers for USB inputs and iPod connections. Moreover, the needs for custom stereo equipment setups are sought after. 

In North America, auto manufacturers are forced to offer a higher quality stereo system with their car sells. They can range in price from $20K to over $200K allowing men or any consumer to make a satisfactory purchase under any budget level. From this wide range of price tags, auto stereo equipment brands can include names such as Pioneer, Alpine, Bose Media or 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System, Harmon Kardan, THX or Rockford Fosgate Audio System. Any of these and others offer some of the top quality sounds for your car. 

Rims 

There is no doubt about it that a nice rim will always make your car look good. Rims for your car are like a woman putting on a sexy new dress. It just makes all the difference because it's the first thing your eyes notice. If you ask any average male about the selection of rims for his ride, you will get many different answers from many different styles and vehicles. There are literally hundreds of custom rims to choose from at every price range. 

Security 

Security is another essential cost to protect the thousands of dollars you've put into your car especially once you've gotten it all together with the custom rims. Sure there is insurance to cover your lost, but once your car is gone it's gone along with all the money you've put into it. Not to mention all the frustration, waste of time and energy to replace it. 

Therefore, why not invest in a good security system for car. Since, car thefts are increasing depending on the city, vehicle or area of the country your car is parked in, will remain an issue of concern. Some top of the line auto security systems include OnStar, LoJack and even DNA recognition security systems are upcoming for the future. 

Plantronics K100 

The Plantronics K100 is a great tool because it works along with your iPod, Blackberry or cell phone. This cool device operates by broadcasting your calls, has GPS navigation for directing you to the boss's house from anywhere. It also plays your favorite playlists from your cell phone all while you're driving down the highway. The best part is that once you arrive at your destination, you can pocket this toy, take it with you and continue listening to your favorites songs without missing a tune. 

The Powercup 

The Powercup is too cool and very practical. Actually it looks like a white coffee cup with the Starbucks logo on it, but it is an inverter power outlet source. It provides you with two additional 120 volt outlets that are powered by your car's lighter outlet. Since we can never go wrong with another outlet to plug in our tech car toys like the Plantronics K100, cell phone charger, iPod and other upcoming gadgets, it just makes good sense. The Powercup is good for up to 400 watts of continuous power for continuous tech toy enjoyment. So you will have the look of two coffee cups in your cup holder while you drive into work without even giving anyone a second glance.

DON'T MISS: Cars Of Tomorrow - 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

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Should You Use The GPS In Your Child's Phone?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Mobile phone owners are becoming younger and younger. Everywhere you look, children in elementary school are walking around with mobile phones, and while some people think that it’s a bad idea, some parents feel that it provides a sense of safety.

Many parents are giving cell phones to their children so that they have a way to be contacted when they’re not with their parents. For example, a child involved in extracurricular activities can be reached when necessary or has the ability to call home if plans change. A child at a friend’s house can always be located by mom or dad with a simple phone call, and this capability has given plenty of parents’ peace of mind. 

Another reason that many parents are giving cell phones to their children is because they can be tracked via GPS. 

There are plenty of apps available today that can be downloaded onto phones that allow parents to GPS track their children, and this has comforted many parents. Life360 is a popular app that allows parents to follow their child’s action in minute-by-minute format. But the use of GPS tells children that their parents don’t trust them, so should you use GPS in your child’s phone? 

To answer simply, yes, you should use GPS in your child’s phone. Unfortunately, we live in a cruel world filled with pedophiles, perverts and criminals, and there are too many people out there who are willing to do harm to your child for no apparent reason. Having GPS in your child’s phone can assure you that yes they made it to school, yes they are at practice and yes they are at a certain friend’s house. If your child were ever to be late for curfew or if they were not answering their phone, you could use GPS to find out where they are. 

If you’re going to use GPS in your child’s phone, though, you need to do it appropriately. First, it’s important that you use the tracker to only check on your child every now and then. Following their movements every minute will only make you paranoid, and it will start to consume your life. GPS can allow you to double check your child arrived somewhere safely, or it can help you track them if you cannot get a hold of them, all of which can ease your fears. 

It’s also important that you talk with your child first about the use of the GPS device and let them know that it’s only being used as an added precaution. Let your child know that you trust them and that you know that they are responsible enough to let you know where they are, but you are using the GPS tracker in case of emergency situations. This will let your child know that you’re not using it to stalk them and that you’re not using it because you think they’re irresponsible., which will make your child feel better. 

No parent wants anything bad to happen to his or her child, and tracking a child’s phone with GPS can be a great way to provide you with peace of mind as long as you use it appropriately.

RECOMMENDED: GTX Corp - GPS Smart Shoes

If you enjoyed this topic you know what to do. Thank you very much for your attention and valuable time! More to come. ;)

*by andreascy*