Why Are Comply Foam Headphones So Popular?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Many gamers and music fanatics prefer the use of over-ear headsets or silicon-based inner earbuds because of the high-quality sound on offer. However, such headphones don’t always provide the ultimate experience for several reasons, one of those being the fact they are often uncomfortable during prolonged use. 

Comply foam ear-budded headphones are becoming more and more popular because they’ve been able to solve the problems other headphones haven’t had a chance to. Here are a number of reasons why consumers are now looking toward comply foam earbud headphones for their listening requirements.

1. Comply Foam Headphones Help Isolate External Noise

Many gamers and professionals who use over-ear headphones have access to quality sound, but they don’t always get that quality sound because of external noise that can often interrupt the overall listening experience. With comply foam earbuds, you don’t get that problem because they put sound straight into the ear and prevent any external noise from entering. Comply foam based headphones have been around for years now, but it’s only been within the last few years where consumers have really seen the benefits they provide. 

2. Comfortable Experience

Gamers and music listeners often use headphones for longer periods for their entertainment purposes, but they regret it soon afterward because their ears feel sore. That problem goes away with comply foam earbuds – the soft solutions help improve comfort so consumers can take advantage of them for hours upon hours without experiencing any soreness. Take a look at complyfoam.com to see the comfort benefits such headphone solutions provide. 

3. Durable & Reliable

Bulkier over-ear headphones don’t tend to last long because they’re fragile and are usually only made out of plastic. Comply foam based headphones are compact, simple, and very durable. They do come at a cost, however, but they can always be relied upon to last for years. Therefore, they are a much more cost-effective solution than some of the other headphone solutions on the market. 

4. Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of comply foam earbuds: they’re very flexible. Everyone has different sized/shaped ears and many headphones on the market don’t provide enough flexibility. However, not only are comply foam earbuds great at isolating external noise, providing a comfortable experience, and last for a long time, but they’re very flexible and provide comfort for different ears of all shapes and sizes. So, if you can’t find a set of headphones that can cater to the needs of your ears, consider comply foam tips today for the ultimate experience that is almost guaranteed to provide comfort.

Conclusion 

Granted, many of the other headphones out there can provide excellent quality sound and comfort, which might suit gamers looking for more out of their experience. Others also provide the over-ear experience which is something music listeners often prefer. However, with comply foam making strides in producing high-quality sound, comfort, and flexibility for all consumers, it could only be a matter of time before comply foam is one of the biggest players in the headphone market.

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Investing in Regenerative Medicine at the Local Level

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Investors are always looking for that next big thing to put their money into. The medical field is rife with such opportunities, thanks to ongoing advancements that are making it possible for us to treat all sorts of things that were previously out of reach. If you are an orthopedist, aesthetic practitioner or GP, you might want to consider your own local investment in the emerging area of stem cell therapy.

Take 'local investment' to mean investing in your own practice. Put the time and effort into PRP and stem cell training by attending courses that will teach you how PRP and stem cell therapies work and the procedures necessary to implement them. Apex Biologix, a company located in Murray, Utah, is one example of a competent trading provider you could work with. They have already assisted more than 200 clinics in establishing regenerative medicine services.

Worldwide Market Expected to Boom

There would certainly be nothing wrong with investing in a company directly involved in the manufacture and sale of regenerative medicine products. In fact, such investments would be rather wise. Recent numbers suggest the global market for regenerative medicine will reach nearly $39 billion by 2021. The expected rate of growth should be just under 24%.

Those numbers are pretty impressive by any standard. But here's what you need to know as a doctor: a significant portion of that $39 billion will not be realized through investments in the industry's corporate players. Rather, it will be spent by patients looking for regenerative medicine for wound care, orthopedic treatments, and aesthetic medicine. You can get your share of the action by undergoing training and then adding regenerative medicine to your own practice.

Investing in the Future of Medicine

An analysis of the regenerative medicine market suggests that investment is being driven by an expectation that the future of things such as PRP and stem cell therapy looks good. When investors spot something in which they see a lot of potential, they are not afraid to put their money behind it. And wherever the markets go, reality often follows.

With that said, the strong investment in regenerative medicine suggests that anticipated growth will become a reality. Institutional investors will put money into the companies producing products and therapies, companies like Apex Biologix will invest their resources in training doctors and supplying them with equipment, and patients will invest in the actual procedures that will help them live healthier lives.

How to Get Trained

Doctors looking to invest in regenerative medicine can take a series of training courses depending on the kinds of services they want to offer. Continuing with Apex Biologix as the example, they offer training courses for both PRP and stem cell therapy. Their courses cover aesthetic medicine, orthopedics, and marketing regenerative medicine services to clients.

Their longest training course is a two-day affair held at various locations around the country. That two-day course centers around stem cell therapy for orthopedic applications. Apex Biologix also offers a one-day training course in PRP therapy for aesthetic medicine. Both courses include additional training for marketing regenerative medicine procedures.

Conclusion

As much as we don't like to talk about it, medicine is a business that requires a certain level of revenue to keep the lights on and the doors open. It is clear that institutional investors are rather optimistic about the future of regenerative medicine, so much so that they are willing to put their money behind it. Doctors can invest in their own practices by receiving training and then adding regenerative medicine to what they currently offer patients.

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Tread Carefully With Unpaid Internships

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Unpaid internships used to be rather common in the United States. That's no longer the case, thanks to federal regulations that have tightened control over how people are compensated for the work they provide. Unpaid internships still exist, but they are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Companies should tread very carefully with any plans to offer an unpaid internship. 

Rules set forth by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) stipulate that employees meeting minimum requirements must be financially compensated for the work they perform. The rules are rigid enough that it is very difficult to establish an unpaid internship that actually qualifies for no salary arrangement between employer and employee. Numerous court cases over the years have demonstrated as such.

In order for an unpaid internship to be legitimate, it must pass the scrutiny of a six-point test established by federal rules:

• Both employee and employer must agree that no wages will be paid for the internship.

• Both employee and employer agree there is no guarantee of employment at the conclusion of the internship.

• The experience received through the internship must be similar to the training the employee would receive in an educational setting.

• The experience of the internship is solely for the benefit of the intern, not for the employer.

• The intern cannot displace a paid employee.

• The employer cannot derive any direct or immediate advantage from employing the intern.

BenefitMall a payroll and benefits administration company says that the stipulations for unpaid internships are clear. If a position cannot pass all six points of the federal test, interns must be paid at least minimum wage.

Minimum Wage Determined by the States

Companies and their payroll departments also need to be aware that the individual states set their own minimum wage requirements. Such requirements are often higher than the federal minimum wage mandated among companies seeking federal contracts. That means that even though the FLSA regulates how interns must be paid, the actual rate of pay is most often set by the state.

Offering paid internships in multiple states means paying those interns based on individual state minimum wage requirements rather than a uniform wage established company-wide. There are some variations in these rules, especially when a company might be based in one state but sending workers to another on temporary assignments.

BenefitMall says that most payroll processing companies are very familiar with the laws surrounding paid internships and state minimum wage requirements. They are in a unique position to handle these sorts of things on behalf of their clients because they already possess the knowledge required to make sure interns are paid properly. However, it is ultimately the employer's responsibility to maintain compliance.

Internships Can Be Beneficial

In closing, internships can be beneficial to both parties whether they are paid or unpaid. Benefits for the intern include on-the-job training, real-life experience, an open door to future employment, networking opportunities, and even opportunities to earn class credits through internship training programs.

Employers benefit from internships as well. They are able to offer educational opportunities to workers who may return in the future with that experience under their belts. They have an opportunity to contribute to the education of the next generation of workers who will support their industry. They can also use paid internships as a form of supplemental labor when creating full-time, salaried positions is impractical.

Unpaid internships are quickly fading away in favor of the paid alternative. If your company is planning on establishing internships, make sure it's done according to the law.

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The Mystery of the Bottom: Strange Creatures Found in Salt Water

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Have you ever pondered what lays beneath the surface of the water? The most amazing creatures are hidden in the deep blue! 

Should you wish to explore some of them, the following article will provide you with an overview.

1. Bioluminescent Octopus

When you watch the movie Avatar, you will be surprised by the pinkish creatures which look like fancy light bulbs illuminating in the dark. In the movie they are known as Pandoran flora. However, these creatures are not from fiction. They are quite real and the movie gets the idea from actual creatures living in the oceans. These creatures have developed the ability to create their own light and this technique is known as bioluminescence.

Like the creatures in the Avatar movie, this bioluminescent octopus glows with its own lights proving that Pandoran flora are real. This glowing ability exists to attract its prey. There are only a few bioluminescent octopus found half a mile deep in the Gulf of Maine.

There are ample strange deep sea creatures, which are the subject of scientific research and documentaries, such as the one below.

2. Goblin Shark

We live in an atmosphere having temperatures below 40 °C though summers are exceptional. However, underneath the deep sea, there are hydrothermal vents that are more than 100 °C temperature. These hydrothermal vents are fissures in the planet's surface and are commonly found near volcanic areas. Surprisingly enough, there are organisms living there. There are crabs, lobsters, different types of worms and some other creatures living near the hydrothermal vents. Sometimes the liquid coming from these hydrothermal vents reaches temperatures between 100 °C to 400 °C. 

Biology underneath the sea has always been an untold mystery. Part of the mystery is about to be revealed. Do you remember the scary looking fish in fresh waters in South American rivers? Maybe you are confused. But, if I say the word ‘Piranha,’ you would be like ‘oh… yes!’ Thus, there are many other strange creatures in the sea which look at least as scary as piranha.

Goblin sharks dwell in the deep sea and has scary looking sharp teeth. Though it looks scary, it does not cause any harm to humans because it feeds on bottom-feeding fish. It is known as a living fossil since the goblin shark is the only representative of its family. 

3. Humpback Anglerfish 

Humpback anglerfish is another scary looking fish with sharp teeth.

It is a deep water fish found in tropical and temperate oceans. 

4. Fangtooth

Fangtooth fish also looks scary because of its teeth.

The fangtooths are found in tropical and cold-temperate water and they do no harm to humans.

5. Christmas Tree Worm

Apart from all the scary looking strange creatures in sea, there are also fancy and beautiful strangers found in the ocean. The Christmas Tree Worm is one such beautiful creature found at Great Barrier Reef’s Lizard Island.

These worms use spiral branches as their breathing and feeding apparatus. Amazingly enough, the worm lives in a tube kind of thing and it withdraws like a tree when it is under attack or feels threatened.

6. Marrus Orthocanna 

Another weird creature is the Marrus Orthocanna which looks like a swimming rocket. This creature is microscopic and it is made up of multiple repeated units. It has multiple stomachs and tentacles.

These strange creatures are also known as physonect siphonophore and look like jellyfish. They are found in the North Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Arctic Ocean, North West Pacific Ocean, and so on.

7. Sea Pig

Sea pig is another strange creature found in the ocean. These creatures live at the bottom of deep oceans and are commonly found in the abyssal plain in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean. Typically they live at depths over 1000 meters.

They mostly find their food by digging deep-sea mud. Deep sea trawling holds a threat for sea pigs.

8. Harp Sponge

Harp sponge is also a fancy looking stranger found in sea water. This is a carnivorous deep sea sponge discovered deep down in the California coast.

Sponges eat bacteria and filter other microscopic organisms from the surrounding water.

9. Vampire Squids

Vampire squids are also found in temperate and tropical oceans.

These creatures are very small and they have retractile filaments that helps them to be given their name.

10. Red Lipped Batfish

One reason of existence for these strange sea creatures is evolution. Evolution allows diversity of creatures as they evolve with continued strength and progress. Darwin, whose name is linked with the theory of evolution, is also connected to the Galapagos Islands. Darwin wrote the book “The Origin of Species” after he visited Galapagos. One strange sea creature from the Galapagos Islands is the red lipped batfish, also known as Galapagos batfish.

Interestingly enough, the red lipped batfish actually has red lips. They are not good swimmers, so they walk on the ocean floor. These creatures feed on small fish, shrimps, and mollusks. They are found in depths of 3 to 76 meters in the oceans of the Galapagos Islands.

11. Blue Glaucus 

Blue glaucus is another gorgeous creature found in the deep sea. They are sea slugs and they are found in temperate and tropical oceans throughout the world.

Usually beautiful and colorful organisms indicate that they have stored toxins inside them, for instance blue glaucus have toxins inside them which they store to use for their own protection. 

Conclusion

In summary, there are many different types of strange creatures under the blue blanket. Some are pretty, making their own light and illuminate. Beautiful creatures like the aforementioned in this article can attract predators easily as they are so visible. On the other hand, some sea creatures look scary but do not harm humans. Some others look so weird you think they are the result of science fiction films. We have only listed a few from the strange sea creatures found at the bottom of the sea. It is profoundly evident that there are numerous more out there worth exploring! 

YOUR NEXT READ: 10 Gadgets to Help You Catch More Fish

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An Overview of the Human Genome Project

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Mapping human genome can be considered as one of the main endeavors of modern world bio scientists. They have been pursuing this for decades and so far have achieved some measurable results. In simple terms, human genome can be defined as a map of how the cells of human beings are made up. If human genome is properly documented and researched, it could deliver answers to a myriad of mysteries.

Human genome is significant as it can provide with answers to questions like why we age, what genetic markers are, what causes and cures illnesses and many more. As a result, finding answers for this scientific puzzle has become part of an interesting competition. Entrepreneurs who start working on this field will be able to learn a lot of new things.

History of the Human Genome Project

The National Institute of Health in United States has established a partnership with the British government in order to solve the mysteries that are associated with the human genome project. They have hired the finest bio-scientists from different parts of the world and have created excellent equipment and facilities to complete their work successfully. A substantial amount of funds were approved generously to contribute to this project by both governments. According to statistical information, the government of United States has spent about $3 billion on this project. The British government has spent even more. 

1998 was an important year for the human genome project. In this year, a scientist named Dr. Craig Ventner was going through some published papers of the project and figured out that a different approach can be followed in order to get quick results. This method also had the ability to deliver more accurate answers for the complex issues and therefore he decided to undertake a project on this area himself. Nevertheless, as Dr. Craig Ventner was in need of financial assistance, he sought to get help from capitalist funding sources. His efforts became successful and was able to make $300 million within a short period of time. This motivated Dr. Craig Ventner to start working on his unique approach in the human genome project. His venture was named as “Celera” and it was charged with mapping the human genome to commercialize the findings. 

The Main Objective of the Human Genome Project

The primary objective of the human genome project is to figure out the consequence of chemical base pairs that are responsible for making up human DNA. It also focuses on mapping the genes of human genome through a functional and physical standpoint. As mentioned earlier, a lot of parties are involved in this project. Therefore, it can be considered as the world’s largest collaborative biological project. It was declared complete during 2003. At the early stage of this project, the main objective was to map the nucleotides in human body to reference genome. The genomes that can be found in human beings differ from one another. Hence, mapping the human genome is an extremely complex process for which scientists involved in this project hoped to succeed to eliminate that complexity.

State of Completion

The human genome project was not focused in sequencing the entire DNA that can be seen in human body cells. It only focused on the euchromatic areas of genome. In fact, euchromatic areas make up about 90 percent of human genome. The remaining area of the genome was called as heterochromatic and they were not considered in this project. 

As mentioned earlier, the human genome project was completed in 2003. The initial draft of the human genome was available by 2000 and a working draft was completed one year later. The final consequence mapping took place in 2003. This project was completed with a success rate of 99.99%. However, further analysis is being carried out at the moment and researches are scheduled to be carried out on HGP. 

Proposed Benefits of the Human Genome Project

The findings of the human genome project can be used for a variety of applications. These applications in turn have the potential to deliver tons of benefits, which range from molecular medicine up to human evolution. For instance, these findings can help people gain a better understanding about diseases. In other words, people will be able to get a clear view of the genotyping process of specific viruses that can be directed to appropriate treatments. It can also be used to identify mutations that are connected to different types of cancers. 

On the other hand, the human genome project is being used to design medication in an appropriate manner while ensuring their accuracy. The effects of medication on different people can also be predicted based on this theory. Commercial development of genomics is another major advantage that is associated with the human genome project. Therefore, it can be considered as a multibillion dollar industry. 

The sequence of DNA figured out from this method is stored in a database. The database is then being uploaded to the Internet, so that anyone can access. This database is well known as GenBank and it is being managed by the United States National Center for Biotechnology Information. Some other organizations are contributing towards it as well. 

Summary

It becomes apparent that the human genome project is one of the most important and useful projects in the biotechnology industry. It is in a position to deliver a variety of benefits for every human being that exists on the planet. From this project, it has been identified that around 20,500 genes can be found in human beings. The same range of genes can be found in mice as well.

On the other hand, the human genome consists of a large amount of segmental duplications. These duplications are nearly identical and can be defined as repeated sections of DNA. Even though the human genome project is completed at the moment, more and more studies are yet to be conducted on the same field to discover additional benefits that can be reaped out of it.

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DIY Home Automation and Affordability

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Despite the fact that the home automation market is expected to grow by double digits every year through the end of the decade, there is still a reluctance among the majority of American homeowners to adopt home automation. Among the reasons for their hesitancy is the belief that equipment is too expensive. 

Until hardware manufacturers and retailers figure out how to bring prices down and make consumers comfortable with the cost of home automation, there will be ongoing challenges to making the technology as common as the smartphone.

A recently-released survey from International Data Corporation suggests that about half of U.S. consumers are reluctant to adopt home automation. The top five reasons for their reluctance are as follows:

• Too expensive (46%)

• No use for the technology (40%)

• Too little value (30%)

• Too complicated (18%)

• Lack of confidence in capabilities (12%)

Americans are undoubtedly consumers above all else. Therefore, it would seem that the two biggest hurdles for the home automation industry are bringing down retail costs and creating devices that people can find practical uses for. There are some companies already working on this.

DIY Systems Lower Costs

Bringing down the cost of home automation is more about eliminating labor than actual equipment costs. For example, a consumer who purchases a home automation system through a full-service company offering "free" installation still charges the consumer for the installation through higher hardware prices. So one way to bring down costs is to provide DIY systems.

Uxari is one example of a company doing just that. They are a Florida company that has created a collection of wireless home automation devices that customers can use to build customized systems. They can build systems that meet their requirements and budgets, knowing that those same systems will be scalable should they be able to afford more in the future.

Moving beyond Thermostats and Lighting

The other thing the industry is working hard at is moving beyond just thermostats and lighting. They definitely need to. A person who wants to better control his/her thermostat can spend less on a programmable thermostat than home automation if he/she's willing to learn how to use that thermostat in all of its complicated glory. As far as lighting goes, the old-fashioned outlet timer is still a functional way to control lighting at a lower cost.

Home automation needs to go above and beyond lighting and thermostats to be more attractive. Remote door locks are one example of the industry moving in the right direction. With electronically controlled door locks installed, the homeowner can remotely lock and unlock doors to accommodate children coming home from school or guests arriving from out of town. Should a homeowner leave home and inadvertently forget to lock the door behind him/her, the problem can be solved with a smartphone.

This leads us to another factor that could help more Americans become interested in home automation: tying it into security. Companies such as Uxari are doing that, by offering video surveillance that can be monitored remotely. For example, place a camera just above the front door and you will be able to see the kids coming home from school every day. That's the kind of usefulness people want if they plan to spend the money.

The good news for the home automation industry is that half of Americans are interested in the technology. The bad news is that the other half are not. In order to change that, the industry needs to reduce the costs and come up with devices that have more practical uses.

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Yes – Burglar Alarms to Work

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Around 10 PM on August 15, 2014, police in Moorestown, NJ responded to an activated burglar alarm on the east side of town. When they got there, they found a shattered window but no suspects inside. Police concluded the burglar alarm scared off the would-be thief or thieves before anything was stolen.

Police in Lake Forest, Illinois responded to a similar call around 12:20 PM on August 19. Again, there were no suspects in sight when police and the homeowner arrived minutes after the burglar alarm was activated. They found a rear sliding glass door shattered but nothing missing. Police believe the burglar alarm also scared away the thief or thieves in this case.

Although these two cases occurred hundreds of miles apart, they prove an important point: burglar alarms do work for their intended purposes. Some critics of home security systems argue their burglar alarms are no defense against the determined burglar or home invader unafraid of being caught. And that may be true. However, there is no means of self-protection that can guarantee 100% success.

Burglar alarms are intended to be part of a larger personal security solution that aims to cover all potential security breaches. In particular, the three primary purposes of the burglar alarm are:

-  Deterrence

- Making Noise

- Securing Help

Deterrence

FBI crime statistics from 2012 suggest a home burglary occurs at a rate of one every 12 to 15 seconds. The numbers clearly show that burglars are alive, well, and doing business throughout the United States. In most cases, they are looking for items that they can grab quickly and sell easily. The one thing that all burglars all have in common is the desire to pull off their crimes without being caught. That is where burglar alarms come into play.

A burglar alarm increases the chances of being caught by way of noisy alarms and 24-hour monitoring services. All things being equal, is the burglar more likely to hit the house with or without the alarm? The answer should be obvious. If a burglar knows an alarm is being used on a particular house, he or she would most likely move on to a home without an alarm.

Making Noise

As evidenced by the two news stories above, making a lot of noise is a great way to scare away burglars that might otherwise be undeterred. Noise prevents a burglar from completing his or her mission inconspicuously, something that the average burglar hates. A burglar wants to get in and out completely unnoticed.

Securing Help

When a home security system includes 24-hour monitoring, the burglar alarm also becomes a method for securing help. As soon as an alarm is triggered, the monitoring center quickly springs into action to evaluate the situation and contact the appropriate authorities. The lack of an alarm system could put you in serious jeopardy should your home be burglarized while you are occupying it.

In cases when a home is not occupied, securing help is still an important advantage. In both the New Jersey and Illinois cases, the noise of the burglar alarms likely scared away the burglars because they knew help was on the way. They had no intention of being there when police arrived.

No, burglar alarms are not foolproof by any stretch of imagination. However, they are an important tool in safeguarding your property against enterprising thieves that would seek to break in. A burglar alarm acts as a deterrent, makes a lot of conspicuous noise, and, when coupled with 24-hour monitoring, gives homeowners quick access to help in time of need.

RELATED READ: Will You be the Next Victim of Laptop Theft?

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The Mobile Kill Switch Is In Effect: Here’s What You Need To Know

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

It’s officially July, which means the California smartphone “kill switch” law is officially effective in the Golden State. If you’re scratching your head right now asking, “What is that? Did I miss something? Is that a dumb question?” You can find the answers here. 

It’s important to stay informed because the impact of this mandate could mean a revolutionary change for the smartphone world and us owners in it. 

What Is A Kill Switch? 

A kill switch is a function featured on a smart device that gives a person the ability to remotely lock a phone and wipe the data on it if needed. The anti-theft measure requires users to input a passcode in a smartphone before it can be unlocked or restored to factory settings. What this new law in California calls for is a mandatory kill switch (think “Find My iPhone” or Android Device Manager) built into all smartphones, placed in active mode automatically. 

Why Is It Happening? 

It’s happening because “Apple Picking,” aka iPhone stealing, has become a crime epidemic due to the great value these handheld gadgets hold. In fact, 3.1 million Americans had their mobile phones stolen in 2013 and an estimated 1 in 3 thefts in the U.S. involves a smartphone. Many victims of these crimes are passengers on public transit and a sizeable portion have been threatened with knives or guns as well as assaulted. In order to deter these events from happening, the government is getting involved. A law has already been put in place in Minnesota and most recently went into effect in the state of California. The thought behind requiring an obligatory kill switch in all phones is that potential thieves won’t even attempt to steal a phone by knowing it will render useless once out of the original owner’s hands. 

How It’s Taking Effect & Who’s On Board? 

The wireless industry is proactively working together with policymakers to ensure that phone software complies to the new law in effect. For California, it’s required that a kill switch be equipped in the device and turned on as a default. Retailers must comply with the statute and if they sell any smartphones without a kill switch in place, they could be fined $500 - $2,500 per each one that doesn’t meet the now standard requirement. 

Major mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon have endorsed the effort, working with app developers and tech manufacturers to develop kill-switch capabilities in the phones they sell at the store. Ultimately the customer is protected in every way, and no additional costs are inflicted upon them with the upgrade. Smartphones with tightened security mean happier consumers and a happy customer for these businesses is always the goal. 

What The Future Holds

With initial steps already taken with similar kill-switch software implemented in the past couple of years, results are proving positive. From the 2013 stats of 3.1 million phones stolen, the number has already dropped by a million to 2.1 million in 2014, according to Consumer Reports. As technology undergoes innovation after innovation, more people will indirectly buy new kill-switch-enabled phones that come to market. The California law is anticipated to be a success and the rest of the nation will follow the leader. 

So now when anyone asks you what a mobile kill switch is, you’ll know that it is an anti-theft feature that has become a requirement in all new smartphones made in California. The overall hope is to prevent the act from happening altogether, thus leading to a world with no more smartphone stealing. This big move by the biggest state in America should spark a domino effect and bring the United States one step closer to a more peaceful, less crime-filled society.

RELATED: Will You be the Next Victim of Laptop Theft?

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Cars Of Tomorrow: 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The cost of gasoline has steadily risen since the economic crash of 2008, and car manufacturers have responded by making more fuel efficient vehicles. Toyota and BMW formally agreed to collaborate on perfecting hydrogen fuel technology in 2013, while Ford, Nissan, and Daimler said they would team up to completely revolutionize fuel cells in their vehicles by 2017, according to the Economist. 

New car technology is usually dictated by economic conditions or public demand. The 1973 oil embargo by several OPEC member nations caused long lines at the pump, while a barrel of oil quadrupled in price within a 12 month period. The following year GM, Ford and Chrysler all made cruise control a mainstream option for their vehicles to help drivers save gas, while lawmakers pushed conservation and domestic energy efforts, including the enactment of the national 55 mph speed limit in 1973. 

The technology of tomorrow will continue to make cars more efficient and safe, and will bring more comfort and convenience to the driver. These three features are the next big advances that will soon be just as common as rear-view mirrors in most U.S.-made vehicles:

Forward Collision Avoidance Systems

Most DMV practice tests online will advise drivers to keep a safe following distance of about 3 seconds between your car and the one ahead of you. But new technology will soon remove human judgment from the driving equation altogether.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates forward-collision avoidance systems reduce crashes by up to 7 percent, and up to 14 percent if they include auto-braking features. An alarm will sound when the system senses the speed and trajectory of a vehicle is likely to lead to some type of collision. The IIHS rates all manufacturer system, from basic to superior, based on its capabilities.

A basic rating, for instance, is given to vehicles that meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's criteria on at least 5 of 7 test runs. There are 74 vehicles with forward-collision avoidance systems, including the 2014 models of the Cadillac ATS, Mercedes C-Class Sedan and Subaru Legacy, that have earned the organization's advanced rating. The 2014 Acura MDX SUV and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cherokee are among the models with superior ratings.

David Zuby, the chief research officer for IIHS, said auto-braking features will help inattentive and older drivers avoid fender benders, and ultimately lower insurance costs.

Camless Engines

A typical four-stroke piston engine utilizes camshafts to run the followers and open the valves that regulate gasoline flow. But if Christian von Koenigsegg of Sweden's Koenigsegg Automotive has his way, camshafts will be a thing of the past by 2020. He told Jalopnik at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that his company has been working on a camless engine for several years and believes it will be the rule rather than the exception for automobiles in the near future.

All the valves in a camless engine will function independently, translating to better fuel efficiency and horse power. Several manufacturers, including BMW, GM, and Ford have been tinkering with the idea, but it appears the technology may still be a few years away from being available to the masses.

Cargines and LaunchPoint Technologies are currently the leaders in camless engines. Brian Paden, the lead designer for the LaunchPoint, told Car-Engineer.com that this type of valve timing technology will increase fuel efficiency by 20 percent, reduce emissions by 10 percent, and improve torque by up to 13 percent.

Hands-Free Driving

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers predicts 60 percent of cars will be connected to the Internet by 2025. This first step is essential to the organization's other major prediction: that 75 percent of vehicles will be self-driving by 2040.

Autonomous cars not only have to be able to communicate with one another, but also with the satellites that safely route them. These vehicles will enable blind individuals, along with the handicapped and elderly, to drive to the grocery store and even take cross-country road trips. Google announced in April that its driverless technology completed over 700,000 miles of driving without an accident.

The National Highway and Safety Administration estimates car accidents cost the country nearly $900 billion a year. The International Organsation for Road Accident Prevention estimates more than 90 percent of accidents are caused by human error. Driverless technology can eliminate most accidents, the need for traffic lights, and lower insurance premiums for all drivers.

Driverless vehicles are currently only being tested in the states of California, Nevada, Michigan, and Florida.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Cars of 2014 Under $60K

Be sure to leave your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback on this kind of research!

*by andreascy*

How to Spot a Phishing Email

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just Gen X’ers and Millennials who are plugged in to today’s Internet-driven technologies. Baby Boomers – born between the late 1940s and mid-1960s – represent more than a third of all Internet users, according to a Nielsen study. 

And although boomers have become pretty savvy when it comes to their Internet use, they risk falling victim to various identity theft scams. Below are a few fresh and informative tips that, as a savvy boomer, you can follow to keep your yourself and your identity safe. 

Spotting Red Flags 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 16.6 million people in the U.S. found themselves the victim of at least one identity theft incident. Many of these incidents come as the result of phishing, the act of sending fake emails or instant messages aimed at convincing users to submit private information, such as bank account and credit card numbers. With phishing on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself properly from emerging threats. Here are a few red flags that boomers should look out for as they check their emails: 

The email and its links feature a misleading domain name – Most boomers might not notice a slightly tweaked URL in the sender’s email address or in any of the links within the email. For instance, a phisher may try to make part of their domain name appear as close to the official version as possible (e.g. Microsoft.baddomain.com vs. microsoft.com). Some phishing attempts use a redirecting URL on top of a seemingly legit link as a cover. In most cases, simply hovering over the link can reveal the URL’s true destination. 

The message contains threats to your account status – Many phishing attempts feature urgent messages that not only tell you that your account is in jeopardy, but threaten suspension or deletion unless it’s confirmed or verified with your personal or account information. Another phishing tactic involves a fake email warning of a recent unauthorized access attempt, with a request to validate the account using your personal information. 

Legitimate banks, government agencies and other institutions won’t threaten account closure over ID verification, nor will they require you enter your name, account number, password and Social Security number via email. If an email requests two forms of ID or any other information that could possibly compromise your identity, chances are it’s a phishing attempt. 

The message comes from someone you haven’t done business with before – If you receive an official sounding e-mail about an account, but you’ve never done business with that company, chances are it's a phishing attempt. 

Trust Your Gut 

If something tells you that an e-mail is potentially suspicious, go with your gut feeling. It’s better to be on the safe side than fall victim to identity theft. When in doubt, simply delete the message. 

As On Guard Online’s phishing guide notes, there are several other steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. In addition to reviewing credit card statements for unauthorized charges, you can also forward phishing emails to several organizations dedicated fighting phishing. These organizations include the Anti-Phishing Working Group and the Federal Trade Commission.

STAY INFORMED: Hackers Can Wirelessly Read Your Credit Cards Through Clothes And Wallets

Hope you find this post helpful! Till next time my friends. 😉💪

*by andreascy*

Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Cyber Monday

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hi friends! We are friends by now, right? :) Cybercrime costs the U.S. economy anywhere from $24 to 120 billion each year, the Center for Strategic and International Studies reports. 

This year, get the jump on your Cyber Monday holiday shopping safely by protecting your computer with these eight tips.

1. Use antivirus software - Antivirus software alerts you to malware, spyware or keylogging software installed on your computer. Most antivirus programs also spot phishing scams, which attempt to steal your information by posing as legitimate entities (i.e. your bank). Keep your antivirus software up to date and running this holiday season to stave off cybercrime.

2. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true email offers - If you see an incredible-sounding offer (say, 80 percent off Sephora's new arrivals), check the store's website or CyberMonday.com, a site that lists legitimate Cyber Monday offers. If Sephora is offering the same deal, you know it's legit and you can shop with confidence.

3. Shop securely - Type in the store's actual Web address when searching for deals. For example, go to Macy's site directly when searching for deals instead of relying on a potential scam email or link on an unfamiliar site. A secured Website keeps your data protected so that others may not view it during transmission. Secured sites use https instead of http. If you are trying to check out and you do not see the S there, hold off on your purchase. Someone may swipe your credit card number.

4. Protect your network - Protect your home wireless with a password to stay safe. While you might browse the internet at your local library or coffee shop, don't purchase anything if their network is not secured.

5. Log off, don't just close the window - You bought those stocking stuffers from Target and paid after making sure the page was secured. Don't just close the webpage window, log out of your Target account first. This prevents thieves from stealing your personal or financial information because you left your information logged in.

6. Pay with credit and watch your account - Paying with credit cards is often more secure than a debit card purchase. Keep an eye on your account for fraudulent activity in the days and weeks to come. If you see fraudulent activities, file a claim with the credit card company. Many credit card companies also screen for unusual transactions. So, if someone in Romania tries to purchase $1000 worth of computing equipment, a red flag goes up as this is obviously not consistent with your purchasing behavior. The transaction will not go through and you'll be notified.

7. Update that web browser - Using an old version of IE or Firefox can leave you vulnerable, according to the Chicago Tribune. Protect your finances by updating your browser when asked.

8. Use smart passwords - When signing up as a store customer online, select a strong password that combines letters, numbers and special characters. There are encryption apps you can use to make your password hard to hack, such as KeePass. If you're worried about forgetting an encrypted password, use a memorization tool like Dashlane.

RECOMMENDED: Top Ten Best Cars of 2014 Under $60K

Hope you found something useful in the above tips. Are there any extra details you’d like to know? Please don't forget to join our Facebook fan page and spread our voice to your friends and other social circles. Stay tuned for more!

*by andreascy*

How To Shop Black Friday Like A Pro

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Black Friday is a great day to get huge TVs, powerful laptops and an array of other products for incredibly low prices. 

If you're new to Black Friday shopping, or if you just want to learn how the pros do it, then follow these tips. You'll be finding the best sales without breaking a sweat.

Be Focused

The first thing that you have to do is being focused. Most people who shop on Black Friday love the amazing sales, but they are just going to buy anything that's cheap. This approach makes it difficult to find the best stores with your favorite products. What do you really want to buy? For example, let's say that you want a new laptop. After figuring out what you want, you can then compare the different stores that offer good laptops to see which one has the best price. Researching the price shouldn't be hard. You can check flyers and inserts, the store's website or check online for the latest Black Friday deals. You should bring the flyer or insert with you to ensure that you get the right price.

Make a Plan

Most people don't just visit one store on Black Friday. If you want to do a lot of shopping, like early Christmas shopping, then you'll want to make a plan to ensure that you visit every store on your list. You should organize your list based on which products you want the most. If you want a laptop, then visit a store with computers before going anywhere else. This ensures that you get the things that you really want, and anything else is just a bonus.

Small Stores

The big brands always advertise Black Friday sales, which causes a lot of people to visit them. Best Buy, Target and other similar stores have lots of sales, but they also have long lines. Consider visiting smaller stores. Due to public demand, nearly every store will have deep discounts on this day. You can call the store or visit the website to see what sales will be offered.

Social Media

Social media will be your best friend on Black Friday. Many retailers will issue last-minute coupons to ensure the highest number of sales. You should follow any retailers that you plan to visit on Black Friday. This will ensure that you get these coupons if they are issued, and you might get updates about new discounts.

Join Forces

Do you have a friend, spouse or child that loves shopping just as much as you? Then join forces to make Black Friday that much easier. For example, you can run to the cheapest product while the other person gets a cart or rushes to find another cheap product that you both want.

Be Comfortable

If you're going to be out all day, then ditch that bulky winter jacket for something more comfortable. It's a much better idea to dress in layers so that you can just remove one or two things to get comfortable. Those bulky jackets will make you feel tired halfway through your shopping because you'll be sweaty and uncomfortable.

SEE ALSO: Four Interesting Graduation Present Ideas

I love to blog about mobile phones and shopping tips. I recommend buying a smartphone from AT&T on Black Friday to take advantage of the biggest holiday saving.

*by andreascy*