For today’s travelers, being well-prepared for a journey can be achieved with much lighter baggage than what the travelers of the past had to lug along. This is largely thanks to smartphones and the apps that can be loaded onto them, a convenient combination that allows users to fit many of the top accessories needed for a trips right into their pockets. For digital denizens with a trip on the horizon, here are some of the top travel-related apps in the marketplace: Airbnb — This app connects travelers in need of lodging with homeowners the world over who have rooms,...

Read More 15 Smartphone Apps That Are Terrific for Travel

As those who live in areas close to the coastline tend to be keenly aware, sometimes rough (and even dangerous) weather can sneak up quickly and without warning. But by keeping a close eye on the weather forecast, residents can be better prepared for the worst. And with the right storm-warning applications installed on their smartphones, users can have this vital, safety-related information at their fingertips or within easy reach at all times — even during the overnight hours when most people are sleeping. For an extra level of warning and added time to prepare for inclement weather, consider these...

Read More 5 Great Apps for Receiving Timely Storm Warnings

As savvy consumers know, sometimes a quick search for online coupons can bring serious savings on everyday purchases ranging from meals and medications to groceries and entertainment. And when the purchases are larger, of course, the savings available via online coupons can add up even more. Unfortunately, though, some online coupon sites fall far short of reliable, leaving the internet consumer to have code after code rejected and the in-person shopper holding a paper coupon that is not worth the paper it is printed on. But with these six typically reliable sources for online coupons, savings can be just a...

Read More 6 Great Websites for Finding Online Coupons

FTC is participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP), a temporary initiative created by the federal government to assist households struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced  the EBBP would launch on May 12, 2021. At that time, consumers could apply for the program through the National Verifier at GetEmergencyBroadband.org .  Households meeting specific, income-related eligibility requirements that enroll in the program can receive a temporary credit of up to $50 on their monthly internet bills. The program will remain in operation until the funding is exhausted or until six months after the federal...

Read More FTC to participate in Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

Today’s screened devices often get bad press for their tendency to keep users relatively inactive and this is largely for good reason. After all, too much screen time is widely accepted as a leading culprit in heavy TV watchers’ weight gain, regular video viewers’ long stretches of idleness and a collection of other unhealthy, technology-related habits. But such devices do not always have to be bad for one’s health and a long list of health-focused smartphone apps provide the proof. When looking for digital help maintaining a healthy lifestyle, health-conscious consumers can consider these six highly rated apps that can...

Read More 6 Apps That Can Help Users Boost Their Health

In the digital era, excessive screen time for children had already become a persistent and growing concern among American parents. And, perhaps predictably, new research shows the societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only served to exaggerate the issue. According to an August 2020 survey conducted by Morning Consult, added time spent at home in an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in the time American children are spending on screened devices such as smartphones, computers and tablets. Of the 899 parents with children ages 17 and under polled in the August...

Read More Research Shows Kids’ Screen Time on the Rise During Pandemic

For many lovers of nature, one of the best things about heading out into the great outdoors is the opportunity to unplug and leave all the digital devices behind. And while this is a widely shared and well-founded sentiment, sometimes modern technology and Mother Nature can actually work well together, even if the day’s goal might be to get away from the hustle and bustle of connected life. Case in point: A range of smartphone apps have been created to take outdoor adventures to the next level by delivering benefits like educational content, navigational help and other value-adds, all accessible...

Read More 5 Great Apps for the Great Outdoors

In the age of the internet and social media, a world of information and news updates has been put at consumers’ fingertips 24/7 … but as most of us are well aware, much of it is far from trustworthy. Especially in some social media circles, the spread of misinformation has become rampant, in some cases even leading to dangerous consequences. In fact, falsehoods and exaggerated claims have become so commonplace online and on social media, it can at times be hard to tell what is true and false anymore. Fortunately, though, discerning news consumers who want to double-check the accuracy...

Read More 5 Great Websites for Fact-Checking Online Claims

While the majority of today’s internet users have heard of “the cloud” and cloud computing, not all may be aware that it is more than just a business-focused resource. In fact, using the cloud can bring big benefits for businesses and individuals alike, and the technology offers a long list of helpful applications in both the professional world and in our routine daily lives. Many internet users might even be employing the cloud already without even realizing it. So just what is the cloud? “The cloud” refers to technology that enables internet users to store an array of files and...

Read More 7 Everyday Ways ‘the Cloud’ Can Deliver Big Benefits

In the digital age, it is a persistent question for parents, especially among those raising younger kids: How much screen time is OK for a growing child? This is certainly an important topic for parents to ponder as too much screen time has been linked to a range of problems in children. These can include increased risks for behavioral problems, obesity, insomnia, eye strain, headaches and neck and back ailments. Of course, screen time is not all bad. When used wisely, it can serve as a powerful educational tool. Additionally, it can be a great way to keep kids entertained...

Read More A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Screen Time: How Much Is Too Much?