News & Blog | Page 2 of 14

Mar

16

2021

5 Great Apps for the Great Outdoors

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...

Mar

04

2021

5 Great Websites for Fact-Checking Online Claims

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...

Feb

15

2021

7 Everyday Ways ‘the Cloud’ Can Deliver Big Benefits

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...

Feb

08

2021

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

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...

Jan

18

2021

5 Great Apps for Pet Owners

Ready for Rover to get in on the app act? While modern technology has yet to reach the point where our four-legged friends are actively using smartphones and their associated apps, there are a number of apps that consumers can install to make pet ownership easier and their pets’ lives safer, healthier and happier. For pet owners seeking digital help with the responsibilities of pet ownership, these five free apps are among the leaders of the pack: Pet First Aid: Developed by the American Red Cross, this app gives pet owners easy access to veterinary advice when everyday pet-related emergencies...

5 Ways Drones May Change Our Lives in the Future

While many of today’s consumers may think of drones as kids’ toys (and the recreational versions can indeed be a lot of fun to play with, even grown-ups must admit), these technological tools are much more than a flying evolution of the remote-control car. They are used as efficiency-boosting and timesaving tools in a range of industries, from mining and surveying to shipping and delivery, search and rescue and weather forecasting. Moving forward, they promise to take on even greater roles in everyday society. Consider these five ways that drones may factor into Americans’ lives in the not-too-distant future (and...

Dec

22

2020

How to Create a Memoji on an iPhone

Regular text and email users (and most everybody else by now, really) are likely familiar with emoji. These wildly popular images, symbols and icons are regularly used in text messages and emails, and they offer a simple way to quickly and succinctly express emotions, thoughts and other information with just a few clicks. Adding to their popularity, emoji recently took on a more personal touch. With the 2019 release of its then-new iOS 13, Apple upped the emoji game with the “memoji,” which allow users of Apple devices to create their own personalized avatar with facial features like their own,...

Dec

07

2020

5 Sought-After Features in a Portable Bluetooth Speaker — and Some Top Models That Deliver Them

For today’s music lovers, modern technology has made pursuing sonic passions much easier and more convenient than in past eras of musical recordings. Case in point: A serious fan’s entire music collection, including days’ or even months’ worth of albums and tracks, can now be stored right on a smartphone and carried around in a pocket or purse, accessible at any time and from anywhere with just a few swipes and clicks. And for those who subscribe to streaming music services, virtual libraries filled with millions of artists, albums and songs can be accessed at home or on the go...

Dec

04

2020

FTC to Utilize New Vendor for Directory

FTC is transitioning the development of its directory, including its yellow pages, to the nation’s largest and oldest directory publisher of rural telephone cooperatives. Vivial, formerly known as the Berry Company and based out of Dayton, OH, will be taking over for Data Publishing, which produced the FTC “phone book” for the past decade. Dent Adams, FTC’s chief operating officer-subsidiaries, leads the division that oversees the directory. “Change is never easy, but we just found it was the perfect time for us, and we are excited about this partnership,” Adams said. “We conducted an exhaustive search and chose Vivial because...

Nov

17

2020

5 Holiday Movies That Can Brighten the Season

The holidays are known for endearing traditions with abundant family time, fun gift exchanges, festive decorations and nearly nonstop feasting high on the list of highlights for many Americans. Another American tradition during the time of year when the weather outside gets frightful and families are looking to spend some quality time inside, is holiday movies. Whether it is a classic Christmas tale, a long-loved holiday comedy or a new flick celebrating the season on the tinsel- and light-decked block, holiday movies and the season of joy go hand in hand. For seasonal celebrants looking to put some holiday cheer...