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...

Read More 5 Holiday Movies That Can Brighten the Season

Most modern consumers have grown familiar with the term “smart home” and they understand that today’s homes are growing more and more technologically advanced (and even internet-connected) by the day. In fact, as homes fill up with tech tools that can make homeowners’ lives easier, safer, more enjoyable or generally better in one way or another, these life-enhancing devices have begun to make appearances in nearly every room of the house. Consider these cutting-edge devices that can improve the lives of their tech-savvy owners, from the front door to the back door and from the top floor to the basement:...

Read More The Smart(er) Home: Life-Enhancing Tech Devices for Every Room

Most internet users have likely heard the terms “upload speed” and “download speed” before, but what do these tech terms mean and how are users’ online experiences affected by them? This blog will dig into upload and download speeds, provide definitions and explanations for both terms, and outline the important roles they play in the quality of a user’s internet experience. A Critical Connection Most web-enabled devices, such as smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets and even washing machines, would face mild to severe limitations in their functionality without a strong internet connection. Take a smart TV, for example: While this...

Read More Internet Upload and Download Speeds—What They Are, and Why They’re Important

With the coronavirus pandemic still upon us, this holiday season promises to be distinctly different from the ones American consumers are used to celebrating. This year, the in-person Christmas parties are likely to be few and far between; many family celebrations are bound to be shifted to online video chats rather than gatherings at Grandma’s house; and if the kids can even find a Santa to visit for Christmas-wish-list sharing, he’s likely to be wearing a mask when they sit in his lap — if that’s allowed at all. The holiday shopping season is bound to see some major changes...

Read More Ways Consumers Can Make Their Holiday Shopping Safer (and Smoother) During the Pandemic

Most smartphone owners who regularly communicate via text have fallen victim to the “chatty group text.” And it typically all gets started so innocently. Maybe it’s the youth league parents group discussing when the next practice will be held or perhaps it’s a sizable group of old classmates making plans for the big upcoming reunion. But, whatever the affiliation of the group’s members or the original topic of discussion, somewhere the conversation drifts off course — way off course. And before the group’s unsuspecting members know it, their phones are buzzing a mile a minute with new texts or they...

Read More How to Politely Exit (or Tune Out) an Overly Active Group Text

With today’s array of handheld technology — some of which consumers take with them everywhere — there is no shortage of electronic distractions for 21st century drivers. And even for those who have spent decades behind the wheel, any of these devices can present quite a danger by taking drivers’ eyes off the road. In fact, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for more than 2,800 U.S. traffic fatalities in 2018 alone. Many states and municipalities have enacted laws that make distracted driving a crime. But unfortunately, the allure of that ringing...

Read More 6 Ways to Tap the Brakes on Distracted Driving

Today’s connected consumer rarely goes anywhere without his or her smartphone. And for most smartphone users, getting through the day without this ever-more-vital technological tool could present quite a challenge — because beyond simply being a phone, the devices double for many as their alarm clocks, cameras, flashlights, GPS devices/maps, notepads, voice recorders and more. So, needless to say, it can create something of a personal crisis when a smartphone’s battery begins approaching empty and no outside charging source is readily available. But there are a number of ways to speed charging and prolong the battery’s time in the green....

Read More 6 Ways to Make a Smartphone Battery Charge Faster/Last Longer