Top Topics:

Aug 8, 2016

3 Hurdles That Remain For Long-Distance Automated Travel


This post is by Charles Bell. Our guest contributor this month. The topic for this post is autonomous cars, which is the cool new topic in travel and gadgets world. 

3 Hurdles That Remain For Long-Distance Automated Travel

There are a lot of exciting things about the possibility of fully automated cars, but one thing that people are looking forward to in particular is the idea of long commutes and road trips in these vehicles. Traveling in an ordinary car, while occasionally pleasant in its own way, is a taxing experience. Staying alert for hours on end is demanding, and controlling a vehicle on a highway can be monotonous. The idea of making the same trip in a car that will drive itself, allowing you to kick back and relax, is very appealing

Aug 4, 2016

Best Video On How Free Games Make Tons of Money


Best Video On How Free Games Make Tons of Money

Pokemon Go App made $14 million dollars (as of the date of the video) as a free game on Apple's AppStore and Google Play. This is how they, plus other free games, make money in freemium economy:

Aug 1, 2016

How To Watch 2016 Olympic Games in Rio


How To Watch 2016 Olympic Games in Rio

http://wtvpc.com/2016-summer-olympics-live-stream-guide/

Olympic Games are truly a world stage. If there is one thing that represents the world and tourism it is the games. Competitors come to these games from all over the planet.

Did You Know?
For two weeks during the games, all wars and other things are stopped. It is called the Olympic Truth. "The Olympic Truce is a tradition originating from Ancient Greece that dates back to 778 BC in the 8th century BC. A Truce was announced before and during the Olympic Games to ensure the host city-state (Elis) was not attacked and athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games and peacefully return to their respective countries. During the Truce period (lasting up to three months), wars were suspended, armies were prohibited from threatening the Games, legal disputes were stopped, and death penalties were forbidden." Wikipedia

Jul 28, 2016

Top Travel Tech Gadgets Posts This Month - July


Top Travel Tech Gadgets Posts This Month - July

5 Coolest Travel Gadgets Currently in Crowdfunding - July
Do not have to worry about running out of power while on the go

New Cool Up-and-Coming Travel Gadgets - July
Which would mean no more cracked screens on your phone or tablet while traveling

Jul 25, 2016

5 Coolest Travel Gadgets Currently in Crowdfunding - July


5 Coolest Travel Gadgets Currently in Crowdfunding - July

Image source: indiegogo.com
AirBolt: The Truly Smart Travel Lock
indiegogo.com/projects/airbolt-the-truly-smart-travel-lock
- Unlock the lock with your phone: either by being close to it or by being close to it and entering a password
- Can help locate lost/stolen luggage via crowdsourced GPS locator
- Locate your luggage or anything the lock is on by activating remote alarm
- The alarm also can be sounded when you walk away from the object
- The AirBolt can also be unlocked from a device other than your phone by login into your account
- Rechargeable battery that only needs to be charged once a year
- Airport security approved

Jul 21, 2016

Travel News - Gadget Related - July


Travel News - Gadget Related - July

Amazon's Kindle Gets Slender for Beach Season
- It is thinner and lighter - 6.7 x 4.7 x 0.35 inches; 5.6 ounces
- Comes in black or white
- Will feature 512MG of RAM (up from 256MG
- Built-in Bluetooth audio support
- All Kindles will get

Jul 20, 2016

Biggest News in Travel Since Luggage Fees

Biggest News in Travel Since Luggage Fees



Newly passed air travel legislation is ‘an amazing win for consumers’

Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill has been approved by Congress and this legislation would create:
a rule that directs the transportation secretary to establish a policy to allow children under age 13 “to be seated in a seat adjacent to the seat of an accompanying family member over the age of 13” at no additional cost.
a rule to require airlines to promptly and automatically refund “any ancillary fees” paid for checked baggage if it is delivered later than 12 hours after the arrival of a domestic flight or 15 hours for an international flight.

More information on the Bill here: http://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-passes-faa-reauthorization-bill




Did You Know?:
Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill (pdf)


Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below

If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
Follow us  RSS Feed Sign up for free blog updates

Jul 18, 2016

Travel Gadget Review - Large Beach Umbrella

Travel Gadget Review - Large Beach Umbrella

sports beach umbrella

This is not a little sun umbrella that you can stroll around with. It is the kind you can set up and sit under in a chair.

However, it is not as heavy or bulky as you would think. It weighs 9 pounds and folds up into a slick, long, line that is easy to swing on the shoulder with built-in strap on the case.


We have been considering getting an umbrella awhile ago and have been doing research. And in researching beach umbrellas, we can across a beach tent for kids. So instead of an umbrella, we purchased the tent for our kiddo. It has been a hit and life and skin saver for the family. Read here how we have used it on trips to Aruba and Dominican Republic as well as on the local beach.
However, the tent is only for the little one, adults got left out in the scorching sun. Hence for our local trips to the beach, we needed a shade of our own.

Related:
Family Trip to DR - What To Pack
What To Pack For Vacation With An Infant

Why good to have on a trip:
- Easy to transport
- Unfolds easily just like a regular umbrella
- Comes with all the accessories and gadgets to keep down in the sand and with wind blowing
- Roomy for a family
- Has ventilation windows
- Can be used as a tent or
- Free standing, mushroom type
- Easy to collapse

Con: It does weight 9 pounds, so while it is the same operation as regular umbrella, you have to make sure to support it and works best with 2 people

Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below

If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
Follow us  RSS Feed Sign up for free blog updates

Jul 14, 2016

The Unexpected Side-effects of Pokemon Go

Image source: Youtube.com

The Unexpected Side-effects of Pokemon Go

How to get Free Pokémon Go Coins:
cnet.com/how-to/how-to-get-pokecoins-for-free-in-pokemon-go
eurogamer.net/articles/pokemon-go-coins-how-to-get-pokecoins
ign.com/wikis/pokemon-go/How_to_Get_Coins
forbes.com/sites/davidthier/theres-one-way-to-get-free-pokecoins-in-pokemon-go

Update: Pokemon Go is now available on the Apple Watch. Also coming soon to the game are Pokémon trading and player-versus-player battles, plus several new creatures.

Pokemon Go is nothing like the original game you might remember from the '90s. It's a free mobile game that lets you see Pokemon with your phone via augmented reality in the real world.
It is the hottest game out right now. And it is causing people to travel more. And even, exercise more.
As part of the game you walk around town, the park, the mall, your workplace until you find a Pokemon. Then, you try to catch it. You can get extra PokéBalls and other extras by visiting your local PokéStop. These are tagged using the phone's GPS. Your avatar gets marked in the current position on a simplified version of what is essentially Google Maps. And then you see the locations of the stops and Pokemon within your vicinity.
The players of the game are getting on their skateboards, bikes, buses, and trains and getting around their towns and beyond to locate their next Pokemon.
Though all this traveling while playing the game does raise some concerns and as Pokemon Go website says:

"For safety's sake, never play Pokémon GO when you're on your bike, driving a car, riding a hoverboard, or anything else where you should be paying attention, and of course never, wander away from your parents or your group to catch a Pokémon."

By walking around and getting on bikes and such, folks are also getting exercise with some side-effects..soreness:




See more of similar tweets collection on Gizmodo: Sore Legs Become Pandemic As Pokémon Go Players Accidentally Get Exercise

Update: There are now some statistics available on how Pokemon GO got more people to travel IRL.
The company behind the game, Niantic, said that it drove more than $249 million in tourism revenue for the cities on its event list.

You can't catch 'em all with an old phone. Get one that can:



Travel Gear for Your Pokémon Go Adventure:

Update: Nintendo released Pokémon Go Plus wearable, which is a gadget that lets you catch Pokemon in the wild with a simple click of a button. You don't even have to take out your phone. It pairs with your phone via Bluetooth and can be attached to belt, pocket or strap, and also comes with a lanyard bracelet. Pokémon Go Plus notifies you of the appearance of a Pokémon nearby—using an LED and vibration
Because of its constant connection to data and GPS networks, cell service, and camera, Pokémon GO is a major power drainer for your phone. Anker PowerCore Charger is a compact solution to this problem, get one to keep the game going.

While you are doing all the walking might as well keep track of your progress and activity with Fitbit Charge HR

Protect your phone, and your game, from accidental bumps, falls and spills with Lifeproof FRE iPhone 6/6s Waterproof and Shock Proof Case

Essentials for everyone's favorite app

Google Maps now has a ‘Catching Pokémon’ feature in Timeline

Is Pokemon the Coolest New Tour Guide in Town?

Is your phone/tablet/computer open to hacking? Protect the ones you love with a PIA VPN service for safe and secure Web Browsing: VPN for Android VPN for iOS

Sound-off: Have you download and played this game? If so, where did it take you? Let us know below

If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
Follow us  RSS Feed Sign up for free blog updates

Jul 11, 2016

Find My iPhone - Locate Your Misplaced Phone As Well As Sanity

Find My iPhone - Locate Your Misplaced Phone As Well As Sanity

Find My iPhone feature of iPhone not only can find your phone within the exact address as we know first hand (story below), but the latest feature that the phone has is that you can use it to locate a misplaced phone as well. Using another iPhone or computer, login into iCloud and Find iPhone. Afterward, you can turn on sound on your missing phone, even if it is on vibrate. The feature will override it and will play a loud ping sound continuously for two minutes to help you locate the phone. It is a great thing to know for someone who is always looking for their phone.

Other things that you can do using the Find My iPhone app:

• Remotely lock your device with a passcode

• Display a custom message on the Lock Screen

• View recent location history of your device while in Lost Mode (iOS devices)

• Get driving directions to device's location

• Remotely erase all content and settings on your device

• Battery charge indicator


Did You Know?:

How to turn on Find My iPhone for your iPhone or iPad
  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap on iCloud.
  3. Tap on Find My iPhone.
  4. Turn On the option for Find My iPhone.
Related articles:
10 Great Smartphone Camera Hacks For Travel
What is the one thing you can't travel without?
Finders Keepers - How To Find and Keep Your Travel Gadgets
Amazon Prime - Why I Use It For All My Travel and Gadget Needs

Our lost phone story:
"Going into an elevator I and my wife reached for the elevator door that was stuck at the same time. Bump. Since my wife was also holding her phone in that hand it went flying. We both watched in slow motion as it went to the floor and somehow tilted on its side and was able to slide through almost the same width opening between the body of the elevator and platform. It ended up going down into the basement.
We called the superintendent, and he let us know that it is a big fall but not far, however, there was water at the bottom. That did not sound great. Neither did the fact that he could not go down and access it. Though he was able to tell us that elevator maintenance would be able to do that. During a workday. And this happened on Sunday.
The next day coming back to the same spot, we noticed that it looked like some work was done on the broken door and we were hopeful that the same people were able to access the basement and retrieve the phone. Super did confirm that some maintenance guy did come by but he was not sure where the phone was located. So this is when we decided to turn on Find My iPhone via computer and check it out. Once the map came up, there it was, several miles in a different borough. Turns out not only did the maintenance guy find the phone, he decided to take it with him.
After contacting the super, who contacted the elevator company, who in turned contacted the guy, we were able to confirm that he had possession of the phone. Through this same chain, we received the phone back. Though it seems that the guy was not happy about us tracking him down, and decided to run over the phone with his boot or car as it was very damaged. Thankfully, the Geniuses at Apple Store were able to retrieve some of the data and give us a replacement. We are very thankful for the Find My iPhone app and have it turned on on all of our devices."

Sound-off: Have you used Find My iPhone app or any other similar ones? Or had other situations with "misplaced" phones? Tell us your story below


Is your phone/tablet/computer open to hacking? Protect the ones you love with a PIA VPN service for safe and secure Web Browsing: VPN for Android VPN for iOS

If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
Follow us  RSS Feed Sign up for free blog updates

Jul 7, 2016

New Cool Up-and-Coming Travel Gadgets - July


New Cool Up-and-Coming Travel Gadgets - June

Samsung Wireless Headphones that can Store Music - Gear IconX
interestingengineering.com/information-leaked-samsung-wireless-headphones-can-store-music
Image source: Venture Beat
- Truly wireless headphone, no wires connecting the two earbuds
- Can store music, upto 4GB flash memory
- Don’t need to be connected to a phone at all times
- Carrying case charges the headphones
- Will be touch controlled and
- Water resistant

Levi's + Google Jacquard Commuter Trucker Jacket
uncrate.com/stuff/levis-x-google-jacquard-commuter-trucker-jacket
Image source: google.com/jacquard
- Interactivity is woven into the fabric
- Designed specifically for urban bike commuters
- Control your phone and services such as music or maps, directly from the jacket

Delta is Making In-Flight Entertainment Free to Everyone
"By July 1, almost all travelers flying with Delta can watch Showtime and HBO, or still-in-theaters flicks like The Jungle Book." 
- Best way to watch movies on airplane

A Team Of Japanese Scientists Creates Glass As Strong As Steel And Iron!
hexapolis.com/2015/11/03/scientists-create-unbreakable-glass-as-strong-as-steel
glass for smartphones
Image source: Hexapolis
- The potential applications are on electronic screens.
- Which would mean no more cracked screens on your phone or tablet while traveling.

"Olli", Self-driving Vehicle With The Power of IBM Watson Inside
ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/49957.wss
Image source: IBM.com
Local Motors is the company behind the creation of this vehicle with collaboration with IBM.
- Fully electric and connected vehicle
- Can carry up to 12 people
- Utilizes the cloud-based cognitive computing capability - to learn and adapt to transportation needs and preferences





Sound-off: What gadgets have you recently heard about or excited about coming out? Let us know below

Is your phone/tablet/computer open to hacking? Protect the ones you love with a PIA VPN service for safe and secure Web Browsing: VPN for Android VPN for iOS

If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
Follow us  RSS Feed Sign up for free blog updates

Jun 30, 2016

Top Travel Tech Gadgets Posts This Month - June

Top Travel Tech Gadgets Posts This Month - June

How To Travel Light With Your Family To the Beach
It's Summer Time which means lugging a million things to the beach or pool, right? WRONG.
Here's my quick guide on how to travel (relatively) light..

13 Tips For Safe Summer Road Trips With Kids
90% of Memorial Day travelers are planning to go by car according to AAA.

5 Most Ridiculous Travel Gadgets For Men
Skin is skin, and needs to be protected from harmful rays of the sun. SPF 30 or above would work the same for men and women.

Rio Summer Olympics 2016: What Travelers Need to Know & Pack
To make sure you have a great trip without a lot of mosquito bites, pack these travel accessories...

Road Trips With Kids - What To Take Along
Below is a quick survival kit that you can stash in the car or bring with you...




Sound-off: What were your top? Let us know below

If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
Follow us  RSS Feed Sign up for free blog updates

Jun 27, 2016

Road Trips With Kids - What To Take Along


Road Trips With Kids - What To Take Along

Last weekend, we took a road trip to NJ to pick strawberries. On the way, my daughter got sick all over the car seat. It was all over my arm, herself, the doll - you get the picture. It was not pretty. It made me seriously re-consider what we stash in the car.


Also, now that she’s getting older, she needs something entertaining. (Before she would just zonk out and it was glorious!)

Below is a quick survival kit that you can stash in the car or bring with you:

On the Go Potty - Below are our picks:
Kalenco Potty
Cool Gear Travel Potty
Boy portable Potty 
Folding Seat Cushion
While you are at it, get some toilet covers for older kids and yourself

Disposable wee wee pads - when my little one got sick, these came in handy! The car seat was wet so we padded with this sheet and threw one over her (new) clothes just in case of another accident. They are also great for potty training! These are a good value on amazon: http://amzn.to/1UXio5H Don't worry that they say Pet or have a picture of a dog, they work great for kids too at the price :)

Hand Wipes - I really wish I stashed more! We needed a ton. I use these: Babyganics Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes

Baby Wipes - You never know what kind of situation may arise but you bet your baby’s bottom you’ll need at least a pack

Change of clothes - Refresh every 1-2 months dependent on child’s age to ensure it will fit. Basic items like leggings, bodysuits or t-shirts, underwear, socks and a change of shoes are a must

Tablet holders - Cars with entertainment packages built-in are overrated and expensive. Make your own unit by getting a tablet holder like this: http://amzn.to/1UXi0nR

Charger - Our car has your standard cigarette lighter so we bought a converter for a USB and can use our regular chargers in the car: Satechi® Smart Converter USB Port Cigarette Adapter


Related articles:
Family Trip to DR - What To Pack
Aruba Vacation - Kids Gadgets and Accessories
Aruba - First Family Trip South - Summer Continued
How To Travel Light With Your Family To the Beach
More below..

Toys and Games - Below are a few of ideas for each age group

2 and under:
Brica Mirror
Pull vibrate toys
Toy Arch
Baby Einstein Musical Toy
Electronic Books

2 and over:
Tin Magnet Puzzles
Melissa and Doug Stickers 
Fisher Price Doodle (LARGE)
Fisher Price Doodle (SMALL)
On the Go Color blast - LOVE this
Portable art studio

Trays and containers - a tray and a few spill proof containers will reduce the mess you’ll need to clean up, plus it gives them space to draw, color and play. Win Win!
This tray has it all: http://amzn.to/2606uDr

Spill proof containers are perfect for little hands: http://amzn.to/265BcHP


Car protection gear
We outfitted our leased car with several of these items to protect the vehicle:
Kick Mats: http://amzn.to/2605lvP
Sun Visor: http://amzn.to/1Ub8FJw
Seat protector (works well for rear facing kickers too!): http://amzn.to/1tynjEo
Car Seat Sun Protector (we didn’t want her to touch hot buckles): http://amzn.to/1XYnENu

Emergency Medical Kit
When we travel, I bring any necessary meds with us and do NOT leave it in the car. If you have to, put them in a cooler (extreme hot or cold temps can mess with the meds). You should keep a basic First Aid Kit in the car all the time. It is great to have in case of a scraped knee or cut. This one is perfect for any medical emergency: First Aid Kit 115 Piece for Car

And of course, let’s not forget, snacks and drinks! Bring at least 2 bottles per person of water and a variety of snacks in ZipLocks or individual portions. Granola bars, nuts, goldfish, puffs, cheerios, crackers and other dried snacks are always perfect on the go. Grab some peeled and cut bananas, apples, and other fruit as well in a cooler!

Enjoy the trip and let us know where you went!



Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below


If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
Follow us  RSS Feed Sign up for free blog updates

Travel Gadgets