This guide is designed to show you how to level up your communication skills with the help of Google Bard. In our contemporary, rapidly evolving society, mastering the art of effective communication has become more crucial than ever. It’s akin to possessing a superpower in a world where every second counts. In professional environments, clear […]
Engadget readers like yourself are probably more tech savvy than the average person. That means you may get roped into helping older family members with email woes, new phone setups, or deciphering if a message is legit or a phishing scam. In my family, I’ve become my mother’s unofficial IT support hotline, which makes me wonder about older adults with adult kids who are short on time. Turns out there are a number of resources staffed with actual people who will calmly walk seniors through just about any tech trouble they may face. Many local libraries and senior centers host classes and even one-on-one tech assistance to seniors for free, but if they can’t make it to a live session or there aren’t offerings in their area, phone hotlines and online services may be the answer.
For the past couple weeks, I used my mom and her frequently asked questions to try out a few of the senior tech hotlines out there and found three services that are refreshingly helpful, two of which are completely free and a third that includes a free option. If you know a senior who could use help with their tech, directing them to one of these services won’t feel like pawning them off, but rather like you’re sending them to an IT pro with endless patience.
Top three free senior tech support companies
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-tech-support-helplines-for-seniors-according-to-my-73-year-old-mom-140013739.html?src=rss
Engadget readers like yourself are probably more tech savvy than the average person. That means you may get roped into helping older family members with email woes, new phone setups, or deciphering if a message is legit or a phishing scam. In my family, I’ve become my mother’s unofficial IT support hotline, which makes me wonder about older adults with adult kids who are short on time. Turns out there are a number of resources staffed with actual people who will calmly walk seniors through just about any tech trouble they may face. Many local libraries and senior centers host classes and even one-on-one tech assistance to seniors for free, but if they can’t make it to a live session or there aren’t offerings in their area, phone hotlines and online services may be the answer.
For the past couple weeks, I used my mom and her frequently asked questions to try out a few of the senior tech hotlines out there and found three services that are refreshingly helpful, two of which are completely free and a third that includes a free option. If you know a senior who could use help with their tech, directing them to one of these services won’t feel like pawning them off, but rather like you’re sending them to an IT pro with endless patience.
Top three free senior tech support companies
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-tech-support-helplines-for-seniors-according-to-my-73-year-old-mom-140013739.html?src=rss
Xiaomi introduced a new range of smartphones at a press event in Bangkok, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Series, and the range includes a total of 5 new smartphones. The new smartphone lineup is made up of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro, Redmi Note 13 […]
AT&T is raising its Unlimited plan prices a bit on March 5, 2024, though users will at least get more hotspot data, CNET has reported. Prices for all plans are going up by 99 cents per line per month, but users on AT&T's old Unlimited Elite plan will see no change.
The new plans are now up on AT&T's website, showing the Unlimited Starter SL plan (replacing the old Unlimited Starter plan) now priced at $65.99, but offering 5GB of hotspot data, up from 3GB. The Unlimited Extra is now the Unlimited Extra EL plan, and costs $75.99 per month with 30GB of hotspot data rather than 15GB. Finally, the new Unlimited Premium PL option supersedes the old Unlimited Premium plan and bumps the hotspot data by 10GB to 60GB (all prices are for one user).
The company is also boosting the price of its Value Plus VL (previously Value Plus) plan by 99 cents to $50.99. Hotspot data still isn't permitted, but you're now allowed up to 10 lines instead of just one.
"We are bringing new benefits and added value to our best Unlimited plans," a spokesperson told CNET in a statement. "Customers on our current Unlimited Starter, Extra, Premium and Value Plus plans will receive the additional benefits starting in March [presumably along with the higher rate]. Existing customers will be notified of these changes in the coming days and will have several weeks prior to the effective date to update their plan or make other changes if they'd like to."
AT&T's Unlimited plans compare to T-Mobile's Go5G plans and Verizon's MyPlan options. All get considerably cheaper as you add lines, and include perks like Netflix, Disney and other subscriptions. Last year, the United States ranked 219th in global mobile data affordability, or 19th worst in the world, just ahead of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/att-is-slightly-raising-the-price-of-its-unlimited-plans-131012933.html?src=rss
AT&T is raising its Unlimited plan prices a bit on March 5, 2024, though users will at least get more hotspot data, CNET has reported. Prices for all plans are going up by 99 cents per line per month, but users on AT&T's old Unlimited Elite plan will see no change.
The new plans are now up on AT&T's website, showing the Unlimited Starter SL plan (replacing the old Unlimited Starter plan) now priced at $65.99, but offering 5GB of hotspot data, up from 3GB. The Unlimited Extra is now the Unlimited Extra EL plan, and costs $75.99 per month with 30GB of hotspot data rather than 15GB. Finally, the new Unlimited Premium PL option supersedes the old Unlimited Premium plan and bumps the hotspot data by 10GB to 60GB (all prices are for one user).
The company is also boosting the price of its Value Plus VL (previously Value Plus) plan by 99 cents to $50.99. Hotspot data still isn't permitted, but you're now allowed up to 10 lines instead of just one.
"We are bringing new benefits and added value to our best Unlimited plans," a spokesperson told CNET in a statement. "Customers on our current Unlimited Starter, Extra, Premium and Value Plus plans will receive the additional benefits starting in March [presumably along with the higher rate]. Existing customers will be notified of these changes in the coming days and will have several weeks prior to the effective date to update their plan or make other changes if they'd like to."
AT&T's Unlimited plans compare to T-Mobile's Go5G plans and Verizon's MyPlan options. All get considerably cheaper as you add lines, and include perks like Netflix, Disney and other subscriptions. Last year, the United States ranked 219th in global mobile data affordability, or 19th worst in the world, just ahead of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/att-is-slightly-raising-the-price-of-its-unlimited-plans-131012933.html?src=rss
As the world of PC gaming continues to evolve, players and enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the latest advancements that can enhance their gaming experience. This January, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 is set to be the stage for one such advancement. EasySMX, a brand known for its commitment to innovation in […]
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is on the brink of a significant shift, with the upcoming release of GPT-5, which could arrive as soon as 2024. This new AI model is expected to bring about a host of enhancements that will have a profound impact on startups. Sam Altman, a prominent figure in the […]
This guide will show you how to move your Microsoft Authenticator to your new Phone. This is something I had to do recently and it took a while to find out how to do it. This guide covers both the iPhone and Android and should make it easier for you. So, you’ve got a shiny […]
I love coffee, I need it to start my day, or else I simply refuse to start my day! It’s the boost of energy, dose of motivation, and rush of serotonin that I need every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. There is a different satisfaction and pleasure in sipping caffeine that you know is the result of your hard work, something precariously prepared with your personal touch to it. And if you’re someone who’s chasing that feeling, then a unique, innovative, and interactive coffee machine is all you need, and ninety-five percent of the battle is won (the other five percent is you setting aside your laziness and operating the machine)! From a warm and gentle capsule coffee machine to the Tesla of coffee machines – this collection of super cool and easy-to-use coffee machines will start you off on your coffee brewing journey. Cheers!
1. xBloom
Called the Tesla of Coffee Machines, the futuristic xBloom is the first coffee machine with an innovative Autopilot feature that makes preparing coffee super easy and an art. It is a super sleek and pristine coffee machine that looks like it jumped out of a sci-fi movie!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed by ex-Apple employees, the xBloom identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you! It uses some of the finest beans sourced from the top roasters worldwide, providing you with the finest cup of coffee ever.
What we like
It quite literally feels as if a professional barista made you a cup of coffee, creating an elevated coffee-drinking experience
Equipped with the power of NFC technology
What we dislike
The xBloom does not accommodate instant coffee, which could be inconvenient for some coffee drinks
2. Brewster
Brewster is a battery-powered coffee machine of the future that satisfies your random coffee cravings with complete convenience and precision, enabling you to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee anytime, anywhere.
Why is it noteworthy?
Brewster is more than just a coffee machine, it is a lifestyle innovation designed for the future. It features a convenient compact design, that makes it super easy to carry around.
What we like
Battery-powered design, that doesn’t need to be tethered to a chord
Intuitive design that supports a hassle-free coffee-making experience
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional and practical it will be as a real product
3. The Drip Pod Youbi
The Drip Pod Youbi is a game-changer, as it is designed to be a portable coffee drip machine that completely revamps the coffee-making experience. The Drip Pod Youbi can be placed anywhere in your home, whether it’s your living room, home office, or outdoor sanctuary.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Drip Pod Youbi is a capsule-type coffee machine that is inspired by a combination of portability and elegance. It features subtle curves within a sturdy square body. It is a sleek and practical machine.
What we like
Lightweight design with a large handle that makes it easy to carry around
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
4. DOTS
DOTS is a portable coffee machine that works specifically for automated vehicles but can be utilized in other on-the-go scenarios as well. The portable coffee machine is an excellent option for those long car journeys!
Why is it noteworthy?
It has a removable bottom to adapt to whatever or wherever you’re using it. It also uses coffee capsules instead of the usual brewing method to make it easier to use.
What we like
A control or lever lets you adjust the intensity of the extraction method from the capsule
What we dislike
It has a lid to place a straw on it, but sipping hot coffee with a straw seems weird and uncomfortable
5. F1
Dubbed the F1, this portable and sleek wireless coffee grinder works automatically and manually. It features industrial-grade conical burrs, and a motor that provides 100 grind settings, allowing you to prepare fresh coffee when you’re at home or even out camping!
Why is it noteworthy?
Features a built-in fold-out collection tray, and allows you to hot-swap for one-button electric grinding or a hank-crank for a more hands-on grinding experience. The grinder is the size of a small thermos, and can easily fit into bags and suitcases.
What we like
Travel-friendly grinder with Scandinavian minimalism
What we dislike
You need to remove the motor, before washing it in the dishwasher
6. Coffee Jockey
Commissioned by machine manufacturer Moak, this eye-catching and innovative coffee machine is designed to be brutalist, modernist, and minimal. It is designed by Italian industrial designer Odo Fioravanti.
Why is it noteworthy?
Called the CJ (Coffee Jockey), the coffee machine includes various geometric shapes that have been bundled up together to create a design that is simple and beautiful. It has a soft pastel color which imparts the espresso machine with a classy and refined look.
What we like
You can prepare more coffee in one go, by placing two coffee cups in the front and getting two sizable espresso shots out of one process
What we dislike
The new coffee blend and capsule system are not shown yet, so we are not sure of its functionality
7. Shelbru’s Carafes
Shelbru’s innovative carafe design makes preparing cold brew a fun, efficient, and simplified process. It enables you to prepare and serve cold coffee in the carafe itself, without the hassle of dealing with filter bags, which tend to drip all over the place.
Why is it noteworthy?
The carafes make enough coffee concentrate for almost 3 jugs of cold brew, owing to its dual-layer metal filtration system that performs the task of a disposable coffee filter without producing any single-use waste.
What we like
Creates the easiest, smoothest cold-brew concentrate that you can either pour over ice, into milk
What we dislike
The metal filter is a bit loose, and sometimes the coffee seeps out
8. Woolly Capsule Coffee Machine
Called the Woolly capsule coffee machine concept, this unique coffee machine has a soft and approachable aesthetic that is made up of straight lines and a muted color palette.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine consists of wooden panels and metallic accents that contrast interestingly against the textured plastic surface of the body, creating a unique composition that is appealing to the eyes.
What we like
Soft muted aesthetic unlike the typical coffee machines we come across
Amped with embedded touch-sensitive buttons on the panel that take interaction to a whole new level
What we dislike
A wooden body and coffee-stained fingers may disrupt the aesthetics of the machine
9. BURRUS
The BURRUS coffee grinder is far apart from any other standard grinder you’ve seen. It features both automatic and hand-cranked mechanisms and a circular display on top that allows you to sift through various settings depending on the kind of grind you want and need.
Why is it noteworthy?
The BURRUS coffee grinder is equipped with a magnetically docking wooden collector mug at the bottom and it efficiently gathers all your grounds and transports them to your coffee maker. It also has an integrated precision scale that allows you to measure out every gram of coffee you grind.
What we like
Equipped with a wireless charging pad that powers the automatic grinder’s motor
What we dislike
Hefty price tag
10. Breeze Coffee Machine
The Breeze Coffee Machine is designed by South Korean coffee brand Dongsuh and it is a unique capsule coffee machine with a twist. It features a refreshing soft color palette with white, charcoal, and pink variants.
Designed by the South Korean coffee brand Dongush, this innovative capsule coffee machine has a twist. It features a refreshing soft color palette with white, charcoal, and pink variants.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine features a ridged surface wrapped around the base, which contrasts with the smoother texture of the head. The tall water tank at the back complements the subdued hues of the machine, sending a message of calm.
What we like
The design includes a more tactile interface to operate the machine, using marked LED-backlit buttons at the top of the head
What we dislike
There is no knowledge shared on how to make the process reduce wastage or make it more sustainable