Category: Lifestyle Page 9 of 20

Stories about food, fashion, travel, and other topics relevant to our readers’ interests.

Tech Trends 2020: What’s New?

On January 9, 2020

As 2020 marks the start of another decade, there’s a lot to get excited about in the next era of digital products. There’s a lot of buzz about the host of new tech gadgets and devices that are expected to show up to the party this year—but how do you know which ones to look out for?

If you need some insider advice on what’s new in technology and how the latest gadgets can enhance your lifestyle, we’ve got you covered. Read our go-to guide on the tech of 2020 and beyond.

What’s New In Technology?

New year, new tech. Whether it’s a new smartphone, a home security system, or a VR headset, our tastes in tech are unique and personal. This means that when it comes to what’s new in technology, we’re all looking for something different.

Luckily, the tech pool is overflowing, and there’s a huge variety of fresh digital products on the horizon.

Future Tech: What To Expect

2020 holds a lot of hope for technology, from the usual suspects such as the new iPhone (which is expected to be launched in September and is rumored to have FOUR rear cameras) to amazing and wonderful tech trends that we never thought we’d see in this lifetime, like driverless cars.

With gadgets and gizmos aplenty to choose from, we’ve done the hard part of sorting them out for you. Check out our shortlist of the most stand-out 2020 technology trends and new digital products.

EchoBeat Earphones
Are you looking for a more affordable alternative to the Apple AirPods? Well, consider your search over and say hello to EchoBeat!

EchoBeat is the latest tech gadget in the wireless earphone market, and it looks like they’ll be giving Apple a run for their money this year. With its high-quality sound, you’ll immediately notice the crystal-clear audio. And with built-in Bluetooth, you can go on the move without any hassle. At just $99, the clever minds behind this growing tech start-up are set to take off in a big way—so be sure to snap them up before they get too popular! This is also a great tech gift idea for the gadget-obsessed people in your life.

Extended Reality
If you thought your VR headset was advanced, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the latest update—extended reality (or XR).

XR covers virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies. It’s a big step up in the world of immersive experiences. We’ve already got simulated roller coasters with VR headsets, dog filters with Snapchat, and on-the-go computer monitors with AR glasses in the classroom. But XR is a perfect mixture of all three, which means we can expect huge strides in video games, medicine, movies, and retail. As businesses get to grips with all the exciting possibilities of this future tech, we’ll be waiting patiently to see what’s in the pipeline.

Personalized Medicine
2020 tech is predicted to transform the healthcare industry. With the ability to get data from devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, along with advancements in 3D printing, we’ll be able to predict and treat several health problems before we even experience any symptoms.

This also paves the way for more personalized healthcare, giving doctors more opportunities to prescribe medicine and treatments to specific patients. By the end of 2020, you might be able to get diagnosed and treated without waiting around in a doctor’s lounge!

5G Networks
It seems like only yesterday when we were being introduced to 4G. Now, the 5th generation of mobile internet connectivity has started to make an appearance, promising ultra-fast download and upload speeds, more stable and secure connections, and enhanced data coverage. It’s predicted that 2020 will see 5G soar in popularity, with more accessible data plans for smartphone users. If all goes well, we’ll never have to complain about slow internet speeds again!

Nixplay Smart Photo Frames
At the end of the day, the latest tech gadgets don’t need to be complicated—just smart. And adding smart home products to your house goes far beyond installing automated door locks and voice-controlled lighting. Inject an element of fun as you welcome the new decade by introducing a new digital photo frame that the entire family can enjoy.

The Nixplay Smart Frame works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant and it can be placed in any room of your home. Make your memories count by watching them in crisp, clear detail on Nixplay’s HD displays, which are equipped with integrated motion sensors, social media connectivity, and video playback.

This is the next-generation smart frame that will stay with your family for generations to come.

8K TV Technology
What exactly is an 8K TV? It’s a television that offers the clearest, most crisp picture you’re ever likely to see, like real life in unparalleled clarity.
With four times more pixels than the standard 4K images we’re currently used to, it’s a picture-perfect way to play video games, screen movies, and watch your favorite TV shows. In fact, as the average adult already spends 238 minutes per day watching TV, why not do it with the latest in tech?

Autonomous Driving
You might not see a lot of driverless cars roaming around just yet, but autonomous driving is starting to see a lot of traction, with tech firms such as Tesla and Sony investing in this arena. In 2019, a sister company of Google completed a trial run of autonomous taxi services, which transported more than 6,200 people to different destinations around California. So it seems as though this future tech might become a reality sooner than we think!

If you’re feeling a little anxious about letting your car cruise around the roads by itself, just look at the bright side—at least you wouldn’t have to endure awkward small talk with taxi drivers anymore!

New Digital Products

With so much future tech set to be revealed in 2020, we can expect big changes in the way we go about our day-to-day lives. Whether you’re excited about what’s new in technology because you’re a bit of a techie at heart, or you’re eagerly awaiting the latest smart home products to control your house from your phone, there’s no slowing technology down.

Want to keep up with the smart photo frame tech trends of 2020? Take a look at our new digital photo frame collections, from smart frames to Wi-Fi cloud frames.

10 Fun Things to do with Amazon Alexa

By Alice Murray

On December 16, 2019

In Lifestyle

Wondering if you should invest in an Amazon Echo for your home? The answer’s an easy ‘yes’: If there’s something it can’t do straight out of the box, there’s probably a ‘Skill’ it can learn for it.

That’s right: You can enable various Skills that allow you to do so much more with your Amazon home device. Simply download the Amazon Alexa app and search for the Skill that you desire! You can enable it there and then or ask Alexa to do it all for you.

Other than asking Alexa to give you weather updates, control your smart home, and do various tips and tricks, we have come up with a list of a few entertaining Alexa Skills that are both free to download and full of fun. Read on for more fun tips, tricks, and Alexa Skills for your Amazon home device.

Amazon Echo Tips, Tricks and Alexa Skills for the Family

Whether you’ve just purchased a new Amazon Alexa device or you’re simply looking for new ways to make the most of your virtual assistant, it’ll be hard to run out of fun things to do with Alexa. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Test Yourself with a Question of the Day

Wake up your brain in the morning with a trivia question! Download the ‘Question of the Day’ Skill and receive a new trivia question every day. Test and improve your knowledge on a range of themes and play with 1 to 4 players using the Question of the Day Game Packs, which cover topics like Arts and Entertainment, The Solar System, World Capitals, Dinosaurs, and many, many more!

2. Tell your Children a Bedtime Story

Using the “Short Bedtime Story” Skill, you can have Alexa tell your children various stories as they drift off to sleep for an interactive storytime. You can even personalize the stories with your children’s names to make the experience extra special.

3. Create your own Household Intercom

Do your kids keep missing the school bus because they can’t hear you calling them? If you have more than one Amazon Alexa device in your home—perhaps there’s an Echo in the kitchen, another in the living room, and one in your kid’s bedroom—you can broadcast your announcements across all devices in your smart home. To save your time and your voice, just ask Alexa to announce that the bus is here (or any other message you may have) and it will be repeated around the house.

4. Play Fun Games

This is one of the most fun things to do with an Amazon Echo! There’s an ever-growing list of games that can be played through an Amazon Alexa device, but here are some of our favorites:

Would You Rather?: A simple but addictive game to play with the whole family.
The Magic Door: An interactive adventure game that allows you to explore a magical land from the comfort of your own home. Collect hidden items, solve various riddles, and help magical creatures along the way!
Simon Says: If your kids still have plenty of energy right before bedtime, set them up with a game of Simon Says. This way, you can get on with organizing dinner without having to worry about what they’re doing.
Music Quizzes: There are plenty of music quizzes you can enable and play with your friends and family. It’s the perfect game for any dinner party!
The Potterhead Quiz: Whether you’re a muggle or a wizard, test your Harry Potter knowledge with a fun quiz using your Amazon Echo. Need more? There are plenty more Potterhead quizzes to choose from, including the “Harry Potter House Quiz” and “Marauder’s Map: Riddikulusly Difficult Potter Quiz”.
Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock: Are you a fan of The Big Bang Theory? Challenge Alexa to one of Sheldon’s favorite games.
Pikachu Talk: You can also talk to Pikachu using your Amazon Echo! There’s plenty of things for you and Pikachu to chat about. Want to hear a funny story? That’s not a problem for Pikachu. Want Pikachu to sing a birthday song for you? Our favorite yellow electric mouse can do that, too.

Imagine how much fun you’ll have with Alexa during parties! It’s the perfect techy present for your loved ones who enjoy entertaining.

5. Receive a Daily History Lesson

Test your history knowledge using your Amazon Echo! All you need to do is say “Alexa, open this day in history” to receive information about various historical events that happened on that day in the past. And you’re not just restricted to the current day: You can ask for historical information for any other day of the year by saying something along the lines of “Alexa, ask This Day in History what happened on the 12th of March”.

6. Relax to Sleep Sounds

Having trouble sleeping? Or simply looking for some background noise to relax or work to? From rain or forest sounds to ocean and fireplace sounds, you can choose from a wide range of sleep sounds to help you unwind, relieve stress, or block out any unwanted noise. It’s also perfect for yoga workouts!

7. Manage your Finances

From checking your balance to sending money, you can manage your finances from the comfort of your own home with the power of your own voice! From PayPal to Amex and Capital One, stay on track of your finances with Alexa. Additional security pins are used for an added layer of security whenever you open the Skill, but check the terms and conditions for each Skill before you get started.

8. Exercise with Alexa

With a range of health and fitness Skills to choose from, you can get fit at home with a little help from Alexa. Download the ‘7-Minute Workout’ to help you achieve your fitness goals: With over 45 new exercises to try, you’ll never stop being excited to work out. Looking for some motivation? The ‘Inspire Me’ Skill will offer you inspirational audio clips to help you start your day off the right way!

9. Get Information

As well as all the news channels, there are a number of Skills that you can enable to get information and advice regarding a variety of topics. Here are just a couple of the information Skills that you can download onto your Amazon Echo:

Doctor Pooch: Have you recently adopted a new fur baby and don’t know what to feed them? Enable the ‘Doctor Pooch’ Skill and find out what foods are or aren’t acceptable to offer your dog or cat. This skill is also extremely helpful if your pet picks up something off the floor and you don’t know whether to worry or not.
Butterball: Making your first Thanksgiving turkey? Or simply need some tips and inspiration for your turkey dinner? Plan, prepare and cook your bird the right way with the ‘Butterball’ Skill.

10. Control your Nixplay Digital Photo Frame

Use your Amazon Echo to control your Nixplay photo frame. All you need to do is search for the Nixplay Skill and select “Enable”! Try out some of these phrases/requests to get started:

“Alexa, open my frame”
“Alexa, ask my frame to show me my playlist”
“Alexa, ask my frame if it’s connected”

This skill is compatible with the Nixplay Smart Frames, the Nixplay Seed line, and the Nixplay Seed Wave. Try it today to control your digital photo frame using the sound of your own voice!

And that’s our list of our favorite fun things to do with Alexa. Are you still struggling to find the best Alexa Skills for you? Make it easy and enable the ‘Skill Finder’ and find new skills—if you ask her, she’ll even give you a skill of the day! Or you can discover a list of the Amazon Alexa Skills online today.

Find winter family photo ideas with Nixplay

Winter Vacation Spots for the Best Family Photos

By Alice Murray

On October 24, 2019

In Lifestyle

‘Tis the season to be jolly–and very, very cold! Unless you’re lucky enough to live in one of the sunnier states, you’d have already noticed the chill in the air and the longer, darker nights drawing in. Winter is well on its way, and now’s the time to start planning the ultimate winter getaway.

Time away in a scenic wintry setting is not only a great way to unwind and de-stress. It’s also the perfect opportunity to capture some high-quality photos–perfect for the holiday card you’re sending to your family and friends or the personalized photo album you’re putting together as a Christmas gift for someone special.

Seeking inspiration for a vacation is tricky, especially during winter. So we’ve done the hard part for you by putting together a guide on where the perfect winter getaway spots are, and how you can make the most of it.

Winter Vacation Spots

Lake Louise Ski Resort, Canada
Less than an hour away from the Instagram-worthy town of Banff, Lake Louise is one of Canada’s stand-out ski resorts. Whether you’re an experienced, die-hard skier or just starting out, this 4,200-acre terrain will make the prettiest backdrop for family photos.

USA National Parks
Have you ever wanted to explore the natural wonders of Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, but are put off by the massive crowds, elevated prices, and too-hot-to-handle weather? That’s understandable. Visiting in the winter will ease all of those worries, and when it comes to photos, there really is no place better.

The Riviera Maya, Mexico
If embracing the snow on the slopes or hiking up mountains isn’t for you, why not infuse a touch of paradise to your winter getaway? While most beach resorts settle down at the end of the year, the Riviera Maya in Mexico is just getting started – and there’s not a Christmas sweater in sight. From Mayan history and ancient ruins to long stretches of white sandy beaches and yoga retreats, Mexico has something for everyone. Don’t forget to send a holiday card of you sipping cocktails on the beach!

San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you’re chasing the sun but still keen to avoid a typical resort-style winter getaway, you should try soaking up the ambiance and culture of Puerto Rico’s largest city, San Juan. With endless rows of colorful colonial buildings and an abundance of cobblestone squares, you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to take your winter holiday photos.

New York City
Sometimes, winter vacation spots are easy to choose. If you prefer to keep it classic, New York City is the way to go. There’s always something going on at every corner in The Big Apple, and when it comes to photos, it’s easy to find the perfect setting. Because everywhere you go, you’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into a Hallmark movie.

Winter Family Photo Ideas

Hopefully, our go-to destination guide has provided you with the inspiration you need to plan your ideal winter getaway. If you think you’re covered for winter family photo ideas, but still need some advice on techniques or photography, we’ve got your back.

How to Take a Winter Family Photo

Having a picture-perfect background is only half the battle when it comes to winning photos. You’ve also got to think about lighting, angles, positioning, and quality. So, when you’re getting snap happy on your winter getaway, take a moment to think about the basics.

With family photos, it’s generally best to keep it natural. Even candid shots that no one is ready for can end up coming out on top. Putting everyone at ease is the first step of great photography, whether you’re going for a traditional family photo or a creative, personality-infused picture.

The main problem most people face with group photos is synergy. Someone always blinks or squints at the wrong time, or looks in the wrong direction or forgets to smile. It’s exhausting! Setting some time aside on your vacation for photo taking is crucial to make it as memorable as possible.

Family Photo Display Ideas

Whether you’re creating a holiday card, compiling a photo album, designing a collage, or simply giving away photos as a gift, how can you ensure your pictures are kept and enjoyed for a long time to come?

Digital photo frames are changing the way we view and share photos, and keeping memories alive has never been easier. You can use digital frames to display your pictures anywhere in your home, and you can instantly share your photos at the click of a button. You can even link some frames, like the Nixplay Seed Wave, up to Spotify and create playlists to music. You can even use it to display short videos! When it comes to family photo display ideas, it truly can’t be beaten.

Take a look at Nixplay’s Smart frames, Digital frames, and Wi-Fi frames to find the perfect creative photo display for your family.

20190902_DormRoomMustHaveSale_Blog_MainImage_1600x900_4

Nixplay’s College Experience Checklist

By Mars Salazar

On September 11, 2019

In Lifestyle

College is one of the best times of a person’s life–it’s when you can explore what the world has to offer while still tethered to a safe, supportive community. Once you get your diploma, you’ll truly be on your own in the big, bad world, and a fruitful university experience will arm you with the necessary skills and street smarts to handle whatever life throws your way.

If you or your child is attending college, here are some things that should be ticked off before graduating:

Befriend a professor.

Professors are valuable sources of wisdom, and you should take advantage of their availability to consult with them on academic and co-curricular (maybe even personal) matters. Moreover, you should get to know better (but don’t suck up to) the professors who made an impact on you, maybe even ask them to mentor you. Whether you need a better explanation of the day’s lesson, a recommendation letter for your internship, or sensible life advice, a good professor will be an indispensable ally as you journey through life.

Work part-time.

Having a bit of real work experience that isn’t your internship before graduating isn’t just good for your resume–it’s also great for your character. It’s a great opportunity to learn soft skills, network and find a mentor, and find a job you can take on after graduating. The extra cash doesn’t hurt, either!

Be a leader.

It’s high time you get out of your shell and try running for office! Being a leader on campus is guaranteed to make your resume stand out come job-hunting season. You’ll also learn how to manage people, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and be a great networker–all crucial skills you’ll need in your career.

Be a dean’s lister.

High grades will always be impressive, and even the bullies who taunted the nerds back in high school will grudgingly agree. Aim to be on the dean’s list, even for just one semester. The knowledge that you aced that statistics class you pulled several all-nighters in your dorm for will give you a confidence boost like no other.

Make lifelong friends.

Being apart from friends and classmates you grew up with can seem like a daunting prospect. But instead of viewing college as a lonely experience where you’ll be surrounded by strangers, think of it as an opportunity to meet people whom you wouldn’t get to know otherwise. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, so take this chance to expand your circle and forge new friendships!

While each person’s college experience is unique, one thing’s for sure: You’ll always wish that you took more pictures while in university. Get your camera or smartphone and capture each moment, especially the ordinary ones where you’re just enjoying life’s little pleasures.

Make sure to make your memories count by uploading them on a Nixplay Frame so you can easily reminisce about your college memories with your loved ones! For a limited time, get 25% off on selected Nixplay Seed frames, only until September 15!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

Tips For Parents After Sending Kids To College

By Alice Murray

On September 9, 2019

In Lifestyle

It seems like only yesterday when you were dropping your kids off on their first day of elementary school. Now, they’re high school graduates on their way to college, eager to experience a whole new life.

While going to college is the most exciting time in your kids’ lives, it’s a bittersweet time for you as a parent. You’re so proud that they made it, but you’re also sad that you have to say goodbye.

Most parents will agree that coming home to your kid’s empty room after they’ve moved out is the worst part. But once you’ve cried some tears and tidied up the last of their mess, you should be thinking about how you can celebrate. Your child succeeded in getting into college and they’ve started living independently for the first time. This means you can sit back, relax and start indulging in some self-care—maybe for the first time in 18 years!

We get that sending kids to college is an emotional time, but these tidbits of advice for parents of college freshmen can help.

Keeping In Touch

Whether your child has moved to the next state or to the opposite coastline, you’ll want to stay in touch with them regularly. Keeping up to date with how they’re doing at college, their extra-curricular activities, their grades, and their general day-to-day life will give you peace of mind and help you in supporting them over the next four or more years.

It might be that you have other children too, who will want to speak to their brother or sister every now and then. So, what are the most effective ways to keep in touch?

Other than the obvious ways like calling and texting, there are a few things you can try as a family that might be easier, particularly if there’s a time difference between you now.

Using social media messaging will allow you to create your own family social network with a group chat, where you can all send and view videos, photos and texts. It’s also more immediate than a text message, as you can see who is online at what time.

Video calling is another great way to catch up and see each other at the same time. Why not try and schedule a weekly or bi-weekly Skype or Facetime call with your son or daughter? That way, you’re respecting their private life and college schedule, but you’re not constantly missing each other or having a relationship with an answering machine.

For something a little more personal or special, you can mail them a care package with all the small, homey touches that they’re likely to be missing out on. For instance, you can put together a box with toiletries, candles, their favorite snacks, comfort food packets, and flu medicines. This is something your child will really appreciate, particularly if they started the semester feeling a little out of place or homesick.

Gift Ideas For College Students

What can you do if you want to treat your graduate to something special to celebrate their huge achievement?

Our gift ideas for college students will help you to give them a great send-off. Whether it’s a family heirloom that they can keep in their dorm or apartment to remind them of home, a set of handy digital gifts, or something practical to help them settle into college life, a goodbye present will never be wasted.

You could give them a comforter for their dorm room, or offer to buy their first set of textbooks. Or perhaps you could get them some sports equipment to keep fit, or a new laptop to use for college work. Whatever you’ve got in mind, something that will be truly valued is a memory keepsake, such as a smart digital photo frame.

Gift ideas for college students from Nixplay

With a digital frame, you can share, send and display family photos or videos to your son or daughter at college. This is a priceless way to stay in touch and be a part of one another’s lives, even when you’re in different places.

How To Support Your Child At College

Supporting and encouraging your child from afar sounds difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Even when you’re not around, you can point them in the direction of other adults who can support them such as college lecturers, guidance counselors, or upperclassmen.

But sometimes, the best way to lend a helping hand after sending a child to college is to simply leave them to it. If you trust them to find their own feet, they’re more likely to come to you if anything does ever go wrong. University freshmen need time and experience to learn how to be college students and adjust to their new surroundings. College is all about new experiences, finding out who you are and becoming an adult, so being patient and understanding is the best way to ensure that they do this in their own way.

How To Spend Your Free Time

Now, what are you supposed to do while your kid forges his or her own path in the world?

Sending a child to college doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom. On the bright side, you’ve now got an abundance of free time, which you can use to pick up a new hobby or spend quality time with friends.

During your child’s senior year at high school, you likely spent a lot of time attending university open days, helping them with applications, supporting them through their SAT prep and finals, and everything else that comes with the big college move. So, if you have other children, now is a great time to give them some extra attention—before they disappear for college too!

You can focus on having more ‘me’ time, such as taking a nap in the middle of the day for no reason or treating yourself to a shopping spree. New interests can also fill the void—it’s never too late to pick up a new skill, so enroll in lessons and learn a new craft!

There is no way to know how long it will take for any parent to adjust after sending kids to college, but by keeping busy, being there for them when they need it, and focusing on yourself, you’re doing yourself and your college student a big favor. To make the distance a little easier, Nixplay digital photo frames are the perfect way to display family photos and share memories no matter where you are. And don’t worry—they’ll soon be back for Thanksgiving so you can dote on them once more!