Blog | Nixplay - Page 19 of 89 -

12 Things To Look Forward To In 2020

On January 21, 2020

2020 might be the year of clear vision, but all puns aside, we really do have a lot of things to look forward to in this milestone year. The dawn of a new decade brings so much promise, and there’s so much to get excited about in 2020. Read on for the things you should look forward to this year!

1, A leap year

February 29 is a date that appears on the calendar only once every four years, and 2020’s one such lucky year. That means you’ve got one extra day to make your dreams come true. You can’t say that for most years!

2. The U.S. Presidential Elections

In November, the United States will be having its 59th quadrennial presidential election, wherein voters will decide whether to reelect Donald Trump or go with a new candidate from the Democratic Party. With the highest position in the world up for grabs, it’s inarguably the most anticipated political event of the year.

3. The Brexit

The U.S. Presidential Elections might be considered by political pundits as 2020’s main event, but the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union is a close second. The UK is set to leave the EU on January 31, and will then go into a transition period to sort out trade deals, law enforcement issues, and other crucial matters.

4. The Summer Olympics

On to brighter global news: The 2020 summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, will begin on July 24. A handful of new sports, such as Karate and skateboarding, will be added to the program, and baseball will be back after a two-year hiatus. Tokyo 2020 will also have an eco-friendly theme, with the torch and the medals to be made using recyclable materials.

5. A New Mars Probe

In July, NASA will send a new probe to Mars to hunt for signs of ancient life on the planet’s Jezero Crater, collecting samples and testing cutting-edge space technology. If all goes well, the still-unnamed rover is set to join its sister, Curiosity, on the red planet by February 2021.

6. New Gadgets, New Tech

New year, new gadgets! There’s the PlayStation 5, and its rival, the Xbox Series X, for the gamers out there. New streaming services, like Peacock and HBO Max, will also launch this year. Automobile manufacturers are also planning to churn out electric trucks for eco-conscious off-roaders. The tech release we’re most excited about, though, has got to be the return of the Motorola Razr as a fully functional foldable smartphone.

7. A (Hopefully) Greener World

After Greta Thunberg led the climate change battle in 2019, it’s nice to see countries and companies springing into action this year with various sustainability initiatives. The US military has pledged to use more renewable energy in 2020, big companies like Starbucks and IKEA have pledged to reduce their plastic usage, and the United Nations have pledged to plant millions of trees around the world to counter the environmental damage caused by our cities. Coincidentally, 2020 also marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!

8. The New World’s Tallest Building

Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which towers over the city at over 1 kilometer tall, is set to overtake Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the highest building in the world. This billion-dollar tower will be the epicenter of Jeddah Economic City and will accommodate the Four Seasons Hotel, as well as office spaces and residential apartments.

9. Two Solar Eclipses

Here are two other space-related spectacles you shouldn’t miss: an annular solar eclipse, wherein the moon doesn’t completely cover the sun, on June 21, and a total solar eclipse, where the moon will totally cover the sun, on December 14. Make sure your eyes are protected should you be lucky enough to catch these events!

10. The 2020 World Expo

190 countries will participate in the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, which is anticipated to be a global celebration of culture, collaboration, and innovation. Though there have been several World Expos in the past, it’s the first such event to be held in the Middle East, making it a major international milestone.

11. A Ton of Movie, TV Show, Music, and Book Options

In terms of entertainment, there’s a LOT to look forward to in 2020. From superhero shows to family-friendly franchises to book-to-screen remakes, there’s something for everyone on both big and small screens. Book lovers also have a lot to be happy about–Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins will be releasing a prequel to her much-loved series, and magic realism writer Isabel Allende is also coming out with a new book about a couple’s experience in Pinochet-era Chile. If Spotify is your BFF, 2020’s shaping up to be a great year for you, too: New albums from several top artists, such as Ke$ha, Green Day, The Cure, Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, expected to drop in the following months.

12.More Good Memories

Of course, a new year wouldn’t be complete without making new memories. From milestones such as weddings and birthdays to camping trips and beach getaways to the seemingly mundane moments that matter most, each day deserves to be documented and treasured.

Take lots of photos (trust us, you’d want to look back at them!) and display them on a Nixplay Frame for posterity. Don’t miss our clearance sale to get up to 25% off selected frames, only for a limited time!

20 Things You’d Wish You Could’ve Told Your Younger Self

By Mars Salazar

On January 17, 2020

In Lifestyle

We’re kicking off 2020 with a list of things we wish we knew when we were 20. Read on!

1. Find true friends and keep them forever.

You know those people who have experienced life’s ups and downs with you, and are still stuck to your side until now? Treasure them: They’re rare gems in a world full of fleeting friendships.

2. Let your family know that you love them.

Your parents did the best they could for you. Thank them. Forgive them. Be patient with them. Love them.

3. Invest in experiences, not in things.

The sheen of material things fades over time. Objects become scuffed, worn out, dirty, or broken. Experiences, however, create memories that last a lifetime (which you should capture and display on a Nixplay Frame!).

4. Don’t stop learning.

Always strive to be the smartest person in the room. And if you’re already the smartest person in the room, leave that room immediately and start the process again. That’s how we grow.

5. Find a mentor.

Mentors provide invaluable knowledge, feedback, and encouragement, and can help you grow personally and professionally. In relation to the previous number, what better person to learn from than someone who’s an expert in your chosen field?

6. Start good habits.

Little habits, such as exercising every day, paying bills promptly, and being on time always, add up and transform you into a more disciplined version of yourself.

7. Your accomplishments (or lack thereof) don’t define you.

At the end of the day, the number of medals, awards, and accolades you’ve reaped don’t matter. What’s important is that you tried, you did your best, and you grew from your experiences.

8. And neither does your career.

So you’re not in the company you’ve dreamed of working for, or you didn’t get that promotion you wanted. And you know what? That’s totally okay! Roll up your sleeves, brush up on your skills, and expand your network. You’ll be named employee of the month before you know it.

9. Make more time for your family.

Relationships come and go, but your family is irreplaceable. Make it a priority to spend quality time with them regularly, and never miss a chance to let them know that they mean so much to you.

10. Take care of your body…

All the money in the world can only do so much when your health is in shambles. Since prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure, start creating healthy habits as early as now: eat vegetables, avoid smoking and drinking, take your vitamins, drink eight glasses of water.

11. …And keep pushing its limits.

When you’re in your 20s, your body is in its prime. Now’s the time to try all the things you’ve always wanted to try, from skiing to rock climbing to surfing to skydiving. Discover what you’re capable of!

12. Looks aren’t everything.

As much as it hurts to admit, you won’t stay young and beautiful forever. You’ll have wrinkles, your weight will fluctuate, your hair will be a problem. Maintain your looks, but keep in mind that what truly matters is your inner beauty.

13. Manage your money wisely.

Personal finance isn’t exactly fun, but it’s incredibly important. Earmark for savings a set percentage of your salary each month, pay your credit card on time, and look into the many ways you can make your money grow faster.

14. Travel more often.

Traveling is an eye-opening, enlightening, and rewarding experience. It’s the best way to broaden your horizons. Try to visit as many destinations as you can while you’re still young and commitment-free.

15. Give back.

There’s an advocacy for everyone, whether you’re into disaster risk reduction or childhood education. Find a cause that means a lot to you, dedicate yourself to it, and make a difference.

16. Remember that you’re not entitled to anything.

Sometimes, things just don’t work out even if you did your best. And when things seem unfair, remember that no one owes you anything. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again.

17. Take risks. Be brave.

Remember: the most exciting moments of your life happen when you’re outside your comfort zone.

18. Set goals and don’t lose sight of them.

Goals, whether achievable (like a monthly savings target) or seemingly impossible (like owning a house before turning 30), force you to take more risks, get creative, and hustle hard. You’ll be forced to push yourself to your limits and improve exponentially. And in our book, progress is always a good thing.

19. Don’t think about what people think.

No matter what you do, people will always, always say something. Our advice? Don’t listen to them (unless they’re asking you to quit a dangerous habit–then you should totally listen to them). Follow the beat of your own drum, and do what’s best for your life.

20. You’re going to mess up. And it’s okay!

People make mistakes. We all do. And that’s normal. The important thing is that you learn from your errors and try again.

How To Organize Your Life In 2020

By Mars Salazar

On January 15, 2020

In Home & Interiors

A new year, a new decade, a new chance to revamp your home–and while you’re at it, your life. Start 2020 right by setting aside some time to assess what you need and don’t need moving forward. Start with these tips.

1. Assess your belongings.

Start in your room and take stock of your wardrobe, dresser, and desk. Assess each one of your belongings: to borrow Marie Kondo’s terminology, if it doesn’t spark joy in your soul (or if you have no use for the item anymore), it’s time to bin it. Clothes you haven’t worn since 8 kilos ago? Sell or donate them. Gadgets from the early ’00s? Throw them away if they don’t serve their purpose anymore. Grooming products that are way past their expiration date? Toss, ASAP.

From there, proceed to the other rooms in your home and declutter each of them. Take out everything in your cupboards, drawers, and closets, sort out everything into “need” and “don’t need” piles, and dispose of the things in the latter pile. You don’t have to do this in one go–you can do your bedroom one weekend, the kitchen next, and so on, whenever your mood and schedule permits.

2. Straighten out your priorities for the year.

Once your desk is straightened out, sit down and write your goals for the year. The beginning of a new year always makes people excited to do so many things, but let’s face it–with all your other responsibilities, it’ll be difficult to accomplish everything you want to do. So if you want to actually finish something this year, we suggest trimming down your to-do list into a set of S.M.A.R.T. goals: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based objectives per quarter. This should align your priorities for the year, helping you stay focused and be more productive.

3. Track Your Spending.

Did you go above your budget in 2019? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you avoid making the same mistake in 2020. An easy way to go about it is to download a spending tracker onto your phone. Every time you spend on something, make sure to jot it down on the app. You have to practice accountability, and you should note everything–especially purchases you feel guilty about. At the end of the month, review your spending and streamline where you can. This is a good habit to start

4. Create Good Habits.

It’s never too late to start a good habit! Whether it’s to stop being late, shop less, or work out more, you can always turn over a new leaf. Create a tracker on excel to note what you’ve done (or have not done), or, similar to what we told you in the previous number, download an app to help you monitor your habits. It’ll also help you reduce mental clutter.

5. Scan and Save Your Photos.

You probably have a handful of photo albums at home, gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere. This defeats the purpose of having photos–they’re meant to be displayed and revisited. So this year, go through all your printed photos and scan each one of them. It might take a bit of time, but it’s totally worth it. Save it on a hard drive, or better yet, on the cloud, where you can retrieve your photos whenever, wherever. Don’t forget to display your pictures on a Nixplay Frame so you’ll be reminded of your favorite memories all the time!

How To Take Better Photos In The New Decade

By Mark Condon

On January 10, 2020

In Photography

2020 had just begun, and the start of a new decade means taking lots of photos! However, capturing the magic you’re seeing in front of you can be a lot harder than it looks.

With that in mind, here are some beginner-friendly tips that will help you take the best photos, whatever time of year it is.

Plan Ahead

The last thing you want while setting up for a family portrait is discovering that your SD card is full, or worse, not even there. The same is true of a dead or dying battery.

Make sure to clear your cards and charge your batteries well before any party or event starts. And since you invested in your photography gear, make sure to always pack them with care, whether that simply means charging your phone and checking its camera settings or bringing a DSLR with a number of different lenses.

Take Some Test Shots

Many gatherings happen indoors with less than optimal lighting. That’s why it’s helpful to take some test shots before everyone arrives, especially if you’re not used to low-light situations or don’t know your camera very well. Taking a few test shots will give you a chance to dial in your settings, troubleshoot without any pressure, and stack the deck in favor of you landing great shots.

Use A Tripod

A tripod might seem a bit of overkill for family gatherings, but if you’re looking to get great images of stationary objects in low light, they really can’t be beaten. It can really come in handy for those special moments that need a longer exposure.

Tripods don’t have to be big and bulky either. In fact, there’s a whole host of lightweight, small-profile travel tripods to choose from these days. You can even find an excellent yet affordable mini-tripod that can fit in a pocket or a purse. Either way, it never hurts to have one on hand, especially if you want to pose the family before a dinner meal. As a bonus, it also ensures that you’ll be in the frame, too.

Turn Off The Flash Indoors, And Bump Up The ISO Instead

One of the more common mistakes beginners make during indoor shoots is letting the automatic flash fire. Sure, it can help get your photos in focus in low-light situations, but it also can create unflattering shadows, whitewashed faces, and images that are overexposed in general.

What a lot of novice shutterbugs don’t know is that increasing the ISO instead of using a flash will get you better results almost every time.

ISO refers to your camera’s sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive to light your sensor is and the less light it needs to expose your images. While super-high ISOs can lead to noise in the image, these days most cameras can easily shoot with the ISO just a little elevated—see more here regarding what is ISO for clarification.

For indoor gatherings like a cozy party, try using an ISO setting in the 800-1600 range. Depending on your camera, you may even be able to go up to 6400 or beyond. Modern technology is getting pretty amazing, after all!

Even when taking photos using your phone, try raising the ISO a bit instead of using the flash. Check out these iPhone photography tips for more advice on getting great smartphone photos.

Ditch Auto Mode

Just about everybody starts off using the Auto mode on their cameras (phone or otherwise), but your camera doesn’t always make the best choices. For best results, learn to use some of the other modes on your camera.

For example, aperture priority mode (A or Av) is a really easy step up. It lets you choose the aperture and ISO settings, leaving the camera to figure out the shutter speed.

Another option is shutter priority mode (S or Tv), which lets you choose the shutter speed and ISO, leaving the camera to decide on the best aperture (For indoor gatherings, try starting out somewhere between 1/60 and 1/90.)

Both of these are great step-ups from Auto Mode, and they’re relatively easy to learn and to master. Just make sure to practice a bit before the event you want to photograph so you know how both of these modes work.

Look For Moments, Not Poses

While it will likely be hard to avoid going for at least a few posed family photos, the most touching photos come show how people are with one another and the elements around them.

Try getting shots of your family interacting with each other—maybe laughing or sharing a drink. Or catch them as they open presents or light candles. By taking pictures of people just being themselves, you’ll be more likely to capture memories that will strike a chord long into the future.

If you really prefer to get some staged shots, here’s a guide to posing as a couple that might help make mum and dad look even more loved-up!

Get Down To Eye Level With The Kids

When taking photos of children, don’t hesitate to get down to their level.

When taking shots of the kids—especially toddlers and babies—try taking shots from their eye level. This allows us to see the world a bit more from their point of view while avoiding the distant feel that shooting from above can often evoke.

Learn To Edit

While it might be tempting to just shoot and share, the best photos usually undergo at least a little post-processing. I’m not talking about adding an Instagram filter, but rather basic (or even more creative) adjustments that will bring out the best in your images.

Adobe Lightroom is the industry standard for pros and amateurs alike, but if that’s a bit much for you there are plenty of other great programs out there that make editing super-fast, fun, and easy. There even a lot of free options out there for both smartphones and computers alike.

Whichever you choose, learning a bit of post-processing will really bring out the shine in your images.

Show off your work!

Whether you’re using your phone or a dedicated camera, coming out with disappointing photos is never fun.

So, if you’re new to the world of photography or just want to get better at capturing the magic of the holiday season, these tips should help you make frame-worthy photos you’ll want to send to your friends and family.

And speaking of frame-worthy, don’t forget to display your images on a Nixplay digital frame!

Whether you’re looking for a smart frame that features the latest in connectivity (i.e. snagging photos from Facebook or Instagram) or just want a trusty digital frame (i.e no wi-fi), Nixplay makes it super easy to display all your favorite images on the wall, on the mantel, or just about anywhere you can think of putting up a photo.

You can even use Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant to turn it on or off, or turn on Nixplay’s motion sensor and have the photos magically play when someone enters the room!

We hope these bits of advice will help you capture the magic of the new decade and leave you with some great memories to treasure and display.

Tech Trends 2020: What’s New?

By Alice Murray

On January 9, 2020

In Lifestyle

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.