Got Nomophobia? Are You Addicted To Your Smartphone?

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Across the nation, mobile phone addiction seems to be on the rise. As phones get smarter and are designed to manage more parts of daily life, more people than ever are relying on their phones to an unhealthy extent, with many even showing real signs of addiction. Keep reading to find out if you are addicted to your smartphone, also known as Nomophobia.

smartphone group photo from kernvalleysun.com

Mobile Phones: Bad Habit Or Harmful Addiction?

Despite the rise in addiction numbers, many people still question whether mobile phone addiction can even be considered a true form of addiction. However, the facts suggest that phone use has been rising to harmful levels among the general public. As much as 91% of all U.S. citizens have their smartphone or other mobile devices within reach 24/7, demonstrating a worrying level of dependence on these mobile marvels.

Additionally, most people keep their phones in near constant use, rather than just frequently available. The average person spends 36% more time using their mobile phone than they spend eating and drinking, based on average time spent daily on each activity. This implies that not only do people feel the need to have their phone always available, they’re also using it with shocking frequency.

Addicted To Your Smartphone photo from edgylabs.com

Addiction On The Rise: Trend Likely To Continue

With the way technology continues to bleed into a wide variety of daily activities, it’s very likely this general dependency on smartphones will continue, if not worsen. People are purchasing new technology at alarming rates to keep up as society starts to demand the use of mobile phones; almost 395 iPhones are sold every minute. This figure does not count other brands of smartphones, meaning the problem is going to continue as these figures rise.

Stack of cellphones with group of friends on background

Breaking The Habit: What You Can Do To Reduce Dependency

While society continues to insist on increased smartphone dependency, there are still ways to help reduce your reliance on technology. Several apps exist to help those who are suffering from mobile phone or social media addiction. These apps and online programs limit the time that the user can access certain websites or programs, helping people reduce their digital use. This option, however, does not always work in more extreme cases; or in situations where social media access is necessary for professional situations.

Still, others have been beating their dependency on their phone by, shockingly, using a second phone. Many people have taken to purchasing a dumb phone in addition to their smartphone – a simple flip phone or similar device used exclusively for functions like making calls and sending simple texts. By making these devices their primary phones, these people are able to avoid the temptations of most smartphones. This includes social media, distracting apps, and more.

So, did you figure out if you are addicted to your smartphone? Has your smartphone or mobile phone use reached addiction levels? If so, how do you plan to reduce your phone use, if at all?

Dating Downloads Set To Go Into Overdrive On January 6

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Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to find love? You might want to pull out your smartphone and re-download your favorite dating app again. According to new reports, January 6 is expected to be the busiest day for online dating of the year.

Dating Apps Image from hellogiggles.com

The popular dating site Match.com reports that the busiest day for online dating is the first Sunday following the new year. This means that fateful day rests on January 6 and most first dates will occur the following Friday. Match.com even dubbed that special day of the week, “First Date Friday, ” which is set to occur on January 11.

But Match isn’t the only dating site to experience a surge in swiping. Up-and-coming dating app Hinge reported that singles used the app 22.5% more on the first Sunday following the new year.

Tinder, the undisputed leader of the dating app pack, saw 44 million matches made in a single Sunday. With so many users picking up online dating on that first Sunday, the day has become a holiday in its own right. It’s been dubbed “Dating Sunday.”

Woman using dating app and swiping user photos

But why January 6?

Many theorize that users hope to find love in the new year, making January a particularly popular month for dating apps across the country. But that first Sunday is key. People are bored after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and eager for more excitement. For others, this Sunday following the holidays may be the first time they’ve had downtime to use a dating app in the new year.

Match found that 53% of singles on their site think of the new year as a clean slate; for those looking for love in 2019, dating at the beginning of the new year is a fresh start.

“January is all about resolutions and we always see people kickstarting their dating after a reflection phase where they try to figure out what they want from life in the new year and what they are going to do differently,” claims Bumble’s Danielle Chadha.

“We see a lot a lot of new registrations and a lot of profiles being updated and we encourage our users just to be straightforward in their bios and profiles about what they want.”

So, how can you craft the perfect profile for Dating Sunday?

Here are some tips to help get you to First Date Friday.

Put your best face forward

This means it’s time to ditch the sunglasses. Potential matches want to see your beautiful smile and pearly whites. It’s estimated that 96% of people believe that a healthy, attractive smile makes someone more appealing to a potential partner.

Actually fill out your bio

So many singles just put their social media information on their profile and hope for the best. Unfortunately, this won’t get you potential matches. You want to fill out your bio with information that can start a conversation. Include your likes and interests with a funny quote or an interesting one-liner.

Ditch the bad pickup lines

We’ve heard them all before. It’s time to come up with unique first lines if you want to get responses from potential dates. For those who are stuck, Tinder came out with a few alternatives on their Swipe Life blog to get you started.

For example, they list “Best smile on Tinder. You must use Crest, lol” as a bad first liner. While 99.7% of people view a healthy smile as socially important, this won’t get you a date.

Tinder suggests you use this instead: “OK, nice smile, but how’s your frown?”

If you’re not into dating apps right now, don’t stress. There are other busy times where you might be more apt to download Tinder or another dating app.

After all, time is relative and there’s no limit on when you’ll find love. The French once tried to institute a 10-hour clock, instead of the regular 24 hours. If you’re struggling on a dating app, at least you didn’t fail as badly as they did following the French Revolution.

And if you’re one of the many people swiping on January 6, good luck this Sunday!

2018 Gadgets for holiday tech lovers

Holiday Gift Guide: Cool Tech Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

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One of the easiest gifts to give are cool tech gifts. They’re cool not just because of their looks but because of how they make our lives easier and more fulfilling. Whether your gift giving list is filled with music lovers, home office owners, gadget geeks, or anyone who wants to make their lives a bit smoother, these gifts are sure to delight. We’re sharing a few of the wonderful gifts we discovered at Pepcom. We know we’d love to receive as holiday gifts.

 

2018 Gadgets for holiday tech lovers

  1. Ultimate Ears Bluetooth Speakers – The BOOM3, MEGABOOM3, and WONDERBOOM Bluetooth speakers are definitely on everyone’s lists this holiday season. They are super-portable, boasts a balanced 360° sound, deep bass, one-touch music control, and are water, dust and drop proof. Any of these would be cool tech gifts to give your loved ones this season.
  2. Logitech Pro Ultra Wide Angle HD Webcam – Stay in touch with family and friends with this 1080P HD video webcam that boasts a wide field of view, 4x zoom capabilities, easily connects to your PCs or Macs with no additional software required, effortless pan and tilt capabilities, and so much more.
  3. Aquio X iHome Waterbottle & Bluetooth Speaker – Hydrate your body and soul with this sleek water bottle that quenches your thirst for water and music. The 16oz bottle is BPA-free and boasts double wall insulation. It keeps your beverages cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 14 hours. At the bottom of the bottle is a detachable iHome Bluetooth speaker so you can enjoy music anywhere you go.
  4. WD MyCloud Personal Cloud Storage – in the era of hackings and doxing, it is essential to NOT have personal photos and information roaming around in shared cloud storage. With the WD MyCloud, you can completely back up your computers, smartphones, tablets, at the safety of your home. Available in 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, and 8TB, you can keep everything safely in one place.
  5. Polaroid Mint Instant Print Digital Camera – Love the feeling of having actual photos? You’ll love this 2-In-1 digital camera and printer. This wonderful, travel-friendly camera allows you to take 16-Megapixel photographs and prints them instantly on 2”x3” sticky-back paper. With 6 easy picture settings, some of which includes vibrant Color, black & white, or vintage effect, you will enjoy making memories.
  6. PureGear Fast Qi Wireless Charging Pad – The horror of a dying phone battery will be a distant memory when you gift this cable-free, fast charging pad. By simply placing your phone on the pad, everyone will enjoy an enhanced charging experience. It is compatible with most Qi-enabled phones and devices, has a micro-USB charging connector, and 10W fast charging. All this makes it perfect charging while traveling. Anyone who owns a smartphone will want this charging pad.

What are your thoughts on these cool tech gifts? Would you love to give or receive them this season?

SmoothSkin IPL Hair Removal Devices

SmoothSkin IPL Hair Removal Devices: Game Changers in Hair Removal

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A few years ago, we were introduced to a hair removal device that uses light-based technology (IPL or Intense Pulsed Light). This light technology hinders the growth of unwanted hair, but alas that device was not made for darker skin tones. That was then and now there is a hair removal brand that is a bit more inclusive. We’re here to introduce you to two SmoothSkin IPL Hair Removal Devices, SmoothSkin Gold and SmoothSkin Bare. Say goodbye to shaving and waxing!

SmoothSkin IPL Hair Removal Devices

SmoothSkin is the only global expert brand dedicated solely to the design, development, and manufacturing of IPL hair removal devices. You won’t find any other consumer electronics such as toasters or vacuum cleaners in their wheelhouse, they are strictly dedicated to making only IPL devices. As you can imagine, these early pioneers of light-based technology are unmatched in the advancement of light-based beauty products and skin science. So how do these SmoothSkin IPL hair removal devices work? They are designed to help break the cycle of hair growth by targeting the hair root or follicle.

Please note, IPL is NOT a laser. Light energy is transferred through the skin’s surface and is absorbed by the melanin present in the hair shaft. The absorbed light energy is converted to heat energy (below the surface of the skin), which then disables the hair follicle preventing further growth. With the use of these SmoothSkin IPL hair removal devices, treated hairs naturally fall out over the course of a few days to 1-2 weeks.

SmoothSkin IPL Hair Removal Devices

IPL differs from laser hair removal by using a much broader spectrum of light in various colors and wavelengths, whereas laser uses a single spectrum of concentrated light in one single color and wavelength. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and can provide long-lasting results. Because laser treatment focuses light into the follicle and not the skin, it is often recommended for darker skin tones which may not be suited to IPL treatment.  Due to the way the technology works, IPL isn’t suitable for the darkest skin tones, or Fitzpatrick skin tone 6.

IPL is also not recommended for use on red, grey or very light (blonde) hair. All SmoothSkin devices feature a unique sensor that checks to see if your skin tone is suitable before treatment. SmoothSkin Gold features the latest in IPL technology, which automatically selects the right setting for you giving a personalized treatment for maximum results.

SmoothSkin Gold, $349.00

Being the most powerful at-home IPL device on the market, SmoothSkin Gold checks your skin tone with every flash and delivers powerful treatment specifically suited to you. They recommend you use it once a week for 12 weeks to capture your three hair cycles of growth. Once these have been treated, your hair will stop growing back and you’ll only have to do a few sessions every few weeks. The SmoothSkin Gold boasts a gentle mode which reduces its power; this makes it perfect to use on sensitive areas such as underarms or bikini line. The treatment should take a maximum of 20 mins for your whole body and can be used pretty much everywhere.

We just started using the SmoothSkin Gold as we are in the Fitzpatrick skin tone 5 range. Something we couldn’t say a few years ago as this technology wasn’t available to our skin tone. It will take a few uses to see the full results, but we can say the device is easy to use, and we haven’t experienced any skin irritations or discomfort.

SmoothSkin Bare, $349.00

The SmoothSkin Bare is the IPL game changer offering incredibly fast, permanent hair reduction. Being the fastest at-home hair removal device on the market, SmoothSkin Bare uses an Ultrafast Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). With 100 flashes per minute, you can treat the whole body in only 10 minutes. Thanks to the latest technology, SmoothSkin Bare offers unlimited flashes, so you don’t have to worry about running out. By using Bare once a week, you will see results from 4 weeks with best results around week 12.

Both devices offer dual-mode treatments making it quick and easy, the Stamp, and Glide modes. The Glide mode is for larger areas such as the legs or arms. You simply hold down the button and the device will keep flashing as you glide it across your skin. The Stamp mode works perfectly for smaller areas such as your underarms or bikini line. SmoothSkin conducts several clinical studies; their in-house clinical team makes sure their products are both effective and safe.

SmoothSkin Gold and SmoothSkin Bare hair removal devices are both available now on www.smoothskin.com.

The First Reports Of Facebook Dating Are In: Is It Worth It?

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Facebook Dating has only been released in a select number of countries, but already we’re learning about the overall user experience. Now that the beta of Facebook’s dating app has hit Canada, the first Canadian users have begun to weigh in.

The verdict? It’s on par with other online dating apps, but a few bugs in the system make it difficult to use.

Journalist Ebony-Renee Baker details her interaction with the app in a recent Vice article. In true Vice fashion, she holds nothing back. She paints a vivid picture of lovelorn Millennials love-hate relationship with dating apps. Baker says Facebook Dating needs to fix the bugs to make it more usable, which is typical when tech companies are testing a new app.

Woman using dating app and swiping user photos

“When I select my distance preference to be within 40 km, age range from 26 to 35, and height within a solid 5’11 to 7 … feet tall, half of my suggested matches are basically the opposite of that. Instead, I’m getting dudes like 44-year-old Stephane from small-town Ontario, and wee Peter at 5’5″ even though I asked for them not to be there — no offence, guys,” Baker reports.

On top of that, Facebook Dating forces the user to send messages immediately to those you have tapped “interested” in. This means that you don’t match with someone to begin talking to them — as soon as you hit “interested,” a user can message whomever they want.

While this might open the door for people you may not have considered, this is inherently different from the match-to-talk options already proffered by more popular dating apps.

Countless people use online dating to find matches in real life. In fact, over one-third of married couples in the U.S. met through a dating site or app. Among those who identify as LGBTQ+ couples, almost 70% of them met online.

But that doesn’t mean those couples had to filter through plenty of bad dates, bot accounts, and creepy messages to get there.

Despite Ebony’s lackluster opinion on Facebook Dating, she did manage to go on one date with a man who lived down the street from her. Of course, it didn’t work out, but at least he wasn’t one of the 70 million bots Twitter has gotten rid of this year.

This is a stark contrast to the way couples met in the 1990s. In fact, more than 40% of couples met their partner through friends, followed by 20% of people who met in bars. But then again, the average cost of a honeymoon wasn’t more than $4,000 either.

It’s apparent that online dating isn’t going anywhere. But the final judgment on Facebook Dating? It seems like it’s too soon to count it out just yet.

Once the app fixes its bugs and spreads to more countries, the best thing we can do is try it for ourselves and form our own opinions. And write about it for the benefit of the rest of the world.

Tech Review: PureGear Glass Screen Shield with Perfect Alignment Tray

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For the 10 of you that can effortlessly put on a screen protector on your smartphone with ease, you can bypass this post. For everyone else, we’ve got the answer to your unsteady hands, the PureGear Glass Screen Shield with Perfect Alignment Tray for Samsung. Whether you’re always having issues applying your phone’s screen protector or doing it for the first time, this is what you need. Say goodbye to bubbling, uneven applications, and bits of dust that always seem to get stuck to the sticky side of your screen protector. This glass screen shield makes applying your screen protector as easy as counting to three.

Made just for the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, and S9+, the PureGear Glass Screen Shield features curved tempered glass perfect for the curved screen of the Samsung Galaxy. The tempered glass is scratch resistant, precision engineered for touch and swiping boasts high clarity, and is unmistakably easy to install. Thanks to this great smartphone tool, you’re left with a bubble-free, case fit-friendly device that retains its high definition screen. PureGear provides premium quality products at an affordable price; and for the first time in a long time, our screen looks as ever; plus, we’re not losing touch sensitivity.

Don’t have a Samsung smartphone? The PureGear Glass Screen Shield with Perfect Alignment Tray is also available for iPhone, Motorola, LG, and Google devices. PureGear also has screen shield options for blue light protection, extreme impact protection, and anti-glare. They are the go-to for what you need in screen protection and mobile device accessories.

What are your thoughts on this screen protector from PureGear? Could mobile device use some extra protection?  The PureGear Glass Screen Shield with Perfect Alignment Tray, which retails for $44.99, is available on www.pure-gear.com, www.walmart.com, and www.jet.com.

Pop Icon: Polaroid Pop Instant Digital Camera with TouchScreen Display

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Remember the days of waiting for your Polaroid pictures to magically develop? While those days of shaking your Polaroid pictures are long gone, you can still experience the magic of instantly seeing your photos develop, but with a digital spin. The Polaroid Pop instant digital camera boasts a touchscreen display that makes it ideal for capturing all of your favorite moments in the 3.5 x 4.25″ instantly and with the Polaroid border format you grew up to love. We love that combination of the modern digital technology and the old school Polaroid technology. So just as before, all you have to do is just pose, snap and print your pictures — no computer or printer required!

What are some of the features you can enjoy with the Polaroid Pop Instant Digital Camera with TouchScreen Display? This great holiday gifting gadget features ZINK Zero Ink technology for instantly printing photos; a 3.97” color LCD touchscreen display (as you can see above); a 20.0-megapixel CMOS sensor, a Live Edit mode to personalize your pictures with various filters and stickers; the ability to edit, rotate, crop and draw on photos in Gallery; 1080p/720p full HD video recording capability; 15-second GIF recording capability to create your own gifs; Wi-Fi capability and a Self-timer; and even a photo-booth mode and digital zoom. Your photos and videos can be kept on microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC (up to 128GB) and boasts a free Polaroid Print App for iOS and Android. The Polaroid Pop also boasts some great coordinating accessories which I’ve highlighted below.

Accessories for the Polaroid Pop instant digital camera include:

Glam on the go with Retro Photo Frames – $14.99

 

Not Your Mother’s Clothespin Frame – $12.99

 

Fun and Decorative Border Stickers, Magnets and Frames – $14.99

 

‘Tis the Season for Stylish Polaroid Pop Camera Cases – $19.99

Quilted Photo Album for Storing Life’s Special Moments – $14.99

 

Photo Booth – the Inescapable Centerpiece for Your Next Party – $39.99

The Polaroid Pop Instant Digital Camera with TouchScreen Display comes in six colors – yellow, black, blue, mint green, pink, and white. It retails for $199.99 each on www.amazon.com. Now that you’ve seen its modern update, what are your thoughts on the update of this iconic camera?

Beauty Technology: FOREO UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask

What’s New in Beauty Tech: Foreo UFO: The Sophisticated Smart Mask

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We have been on a face mask roll lately and our skin is loving it. This time around, we’re getting a lot more technological as we try out the Foreo UFO, the sophisticated smart mask. This smart, blue tooth-enabled facial mask combines groundbreaking hyper-infusion technology with innovative K-beauty formulas for a complete facial treatment in 90 seconds. You may already be familiar with and enjoyed some of Foreo’s innovative beauty tech devices, the Foreo UFO will also win your beauty-loving heart.

Beauty Technology: FOREO UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask

UFO integrates thermo-therapy and cryo-therapy to push the mask’s essence into the skin’s surface and lock in moisture while reducing the appearance of pores. T-sonic pulsations gently massage mask essence into the skin, while full-spectrum LED light therapy completely rejuvenates skin—unveiling a refined, radiant complexion.

Beauty Technology: FOREO UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask

It was lust at first sight and love at first use of the Foreo UFO Smart Mask at Pepcom. We relished indulging in this groundbreaking beauty tech device and transcendent smart mask treatment. As previously hinted above, the Foreo UFO combines advanced dermal technologies with exclusive Korean mask formulas for a decadent facial treatment in seconds. 90 seconds is all you need to enjoy the full benefits of this smart mask device. You’ll love everything about this innovative beauty device that will help to transform your skin’s complexion and give you a spa-worthy facial. We certainly do!

Beauty Technology: FOREO UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask

The Foreo UFO offers a range of UFO-Activated, single-use masks and expert routines, optimized for specific skin care benefits. The individually wrapped mini sheet masks include Make My Day, Call It a Night, Matte Maniac, Glow Addict, H2Overdose, Shimmer Freak Eye Mask, and Youth Junkie. They are available in a box of seven per box for $9.99. We started off with the Make My Day mask, a lux red algae and hyaluronic acid face mask that left our skin looking and feeling hydrated, as well as protected. We are looking forward to trying the others, especially the Matte Maniac soon.

In 90 seconds, this wonder device will prep, moisturize, and protect your skin. Using the coordinating Foreo App, you begin with a Thermo-Therapy and revitalizing red LED light that smooths and preps your skin to absorb the mask’s full benefits. After 30 seconds, the UFO’s T-Sonic pulsations are added to the heat to help with absorption of the hydrating serum. During the last 30 seconds, the heat gradually decreases and the anti-pollution formula is locked into the skin while the LED gives your skin an instant boost of radiance for an all-day glow. With the UFO, you’ll enjoy three targeted photo facials in one at-home device.

Beauty Technology: FOREO UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask

Exclusively developed for the flagship UFO model, Cryo-Therapy mode is an effortless way to diminish the appearance of pores and reduce puffiness. No need to stash skincare in the freezer – with the simple touch of a button, UFO instantly cools to refresh and invigorate skin.

The 100 percent waterproof UFO Smart Mask is easy to clean between uses and the included stand (not pictured) keeps your UFO where it belongs when not in use – on display.  It is USB-rechargeable, lightweight, portable, and is available in three colors – Fuschia, Mint, and Pearl Pink. Plus every UFO comes with a 10-Year Quality Guarantee and 2-Year Limited Warranty. Get your favorite color for $279.00 on www.foreo.com, Sephora retail locations, and www.sephora.com.