Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Our Absolute Favorite Gadgets of 2014

WiredOur Absolute Favorite Gadgets of 2014WirediPhone 6 Plus Our favorite of the Big Phones, Apple's entry has the most beautiful design, the best software ecosystem, and one of the best cameras. The addition of mobile payment capability and its tighter integration with Mac OS X make it the best ...

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Got a new gadget? Here's where to unload the old one

whnt.comGot a new gadget? Here's where to unload the old onewhnt.comApple.com offers a similar service for Apple products as well. If you're concerned about data security, you may want to consider recycling your old gadgets locally. AT Madison's Tech Stars, Incorporated, you can bring in just about any device – from ...

Monday, December 29, 2014

Top 8 gadgets consumers can expect in 2015

New York Daily NewsTop 8 gadgets consumers can expect in 2015New York Daily NewsEnjoy that new smart watch, phone or car you got for Christmas because soon it'll be outdated. Some cool new gadgets came into our homes in 2014, but with technology rapidly increasing and improving, 2015 will quickly bring new gadgets to replace them.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

No more queues with this shopping gadget

The HinduNo more queues with this shopping gadgetThe HinduA group of students of Marian Engineering College, Kazhakuttom, has come out with an innovative technology to make shopping more hassle-free in malls, particularly those thronged by customers the most. The students with their skills in applied ...

How to protect your new gadget

USA TODAYHow to protect your new gadgetUSA TODAYA tipped coffee cup, a loose lid on your water bottle, or a tumble onto a snowy sidewalk — that may be all it takes to turn your precious just-unwrapped gadget gift into a paper weight. Water, dust, dirt, sand, you name it, if it can find a way into ...

Friday, December 26, 2014

Tips to Master Your Brand New Gadget

GizmodoTips to Master Your Brand New GadgetGizmodoThere are a couple things that can go through your head upon unwrapping a shiny new electronic device: hell yesss is closely followed by: uhhh, so how do I use this thing? You could read the instructional manual cover to cover, but c'mon F that. So, we ...

Six clicks: Best gadgets I bought in 2014

ZDNetSix clicks: Best gadgets I bought in 2014ZDNetI have been thrilled with the Capresso 118.05 EC PRO, and it's easily the best gadget I bought in 2014. It is a high pressure system, critical for good espresso. It can make a double shot of espresso in less than 10 seconds with a quarter inch of brown ...

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Your High

ABC NewsYour High-Tech Holiday Gadget Guide for Christmas MorningABC NewsPhones, fitness bands and streaming video devices, oh my! If Santa was good to you and put one of the top tech gifts under the Christmas tree for you, it's time to start playing with them. But to get the most out of your gadgets, here are a few things ...

6 cool gadget gifts other than smartphones

Times of India6 cool gadget gifts other than smartphonesTimes of IndiaWith the new year upon us, it is time many would be shopping for gifts for their loved ones. If you are shopping for a gadget enthusiast, then there are many better gifts you can buy instead of a smartphone or a tablet. Here's our list of 6 cool ...

Monday, December 22, 2014

Scottish Gadget Jacket: The AyeGear J25 Carries Absolutely Everything

ForbesScottish Gadget Jacket: The AyeGear J25 Carries Absolutely EverythingForbesI'm a patriot, so it's a pleasure to review the latest jacket from the Scottish-based AyeGear. Not only is the jack warm and comfortable, but it is the ultimate 'jacket of holding' for the geekerati who lives in inclement weather. Puns aside, AyeGear ...

Sugar Land man invents quirky egg gadget

KTRK-TVSugar Land man invents quirky egg gadgetKTRK-TVDo you have an idea for an invention? One Sugar Land man did and now you can buy his product. It all started with a visit to the doctor's office. Mark Fusco was told by his physician that his cholesterol was too high and that he would have to start ...

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Gadget insurance complaints to Ombudsman jump

BBC NewsGadget insurance complaints to Ombudsman jumpBBC NewsThe Financial Ombudsman Service says it saw 2,200 complaints about gadget warranties last year, double that of the previous year. It says many people hugely undervalue the cost of the technological items they carry with them, and also are not aware ...

7 Wonderful Gadget Stories to Warm Your Holiday Heart

Gizmodo7 Wonderful Gadget Stories to Warm Your Holiday HeartGizmodoTechnology is a great gift to give for the holidays. It can provide hours, and days, and weeks, of entertainment and even help inspire kids for a lifetime. Last week, I asked about great tech-centric memories during the holidays, and answers included ...

Saturday, December 20, 2014

10 best last

The Independent10 best last-minute gadget giftsThe IndependentIt makes Star Trek sounds, controls TVs and other gadgets and is handsomely crafted. It won't make the programmes any better, mind. If you prefer a different icon, there are two versions of Doctor Who's Sonic Screwdriver available from Firebox as well.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Gadget gifts for the time

Fox NewsGadget gifts for the time-challengedFox NewsSome of my last-minute suggestions may be difficult to come by in time for Christmas (overnight shipping can only perform so many miracles) but perhaps you'll decide to get one of these gadgets for yourself — after the holiday. Samsung Gear S, $384.

Transport for London reveals new 'gadget' to pick up items from track but not ...

MetroTransport for London reveals new 'gadget' to pick up items from track but not ...MetroTransport for London has been patting itself on the back for producing this new gadget – but not everyone is impressed. The organisation described it as a 'new device to pick up dropped items from tracks' after revealing it on its Twitter account. But ...

Thursday, December 18, 2014

11 great gadget gifts for girls

Pocket-lint.com11 great gadget gifts for girlsPocket-lint.comWe've rounded up some of the best tech gifts for girls because girls love a gadget too, especially when you combine them with lovely things. Whether it is for Christmas, a birthday or just because you are feeling nice, here are 11 of the best girly ...

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Work In A Windowless Office? This Gadget Will Give You Natural Light

Co.ExistWork In A Windowless Office? This Gadget Will Give You Natural LightCo.ExistSpending time in natural light makes us happier, more productive, and less stressed. But if you work in a cubicle, or live in a dimly-lit apartment, you don't have to be destined to a lifetime of artificial lighting. A new gadget makes it possible to ...

Ultimate Christmas gadget gift guide for mum, dad, teens, kids and pets

Mirror.co.ukUltimate Christmas gadget gift guide for mum, dad, teens, kids and petsMirror.co.ukThere's not long left to buy your Christmas presents if you want them to be delivered before the big day. For some retailers TODAY is the last day that you can buy gifts to guarantee delivery, so hurry up and take a look at our ultimate guide to ...

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

ANTI

Daily MailANTI-TECH 2015 set to be the year people forsake gadgets and social networksDaily MailHaving the latest gadget or app has been a status symbol for years, but all that could be about to change. Experts predict 2015 will be the year when people forsake gadgets, social networks and other technology in favour of the simple life. Recent ...

Monday, December 15, 2014

Five ways to reduce gadget addiction


In addition to depriving one of sleep and disrupting the body clock, addiction to smartphones and gadgets can rob one of much-needed private family time. It's important to detach and minimise dependance on technology once in a while. Anumeha Chaturvedi brings you some tips on reducing dependence on those hard-to-resist tablets and smartphones.


Deactivate Mobile Data


Deactivate the mobile internet data feature on your phone on leaving work, says Dhruv Desai, group HR head at Angel Broking. Post-work discussions take place through email and Whatsapp. Deactivating internet on tablets and phones can help detach from ongoing messages and mails, he says. Most smartphones also have an option of switching between personal and office mode, and such features can help reduce dependancy. Desai has configured the feature on his i phone 6.


Allocate 'Me Time'


'It is important to be disciplined about allocating fixed time slots for other things. Inculcating the habit of switching off for some time is key,' says P Thiruvengadam, senior director, human capital at Deloitte. He cites the example of an IT major that expected all employees to switch off devices for two hours at work.


Find Diversions


Engaging in any other activity of interest like sports, travel or social work, or spending time with family on weekends can be good distractions, says Thiruvengadam. 'It's also important to find like-minded people for socialising, who are not addicted to technology,' he adds.


Avoid Work-Talk


Refraining from calling co-workers after regular working hours unless its an emergency can help stem bonding with them through technology. 'Mostly, things can wait till the next morning,' says Desai.


Limit Use at Bed Time


Research has revealed that displays on most devices suppress melatonin, which disrupts body clocks. A separate study by online retailer Pixmania showed people with emails on their phones check messages 20 times a day, which adds two more hours to their working day. Limiting the use of devices at bed time, using the new priority inbox feature on Gmail can help one stay in control.


Confessions of a Sewing Gadget Junkie

Fabric is fabulous and something I collect, love and even use. Thread is right up there. Luscious colors, weights and uses. I've waxed on about how much of them I have and where I put it all. But I've been perhaps less than transparent about another desire I satiate at quilt stores. It's time to come clean and state true confessions of a sewing gadget junkie.


I have a thing for gadgets and it's a bit harder to justify. Oh sure, I boast, I will use up all this fabric and I'll need this thread to do it with. Theoretically, this could be true. (Come on, I said theoretically.)


But gadgets? Seriously how do I justify them. What's the reason I have drawers of sewing gadgets?


Um..I like them? Yep, that's why I have multiple rotary cutters and if you have the cutters, you have to have the blades. Am I right?


No, I only cut with one arm. What a silly question. Oh, I get it.


And if there is a gadget you like and use, another one in a different color or size is reasonable in my opinion.


I have perhaps reached the tipping point. I have a circular attachment for my machine that I have never used. I am so unsure on what feet I have that I have an app on my phone which lists them.


The snowflake spatula? I read that if you rip a bunch of stitches, these kinds of spatulas will gather up all those loose threads quick as can be. No, it didn't work but I do like the color of the spatula.


Can we say hard core or does junkie cover it?


I can't hang that much on the walls as I sew in a loft. Lucky for me they have those wooden ruler holders or might have to get rid of a few. Not that I would.


I have little scissors hanging on my sewing machine which came with a thread cutter hanging on the opposite side. And yes, my machine has its own thread cutter. I have never used either but they look cute don't you think?


I have snips, shears and scissors waiting to be used. One can hang around my neck. Why did I think I needed one on my machine?


Again, I do like the color, don't you? And fine, yes, I may have crossed over the line so what the heck, I'll confess the rest.


Here's the thing. I also have a Longarm and the entire table under it is full of Longarm gadgets. I have even used a few!


And I have more next to Gladys, my beloved Gammill. Is that bobbin winder the most fun item someone's husband ever came up with in a garage?


Yes, I can wind bobbins on the Longarm, why do you inquire?


And hey, the kleenex is very useful.


I have a nifty small cutting mat on a stand that revolves. I love it!


It's fabulous to pile things on.In fact, to get this picture, I had to move most of them.


In my defense I have one gadget that I bought in 8th grade. That would be 1967 for those of you doing the math in your head.


I've been using this sweetie for 47 years. And people say I am a gadget junkie. Maybe I am but I know a good gadget when I see one.


And no, I won't lend it to you.


Gadgets make me Sew happy!


Want to see what else I think and dream about? Check out my Facebook page. Like the page, check the get notifications and join the conversation! If you want to keep reading my blog, you can subscribe. To do so, type your email address in the box and click the 'create subscription' button. That's all, you're done. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.


I wrote a whimsical post about things quilters have last month. You can read it here. Interested in the rest of my sewing room? P eruse this photo gallery.