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New Technology

10 Tips For a Seamless Smart Home Experience

Smart homes make life easier. But setting one up can be tricky. Here’s how to make a smooth smart home system.What is a Smart Home?A smart home uses technology to control many parts of life. This includes turning lights on and off and unlocking doors. You can control these devices with your voice or smartphone. These devices often connect over the internet and talk to each other.Why Should I Make My Home Smart?Smart homes save you time and energy. They can also make your home safer. Lastly, they are fun to use. Just say it and watch it happen!How do I build my smart home?Choose Your HubThe hub acts as the brain of your smart home. It helps devices talk to each other. Common hubs include the Amazon Echo and the Google Nest.Choose Compatible DevicesYour devices should work with your hub. When buying, look for phrases like “Works with Alexa” or “Google Home compatible”.Set Up Your NetworkYou need a strong Wi-Fi network. You might need…
Nicholas Salem
January 25, 2025
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New Technology

5 New Trends from a Study on the State of AI at Work

The pace of technological advancement is accelerating. This is not news to anyone wading through the ChatGPT craze. Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this revolution. We are swiftly seeing companies adopting AI solutions. Even more rapidly are software providers like Microsoft adding AI to tools. The goal is to use AI to do things like:Streamline operationsAutomate tasksReduce errorsBoost business outputThe 2024 Work Trend Index is a joint report by Microsoft and LinkedIn. It provides valuable insights into the current state of AI in the workplace. The study sheds light on how AI is transforming the way we work. It provides both fresh ideas and considerations when using AI. Being a business IT provider means we keep on top of these types of reports. By understanding the trends, we can help our clients navigate these changes. We can also help them leverage the power of AI to drive business forward. Next, we’ll look at the main trends identified in the report. As well as explore how…
Nicholas Salem
December 30, 2024
New Technology

Microsoft’s Transition to New Outlook: What You Need to Know

Your guide to the new email and calendar experience starting April 2026. Starting in April 2026, Microsoft will begin transitioning users with Microsoft 365 for Enterprise licenses from the classic Outlook for Windows to the new Outlook for Windows. This initiative aims to provide users with a modernized email and calendar experience, incorporating advanced features and improved integration within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Key Highlights of the New Outlook for Windows: Enhanced User Interface: The new Outlook offers a streamlined and simplified design, enhancing user experience and productivity. Microsoft Support Advanced Features: Inclusion of intelligent capabilities such as Microsoft Copilot, which assists in drafting emails and summarizing conversations. Microsoft Tech Community Improved Integration: Seamless connectivity with Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, facilitating efficient workflows. Microsoft Productivity Tools: Features like pinning and snoozing emails allow for better inbox management and prioritization. Microsoft Support Migration Timeline: April 2026: Initiation of user transition to the new Outlook. Users will have the option to revert to…
Nicholas Salem
December 6, 2024
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New Technology

Smart Tips for Building a Smart Home on a Budget

Imagine a world where your lights turn on automatically as you walk in the door. Your coffee starts brewing before you even crawl out of bed. A simple voice command adjusts the temperature to your perfect setting.This is no longer just something out of a sci-fi movie. Today’s smart technology seamlessly integrates with your daily life. It can create a more convenient, comfortable, and even secure living space.But wait, haven't smart homes always been synonymous with hefty price tags? Not necessarily. Some high-end smart home systems can indeed cost a small fortune. But building a smart home on a budget is absolutely achievable.Here are some tips to transform your humble abode into a tech-savvy haven affordably:The Wellness Revolution: Gadgets for a Healthier, Happier You1. Start Small and Scale UpYou don't need to overhaul your entire home at once. First, identify areas where smart tech can make a significant impact on your routine. For example, do you constantly forget to turn off the lights? Smart bulbs…
Nicholas Salem
June 25, 2024
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New Technology

What Should You Expect in the New iOS 17?

Apple's iOS updates have always been eagerly anticipated. iPhone and iPad users around the world get excited to see what their devices can do next. The newest major upcoming release will be for iOS 17. This fall, Apple is set to introduce a host of exciting new features and improvements.iOS 17 promises to deliver an even more intuitive and seamless user experience. There will also be big changes for Messages and sharing across phones.In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the key features you can expect. Get ready to explore the latest innovations that Apple has in store for its users.Get an Instant Transcript of VoicemailsHow do you know if that voicemail that came in while in a Zoom meeting is important? iOS 17 is going to make that much easier to determine. When you get a voicemail, you’ll see a transcript of the message on your screen. No more guesswork!Image credit: ApplePersonalized Contact PostersDo you hate the picture that someone…
Nicholas Salem
September 30, 2023
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BusinessNew Technology

How Is the Metaverse Going to Change Business?

The new buzzword around town is “metaverse.” But what does that actually mean for businesses? Is it just something that social media companies need to be concerned about?According to people like Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, the metaverse is coming. He stated that “Life without AR will soon be unthinkable.” Whether that’s a short-term or long-off prediction, companies need to be ready.First comes the understanding of what the metaverse is. Metaverse is a general term – hence why it’s not capitalized like a proper name. The metaverse refers to a collective upgrade of the internet to a 3D virtual environment. This would be a world interconnected between various sites. These sites would reflect the immersive games that you see today.Did Facebook/Meta invent the metaverse? No.The idea of connected 3D immersive worlds has been around for decades. Several online gaming companies have staked a territory in the metaverse. But their applications are less interconnected.What's one of the best representations of the early metaverse? It’s a short-lived software…
Nicholas Salem
February 25, 2023