Techish

High Tech Flu Fighters!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFVvd74nxlM NOTE: An edited version of this story originally ran in USA Today print and online: 2/19/18. Can the latest gadgets and apps help save us from this year’s killer flu? As one of the worst influenza outbreaks on record sweeps across America like a deadly virus from the movie Outbreak, that’s a question hundreds of scientists, inventors, and health officials are working feverishly to answer. While a handful of futuristic fixes are most certainly in the works — like a flu breathalyzer, far UVC flu-bug zapping light, and next-gen take home lab in a box — they’re not available yet. The good news? There are still a handful of high-tech flu-fighters ... Read more

NYT Wired Well Revisit: An Uber for Doctor Housecalls

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Note: I wrote this story for the New York Times a few years ago. It ran in print and online in 2015. Given that the flu season is out of control in most states right now, I'm revisiting this idea of modern-day house calls, and thought you might like to do the same. - Jennifer New smartphone apps can deliver doctors to your doorstep. Heal is a smartphone app similar to the on-demand car service Uber, but instead of a car, a doctor shows up at your door. Users download the app and then type in a few details such as address and the reason for the visit. After adding a credit card and a request for a family doctor or a pediatrician, the physician arrives in 20 to 60 minutes for a flat fee of ... Read more

GIFT GUIDE: These Valentine gifts will make him crazy happy!

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  1. Samsung Gear Sport Watch (Around $250) 2. HyperIce Vyper 2.0 Speed Vibrating Foam Roller for Muscles ($199): This is no wimpy massager. It's made tough enough for men, to work all the knots out for good! 3. IN1 Tool Black Phone Case Blue Tools (Around $10) 4. Arcade Classics - Pac-Man Retro Mini Arcade Game (Around $20) 5. Groove Ring ($30): I love these rings! Active people know that they can't perform if their gear doesn't keep them safe. Rock-climbers, riders, doctors, you name it, anyone who uses their hands a lot, wears these all the freaking time. Groove rings offer a soft and supple outer band. No metal. 6. DJI Mavic Air ($799): If you really love him, this ... Read more

GIFT GUIDE: Last minute gifts for WOMEN that she’ll love!

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If you like her, get her this. There's still time. Mostly. Well, okay, a photo with a nice card that it's on it's way at least. The app Giftagram can land an awesome present in her lap within a few quick minutes. You're welcome. Quick links to everything below! 1. Gorgeous Jewelry! (Starts at $78): Recycled Computer Parts! Dell and Nikki Reed created this beautiful new jewelry collection, dubbed “The Circular Collection” as part of their Legacy of Good Program. The artist used gold from recycled computer motherboards to create a beautiful jewelry collection that includes earrings, rings and cufflinks. The pricing for the jewelry line ranges from $78.00 to $348.00 and is available to ... Read more

HOW TO: Kick your smartphone addiction. It doesn’t even hurt.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN3A8jnRV6A THIS STORY ORIGINALLY WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FOR USA Today AND USATODAY.COM: My 16-year old daughter is infinitely better at all things tech than I am. Even disconnecting from it. While I was on a work trip last week, she created a "no-phone zone." When she comes home from track practice, she switches her phone into "do not disturb" mode, and sticks it in a drawer right by the front door. Out of sight, out of mind, for pretty much the entire school night from now on, she told me, and it’s already working wonders. She said it’s helped her concentrate on her homework more, focus on what she needs to get done every night, and best of all, ... Read more

GIFT GUIDE: GALENTINE’S Gifts for Awesome Women!

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I have so many badass, smart, strong, amazing women in my life. They are all ages, into all different sorts of things, and live all over the world. Here's what I'm giving them this Galentine's Day - hopefully to make them feel loved and EMPOWERED all year long! (Click on the link to buy or explore each item more, directly from this site.)** 1. INKBOX temporary tattoo ink ($30+): Real tattoos might be a little much my BFF and I, so I'm going with these instead: semi-permanent tattoos. Starting at $20, buy some freehand ink from Inkbox, and add some custom or DIY designs. These last for eight to 18 days. 2. You Matter Mug  ($22.95): Because you do, you know. Sweet sentiment for morning ... Read more

HOW TO: Use VR to feel like you’re at the Olympics (for cheap)! Hint: We’re hooked!

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NOTE: This story first ran in the national print edition of USA Today on 2/8/2018 and is available via USA Today online here. USA Today Story: I’m riding shotgun in an Olympic bobsled, rocketing some 90 mph down a snow-dusted chute in South Korea. A few seconds later, I’m spinning on the ice with a figure skater, just a breath away from leaping into a quadruple jump. And then, I’m in a snowboarder's icy spray as he takes off for a last spectacular series of twists and flips, preparing for halfpipe gold. I’ve been previewing the 2018 Winter Olympics with Intel True VR — and it is spectacular. When the Olympics kick off with the opening ceremonies Friday in Pyeongchang, South Korea, ... Read more

NYT TRAVEL SHOW 2018: Here’s what I talked about, links to apps and gadgets!

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For those of you in the audience at the NYT Travel Show - THANK YOU! I've highlighted the apps and gadgets that I mentioned during the seminar so that you can click directly on the word and it will take you either to the company's website or to an Amazon page where you can buy it. I look forward to any feedback you provide and please feel free to contact me through social media or the contact form on this website anytime. Best, Jennifer THE GEAR I CARRY Number one – The right suitcase: This is what I suggest you splurge on - $200 and up – Splurge on the right luggage for you. Computer Case/Bag - Briggs and Riley Cabin Bag  OGIO or Timbuk 2 Backpack Inside, I ... Read more

WHAT I’M WORKING ON: V-Day, Travel Hacks, HIRING, and true tech+life helpful takeaways

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HOW TO "UN" ADDICT YOURSELF FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE: Over the past few years, I've done stories on devices that shock you off your phone, safes that lock them away for you, and a ton of apps to track and limit your time on them. But, the problem of tech addition is growing, and it's still something we're all talking about. Recently, a parade of tech big-wigs, including several former Facebook employees, have argued that "we’re no match for the sophisticated machinery of engagement and persuasion being built into smartphone apps. Their fears are many: They’re worried about distraction, productivity, how social networks alter our emotional lives and relationships, and "what they’re doing to ... Read more

READER RANT: Best reader email ever. (I framed it.)

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This is the best email I've ever gotten from a reader. Ever. It's addressed to USA Today's Jefferson Graham and me, likely because we were the most visual reporters under the USA Today umbrella at CES. (I'm a freelance columnist for USA Today/Gannett and reported on four stories for them during my time at CES 2018.) Since Andy sent this email, I've replied and kept in touch. My first response to him is under his letter - and while I might not agree with everything (I need a sunscreen reminder...) he makes incredibly valid and insightful points. I always look for better ways to cover new tech and gadgets. I realize that, "most people have no idea how any of these things work, and are ... Read more

CES DAY FOUR: Talking to your toilet? Yep, the tech world is flush with new ideas:

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https://youtu.be/0ynS_oCp-6M Note: this story originally ran in USA Today print and online 1/11/2018. Do we really need an Alexa-powered toilet? Kitchen and bath products-maker Kohler thinks so, as well as a faucet and bathroom mirror and the list of Alexa-activated devices is even longer and weirder than that. How about an Alexa-powered dog collar or backyard umbrella? Amazon was expected to get its voice-activated digital assistant into all manner of Internet-connected gadgets at CES 2018, the big annual technology trade show that wrapped up in Las Vegas last week. And it didn't disappoint. The list of new devices powered by Alexa rose to 4,000, from over 1,000 brands. Not to be ... Read more

CES2018: Iris scanners in our cars? The coolest car tech from CES that might already be in your driveway

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https://youtu.be/c1KEazIjziU Note: This report originally ran in USA Today's print version (1/11/18) and online: (1/10/18): Automakers showed the car tech that will make driving easier, safer and more personalized at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. Some of it may already be sitting in your driveway. (Photo: Jennifer Jolly, special for USA TODAY) LAS VEGAS — There’s no shortage of far-out, futuristic, fantastical car tech here at CES this year. Everyone’s working on self-driving cars, or cars that read your emotions and  scan your brainwaves. Heck, we’ve even see a flying car. Sure, some of it’s far-fetched —  and autonomous cars are still a few years out from getting any ... Read more

CES 2018: The strangest things you’ll soon control with your voice. Yes, a toilet!

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CES 2018 will go down as the year of voice-controlled-everythings. Alexa, Google, Siri — everywhere you turn — there’s some version of smart virtual voice assistant coming soon to a gadget near you. Some of it makes total sense. Amazon’s Echo and Google Home have been such big hits, of course we’re now seeing it come to every shape and size of smart home speaker and screen: Like Lenovo’s new Smart Display that gives Amazon’s Echo Show a run for its money And Hisense’s new H6 UHD TV. Jabra just launched a set of smart earbuds that you can talk to, which is totally natural as long as you don’t care if people think you’re talking to yourself. Cars? Why not? It’s hands-free ... Read more