Techish

How to keep in touch with kids too young to own a smartphone

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Let’s face it, parents, most of us lose our kids at least once or twice while they’re growing up. Sometimes they just get a little too good at hide-and-seek, as my then-four-year-old daughter did for a few heart-stopping moments inside a department store several years ago. Or maybe they just aren’t where we expect them to be — even for a minute or two — and it’s absolutely terrifying. Apps on smartphones like Life360 and even Find My Friends work great to help track down teens and older kids mature enough to manage the responsibility of owning a smartphone. But what about for younger ones? What’s the best way to keep a watchful eye — that isn’t a smartphone? TECH THAT FOLLOWS THE KIDS ... Read more

JENN’S LIST: These are the Best Gadget Gifts to Upgrade Dad Right Now!

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Father's Day is fast approaching, and the benefit of doing your shopping for the Old Man now rather than the day before is that you can afford to browse a bit. Take your time and meander. I've done all the research for you - here's a little something to upgrade every kind of dad - in every price range: Father's Day is Sunday, June 17! Lenovo Mirage Solo Camera ($300) and VR Headset with Daydream($400): This new point-and-shoot camera captures everything you see — in the way you see it — photos and video! You can then watch it on TV, see it on your smartphone (it makes family photos look like those “live” photos from the Harry Potter movies), or go all-in with the totally standalone ... Read more

AS SEEN ON KTVU: Mother’s Day Gadgets and Last Minute Ideas!

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In case you missed our segment with our family at KTVU last weekend morning -- here's everything I talked about: Mother’s Day is right around the corner and thanks to the latest tech tools and insider “hacks,” you still have time to give her something she actually wants and needs this year.  1. SWEET TREATS AND GORGEOUS BLOOMS: FTD.COM and Berries.Com:  This is one of my annual go-to’s – and the latest tech makes it super easy:  I ordered this “Irreplaceable Luxury Bouquet’” and this “Pink at Heart Orchid Bouquet” on Friday from FTD.com. Less than a day later –  a florist from Park Florist on Park Boulevard in Oakland delivered it herself to my doorstep. The carefully crafted bouquets are ... Read more

Mother’s Day 2018 Gift Ideas and Smart Tech Hacks to Win Child of the Year!

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According to a handful of Mother’s Day surveys and polls, most moms want one gift over all others this year: More sleep. That’s right, give us one night of completely, totally, blissfully uninterrupted sleep, and you’ll win child (or husband, or BFF) of the year. Even those of us Moms with older kids (mine is 17) aren’t getting nearly enough, according to a study presented at 2017’s American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in Boston. THESE APPS = GREAT GIFT HACKS Best tech hack to help Mom get the peace and quiet she craves? Download the HotelTonight app (free, iOS and Android). It gives you access to fantastic deals, super low rates, and awesome experiences in more than ... Read more

Going, Going, Gone? Can the Oculus Go VR Headset really hit a home run?

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No matter how excited I get with VR -- peering over the edge of a skyscraper, staring a T-Rex in the eye, or swimming with Blue whales -- the emerging tech still hasn't reached its stride. That might all change very soon with the arrival of the much-anticipated Oculus Go. This new headset, which went on sale Tuesday, strikes a serious sweet-spot. It costs just $200. It has no cables. It’s easy to use. It works for iPhone people and Android people, Mac people and PC people. It's like the Switzerland of new gadgets. And as other reviewers point out, it’s for more than just playing games. Call it Oculus and chill: The Go lets you curl up and watch TV virtually along with a faraway friend. ... Read more

JENN’S LIST: Best Gadgets of Spring 2018

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Spring has sprung, and now that the last remnants of winter have melted away it's time start 2018 for real. We're only four months into the year, but there are already some awesome new gadget trends starting to emerge. Oculus Go ($199) Oculus got off to a bit of a slow start with the Rift virtual reality headset, but it's hoping to make up a whole lot of ground with the all-new Oculus Go, a wireless VR gadget that you can take anywhere. It's an entirely standalone VR experience, meaning no messy wires and you don't need a pricey computer to attach it to, and at $199 it's a whole lot cheaper than most of the other virtual reality headsets out there. Developers have already been ... Read more

Samsung’s spring sales are just in time for Mother’s Day

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Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13th, and if you haven't already gotten mom something you know she's going to love, your time is ticking away fast. Leave it to Samsung to have a couple of awesome springtime deals just in time for the big day. To ring in the spring, Samsung's incredible "The Frame" 4K TV is getting a $400 price cut for both the 55 inch and 65-inch models. The Frame is like no other TV you've ever seen — it's an ultra-sharp 4K TV when you need it, but when you don't, it transforms into a gallery-like art display that will add a touch of class to any living space. It was designed in collaboration with world-famous designed Yves Béhar, I featured it in my 2018 CES coverage, and ... Read more

Feature phones are making a comeback, and here are some of the best for 2018

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Smartphones have dominated our pockets and purses for the past decade, but they've grown so powerful (and, in many cases, totally addictive) that more and more people are longing for the days when funky flip phones were all the rage. Sit back and ask yourself: What apps do you absolutely need on your phone to make it through your day? If the answer is "almost none of them," you might find yourself living a less stressful digital existence if you opt for a feature phone instead. Even if you need a smartphone during the week, a more basic phone can be an excellent option for the weekend. (They're great for pre-teens first phone too.) Here are a few of the best options if you're looking ... Read more

FTD Is Having a Massive Sale on Mother’s Day Flowers Right Now

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Yes, Mom loves a good flower bouquet for Mother's Day, but she also doesn’t want you to blow your budget on peonies. FTD understands the struggle, which is why it's having a massive site-wide sale right now. All flowers, plants, and gifts are 20% off. We rounded up some of our favorites, so get ready: your perfect Mother’s Day gift is only a click away. Mum's the Word Bouquet $32 and up BUY NOW She won’t be able to stop smiling when this arrangement — bursting with pink gerbera daisies, purple gillyflower, white Peruvian Lilies, and green spider mums — is delivered to her front door. The Perfect Day Bouquet $36 and up BUY NOW This best-selling bouquet of bright roses ... Read more

Why Apple’s new iPad is going to be this year’s must-have school gadget

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Even though it's only Spring, and most kids (and parents) are thinking more about Spring Break than the next school year, it's already clear that Apple's newly-announced iPad will be the year's must-have gadget for school. Apple held a special, education-focused event in Chicago to announce the launch of the new tablet, and everything they said should be music to the ears of parents and teachers too. Here's what you need to know: What is it? An all-new 9.7-inch iPad. What's so special about it? Glad you asked! Well, for starters, it's more powerful than the previous model and it has full support for the Apple Pencil stylus, which up until now was reserved for the incredibly ... 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

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