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

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

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

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 DAY ONE: 6 coolest gadgets from CES you’ll likely see in your house this year

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https://youtu.be/tIUCpgEqlOM This story originally appeared in USA Today - in the print edition on Wednesday, 1/102018 And online in USAToday.com on 1/9/2018 A New Year means one thing in the world of gadgets — a trip to Las Vegas for CES. It’s the enormous consumer electronics show packed with nearly 50-football fields worth of shiny new tech toys. Somewhere inside the cavernous convention center crowded with TV’s we can’t afford, concept cars we’ll never drive, and stupid “smart” things we’ll never use (Alexa-enabled toilet…really?), there’s always a handful of gadgets that really can hit the jackpot of product-perfection. That’s what I set out to find early-on here in Las Vegas. ... Read more

CES 2018 – Riding the wave of the wild, wacky, and wonderful-est tech and gadgets to come

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Comfy shoes? Check. Vitamins and hand sanitizer? Check. Battery chargers? Check. Every last shred of patience? Check. I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be for another round of CES, the world's largest consumer electronics show. I think this is my tenth year but it might be my eleventh. I'm not sure. They kind of all blur together after awhile. Still, I'm excited to see what's in store for the world of tech and gadgets. I'm excited about all the robots at CES this year, and to see what new crazy gadgets Alexa and other AI assistants will be in. There's always a handful of insane, odd, and insanely awesome gadgets to see - and I'll be on the hunt for those well. (Like - the Belty - that ... Read more

GIFT GUIDE: Send fantastic gifts right this second with these apps!

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Nothing like waiting till the last second, amiright?! Maybe you're busy with work, or still haven't found the perfect present. Or maybe you're just a prolific procrastinator. Whatever the issue, here are a handful of apps that can help you send a super thoughtful gift right this second! You're welcome. Giftagram (iOS, Android) The Giftagram app lets you send actual presents, without needing the recipient’s physical address. That’s a big help for so many of us these days who want to send something nice, but don’t have home addresses and want to keep it a surprise. Gifting categories range from birthday presents for “him,” wedding and graduation gift ideas to gift ideas for all the major ... Read more

AMAZON ALEXA: 12 awesome new skills to try right this second

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https://youtu.be/XnGl6Y7AwiY Did you just unwrap a shiny, new Amazon Echo device? Or maybe you already have one (or a Dot or Show or any number of Amazon’s connected devices) and you’re getting a little tired just streaming endless hours of Holiday music and asking silly questions)? You might already know that Alexa can convert teaspoons to tablespoons, time the food you put in the oven, and tell jokes you can repeat at work. But she is capable of so much more. She now has more than 25,000 skills at the ready — everything from ordering a pizza to booking a vacation and all kinds of other surprises in between. Here are ten of my favorite Alexa tips and tricks. FEED THE DOG Okay, ... Read more

GIFT GUIDE: The wild, wacky, unexpected gifts that will make Santa wish he was as cool as you:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzMpBTbCq-Y It’s that time of year again—time to pay homage to the wackiest, most wonderful, insanely useful, and just plain insane tech gadgets around. As you might know by now, I’m a huge fan of “unique” gifts. Lucky for all of us who appreciate the stranger things (and the Stranger Things) this year, the cray-cray cup runneth over. So, off we go. KURI-OUS? If you’ve been jonesing for a robot since the early Jetson days, Kuri ($799) delivers big time on cute and quirky, minus the ability to wash the windows and clean up after Astro. Kuri’s a robotic home companion that wanders around the house shooting short videos to send to you while you’re away, ... Read more

GIFT GUIDE: Best Gadget Gift Guide For Men 2017

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Hate trying to find the perfect present for the deserving dude in your life? No worries, I've got you covered. These are the gifts I'm getting my main men. From the perfect gadget for man-caves to the very tech your special guy craves, this is the best gadget gift list for men of all kinds - curated - in one place. Have fun, and be sure to reach out with any questions! JOLLY HOLIDAYS. Samsung Frame TV 2. Apple TV 2 3. Sonos One 4. R2D2 Coffee Press 5. Moment Lens 6. Xbox One X 7. Yeti Cooler 8. URB-E Foldable Bike 9. GrooveLife Silicon Ring 10. Sonos Playbar 11. GoPro Hero 6 12. Sony Headphones 13. Fluance Fi70 Three-Way Wireless High Fidelity ... Read more