What you need to know about Google Map Shoes

If you're anything like me, you have a horrible sense of direction. Walking around a new city can be a nightmare if you don't have a GPS of some sort. I strongly depend on Google Maps on my phone to get me everywhere, and I mean, everywhere. The only problem: starring down at your phone while walking isn't exactly safe either. That's why a company called Ducere Technologies created Lechel Smart Shoes and Insoles to sync with your Google Maps! Here's what you need to know about this new, incredible technology.

1. Uses Bluetooth

Put your route into your phone and sync your Smart Shoes to an app that will pull your route from Google Maps. Once synced, your shoes will automatically know the route you are headed. 

2. Vibrates when you need to Turn

When the route shows you need to turn right, your right foot will vibrate. And, when you need to turn left, your left foot will vibrate. This takes away the need to look at your phone, therefore you can actually pay attention to your surroundings! :) 

3. Removable Bluetooth Soles

Each shoe will include a removable sole and the company will also sell the soles separately for those that will want to have the same technology with other shoes they own. 

4. Uses a Rechargeable Battery

There is a slot in the back of the Removable sole where you can insert a rechargeable battery. There's an added bonus: They are going to sell charger as an accessory for it that  has been named the "World's First Interactive Charger." It will give you audio feedback letting you know its charging level when you snap your fingers! (umm...whaaat?)  This will plug right into the wall and have a slot perfect for the battery!

5. Proximity Alerts

These shoes can send alerts directly to your phone when cool landmarks are nearby. This would be great for tourists walking around a new area! Not only can your shoes tell you about landmarks, they will immediately alert you if you leave your phone somewhere. I have to say, this is a huge selling point! Those whom rely on their phone definitely don't want to get lost without it. 

I found there is still a lot the company is developing and hope to have included in these Lechel Smart Shoes. A couple articles suggest that the company also hopes to take step further and have the shoes used as a wearable fitness monitor. This would track steps as well as calories burned. I think this would be a great addition because people are always looking for easy, fun ways to burn calories and keep track.


There is not a defined release date at this time since they are still working on a few details, but people are already signing up for pre-order notifications! You can do so here. :) I know I will be keeping my eyes and ears opened to see of the release date! Check out their video below!

So, would you buy Lechel Smart Shoes?

Top 10 Must-Have Apps You Probably Don't Have Yet

How many apps would you say are currently on your phone? Now, how many of those apps do you actually use on a regular basis? I can't tell you how many times I end up deleting apps because they just take up space and I never use them. It's time to save your space for awesome apps you won't want to live without! Here are the Top 10 Must-have Apps you probably don't have yet:

1. Coupon Sherpa

2. AroundMe

3. Find My iPhone 

4. Shazam

5.WhatsApp

6. iTranslate Voice   

7. TransitGenie 

8. Uber 

9. Waze

10. Santa's Little Helper

Do you have a favorite website that you would like quick access to?

Save it to your home screen!

Here's how:

 First, go to website you would like to save in Safari on your iPhone.

With all of these extremely useful apps you can be sure to get the best use out of your smartphone. The amount of money and time I have saved with having all of these apps are immeasurable. See what these apps might do for you!

What are some of your favorite apps? Share below! We'd love to hear about them!

Top 5 Things You Need for Back to School - Then and Now

Have you been able to wrap your head around going back to school? I always thought the best thing about going back to school was shopping for new supplies - you know, like the fresh smell of a newly sharpened pencil or the pristine look of a brand new notebook…. but times have changed in this electronic age and we’ve taken to downloading a lot of our school supplies.  So I thought it would be fun to look at the Top 5 things you need for back to school to help this year breeze by but with a twist! 

Here’s my Then and Now take on Back to School shopping:

1. Spiral notebooks vs. Apps on your iPad

Remember buying different colored notebooks to keep each subject in school organized to a particular color?

Well now apps like Noteshelf make it super easy to keep all of your notes organized in one place! Create new journals for each subject and keep a few extra ones for hobbies.

2. Researching then vs. researching now

.

Don't get me wrong, libraries are great, but libraries are not always accessible. Also, if you're anything like me, too many books can become a little overwhelming! 

With search engines such as Google, any information you may need is right at your fingertips. I remember the first time I was taught to use Google in class--I think I heard the hallelujah chorus.

3. Walkman vs. iPod or iPhone

I recently came across my old Walkman while cleaning out my room and quickly realized how far we have come since then. 

I mean, would you want to walk to class with that thing on the left? 

Music to study with was a must for me. iPods and iPhones are so much easier for student's on-the-go lifestyle and not to mention much more attractive. 

4. Floppy disk vs. iCloud

I remember using floppy disks in computer class growing up. It was always important to label these or else they would be easy to misplace. And if you lost it, well, you were out of luck.

With iCloud, students can save all of their work in one place...and access it from anywhere! Students can easily sync multiple devices and they don't have to worry about losing anything.

5. Books then vs. books now

Did your books for school look similar to the one on the left? There was never enough space to jot notes and the highlighting just looked messy..

Now students can easily download books to their iPads or tablets and have them all on the same device! Highlight and take notes without the mess...simply brilliant!

It's easy to see looking back how much technology has changed and really improved the everyday student life. What comparisons do you have from growing up in school?

Write your comments below!