Wednesday, June 24, 2024

The Newest Trend: Emojis as Passwords

Quick:

Can you rattle off your telephone number
Your home phone
Your mom’s cell
Your social security
Your address
Your best friends address
The year that World War 2 ended
The year World War 1 ended
Your bank account pin?

It can be pretty difficult remembering all those different combinations and it has been found that almost a third of all British bank account holders have forgotten their pin code! Now a British based company, Intelligent Environments, wants to change the password game by completely deviating from number codes and moving into using emojis to represent our passwords. It has been found that people can remember images far better than they can ever hope to remember a numeric series. These emoji-pins will be chosen from an option of 44 different emojis, which will hopefully make the passwords significantly more secure than the past. The only concern would be people confusing which emojis they have chosen for their passcode. This could potentially create confusion for older generations, but this type of design is targeted for the millennials.  

What do you think: are using smiley faces as passwords a useful idea?

Thursday, June 4, 2024

Top 10 Cool Gift Ideas for Dad on Father's Day

When is Father’s Day again? 

It’s sometime in June, I know, but FYI, it’s June 21st this year!

For me, that Sunday in June always comes far too fast and I am always crunched at the last minute to know what I should get for dear old dad. To help out, I’ve compiled a Top 10 Gift Guide of some of the more popular gifts to give the favorite man in your life no matter if he is the do-it-yourself type or the constant on-the-go business man. Here is my Top 10 Best Father’s Day gifts this year that I’ve matched with a personality type that might fit your dad:

1.  The Fitbit

Everyone has one these days: your roommate, the post office worker, and now YOUR dad! Have your dad join the Fitbit bandwagon this year. This “super cool” product comes in several different models, all of which aim to create a healthier living style for the wearer. One of the more attractive styles is called the Fitbit Surge which includes everything from a GPS tracking device, seeing phone call and text notifications, to recording his running, cycling, and heartrate. Instead of getting your dad a stereotypical watch, you can get this watch on steroids! Unfortunately, it is a little on the pricey end at $249.95  (it looks like you’ll be splitting the cost with your siblings on this one). But, if you want to go for a more reasonable price, the Fitbit Flex is only $99.95 and can still help your dad stay in shape. The Fitbit Flex will track all-day activity, and monitor how well your dad is sleeping. The slate grey color will complement nicely with that tie clip your brother bought him, too…

FitBit



https://www.fitbit.com/


2.  TruGlide Duo Stylus Pen

Is the iPad 2 that you bought for your dad a couple of years back just sitting on his desk and collecting dust? Now you can finally get him to use it with the TruGlide Duo Stylus Pen! A bestseller with dads everywhere, this stylus pen combo is simply the best writing tool your dad could own. With its durable fiber tip and premium ball point pen, your dad can take this stylus pen wherever he goes. From playing Plants vs. Zombies to writing out a beautiful thank you card for his Father’s Day gift, your dad will never be lost without a writing device. You can get this stylus for $19.99 in two color options; carbon (black) or platinum (silver).




3.     GoPro HERO3

Is your dad your hero?  Does he enjoy extreme action and playing with technology? Then maybe the GoPro is the perfect gift for your young-at-heart, active dad. The GoPro HERO3 in white features HD video quality, an ultra wide-angle glass lens, high-performance audio, and it is waterproof.  This GoPro will cost $199.99, and it will give your dad enough entertainment for a lifetime (just try to keep him from doing too many extreme jumps off the roof).



http://shop.gopro.com/cameras/hero3-white/CHDHE-302.html


      4.  360° Tablet Kickstand

Is your dad sick of having his neck hurt or having his wrist be sore from holding onto his tablet every day? Let’s face it, he’s clocked in more hours playing Minecraft than he has mowing the lawn this spring, but you love him anyway. This versatile kickstand is the perfect way to transform his tablet into a friendly, on-the-go device. The 360 degree swivel will adhere directly onto his tablet using removable micosuction pad grips that create a firm and sturdy hold on the tablet.  The kickstand is the perfect gift to give to your dad if he loves using his tablet! You can get this 360° Tablet Kickstand for $39.99.





      5. Fiero Barbecue Stainless Steel Set

SUMMER(!) and grilling season is upon us, but no grill connoisseur is complete without his own grilling toolset. Imagine your dad outside grilling and he is struggling to find his spatula… But, wait, what’s this? You bought him a Fiero barbecue stainless steel set? Now, your dad never has to go looking for any of his barbecue tools again. He can show off in style with his extra-large stainless steel spatula, and he can blast his friends away with his basting brush. This kit comes with 5 different grilling tools which are all packaged nicely in an aluminum case. You can get this all of for $59.95.




http://www.brookstone.com/picnic-time-fiero-bbq-case-with-tools?flag=search&question=fiero+barbecue+stainless+steel&_requestid=100446

6.       The Hiker

Is your dad more of the rugged type? Is he dragging you and your sister to go camping on the weekends? Well, maybe the Swiss Army Knife called the “Hiker” is the knife of your dad’s dreams. It will come in handy when he is out fishing or just strolling through the woods on a relaxing hike. Either way, this portable Swiss Army Knife will do wonders and it includes thirteen different tools (from a wood saw to a wire stripper), so if your dad does find himself lost in the great outdoors, he will have you to thank for his survival! Get it for $36.00.
http://www.victorinox.com/us/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Everyday-Use/Hiker/53831

7   7.     Smartie Microfiber Cloth

Is your dad a smarty? Well, the Smartie Microfiber Cloth may be just the right touch. This antibacterial microfiber cleaning cloth is perfect for cleaning phone screens, eyeglasses, camera lenses, and tablets! Are you sick of hearing your dad complain about not being able to get the smudges off his phone? The Smartie is up for the job, and it will continue to impress both you and your dad! Select from 25 different styles at only $7.99 (pick up one for your mom, too!).

Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Space Buzz Aldrin


8.       Breaking DAD

For the incredibly nerdy and frequent user of Netflix dad! Does your dad love Breaking Bad?  If so, you will find that this t-shirt speaks for itself and is an irresistible gift for your father at the comfortable price of $20.00. Make sure to order one now before it goes out of stock!




https://www.etsy.com/listing/73431300/father-periodic-table-t-shirt-birthday

9.  Apex Plus Fine Point Active Stylus

I remember when I gave my dad a beautiful ballpoint pen for Father’s Day… But, that was back in 1998. For today’s tech-savvy father, this fine point active stylus is the perfect gadget that will bring your dad into the 21st century. With an Apex in his hand and a touch screen by his side, your dad will be unstoppable in the business world. Say goodbye to the old pen and paper combo and welcome in technology’s latest note taking device. The Apex Plus works beautifully with all iPad models and many popular Android devices.  With its 2mm tip and replaceable AAA battery, your dad will never miss a note! You can get it in either matte black or titanium for $49.99.




   
10.   Of course, if none of these completely tickle your fancy and your Dad is a “Jack-of-all-Trades”, then the Lynktec bundle will be a crowd pleaser on Father’s Day. This bundle includes the Apollo 11 Smartie Microfiber Cloth, the 360° Tablet Kickstand, and the TruGlide Duo Stylus Pen in carbon. You can get this fantastic bundle for $54.95 (which is such a steal since it is normally worth $80!).







Do you have any ideas for your dad? Write your favorite gifts in the comments below.