Five techy things you need in your life
It seems as though each day there’s a new gadget for sale or a software update for your phone, which can make it a minefield to understand let alone get a handle what things are worthwhile. We’ve rounded up five techy things we know you love (and find useful)
1. iCloud
What is it? A service from Apple that keeps your devices in sync so you don’t have to manually transfer things like your iTunes purchases, photos and documents between your iPhone, iPad and MacBook. iCloud uses your Apple ID to wirelessly sync your files. It will even sync where you are up to in any books you’re reading. As well as syncing your content, you can also back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud when you plug it in and connect to WiFi. A great way to ensure you backup almost every time you plug in.
Why you’ll love it? So you never lose your photos, contacts, music, important documents and anything else you might want to back up.
2. Fitbit
What is it? A health tracker that measures your steps taken, floors climbed, time spent active, calories burned and the quality of your sleep each day. The wearable fitness band collects this data which is wirelessly uploaded to a website where the wearer can track progress towards goals they’ve set. The website also provides a motivational interface where users can share progress, compare themselves against similar people and work toward virtual goals with friends and family. There’s also a function where you can manually log nutrition, weight and other health information.
Why you’ll love it? It’s ultra-compact, easy to use and really helpful in keeping you on track to a healthier life as it allows you to measure everyday activity and will spur you to improve. It’s amazing how counting things makes you more aware of them and inspires you to be healthier.
3. Timera app
What is it? An app that allows you to gaze into the past by showing users what their current location looked like in bygone eras. There's even a creative aspect to the application, which lets users combine historic imagery with photos they have captured themselves.
Why you’ll love it? You get to take a great trip down memory lane! People often go to great lengths to track down photographs of old streets and buildings, but this clever little app does all of the leg work. It also connects with social media so you can share what you find on Facebook and Instagram.
4. Apple TV
What is it? It allows you to connect all of your wireless Apple devices to your TV and play. Downloaded a movie on your iPhone? Well you can watch it on your TV. Watching YouTube on your laptop? You can now watch in on your TV. The Apply TV box wirelessly connects to your TV and then speak to all of your other Apple products through your WiFi network.
Why you’ll love it? Apart from being quite affordable, it will revolutionise the way you watch your favourite TV shows, movies, and even sporting events. You can stream whatever is desired, whenever it is desired. No longer are you under the constraints of programming guides and timetables to see favourite shows and movies.
5. Xiaomi Portable Battery
What is it? A portable battery pack whereby you connect it to your device in need of charge and it automatically kicks into action.
Why you need it? There’s nothing more frustrating than being caught without power. If your phone is dead in the middle of a long day, you can’t call, or text, or check Facebook. The Xiaomi has enough power to restore the health of a Samsung Galaxy S5 three times with plenty of change; an iPhone 5S almost seven times and a power-hungry Samsung Galaxy NotePRO can be fully recharged with a little juice to spare.