In a very interesting twist of events, the Metropolitan Police (MPS) in the UK have declared riding of hoverboards in public illegal in accordance with a law issued in -brace yourself- 1835.
The law, which was passed 180 years ago and made taking a “horse, ass, sheep, mule, swine, or cattle” on pavement illegal, has now also added a two-wheeled Segways to the list.
Users can now ride hoverboards only on private property with the landowner’s permission. The MPS Specials account tweeted on Sunday, declaring the “the self-balancing scooters,” banned from public pavements and parks.
Using them in public would contravene section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 in England and Wales and section 129(5) of the Roads Act 1984 in Scotland.
Needless to say, there was a huge backlash against the ludicrous law, reminiscent of the pre-penny farthing years in Britain. From beef to hoverboards -the list of absurd bans in the contemporary world just don’t end.
Apple just went a step ahead in its quest to conquer the world by using its very own iBook Author. There are now enhanced editions of all seven Harry Potter novels on the iBooks store. Why Harry Potter? Tim Cook has the answer :
“J.K. Rowling’s legendary series is perfect for enjoying on your iPad or iPhone and we’re thrilled to offer them exclusively on the iBooks Store.”
Of course it’s perfect, haven’t we always wondered what the Hogwarts envelope looked like, or what Hedwig looked like, or what Diagon Alley looked like? Rowlings book is an absolute treat and the best kind of trigger for imagination and creativity to run wild. But, what makes Apple’s iBook version different from all the other e-book versions?
Well, just like other e-books, it also has digital covers, custom Harry Potter typefaces, but here is the special feature – it has more than 200 original illustrations throughout the books. Mind equals to blown! Additionally, the illustrations are animated and interactive with the iBook containing annotations written by Rowling.
The enhanced digital version of the novel will be available on all iPhones, iPads, iPod touch and Mac devices. Apple has also dedicated a special Harry Potter landing page on iTunes to showcase the Harry Potter books, films and apps. Oh well, it is wonderful, that even in today’s age and day of all thing ‘cool and hep’, we can still find a way to incorporate our childhood through technology.
The iBooks will be available across thirty two countries, with a price tag starting at $9.99. Pre-orders for the French, Spanish and German versions begin today, and the iBooks will be available in eighteen more countries from the 9th of November, 2015.
Well, what are you waiting for? Let the magic begin.
Point-and-shoot cameras have become somewhat of a relic in the smartphone age. Not that you don’t spot the occasional DSLR user around some touristy place, but the charm of it all seems to have been lost. Why would you go for a bulky camera when companies like Samsung and Apple give you some of the best quality cameras right in your smartphone? Well, there’s a company called Light, a photography startup that is looking to bring back the magic of point-and-shoot cameras, with a twist.
Light has devised a way of turning a point-and-shoot camera into something you don’t see too often. The company has crammed 16 cameras into one body. This quirky idea will be seen in the company’s latest camera rightly called L16. A quick glance of the L16 and it looks like a simple rectangular shaped black device with a silver button on top. The design also sports 16 different groovy-looking circles on the face that provide a little bit of technological brilliance.
This is what Light’s founder Rajiv Laroia calls a “silent revolution”. By using the technology of miniaturized cameras used in smartphones, Light has developed the L16. The idea is to replace bulky DSLR cameras with a smaller, lighter, and sleeker looking device that is easy to carry around.
The L16 can create images of up to 52 megapixels by combining an array of shots from 16 inexpensive 13 megapixel lenses with a variety of focal lengths. There are five 35mm modules, five 70mm ones, and six 150mm modules. There’s a 5-inch touchscreen on the back where you’ll handle all the controls like settings, zoom, and focus. Light says that this sort of approach to photography should give great images even in low light while also reducing image noise. It also runs on Android and has WiFi so you can share images straight from the camera.
Pre-orders for the camera have already begun at a price of $1,299. After November 6th the price tag will jump to $1,699. First orders of the L16 are not expected to ship until next summer. At this price range you can get a decent DSLR with a few lenses as well, but the company is sure that the L16 is the future of photography and that the DSLR’s time is almost up.
We bring you news straight from Japan, and it’s tech related. So yes, it has something to do with robots. But this time its not just any robot. It’s Japan doing what it does best – making a smartphone that looks like a cute little robot.
Move over, Pepper, there’s a new robot in town and it’s called RoboHon. This tiny robot smartphone is the latest creation announced by Sharp and designed by Tomotaka Takahashi, and it is jammed full of skills and features. If you ever decide to leave your sleek and thin smartphones for a bipedal robot phone with arms and legs and a mouth, then this is what you need. You’d also need to move to Japan for it, but that’s besides the point.
RoboHon is an 8-inch robot with a 2-inch screen on the back and a camera and projector built into its face. This phobot (phone + robot) can walk, talk, dance, raise its arm to get your attention, and can also connect to LTE and WiFi. RoboHon has facial recognition, and voice recognition built-in too. So it can identify people and act accordingly, telling them they have a new message or to smile for the camera. You can also set reminders and RoboHon will respond like Siri, though a lot less creepy. It also promises to be there to cheer you up when you’re feeling blue.
Now, this robot phone is not exactly going to be easy to fit in your pocket, and is the complete opposite of how other smartphones are evolving, but hey, its still an adorable looking robot, so that’s reason enough to bring a smile to your face. Sharp says it will release RoboHan in Japan in the first half of 2016. Watch the video of the multi-purpose, joyful tiny bot below. We’re sure it’s going to be the best thing you’ve seen all day.
Welcome to the world of 3D printing food technology. Yes, you heard it right, 3D printed food. Candy-maker Katjes has created sweets in Berlin using a 3D printing technique in a first of its kind attempt. Called The Magic Candy Factory, it employs heated fruit gum mixture to create miniature octopuses and pyramids, among other things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dFJpXkyhcI
Customers are given a range of fourteen designs to choose from on a tablet. The candy costs 5-10 euros and hopes to draw attention using the technology. We recently reported about 3D doodling pens which allows the user to create art in thin air. From doodling to candies, the world of 3D printing is bent on taking audiences by storm. We can only wonder what technology has to offer next.
If you’ve been looking for a GoPro camera that doesn’t pinch your pocket and yet has some important features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, then the company has just the thing for you. GoPro has announced an entry-level action camera, the GoPro Hero+ that comes with (you guessed it) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and will be priced at $199.99 (Rs. 13,200 approx). The camera is placed between the base GoPro Hero ($129.99) and the more expensive Hero+ LCD ($299.99).
Earlier, you would have had to pay a lot more if you wanted a GoPro camera that allowed you to transfer videos to your phone. However, with the GoPro Hero+ expected to release worldwide on October 4th, you won’t have to pay that extra $100. The Hero+ Wi-Fi has the best of both worlds. On the outside it pretty much looks exactly like the Hero, while the internal camera equipment borrows from the Hero+ LCD. The Hero+ will allow you to record 1080p videos at 60 fps (up from the Hero’s 30 fps) minus the LCD touchscreen. It also sees a bump in still shooting from 5 to 8 megapixels.
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allows you to frame shots, change camera settings, and share the videos you capture, all from your smartphone. The company is also looking to cut the price of the Hero 4 Session action camera from $399 to $299. Before this, the Hero 4 Session had trouble finding takers since it lacked a display which could be found in the Hero 4 Silver for the same price. The price cut is likely to change that.
Click here to watch some amazing videos shot on GoPro.
The old phrase “I’d rather be eaten by a shark” comes to mind, and it has never sounded more comforting than now. According to Mashable, selfie deaths this year have surpassed the number of deaths by shark attacks.
A 66-year-old Japanese tourist died after attempting to take a selfie with his companion at the Taj Mahal’s Royal Gate. The companion suffered injuries to his leg after both fell from the stairs of the monument. The man’s death takes the selfie toll to 12 for 2015. In comparison, shark attack deaths account for 8 so far.
Selfie risks are far worse than what one may think. These tragic accidents are a reminder that focusing on your phone screen rather than your surroundings can lead to dangerous consequences. Selfie deaths have mostly been caused by falling, which is a result of trying to capture pictures from dangerous positions.
There is an unhealthy obsession with selfies, so much so that people will go to any lengths to take that perfect, memorable picture. You find selfies being taken on a train track (which is the second biggest reason for selfie deaths), with weapons, animals, over ledges, and in other dangerous and potentially risky positions.
Many tourist spots have begun to warn visitors from using selfie sticks and taking selfies in general, and with the death toll rising like this, the prohibition could get a lot more serious.
Bentley, which recently unveiled the Bentayga SUV, the quintessential high-riding, luxury car, has decided to take it a notch higher with accessories like the Breitling clock for the dashboard of its newest SUV. Called Mulliner Tourbillon, the watch has a 28mm case crafted from 18 carat gold available in rose or white, and costs a whopping $170,000.
The dial beneath it, is set with 12 diamonds and comes in natural, black ebony or pearl. The back of the clock has been hollowed out to allow it to be lit by natural light. The watch is complete with a titanium cage and a 22-carat gold oscillator. This watch alone costs barely $20,000 less than Bentley’s entry level Continental GT priced at $193,000. Now that is something to mull over (read: covet), boys and girls.
Have you ever felt that the pictures you take of popular places around you have been photographed to no end? You go to a beautiful location and you’re ready to take pictures to upload on Instagram and Pinterest, but you look around and find everyone else doing the same thing – taking pictures from generic positions and angles.
Well, what if we told you that there is a camera that pushes you to take new and innovative pictures of popular locations and won’t let you click them from angles that are too common? This is exactly what a German designer Philipp Schmitt has developed. Schmitt has created a concept camera called, Camera Restricta, that stops you from taking pictures from frequently snapped locations.
The camera uses geotagging to find pictures on the internet that are posted too many times from that particular location and will make a clicking sound and the lens will retract back into the body. Yes, the camera will disobey you if it has to. Unless you find a place from where you can take a picture that is new and different, the camera will refuse to listen to you.
Schmitt stated in his website that geotagging is mainly used as an indicator to determine whether the photo lacks originality. He says that “the camera scans an area of roughly 35×35 meters around its exact location for geotagged photos. Cities and especially tourist sights are so thoroughly photographed that it often finds dozens or even thousands of photos.”
Would you buy a camera that only lets you take new and original photographs? The camera is an open-source software and can be found here.
So you have an old Android phone and you’re wondering whether you should trade it in for a newer one. How about you keep the old phone and get a new one anyway? There are plenty of things you could do with your old Android phone than you probably thought. So, before you plan on selling it for a price much lower than what your phone is still worth, here are 5 things you can do instead:
1. Turn it into a home media controller
Your smartphone can actually do a lot if you know the right apps for it. It can be used as a home entertainment controller through a couple of ways.
If you pair your device with Google’s Chromecast streaming stick, you can stream content wirelessly from apps like YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies, Wynk, YuppTV, and Eros Now to your TV over your Wi-Fi network. The device is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal.
Another way to set-up your home media controller is by downloading an app called Plex. This is a free app that allows you to stream content to your TV.
2. A permanent GPS system for your car
Why buy an expensive GPS system when your old Android smartphone can do it for free (apart from the data charges, of course). Mount your phone into your car’s dashboard and let it serve you as a dedicated GPS device.
The added advantage to this is that, since you can leave it permanently in your car, the device can also serve as a tracker via. apps like “Wheres My Droid”, if you ever you find your car missing from the parking spot.
3. An MP3 player for the car
If you are going to use the device as a permanent GPS system, you might as well use it as an MP3 player by attaching an aux cable or connecting the phone to your car via Bluetooth. Just fill her up with all your favorite music using as much storage as you want (since you won’t need it for anything else) and you can forget about CDs or the radio.
A home security cam
Chances are your old smartphone still has a decent camera. And if you want a little more security in your office or home, you can turn that phone into a web-security camera. All you need to do is download the free IP Webcam app and follow the instructions to set it up. Within seconds you’ll be able to view your camera from any platform using VLC player or web browser.
Another popular app called Presence can turn your old smartphone into a security camera and motion detector.
Make it kid-friendly
Children need something to distract them. Nowadays a Lego set just doesn’t cut it. Your child may just be at peace if you let them fiddle with your old smartphone. Clear your phone of all the apps that do not concern them and add a few apps made just for toddlers, and then let them take it from there. Not only is it a great way to distract your child allowing you time alone with your TV, but a few educational apps and games can really be fun and helpful as well.
If you can think of more ways to get the most out of your old smartphone, let us know in the comments below.
Each time Gillette launches a new razor, most recent converts usually cringe at the thought of changing their razor. Unlike the Avenger Razors, the new Flexball however, is a rather simple step in getting the best shave. It launched a while back globally, but recently made its debut in India.
Flexball
The razor costs Rs. 499 and is available exclusively on Amazon India. It still works with your existing Fusion blades if you have those lying around. The new blades are however, considerably improved. The blades are thinner and have a finer edge which will help with thick hair beards. The rubber grip at the bottom of the razor is more stubborn and the lubrication strip comes with a new mineral oil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPgcd1Embo
Since the face is not geometrical, the Flexball razor comes with a ball joint just under where the razor is. When you shave the ball joint flexes left or right up to an angle of 24 degrees as you slide it across your face. This also prevents you from shaving in different angles and you can get a clean shave with just a single swipe in one direction.
24 Degree Flex
24 Degree Flex
While most of its features come directly from the previous ‘Fusion’ razor, the predecessor had some issues. The blades were not properly spaced which seems to have been solved in this version. The rear trimmer was also difficult to use and often caused more cuts than precision trims. The precision trimmer on the new Flexball Razor has a tiny comb that will align the hair before they are sliced out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvuBDT9JjN4
If you think you are ready for a new Razor, the trial version of the Gillette Flexball Fusion ProGlide is available on Amazon for a relatively low price. So do you think that Gillette is the best a man can get, or there are better ones?
The wait is almost over for Apple fanatics in India who have been itching to get their hands on the Apple Watch. The Economic Times reported that the Apple Watch will enter the Indian market next week. Just a few days ago, Apple had launched its new iPhones and iPads as well as an upgraded WatchOS 2 to the Apple Watch.
While the new iPhones are scheduled to come out in mid-October, the Apple Watch will be here before the festive Navratri period which starts in October. The Apple Watch has been introduced in limited countries and the company is also set for the software upgrade. The upgrade will introduce Facebook Messenger and an app called iTranslate.
Apple has tied up with Hermes for brand new bands. But whether the gold and rose gold bands will make it to India next week is still not known, though Apple CEO, Tim Cook, has stated that the new options will be available in all the 24 markets where the watch is currently sold.
The Apple Watch is expected to be priced somewhere in between Rs 25,000-30,000. It will be interesting to see whether the watch will make it big in the Indian market as it has not seen much popularity in wearable technology, yet.
Mobile phones have become an extended appendage to our bodies. Today though, with the stable establishment of the Smartphone, our lifestyle and etiquette has entirely changed. We embraced this change of modernity without much resistance, although it doesn’t hurt to wonder what it would have been like otherwise.
The Word ‘Selfie’ Would Not Be a Part of the Dictionary
The still trending culture of the ‘selfie‘ would be non-existent and one would have to learn how to perfect the art of holding one’s digital camera awkwardly. It helps that the new smartphones now come with a good front camera with up to 8MP HD clarity.
We Would be Rolling Down Our Car Window to Ask for Directions
Shopkeepers and road signs or even a REAL map would show us the way instead of the GPS or Google Map.
Image Source: Raising Gentlemen
Our Pictures Would Have #NoFilter
Instagram has nothing less than a cult following since its introduction. The App allows people to publish their photographs and has by far, the most aesthetic editing options that any photo editing app could offer. Although saying that it revolutionized picture quality and the art of photography would be going too far.
Source : Emarketing Blog
No Video Chats On-the-Go
At one point Skype was the only means to video chat across the world. It seemed like a revolutionary idea until the advent of the smartphone and along with it multiple video chatting apps such as FaceTime, Viber etc.
Remember SMS?
Two of the most popular apps for informal communication have changed the world of text messaging. Now we barely ever fill up our texting balance because we would rather use the Wi-fi to text, call, send jpeg images, voice notes etc.
Source : Mashable
We’d Still be Buying Cookbooks, Dictionaries, and Books in General
With the introduction of reading apps like Kindle, Aldiko Book Reader, Cool Reader etc. we have almost stopped opening Dictionaries, Cook Books and buying special edition magazines and novels. The reading app has become so much a part of our culture that Sunday morning Church services also involve the congregation taking out their mobile phones instead of The Bible. The mantra being, ‘less is more’.
Downloading and Storing Music
Today music enthusiasts don’t need to go to Music Stores in order to buy their favourite albums. In fact they don’t even need to buy an MP3 player or even the life changing iPod. All one needs to do is own a smartphone with apps such as SoundCloud, Apple Music, Spotify etc and you have it all in tow.
We should also be thankful that we’re no longer downloading music (along with a hundred viruses) from Limewire or Bearshare.
Candy Crush and Angry Birds Probably Wouldn’t Exist
Long ago in the 90s, if we wanted to play computer games we would have to go to the gaming parlours to experience the ultimate fun of gaming. Even when the feature Nokia mobile phone arrived the only game they had was called Snakes and it was joyous!
Arguments Wouldn’t Be Resolved Until Someone Located a PC/Laptop
Initially internet access would only be available to computer users and those who did not own one would have to visit Cyber Cafes. The feature phone too did not have a Wifi or data connection option and therefore the Cyber Cafés and computer business thrived. But with the coming of the smartphone and all its internet options most people now choose to buy a smartphone which has all the functions of a laptop or PC and have internet access on the go.
Without our smartphones, everytime anyone got into an argument, it wouldn’t be resolved till someone located a PC/Laptop.
To-Do Lists
The emergence of reminder apps have alone perhaps dropped the sales of efficient and creative stationary like sticky notes, labels, notebook fridge magnets etc.
In conclusion, a world without the smartphone would still be beautiful but perhaps won’t be able to keep up with the notoriously infamous ‘fast-paced modern’ lifestyle.
With a lot of smartphones now showcasing their 4K video recording capabilities, we decided to evaluate the best for 4k video. After extensive testing, we chose the Motorola Moto Turbo for our video.
The Moto Turbo has a high speed 64 GB inbuilt storage which lets you capture 4K footage non stop vs most of the other devices which have a maximum peak of 5 minutes or so and are prone to over heating.
We took the Moto Turbo and retro fitted it on to a drone , a DIY hack of massive proportions. Before we proceed with the details further, Flying a Drone in India without permissions is punishable by law and get you jail time or large fines. Now that we have the disclaimers out of the way, We took the drone out in New Delhi and took it to the Sky.
The Ballistic Nylon back of the Moto Turbo gave us a hope that if the phone did fall from our Zip-tie DIY hack, it would land on the back and be safe (although, that did not happen). What happened next simply blew us away. Check the video below.
Note: The Video has been post-processed, sped up, stabilized in certain places and the night shots have been enhanced.
Also if you liked this project, leave your feedback below and share.
Travel today has become simple. Well, simpler than what it used to be. With some who travel frequently and the summer upon us, a chance or need to visit a new destination may arise for a lot of people. However, with a lot to consider when traveling to new lands; from modes of transport to lodging and getting around. It has become more a stressful exercise. Having spent the early part of 2014 and 2015 traveling from one part of the world to another, I have come across people who seem fearful of said experience. They find what is supposed to be a fun exercise, a torture or a stressful endeavour.
Here are a few of my tips to overclock your travel experience and hack into making everything work better for you when you travel.
1. Pro Packing
The one thing you must educate yourself with before you travel, is the general atmospheric nature of the region to where you are headed. This will help you determine what all you need to take with you. Take only what you must, and as little as possible, you might end up shopping more than you expected to. If splurging on consumerism is not your thing, traveling light has many benefits. With Airlines trying to extract the profit balance, the Allowed weight of baggage is becoming lesser and lesser. If you do go on a shopping frenzy, always keep a digital luggage scale handy, so that you know when you have reached your limit.
Pack Like A Pro
While everyone is an expert in packing their own things, few tips like rolling up clothes, and lining the bottles to the side of your luggage really works to free up that space. Stuff your shoes with socks and other soft small clothing items, double pack your liquids in sealed plastic bags to avoid those unwanted shampoo stains on your favorite business suit.
An extra set of clothing in your carry on luggage goes a long way, especially when your luggage is delayed or lost in transit. Never put anything of value in checked in baggage and wrap fragile items in layers of newspaper or bubble wrap.
TSA Lock
Lock your checked in bags with a TSA approved locks. This type of lock will allow security agencies to open and check the bag if they so need to, then re lock it safely. Travel size is the way to go, so ensure that, if you carry any liquids in your carry-on bags they are within the carry-on size limits (below 100ml in most cases).
2. Beat The Airline
When you travel, it seems that everything is chargeable. Extra luggage, food and even basic comfort is a paid luxury. When possible, plan in advance; buy tickets early and even pay for the extra luggage online. This will save over 50% of what airlines call “opportunity earnings”. Always check in online, this helps you beat the queue, find a fairly comfortable seat and also mostly get away with slightly heavier baggage. Use the bag drop service, when available, after checking in online, to avoid the luggage being weighed when traveling within countries.
If you can afford to, then always only buy business class tickets, use the same airline as often as you can and always join that airlines frequent flyer program. If booked well in time, business class tickets can be had for only a slight percentage more than the economy tickets. The business class service is fantastic , seats are very spacious, enough to be sleep-worthy on a long haul and food is actually edible and healthy, while alcohol is poured in generous quantities.
Business Class is Awesome!
Tanking up on frequent flyer miles miles can have its privileges, once you progress from silver to gold to platinum, you will see a host of possibilities open up. An additional bag, priority check-in, free lounge access, porter service at most international airports all this for basically being loyal to the airline. You will also get free upgrade vouchers, and freebie gifts as a frequent flyer.
Your miles always come in handy too, pay excess baggage fee, get upgrades, or even buy tickets using up your miles as modes of payment. You can often end up traveling for free if you are smart from the get go.
3. Pick Your Transport
Depending on the kind of person you are pick your transport and plan for it in advance. The best way to get around in a new city is to use what the locals use. For example, New York city is best seen with the use of the underground rail and the bus network.
New York Metro Card
If you are traveling for a week or more, buying a weekly/monthly pass may come in handy. This card allows free unlimited rides on the train and bus network within the city, also a month long pass usually ends up being cheaper than one single taxi ride.
Car Rental Counter
Some cities are easily accessible on foot, and some using cycles available for rent. Barcelona is one such place, where travelers can get around best using rented bicycles. Goa is best seen by renting motorbikes, or even cars and open trucks. You can even rent vehicles when traveling considerable distances, an hour or two hours drive away from your place of stay. Most rental companies will accept foreign Drivers licenses and offer great discounts and upgrades when booked well in time. These rental companies also have loyalty programs which almost work like frequent flyer programs, allowing free upgrades, priority service, etc.
Airport transfers can be tricky too, always plan these in advance. Usually governments arrange bus services from Airports to downtown areas. New York has the “NYC Airporter” service which is run by the city, this service costs US $ 15 one way VS the one way taxi fare which is roughly US $ 70. New Delhi Airport has shuttles that run for free and sometimes for a very nominal fee. If you cannot find such a service, try using the local public transport when available. Berlin for example ( and most European destinations) has a great bus networks that connects to the airport.
Pro-Tip: Pre booking a taxi or finding a govt. authorized taxi service works well.
4. Pro Lodging
Depending on the kind of person you are, there are always lots of options available when booking a place to stay. If you are okay sharing spaces, websites like AirBnB have proven to be pocket friendly.
If you are booking a hotel that you have never stayed at before, always only book for the first night. Your epic vacation could come to a screeching halt if the pictures you saw while booking lied about the exact state or locality of said hotel. If you have paid only for the first night you can always go look for a better place incase your existing spot does not cut it for you.
Smart Booking can be healthy!
If the place of stay is known by you or those around you, then always book well in advance to get the best possible deals. Try booking directly with the hotels from their websites, using coupons or by emailing hotels. This usually turns out much cheaper than using websites that claim to be cheapest, and you often get deals like free breakfast and room upgrades.
5. Eat and Party where the Locals Do
Make friends before you arrive! The best way to know a place is to actually have friends who live there. Lots of travel forums and social networks allow you to get to know people before you arrive to a new city.
Ho Chi Minh Food Market
Avoid going to “touristy” places, they usually end up being a disappointment. As far as food goes, there is no better way to experience the food of new place than to eat where the locals eat. This will have the most authentic flavors and the best prices, you will meet fun people and have a blast.
6. Pro Connectivity
While travel sim cards are available a plenty, staying connected nowadays is more than just phone calls. Data is a very important need of the modern day traveller, and it’s best had by getting a local number. Most countries issue Sim cards to tourist almost instantly, after taking a copy of your passport. Find out the best phone and data plans for pre paid cards and simply get there and get connected. Retain these cards and activate online account for your numbers, so you can simply recharge your number before you travel again, to be connected on arrival.
Coffee shops and Cafes like Starbucks provide free Wi-Fi and power sockets to charge your devices. Never miss an opportunity to grab a hot cuppa, or a mocha frappuchino and get connected while you recharge your portable.
Most airlines now have Apps that not only allow you to check in and get your boarding cards on your phone, but also send instant notifications on delays, gate closing times and last minute gate change. Just so you don’t miss the last call announcement while listening to music on your fancy noise canceling headphones. If you own an iPhone, Passbook will scan your emails and remind you about your flights and add boarding cards to the book.
Bonus : Tech Travel
While most travel to enjoy visiting a new place, there are some with a fixed agenda. If you fly often, a long battery life tablet like an iPad and noise cancellation headphones may as well become your best friends.
A tablet allows you to carry millions of books, games , movies and a lot more to keep you busy. The noise cancellation headphones with active noise cancellation will almost entirely eliminate the loud airline engine hum and also prevent babies from waking you up with their first flight in a pressurised torture tube.
A travel adapter you own, will save you upto US $ 100 that some hotels may charge you, for not owning one. Some hotels don’t even carry these, so you might get stuck at a hotel without being able to charge your phone, your laptop or even your shaver. Different countries and regions have different power sockets and a multi country travel adapter is a must for a frequent flyer to international destinations.
Related Travel Products
Enjoy you Summer, plan well and if you do end up in some disaster let us know!
