Tag Archives: smart devices

Future Of Happiness Will Be Brain Stimulants

Happiness…..I popped the pink pill into my mouth and waited for the expected feelings of ecstasy.  No, the pill wasn’t the drug XTC, but rather a legal and safe “hacking” alternative. Then I put on my trans-cranial stimulation device, known as “The Thync,” and waited to see what happened. Wow! After five minutes, it felt like my brain was flooding me with endorphins. Finally, I placed the scalp stimulator known as the Tingler on my head. When I did this, an orgasmic wave of intense pleasure rippled through my entire body.

 
After a few minutes of this euphoria, I took off the devices and went about my day. Having just been catapulted into sweet ecstasy, my day became both incredibly productive and happy.
 

This is not a future scenario.

This is how I like to start my mornings. Nowadays, there are new and improved ways to feel good-even ecstatic-that most people don’t know anything about.  In an age when depression is rampant and dangerous drug use is epidemic, amazing new ways to feel peaceful, euphoric, and just plain happy are popping up all over the place. However, people miss out on these amazing methods because they simply don’t know about them. From safe drugs to “happy apps,” to high tech brain stimulation devices, a whole new world of ways to feel good is blossoming.
 
We live in an age where everything is shifting and accelerating.  Yet, most people still pursue an ancient path for finding happiness.  Their formula for being happy is to try to control all the external events and people in their lives to be exactly the way they want.  This is a tiresome activity at best, and there are always some events and people that we can’t control.  However, there is a new model for finding more joy and peace of mind: find it within your self.  Of course, this is a not a new idea.  Everyone from the Buddha to Jesus has said that heaven can be found within, but now there are cutting edge and more efficient ways to tap into this magical inner kingdom. 
 Buddha
As invited to talk to Google employees about “The Future of Happiness.”  I described new ways to control their minds and emotions that were more effective than trying to be happy by controlling all the events in their life.  The reaction was intense.  Everyone wanted to know what some of these innovative ways to “hack happiness” were, and how they could get them.  That led me to write a book on the subject.
 

In my research I learned that different things work for different people. 

For example, there are a lot of supplements known as “cognitive enhancers” that can dramatically increase your focus, energy, and mood. Yet, you have to try out many of them in order to find the one or two that really rock your world.   I also learned that people define happiness in unique ways.  Some people want a gadget that increases their pleasure, while other folks want a tool that improves their relationships or makes them feel totally peaceful.
Gary Numan “Complex” from The Pleasure Principle
 
As with all technologies, “inner” tech keeps getting better.  In fact, some of them are so good that it’s possible to get addicted to them. Ultimately, one has to discern whether a given gadget is truly a friend that helps them find the joy within–or is just another WMD-Widget of Mass Distraction.  Since there are many tools that do different things, there’s no simple answer as to whether  something is beneficial to you. 
 
For example, people become addicted and dependent on coffee.  Yet, on the other hand, caffeine can prevent many types of cancer, and helps people feel good and be productive. So, is coffee a “good” thing?  It’s up to you to decide…
 
In my own case, I decide if a specific technology is truly my friend by asking myself two questions.  First I ask myself,  “Does this tool lead me to being dependent on it?”   It’s always better when technology acts like “training wheels” on a bike-meaning that the tool exists so that you can eventually do without it.  If instead a gadget fosters a sense of dependence, then that’s a warning sign it may ultimately not be worth it.
 
The second question is, “Does this technology help teach me how to better connect with a sense of peace, love, or joy within?”  Even the Dalai Lama has reportedly said that if there were a pill that duplicated Buddha’s awakening, he would take it immediately and prescribe it for all living beings. If a tool helps me learn how to get to a more peaceful, loving place more efficiently, I think that’s a good thing.
 
WargamesIt’s hard to say exactly what the future holds, though Steve Jobs was seemingly pretty good at predicting it. In 1972 I had the unusual opportunity to be in a computer class with Steve Jobs.  Of course, at the time he was just a nerdy teen and I was four years his junior.  He and I would vie to play Tic-tac-toe on a 500 pound “computer” that our High School had recently purchased.  Steve was obsessed with this machine.  One day I asked Steve why he was so fixated on this refrigerator sized computer.  He turned to me and said in an intense manner, “Don’t you see?  This machine is going to change everything! It’s going to change the world!” 
 

It turns out Steve Jobs was right. 

Well, nowadays it may not seem like the latest brain supplement, neuro-stimulator, or mood enhancing app is going to change the world, but technology has a way of discreetly slipping into our lives. This “technology of joy” will only accelerate until the entire way we pursue happiness is transformed in the next few years.  I’ve seen that when people try out enough of these new gadgets, apps, and supplements, they inevitably find something that feels good–and is even good for them.  When that happens, their lives are never the same.  For the Silo, Jonathan Robinson.
 

Click me! Music for Scientists and their friends!

Seniors Are Doing What Exactly Online?

With 80% of baby boomers using the internet, it is clear that seniors are a lot more adept at using tech than we give them credit for. If you’re not convinced, just have a look at the statistics that MedAlertHelp compiled.

You will see that seniors are using the internet and smart devices a lot more regularly than most people would think. But what’s more interesting, perhaps, is the reason why they are using the internet. In this post, we will go through those reasons in more detail.

 

It’s Convenient

Raise your hands – who still uses an encyclopedia instead of checking the answer online? Do encyclopedias even exist anymore? Seniors are just as keen on using useful shortcuts as the rest of us.

 

Consider other apps that might be useful, such as internet banking, for example. In most cases, you’re not going to need to go to the bank unless you need to change your address or get a new card. Just about everything else you can do by using online banking or ATMs.

 

Easy Access to Information About Things That Interest Them

Most seniors cited that they enjoyed using the internet because it was an easy way to access information about things of interest. We can all relate to that. Just 20 years ago, learning something about your favorite hobby meant finding the right books or a person who could teach you.

Now, thanks to YouTube, that’s all changed. There is a wealth of information on the internet. Not all of it is great, but the support for hobbyists is nice. Want to learn how to crochet a jacket for your chicken? Google it – you will find a pattern. And, yes, there are people who crochet jackets for their chickens.

 

For Shopping

Online shopping and the elderly can be a match made in heaven, especially when there are mobility issues to consider. Online shopping has changed the world for a lot of us – making it possible to gain access to items that we cannot easily get otherwise.

But it can also be infinitely practical. You can shop for almost anything online, from groceries to clothing. This can be a boon for the elderly with mobility problems or issues finding transport.

 

For Entertainment Purposes

I have to be honest; this one was a bit of a surprise for me. Especially since I remembered growing up and being told that video games would rot my brain. However, almost half of the elderly who regularly use the net, also use it for entertainment purposes, like gaming.

 

Communication

The internet does provide us with a number of different ways to contact our families and keep in touch with friends. Seniors are taking advantage of services like Skype, Facebook, and other instant messaging services to keep in touch with the people who are important to them.

 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the internet is a useful tool to make day to day living less complicated. We’re not counting the potential for wasting time on it here, though. But, if used correctly, the internet can save you time and a lot of stress. Is it any surprise that seniors are taking advantage of these benefits? For the Silo, Tarun Reddy.

What Elderly Do Online Infographic

Terrific Tech Gifts You Can Give to a New Homeowner

When your best friend moves into their new luxury residence say like these ones in Montreal, you may want to consider giving a high tech device for your housewarming gift. These new-fangled gizmos can really spice up any home, but they’re especially suitable for high end houses and condo units. Take a look at our suggestions for the new homeowner:

  1. Smart Smoke Alarm and Detector. Surely your buddy has fire insurance, but a smoke detector is still a sensible precaution. What sets this apart is that it’s rather more advanced than other models. You need a model to detect carbon monoxide and also send alerts to your Wi-Fi devices.

  2. Smart Home Security Camera and Alarm System. This is another smart device, which for luxury homes isn’t really foolish at all. Get them a wide angle camera with infrared, and it should be tied in to an alarm system that sends warnings and video straight to your smartphone. So you can make sure that you’re alerted when someone approaches your home, and you can get video evidence too.

  3. Programmable Coffee Machine. This is great for mornings when your buddy wants to have a cup of java right after they wake up. If it’s a smart coffee machine, then your buddy can have it start making coffee right before the alarm goes off so there’s no waiting for the caffeine.

4. Automatic Pet Feeder. Again this is another smart option, and this time you have a feeder that sets up automatic feedings. If you want, you can also set it up and have it feed your pooch or kitty while you’re at work.

5. Smart Weighing Scale. Everything’s smart these days, and that even includes a weighing scale. Ordinarily, it may not be polite to give a weighing scale even to a friend, since it may seem like you’re saying that they’re getting fat. But they may not think that weigh when you get them this version.

You can find one with a minimalist design and it can come with smart features too. This can track weight, calculate body fat, and perhaps even measure the pulse wave velocity. It should be compatible with a smartphone since it’s normally controlled through an app.

  1. Shower Speaker. Some people turn on their smartphones in the shower to get some music, but a waterproof shower speaker works better. The sound isn’t just nicer, but the waterproofing should help it last long. A device like this usually connects to a smartphone through Bluetooth. If you like listening to baseball radio broadcasts, you may want to get a speaker with FM radio.

  2. Wi-Fi Range Extender. Many luxury homes have huge floor spaces, and the Wi-Fi may not be strong enough if your buddies like to hang out in the garage or backyard. Thick walls can also block Wi-Fi signals. But with this device, everyone at home can go online wirelessly.

  3. 3D Nightlights. This may be marketed towards kids, but plenty of adults are intrigued by them too. These are disks that emit lights that look like 3D images, though they’re actually 2D. This can show designs like Ironman’s mask, Star Wars vehicles, or even Sanrio characters.

  4. Smart Thermostat. Try the one from Nest that was designed by the same person who created the shape of the iPod. It doesn’t just look cool, but it learns to automatically schedule and control your temperature. It turns itself off when no one’s home, and it starts heating or cooling your house when you’re on your way home.

10. Digital Art Frame. You know how your monitor can display cool wallpapers? You can have a frame that can do that too. It can display fine art or supermodels, depending on what images are saved in your smartphone.

Lots of these items are smart devices, and they’re all high tech. Get them for your buddy as the best housewarming gifts for luxury homes. For the Silo, Dimitry Karloff. 

Featured image- The $6 million Penthouse on the 12th and 14th floors of the Residences Ritz-Carlton Montreal. 

Newegg Widens Selection of Gaming Headsets- Affordable and Multi-purpose

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Newegg, the leading tech-focused e-retailer in North America, today announced that gamers can now get the full gaming audio experience with its new selection of affordable headsets from Badasheng. Built to offer the best mix of price, audio performance, and comfort, the Badasheng headsets feature multi-platform compatibility with most gaming systems and smart devices, enabling full chat capability via a detachable and adjustable microphone.

The Badasheng BDS-939
The Badasheng BDS-939

The Badasheng gaming headsets include 40-mm Neodymium-32 (NdFeB) magnet speakers that deliver amazing depth, audio clarity, and strong bass to elevate the gaming experience. Four new models are now available on Newegg’s e-commerce site from the BDS-363 and BDS-939G series. Each model has different features such as up to 7-in-1 or multiplatform compatibility with a fully adjustable headband and ear cup. The HUHD HW-398 series are 2.4-GHz optical wireless headsets with noise cancellation. Most models are available in a variety of color options and all models feature an intuitive detachable and adjustable microphone. All models include system cable connectors such as micro USB as well as a detachable in-line controller for maximum flexibility with up to 12 hours of uninterrupted gaming on a single charge.

Featuring simple, plug-and-play connection to PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One gaming consoles (with Microsoft adapter), PC and Mac® computers, and even tablets and smartphones via a 3.5-mm jack (wired models), the headsets’ quality sound production means gamers can enjoy both high-quality background sound and clear chatting when battling it out with friends. With a high sensitivity (-67 db) microphone, the headphones solve the problem of low chat voice, keeping gamers fully immersed in the action. The lightweight design, soft ear cushion and padding, and adjustable headband keep gamers comfortable even after long hours of wear. The in-line audio controller allows gamers to effortlessly adjust volume levels without any interruption to the game, as well as play and pause music and answer and end calls when connected to smart phones and tablets.

What a beauty! HUHD HW-398
What a beauty! HUHD HW-398

We want to provide our gaming customers with a range of options to fit their budgets and needs,” said Jackie Wen, senior product manager at Badasheng. “With the Badasheng headsets, casual gamers now have another affordable headset selection that can bring them an enjoyable audio experience.”

HUHDQRCodePricing & Availability:
The headsets, which are now available for purchase at exclusive Newegg pricing, are backed by a 12-month warranty and Newegg’s highly rated customer service and fulfillment. A 15 percent discount with promotion code “MKPL5BH” can be applied when purchased; the promotion ends July 25 this year.

The price range is from $23.99 USD to $69.99 USD, depending upon the features and the models. (Check out avail. deals at Amazon USA : http://amzn.to/1Yb27h4) For the Silo, Peter Schuyler.

About Shenzen Bada Sheng Electronic Co. Ltd.
Shenzhen Bada Sheng Electronic Co.,Ltd is a leading manufacturer in professional headphones, established in 2005, with factory size at 86,000 square feet with more than 300 employees including over 30 production technicians, 15 R&D and production, and QA/QC departments. All products have gained the CE, FCC, CA, RoHS Reach, sound pressure certificates, and ISO9001:2008 quality management system certification. Bada Sheng Electronic is devoted to offering high quality sound products with great pre-sales/post-sales service to customers. 

HowNoiseCancellationWorksHeadphonesAbout Newegg Inc.
Newegg Inc. is the leading electronics-focused e-retailer in the United States. It owns and operates Newegg.com (www.newegg.com) which was founded in 2001 and regularly earns industry-leading customer service ratings. The award-winning website has more than 30 million registered users and offers customers a comprehensive selection of the latest consumer electronics products, detailed product descriptions and images, as well as how-to information and customer reviews. Using the site’s online tech community, customers have the opportunity to interact with other computer, gaming and consumer electronics enthusiasts. Newegg Inc. is headquartered in City of Industry, California. The Newegg Hybrid Center is located at 18045 Rowland St., City of Industry, CA 91748.