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Samsung teams up with The Weather Channel to bring new functionality to weather app

The Weather Channel App for Samsung, which was released in 2016, offers exclusive functionality to users of the soon-to-be-released Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ devices and older devices like the S7, S6 and Note 5. The latest feature to be added to the Weather Channel App for Samsung includes Google calendar event syncing and Lyft ride requests. The Google calendar syncing will link a user’s events with weather forecasts for their selected location to provide the weather forecast for those specific events. Now users can also book a ride to the event using the Lyft app. The Lyft feature is now accessible for app users within the U.S., and The Weather Channel for Samsung App is accessible globally within the Galaxy Apps store.

Filed in categories: Android, News

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Samsung teams up with The Weather Channel to bring new functionality to weather app originally appeared on on April 12, 2017 at 9:51 am.

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This guy is working out his core and not making out with his vacuum

This strange looking contraption is a kinetic resistance exercise device. It’s called the Four Minute Core Trainer and it has been designed to work 46 core muscles and eight arm muscles in just four minutes.

There is a resistance cartridge in the upper and lower section of the device that provides 60 and 70 pounds of resistance each. If that is too much or too little, additional cartridges can be purchased from the manufacturer.

The lightweight exercise device can be used while sitting, laying flat, or standing and folds for easy storage.

A smartphone holder is built into the trainer which can be used with an app to view the status of your workouts in real time.

If you’re ready to use this device to do some heavy duty crunches and strengthen your core, it’s going to cost you $299.95. You can read more about it and order at Hammacher Schlemmer.

Filed in categories: Health, Fitness, Sports, News

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This guy is working out his core and not making out with his vacuum originally appeared on on April 11, 2017 at 9:07 pm.

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Misfit introduces new Flare fitness tracker

A few weeks ago I told you about Misfit’s Vapor smartwatch that is due this summer. Now Misfit has just announced another fitness device on the opposite end of their pricing spectrum. It’s the Misfit Flare, their new entry level wearable that tracks activity and sleep. Priced at $59.99, the Flare features a capacitive touch sensor, and a single status LED that shows activity progress.

The Flare tracker runs on a CR1632 coin cell battery that will power the tracker for up to 4 months. It’s also swim proof up to 50 meters and the one-piece molded design comes in any color you like as long as that color is black.

It’s not clear how the single LED helps provide tracking info, but it’s interesting to note that this wearable does not double as a watch.

The Misfit Flare is available now for $59.99 through misfit.com

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Misfit introduces new Flare fitness tracker originally appeared on on April 11, 2017 at 10:09 am.

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Is YouTube TV a game changer?

Last week, Google announced the introduction of YouTube TV in the Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Bay areas as an alternative to traditional cable television subscriptions. But is it a game changer that will enable you to finally cut the cord on cable TV? Let’s take a look at what we know so far. 

For under $40 a month, here’s what you get:

  • Live streaming from your regional major networks including NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, and popular cable networks like Fox News, MSNBC, and ESPN.
  • 40 channels in all including the likes of SyFy, The Disney Channel, National Geographic, and a host of sports channels.
  • Unlimited DVR recording with simultaneous recording of multiple channels.
  • Streaming across all of your devices through the YouTube TV app, which is required for use.
  • Lots of on-demand content from channel providers.
  • Free access to YouTube Red content.
  • Up to 6 accounts for simultaneous viewing.
  • 1 month free trial (with a valid credit card).
  • Add on networks for additional charges (options may vary based on your location, but we’re offered Showtime and Fox Soccer Plus in my area).

Sounds pretty good, right? Well, there are some things to consider before you jump:

  • Registration is very specific to your location. You’ll need to sign up while your device is located in your local market.
  • You’ll need a Chromecast-enabled TV or Chromecast device to play it on your set top box. Google is currently offering the device for free with your first month’s payment, but it does mean another HDMI adaptor to plug into your TV if your setup isn’t currently compatible or you don’t have a media connection to your existing device.
  • It looks like downloading the service through your apple devices requires a monthly upcharge ($39.99 per month as opposed to $35).
  • Several of the big cable channel networks such as Time Warner, Turner/Viacom, Scripps, and AMC are currently not available. This means no Comedy Channel, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, HGTV, Food Network, CNN, etc. It looks like AMC is on the horizon, but details are not clear regarding timing (this also seems to be dependent on your region).
  • Since this is a streaming service, live broadcasts governed by regional blackout agreements. This means that where you are registered and where you are watching live TV could impact what is (or is not) available to you at any given time. If you are a sports fan, this could be particularly problematic for your local teams.

As far as user experience goes, it sounds like Google is getting all the basics right. Most of the early reviews praise both the well-designed user interface and excellent streaming quality across devices and available bandwidths (I’d highly recommend checking out the in-depth reviews  CNET and Gizmodo for details). The biggest drawbacks seem to be in the limited channel lineup and potential regional blackout restrictions, which may not work for you based on your viewing habits. I’ll be curious to see if pricing also remains consistent with the addition of new network content, and how this could potentially work in combination with other services (such as Hulu) to get the channel coverage viewers are looking for.

So what do you think? Does YouTube TV offer a potential game changer in the cable TV service?

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Is YouTube TV a game changer? originally appeared on on April 10, 2017 at 1:42 pm.

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AIDOUT Car Handle helps you get out of your car

This past Thursday, Jeanne had surgery to remove an angry gallbladder. When we got home after the surgery, we had a little trouble getting her out of my MINI Cooper without causing her pain because my car sits so low to the ground and she had to use her core muscles to help her stand up. An extra handle like the AIDOUT would have come in very handy.

The AIDOUT is a handle that fits in the latch of a vehicle’s door without requiring modification to the car.

The handle features forged aluminum construction that is strong enough to bear the weight of up to 350 pounds. The handle has a non-slip rubber grip, a built-in flashlight, seat belt cutter and a window breaker.

The AIDOUT car handle would be a useful tool for anyone that has problems getting out of a car due to injury, illness, surgery, etc.

The AIDOUT is priced at $14.99 and can be purchased from Amazon.

Filed in categories: Car Gear, News

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AIDOUT Car Handle helps you get out of your car originally appeared on on April 9, 2017 at 3:12 pm.

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