Wearables and Online Shopping, 11-18-15

WHERE ARE WE GOING WITH WEARABLES?

Love is in the eye of the beholder and now tech is on the body of the wearer. There are watches, eyeglasses, and rings that transmit information over the Internet and back to your computer or tablet. Smart watches bring the world to your wrist and you to the world. You can text, email, and call from the watch. But that’s not all . . . some check your heart rate, tell you if you’re on schedule, and let you send a gentle vibration to someone so they know you’re thinking of them or sketch a heart to zap to your honey. (I almost forgot, smart watches also tell time!)

What about something you can wear to discreetly carry all your tech toys? My all-time favorite manufacturer of clothing to house your electronics is Scottevest. The women’s trench coat boasts 18 pockets to house everything from your cellphone to your tablet to your water bottle to a collar that integrates your headset. The men’s vest boasts 26 pockets!

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NEW PRESENTATION TOPIC

By popular demand I have added a new talk focused on smartphone and tablets…

How to be Smart with your Smartphone and Tablet

Abby introduces you to the basics of how to enjoy your smartphone and tablet. You’ll learn how to protect your device with a passcode and save the battery life. You’ll doscover out how to text and what on earth an emoji is along with the an introduction to the calendar, alarm, camera, GPS features and where to customize the settings. We’ll also discuss downloading apps, music, and books. Learn a few tricks to show your grandkids!

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TIPS FOR SAFELY SHOPPING ONLINE

You can’t see or touch the merchandise, so what makes online shopping so appealing? The top three enticements are 1) you don’t need to leave your home to do it, 2) you can access retailers all over the globe, and 3) shopping online can save you money.

To ensure that your credit card information is safe most websites encrypt the page where you enter your credit card making it safer for transmission. You’ll know the page is protected when http at the start of the website address has an added “s” (https) for security. The good news is that if someone abuses your credit card your liability is limited to $50. The American Bar Association has created an informative website, safeshopping.org. (Note: It is .org, not .com.)

If a website is really confusing or poorly designed, feel free to abandon the mission at any time. In most cases, you can find the same item being sold on several different websites.

If you’re new to shopping online, get your feet wet with a visit to the website of a “brick-and mortar” store you’re familiar with. If you shop at Home Depot, visit their website: homedepot.com. Is Macy’s one of your shopping spots? Visit macys.com.

No one can save you from your own bad shopping habits online or otherwise. Step away from the mouse when considering the 1980s sweater that glows under black lights. It wasn’t a good idea back then, and it certainly isn’t a good idea now. Do you really need another circular saw? Aren’t two enough? Yes, I know it was a great deal, but stand firm. The convenience of the Internet can definitely feed the impulse shopper in all of us.

Practice restraint and enjoy your purchases!

I’m going to start featuring some of my favorite tech gifts (and some non-tech goodies) for your holiday shopping in the coming newsletters…stay tuned in.

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I’m going to be touring Florida from March 7th until the 21st. If you have recommendations for venues (libraries, senior living facilities, clubs, etc.) and/or local media (print, TV, and radio), I would be eternally grateful for any leads. Feel free to email all suggestions or ideas to me at abby@AskAbbyStokes.com.