Technology Solutions
On the Edge
The Samsung Galaxy Note
Edge smartphone contains a multifunctional home screen with a semi-curved
design. The right edge of the phone curves into a 2,560 x 160-pixel second menu
that contains shortcuts to frequently used apps, alerts, and other functions. Notifications are displayed on the curved edge
even when the phone cover is on and while streaming videos. The Edge has
a 3.7 megapixel front-facing camera and a 16 mpSmart OIS back camera. The
phone offers multi-window functions for use of multiple apps simultaneously on
one single screen. The 3000mAh battery charges 30 percent faster than most
other smartphones and can go from dead to 50 percent charged in a half-hour.
The Edge runs on the Android 4.4 Kitkat operating system and has a 5.6-inch
Quad high definition plus super AMOLED display. It is available in white and
charcoal black and costs $429 with a two-year contract.
For more information,
visit goo.gl/EB3hDU.
Fashion-Forward Time
The 1.9-ounce Pebble Steel
smart watch syncs with both iPhone and Android devices with Bluetooth 4.0
functionality. The 144 x 168-pixel display screen emits a buzz when emails and
text messages are received. The Pebble
app store offers thousands of applications including a pedometer with
background fitness tracking. The Pebble Steel is water-resistant, the LED
backlight allows for readable daytime and nighttime viewing, and the
lithium-ion polymer battery keeps the watch juiced for up to a week at a time.
The stainless steel watch comes with a leather wrist band but a steel band can
be purchased for $20 more. It is available in brushed stainless and matte black
and costs $199.
For more information,
visit www.getpebble.com/steel.
Streamline Your Inbox
Inbox is a Google email
application that bundles emails into categories such as social, travel,
purchases, promotional material, finance, and user-created groups. The emails
are organized into collapsible folders and can be previewed without having to
open an entire message. By swiping, users can archive emails or put them into “snooze” mode to view at a later time.
With the “reminders” function, users can create alerts that appear at
the top of the application. Inbox runs on the Gmail platform and current Gmail
users must request an invite to download the app. Inbox is free and available
for desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
For more information,
visit www.google.com/inbox/.
Debt Investing Reimagined
In the world of real
estate investing, real estate debt investors take less risk, are the first
repaid, and have higher claims on loan collateral compared to equity investors.
AssetAvenue is a crowdfunding platform for real estate debt investors looking
for these types of opportunities. AssetAvenue investors start with a minimum
investment of $5,000 with terms of up to five years. Once an account is set up,
potential investors choose from properties across all major categories. When a
loan is fully funded, investor capital is taken out of escrow and investors
begin to earn monthly interest and up to 12 percent in annual returns.
AssetAvenue investments are institutionally vetted and are secured senior
loans. Investors must register to use the free software.
For more information,
visit www.assetavenue.com.
On-the-Go Expense Log
Deductr Pro is an expense
tracking platform for small businesses to ensure accurate deductions during tax
season. The software automatically documents expenses, income, mileage, and
time through a computer, tablet, and smartphone whenever a card is swiped for
business purposes. Users enter receipt information to record expenses and use
GPS tracking on smartphones to log business mileage. Real-time data and reports
that track savings and calculate deductible expenses are available as well. The
Deductr Pro dashboard offers reports for profits and losses, tax summaries,
contractor wages, mileage summaries, and more. Deductr Pro offers an annual
plan for $199 and a monthly version for $19.95. The mobile app is free with a
Deductr Pro account.
For more information,
visit app.deductr.com.
Cordless Charging
The LithiumCard hyper
charger by LinearFlux is the first battery-powered charger for electronic
devices. About the thickness of five credit cards, the LithiumCard charges
devices at a rate of 1 percent per minute and can be simultaneously charged
while it charges. It comes equipped with retractable USB, micro-USB, and Apple
Lightning cable connectors for charging most smartphones, tablets, and other
devices. Using NanoStik technology, the LithiumCard can be mounted on devices
and car dashboards. The LithiumCard comes in black and gold and costs $55.
For more information,
visit www.linearflux.com/lithiumcard.