Sunday, May 21, 2023

Create and Post Instagram Reels From Your PC

If like me you aren't always happy having to create and post Instagram reels from your phone I have a new way (new for some that is) that will allow you to quikly andd easily do it from your PC or laptop. Some of you may or may not have heard of BlueStacks. BlueStacks App Player is a simple tool that allows you to was run Android applications on computers running Microsoft Windows or macOS. 
 
 

With BlueStacks you download and run the app player, install the traditional verssion of the Instagram App grom the Google Play Store and run things just like you woould from your phone. You can drag and drop videos and pictures from your dekstop. Even add your text, audio or stickers just like you would normally do on your phone. 

I'm working on a quick how to and tutorial from more info. For now though I recommened trying it out and posting any questions in the comments below!

Tuesday, April 07, 2020

Review: EZVIZ C6CN and C1C Home Security Cameras

In our uncertain times security may be more important than ever! More and more of us are turning to online ordering and deliveries while we are stuck at home. And with the kids being out of school it is important to keep track of the whole family both while we are away or while we are stuck in our home offices. This past few weeks we've had the chance to test out two offerings from EZVIZ. The fully featured EZVIZ C6CN and the smaller more basic (yet just as capable) EZVIZ C1C.

EZVIZ C6CN Features and Benefits




The EZVIZ C6CN boast industry leading video clarity and complete 360° panoramic coverage of the area around your camera. Auto Motion Tracking & Notifications and automatic Day to Night mode switching mean that you should never miss a beat. There is even an option for simple one-touch Panoramic Photo Navigation for taking a full 360° photo around the camera.


EZVIZ C6CN Specifications

  • Video Resolution: 1080p with 8x digital zoom
  • Field of View: 340° horizontal, 120° vertical
  • Night Vision: 2 infrared LEDs
  • Network Connectivity: 802.11bgn (2.4 Ghz only) and Ethernet
  • Smart Home Connectivity: Google home hub, Amazon Alexa
  • Audio: Full-duplex, two-way live audio
  • Local Storage: MicroSD card up to 256GB (not included)
  • Security: 64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
  • Mobile Devices Supported: Android 5.0 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher
  • Dimensions: 3.45" x 3.45" x 4.43"
  • Weight 9.1 oz

EZVIZ C1C Features and Benefits

Looking for some basic functionality at a lower cost? The EZVIZ C1C is such a camera. It delivers most of the same features as its bigger brother but in a smaller more concealable package. For about $20 you'll get standard customizable motion detection, Full 1080p HD video, night vision and two-way audio. Mounting is made easy with a magnet built-in base so it can be easily mounted to almost any metallic surface, a metal plate is also included. The C1C offers many of the same features as the EZVIZ C6CN. The C1C will automatically switch to night vision mode when the lights dim. You also get the same Smart motion detection zones and notifications draw specific zones within your cameras field of view where you would like to detect activity, when activity is detected, you will receive a notification in real-time.

The C1C’s 130-degree wide-angle lens provides excellent video quality. The image is sharp with little distortion even in night vision mode. Colors are accurate and vibrant. I found myself fairly happy with the default image settings. However, should you need to you can lower or boost the color saturation using a couple of presets in the settings menu. There’s also a backlight mode that, when activated, lets you tap overexposed parts of the image to see more details.

EZVIZ C1C Specifications

  • Video Resolution: Full HD 1080p with 40 ft. super night vision
  • Field of View: 106° horizontal, 130° vertical
  • Audio: Full-duplex, two-way live audio
  • Local Storage: MicroSD card up to 256GB (not included)
  • Security: 64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
  • Mobile Devices Supported: Android 5.0 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher
  • Dimensions: 2.4" x 2.28" x 4.04"
  • Weight: 3.4 oz


EZVIZ App Setup with the C6CN & C1C




Setup of the EZVIZ app is pretty straightforward. You simply unpack your camera, use your phone to scan the QR code and pair your two devices. From there things are pretty self explanatory. One great feature is the ability to see and control multiple cameras right on your device. For those wanting several zones of coverage you can use the advanced control setup with the EZVIZ PC studio (available for windows PC only). The app will unlock advanced configurations of your network and video settings as well as increasing the number of cameras able to view simultaneously from 4 to 25.

Conclusion: Two good entry level cameras!

In my testing the EZVIZ C1C proved that you didn't need to spend a mint to get a full featured camera that, for most home users, provides everything you need to effectively monitor your home while you’re away. While it was a very capable camera. For those of us that like to track ever little detail having the pan and tilt option included in the EZVIZ C6CN is going to be a must and is definitely worth the extra cost. Fortunately the EZVIZ app allows you to run multiple cameras from one device so I strongly suggest buying them as a tandem.

If I were looking for faults I could say I found a couple. Firstly I would have liked to have had an option to use either camera as a webcam, especially in these days of telecommuting. The C1C would have been ideal to place on my desk or a shelf in order to communicate with my team. For the C6CN I wasn't overly impressed with the video tracking. This could easily have been due to my use rather than a fault with the camera.

Both cameras offers a trio of storage options: You can record event-detected video locally to a microSD card, use EZVIZ's network storage or store your video offsite with an EZVIZ CloudPlay subscription. The cameras come with a free one-month trial of 7-day storage. EZVIZ CloudPlay starts at 7-day playback: $5.99/month/camera or $59.99/year/camera. 30-day playback: $10.99/month/camera or $109.99/year/camera.



Saturday, December 23, 2017

Review: XY Findit XY4+ Bigger and Better

Readers of our blog know that we have tried out most of the more popular Bluetooth trackers on the market today. While most of those devices were labeled as acceptable in performance, only one device (the XY3) actually performed up to our expectations. This past week we got to test out XY Findit's upgraded version of their Bluetooth Tracker the XY4+.


While we were impressed with the XY3 we felt there were a few areas that could be upgraded for better performance and from what we have seen from the XY4+ XY Findit addressed all those and more!

Upgrades Were They Are Needed Most

One of our biggest complaints about the other trackers we've used was device volume. When trying to locate your belongings in any space, let alone a noisy room, being able to hear your tracker is a must. With the XY4+ XY Findit was able to boost their volume to a whopping 112db. That is 4x what the XY3 had, and we thought that was better than most of the competition.Another great addition is the ability to change your buzzer tones. In some cases I couldn't hear certain audible tones as well as others, and having that function really made a notable  difference!

Another great upgrade is effective range. According to XY Findit the effective range on the XY3 was about 210 ft with a suggested maximum of 150ft. With the XY4+ XY Findit was able to boost that range 300ft. Wider effective range means a much greater chance of recovering your devices!

Lastly, but certainly not least, is an improved battery life. According to XY they have added a much more powerful replaceable battery to XY4+ in order to increase its battery life. Combined with the extremely efficient Dialog 14585 Bluetooth chip, the XY4+ can reach up to 5 years of battery life for your finder.

The Trade-off, Size Does Matter

All these upgrade come with one rather minor trade-off, an increase in tracker size! The XY4 measures roughly 1.5" x 1.75" x 0.39" slightly larger than the XY3 that measured just 1.46" x 1.26"x .32". This might not sound like much of an increase to most, and most won't notice it, but if like me you like to keep things at a min it will be noticeable!


Final Thoughts and Conclusion

While we didn't have enough time to do as thorough of testing with our XY4 as we did with the XY3 we stand by our original conclusion that XY Findit is producing some of the best Bluetooth trackers on the market. Effective range and tracking are extremely impressive and highly accurate! As mentioned the improvements to the audible alerts are amazing and definitely impressed us. Overall for anyone in the market for a new BT tracker I'd highly recommend looking at the XY4 before anything else on the market..and if you need more effective tracking XY Findit has the XYGPS, which we hope to test at some point soon!

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Cyclist Can Ride Smart with SmartHalo

Are you looking for a way to step up your urban cycling experience? The urban mobility technology innovator, SmartHalo Technologies Inc., may have just launched the perfect product for you - the SmartHalo biking system.


SmartHalo, is a smart device that attaches to any type of bike handlebar and pairs with your phone via Bluetooth with the SmartHalo app. The device gives you Precise and intuitive navigation designed to take the safest and fastest routes, while allowing you to keep the eyes on the road.

The interface also features a powerful front light that makes night rides and journeys safer and more enjoyable. An alarm designed to trigger a loud sound when the bike is tampered with, to prevent bike theft. A series of enhanced fitness features that automatically track and analyze fitness metrics and a personal assistant notifies you of incoming calls with a simple blue dot at the center of the interface.

SmartHalo took the cycling world by storm with its Kickstarter and pre-sale campaign with 10,000 units sold and delivered. It is now available for $149 in the US and Canada online at smarthalo.bike. If you want more details look for our review in the coming week and happy cycling!

Thursday, September 07, 2017

Samsung Invites You to Try to Hack Their Devices

In the world of technology security is king! So much so that most of the major tech giants have already launched security programs aimed at rewarding would be hackers if they share their exploits with the company before they become a major issue. Today Samsung has become the latest player in the game with the launch of their very own rewards program.

In an attempt at making sure sure that its smartphones, such as the Galaxy S8, S8 Plus and the Galaxy Note 8, are safe to use by the public, Samsung has officially the Samsung Mobile Security Rewards Program. The program invites members of the security community to assess the integrity of Samsung’s mobile devices and associated software to identify potential vulnerabilities in those products.

“As a leading provider of mobile devices and experiences, Samsung recognizes the importance of protecting users’ data and information, and prioritizes security in the development of each of its products and services,” said Injong Rhee Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Software and Services of the Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “As part of our commitment to security, Samsung is proud to work in close partnership with the security research community to ensure that all of our products are monitored closely and continually for any potential vulnerabilities.”

The program will cover all of Samsung’s mobile devices currently receiving monthly and quarterly security updates, currently a total of 38 devices. In addition, the program will reward submissions for potential vulnerabilities in the latest Samsung Mobile Services, including Bixby, Samsung Account, Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass, among others. Dependent upon the severity of a given submission, as well as the researcher’s ability to provide proof of concept, Samsung will issue rewards of up to $200,000.

The Mobile Security Rewards Program is effective immediately. For additional information, including terms and conditions visit the Samsung Mobile Security page.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Victims of Free Cruise Telemarketing Calls Could Get Up To $900 In Settlement

Who hasn't fallen prey to those all too familiar phone calls offering you a "free cruise"? You know the ones I mean. The persistent auto-dials that tell you that you have won, or are entitled to a free trip to the Bahamas or some other tropical destination.

Well thanks to a class action lawsuit and recent settlement, you may be entitled to some cold hard cash! Anywhere from $300-900 in fact!

The lawsuit claims that the recorded calls made between 2009 and 2014 violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. A marketing company titles RMG made pre-recorded telemarketing calls to landlines and cell phones offering free cruises with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian as promotions and that these calls are said to have violated the TCPA.

A settlement was reached last month to payout up to $12.5 million to people who received the calls.

You are included in the Settlement as a Settlement Class Member if you were the owner, subscriber, or user of a residential or cellular telephone line that received pre-recorded telemarketing calls between July of 2009 and March of 2014 that were initiated by RMG during which you were offered a free cruise with Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines and your phone number is contained in the call records produced by RMG in this case. The Call Records contain all phone numbers that RMG used to initiate pre-recorded telemarketing calls to promote its business. Any person submitting a claim with a telephone number not found in the records of RMG is ineligible for distribution from the settlement fund.

Finding out if you are part of the claim is really, really easy! Just click here and follow the prompt to enter your phone number and submit a claim. The site will automatically scan the logs for whatever number you have entered and will let you know if you are part of the claim. Every phone number you have could be eligible, so try them all and submit claims for any you find!

Each RMG telemarketing call you received will have a maximum value of $300. You may file a claim for up to three calls per telephone number included in the Call Records. This means that your maximum payment amount could be $900 per telephone number. Although payment amounts could be $300-$900, actual payment amounts will be based on the total number of calls and valid Claim Forms received. For example:
  • If, after deducting attorneys’ fees and expenses, the incentive award, and settlement administration costs, the amount needed to pay all valid claims is less than the balance of the Settlement Fund, then each Settlement Class Member who submits a valid Claim Form will receive $300 per call for up to three calls, and the remaining funds will be donated cy pres to the National Consumer Law Center (www.nclc.org) or other approved recipient.
  • If, after deducting attorneys’ fees and expenses, the incentive award, and settlement administration costs, the amount needed to pay all valid claims is greater than the Settlement Fund Ceiling, then each Settlement Class Member who submits a valid Claim Form will receive a proportionately reduced payment amount, meaning each Settlement Class Member will receive the same reduced payment amount per call for up to three calls.
To receive a cash payment, you must submit a Claim Form by November 3, 2017. The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on April 4, 2018 to decide whether to grant final approval to the Settlement. If the Court approves the Settlement, there may be appeals. It is always uncertain whether appeals will be filed and, if so, how long it will take to resolve them. Settlement payments will be provided as soon as possible, if and when the Court grants final approval to the Settlement and after any appeals are resolved.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Internet Connected Toys May Be The Newest Threat to Your Children

According to a public service announcement released by the FBI this week your child's internet connected toys may be a major threat to not only their privacy but their safety!

In the PSA the FBI warns that "toys with microphones could record and collect conversations within earshot of the device. Information such as the child's name, school, likes and dislikes, and activities may be disclosed through normal conversation with the toy or in the surrounding environment." In addition to personal information that may be obtained the FBI warns that more specific details, such as GPS locations, visual identifiers and information used by other family member when creating user accounts could readily be obtained!

The collection of a child’s personal information combined with a toy’s ability to connect to the Internet or other devices raises concerns for privacy and physical safety. Personal information (e.g., name, date of birth, pictures, address) is typically provided when creating user accounts. In addition, companies collect large amounts of additional data, such as voice messages, conversation recordings, past and real-time physical locations, Internet use history, and Internet addresses/IPs. The exposure of such information could create opportunities for child identity fraud. Additionally, the potential misuse of sensitive data such as GPS location information, visual identifiers from pictures or videos, and known interests to garner trust from a child could present exploitation risks. 

As with all internet connected devices, (including your smart phone, smart TV, home assistant ect) data collected from interactions with your devices is typically collected, sent and stored by the manufacturer or developer via server or cloud service. In some cases, it is also collected by third-party companies who manage the voice recognition software used in the toys or connected devices. Voice recordings, toy Web application (parent app) passwords, home addresses, Wi-Fi information, or sensitive personal data could be exposed if the security of the data is not sufficiently protected with the proper use of digital certificates and encryption when it is being transmitted or stored.

Smart toys generally connect to the Internet either:

  • Directly, through Wi-Fi to an Internet-connected wireless access point; or
  • Indirectly, via Bluetooth to an Android or iOS device that is connected to the Internet.

The FBI warns that cyber security measures used in the toy, the toy’s partner applications, and the Wi-Fi network on which the toy connects directly impacts the overall user security. Communications connections where data is encrypted between the toy, Wi-Fi access points, and Internet servers that store data or interact with the toy are crucial to mitigate the risk of hackers exploiting the toy or possibly eavesdropping on conversations/audio messages. Bluetooth-connected toys that do not have authentication requirements (such as PINs or passwords) when pairing with the mobile devices could pose a risk for unauthorized access to the toy and allow communications with a child user. It could also be possible for unauthorized users to remotely gain access to the toy if the security measures used for these connections are insufficient or the device is compromised.

Parents are being urged to examine user agreements and privacy policies (we know too well that some of us click through blindly and agree to those terms) and investigate whether data is shared with third parties and how it's handled in the cloud. Toys should also only be connected to the internet over secure Wi-Fi networks and not connected blindly to open networks, or in some cases trusted networks with highly clone-able names (ie Xfinitywifi).  Additionally, the FBI suggests that you report cases whereas you migght suspect your child’s toy may have been compromised by filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, at www.IC3.gov.