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There are several security functions on the average smartphone intended to protect your data from the outside world. Devices have always had several options for users to employ, but as mobile
Gone are the days when devices has only password, PIN, and pattern unlock options. In recent years, product makers have begun adding various biometric security features to smartphones. These measures allow device owners to use various body parts including fingerprints, faces, irises, and voices to unlock their devices.
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These functions can be set up in accordance with a user’s lifestyle. Smartphone users can also set up several unlock features for different security options on a devices. Take a look at all of the unlock features you may find on a smartphone, how they work, and how they may be beneficial to you as a user.
Note: While these directions are more specifically for Android smartphones, they are easily translate to iPhones where applicable
None/SwipeMany smartphone users commonly leave no mode of security on their devices, by setting it to have no passcode of any kind, or by using the Swipe to Unlock setting. This method leaves no mode of protection for a smartphone and typically isn’t recommended. If a device is lost or stolen, other users will have direct access to your most sensitive information.
If you insist on leaving your device without a security feature set, consider having a password protected folder of some kind on your smartphone. You can keep your most important information and apps in that folder, while having easy access to your smartphone for more mundane tasks.
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then screen lock type. If you have one, input your passcode or backup PIN to proceed. Select None or Swipe among the lock screen options. Your device will return to the previous settings page to confirm.
PasswordThe password security option is the same as any other security option for a website or app. You can set a series of numbers, lowercase or capital letters, and characters as your password. A password is considered a high security option, but it depends on the complexity of your password sequence.
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then Password. You will see a warning that explains if you forget your password, you will have to wipe your device and take it back to factory settings. This means you would lose all of your data if it is not backed up externally.
Input your password once, select continue, and then again to confirm. If available, select the eye option to your right that will allow you to see the password as you type it. This will ensure you’re typing the password correctly. Select Ok. This will take you to a notifications settings page, where you can decide whether you want to receive notifications on your lock screen and how much detail will be shown on lock screen notifications. Choose your preferences and select Done.
It is highly recommended that you don’t use your smartphone password for any as a passcode for any other device, service, website, or app.
PINThe PIN security option is popular among smartphone users because such codes are typically easy to remember. Users often select numbers that are of significance to them, making them less likely to forget. A PIN is considered a medium high security option, but it depends on the length and complexity of your sequence.
A PIN is typically a series of numbers. Depending on the device, your PIN can be between four and six characters long. Many smartphones use PIN codes as a backup security option for other login methods, so there is a possibility you already have a PIN set up on your device and don’t remember. I
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then PIN. Similar to setting a password, you will see a warning about what happens if you forget your PIN. Input your PIN once, select continue, and then again to confirm. Your device will return to the previous settings page to confirm.
On an iPhone you can select within the same settings whether you want a numerical PIN or an alphanumeric Password. On an Android device, the PIN and Password are two different security options.
PatternThe Pattern security option is popular among smartphone users because it is easy to remember and inputting the set pattern design can be fun. A Pattern is considered a medium security option because many users may choose a simple design, however it is easy to modify a common design to a more secure pattern.
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then Pattern. Similar to setting a Password, you will see a warning about what happens if you forget your Pattern. Input your Pattern once, select Continue, and then again to confirm. Your device will return to the previous settings page to confirm.
FingerprintThe Fingerprint security option can be used not only as method of unlocking your device, but also as an authentication function for smartphone features, such as payment systems. You can use a set fingerprint to authenticate payment on Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay on older iPhones.
Some devices have a fingerprint scanner within their home buttons, while others have the feature on their back panels. Several newer devices have fingerprint scanners embedded directly in their displays.
Smartphones typically require users to have a backup security option in place when setting up a fingerprint. You can select a Password, PIN, or Pattern as your backup.
The security level of this option is not clear, since functions such as fingerprint spoofing are possible, but not common. The fingerprint scanners on iPhones are considered more secure than those on Android devices, but the fingerprint scanner is now a rare option on Apple devices.
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then Fingerprint Scanner. Confirm your backup passcode and follow the device’s directions for recording your Fingerprint.
On most smartphones you will have to place your finger on the designated scanner location in several different positions for it to register your fingerprint. Do this until the progress is 100 percent. Select Done.
Once complete you will then see a Fingerprint Scanner settings page, which shows how many fingerprints you have registered on your device, the apps and services available for fingerprint verification, and an option to disable or enable fingerprint unlock as your discretion.
Facial recognitionThe Facial recognition security option is another method that can be used for both unlocking devices and as an authentication function. The security level of this option depends on the device.
Many Android devices allow users to set face verification for certain apps, but the feature is not considered safe enough for payment authentication. Newer iPhones have Face ID as their only biometric option for unlocking and secure authentication, including Apple Pay.I
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then Face Recognition. Confirm your backup passcode and follow the device’s directions for recording your face.
On most smartphones you will have to hold the device slightly slanted and allow your face to align with the circular viewfinder that will record your image.
Once complete, you will be prompted to enable the function. Select Turn On. You will then see a Face Recognition settings page, which allows you to manage your face data, set up app verification and disable or enable the function.
Iris scanningThe Iris scanning security option can be used for both unlocking your device and as a form of secure authentication for payment systems such as Samsung Pay and Google Pay. The feature; however, isn’t that common on smartphones. Many devices favor facial recognition over iris scanning.
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then Iris Unlock. Confirm your backup passcode and follow the device’s directions for recording your irises.
On most smartphones you will have to remove your glasses and possibly your contact lenses and then hold the device forward to allow your eyes to align with the viewfinder to scan your eyes. Once complete, you will be prompted to enable the function. Select Turn On.
You will then see a Face Recognition settings page, which allows you to manage your face data, set up app verification and disable or enable the function.
Voice DetectionThe Voice detection security option is a little known function that is available not so much for security, but rather for convenience. Users can set up Voice Match so that the Google Assistant on their smartphone will respond only their voice. Subsequently, you can set up Unlock with Voice Match to wake and unlock your device by saying “Ok Google.”
To set this option for your smartphone, access Settings, Lock Screen & Security, and then Smart Lock. Confirm your backup passcode and then select Voice Match. Select Access with Voice Match to record your voice for user with Google Assistant.
Agree to the terms follow the device’s directions for recording your recording your voice. Once back at the “Ok Google detection” settings page, select Unlock with Voice Match and confirm the prompt acknowledging the feature’s limitations. It details that after a few failed attempts, users will have to input their backup passcode to access their device.
Once set, if you say “Ok Google,” your device’s resting screen will turn on and go directly to Google Assistant, waiting for further instruction. Many users may not find this function useful unless they are avid users of Google Assistant.
More Tips to Manage Your Smartphone PasscodeUsers must set a backup passcode to enable a biometrics feature, such as fingerprint unlock or face unlock, but you can also use the biometrics feature as a backup up happen to forget your passcode. As long as your smartphone hasn’t been restarted you should be able to use your biometric options to access the device without a passcode.
The Smart Lock option that enables voice detection has other functions that allow your device to remain unlocked in designated safe spaces. With Smart Lock, you can set your smartphone to remain unlocked while on your person, when connected to Wi-Fi in trusted locations, or when in a location with another trusted device connected to the same Wi-Fi.
Register your device with the manufacturer if they offer such a service. You will need to create a username and password (like the Samsung ‘Find My Mobile’ option), which you can use to log in and make remotely make changes to your device.
Connect your Google account to your phone so you can always confirm that your device is yours if prompted.
Backup the information on your smartphone so that you will have all of your data in the event you have to factory reset your device due to not knowing the passcode.
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A Guide To Star Ratings On Google And How They Work
The elusive five-star review used to be something you could only flaunt in a rotating reviews section on your website.
But today, Google has pulled these stars out of the shadows and features them front and center across branded SERPs and beyond.
Consider that 48% of consumers won’t even look twice at a business with less than 4-stars.
Star ratings can help businesses earn trust from potential customers, improve local search rankings, and boost conversions.
This is your guide to how they work.
Stars and SERPsStar ratings on Google are powered by consumer reviews from different properties, and Google uses an algorithm and an average to determine how many stars are displayed.
These ratings appear on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
John Mueller recently confirmed that Google does not factor star ratings or customer reviews into web search rankings. However, Google is clear that star ratings influence local search results and rankings:
“Google review count and review score factor into local search ranking. More reviews and positive ratings can improve your business’ local ranking.”
Even though they are not a ranking factor for organic search, star ratings can serve as an important conversion element, helping you display social proof and build credibility.
Here’s what the different types of star-rating results look like in Google, and how they work on each listing type.
Standard “Blue Link” Listings and Google StarsWebsites can stand out from their competitors by getting stars to show up around their organic search results listing pages.
It was only recently that Google started testing star ratings in organic search.
How to Get Google Stars on Organic SERPs
If you want stars to show up on your organic search results, add schema markup to your website.
Learn how to do that in the video below:
As the video points out, you need actual reviews to get your structured data markup to show.
Then you can work with your development team to input the code on your site that indicates your average rating, highest, lowest, and total rating count.
Once you add the rich snippet to your site there is no clear timeline for when they will start appearing in the SERPs, that’s up to Google.
When you’re done, you can check your work with Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
Adding schema is strongly encouraged. But even without it, if you own a retail store and have ratings, Google may still show your star ratings in the search engine results.
They do this to ensure searchers are getting access to a variety of results. Google says:
“If you have structured data markup on your website, your products will automatically show in free listings (with the exception of the Shopping tab) without directly participating in the feature.”
If you want star ratings to show up on Shopping Ads, you’ll have to pay for that.
Paid Ads and Google StarsHow to Get Google Stars on Paid Ads
To participate in free listings, sellers have to do two things:
Follow all the required policies around personally identifiable information, spam, malware, legal requirements, and more.
Submit a feed through Google merchant center, or have structured data markup on their website (as described in the previous section).
And again, some ecommerce sellers who do not have schema markup may still have their content show up in the SERPs.
Google treats reviews on a per-country basis, and so the minimum review threshold of 100 also applies only to one region at a time.
Google considers reviews from their own Google Customer Reviews, and also from approved third-party partner review sites, which makes it easier for sellers to meet the minimum review threshold each year. Google also requests:
The domain that has ratings must be the same as the one that’s visible in the ad.
A research evaluation of your site must be conducted by Google or its partners.
The reviews included must be about the product or service being sold.
Finally, Google provides a (really confusing) requirement stating that:
“Additionally, both of the following criteria must be met: Average, composite, rating of 3.5 or more stars for Text Ads. Currently, Google can show seller ratings if the average rating is less than 3.5 stars.”
Local Pack Results and Google StarsLocal businesses have a handful of options for their business to appear on Google via Google Maps, a Google My Business page, and more – all of which can show star ratings.
Google may aggregate reviews from other local review sites on your local business properties with Google.
It can take up to two weeks to get new reviews to show in your overall score.
How to Get Google Stars on Local Search Results
Customers have to leave reviews directly on your local business properties, and other local review websites.
Google encourages business owners to solicit reviews from their customers, including best practices like:
Asking your customers to leave you a review and making it easy for them to do so by providing a link to your review pages.
Making review prompts desktop and mobile-friendly.
Replying to customer reviews (make sure you’re a verified provider on Google first).
Being sure you do not offer incentives for reviews.
Once customers are actively leaving reviews, Google My Business profile owners have a number of options to help them manage these:
Rich Results, Like Recipes, and Google StarsSimilar to other types of reviews, recipe cards in search results show the average review rating and the total number of reviews.
The outcome has become a point of contention among the food blogging community, since only three recipes per search can be seen on Google desktop results (like shown in the image above), and four on mobile.
That means that the quality of the recipe isn’t necessarily driving these results.
How to Get Google Stars on Recipe Results
Like the steps to have stars appear on organic blue-link listings, food bloggers and recipe websites need to add schema to their website in order for star ratings to show.
However, it’s not as straightforward as listing the average and the total number of ratings. Developers should follow Google’s instructions for recipe markup. There is both required and recommended markup:
Required Markup for Recipes
Name of the recipe.
Image of the recipe.
Recommended Markup for Recipes
Aggregate rating.
Author.
Cook time, preparation time, and total duration.
Date published.
Description.
Keywords.
Nutrition information.
Recipe category by meal type, like “dinner”
Region associated with the recipe.
Ingredients.
Instructions.
Yield or total serving.
Video (and other related markup, if there is a video in the recipe).
The markup for recipe instructions would look something like this, for example:
"recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Preheat", "text": "Heat oven to 425°F.", }, Third-Party Review Sites and Google StarsMany software companies rely on third-party review sites to help inform their customer’s purchasing decisions.
Third-party review sites include any website that a brand doesn’t own where a customer can submit a review such as Yelp, G2, and many more.
Many of these sites, like Capterra shown above, can display star ratings.
How to Get Google Stars on Third Party Review Sites
The best way to get a review on a third-party review site depends on which site is best for the brand or the business.
For example, if you have active customers on Yelp, you may choose to engage with customers there.
Similarly, if a software review site like Trust Pilot shows up for your branded search, you could do an email campaign with your customer list asking them to leave you a review there.
Here are a few of the third-party review websites that Google recognizes:
Trust Pilot.
Reevoo.
Bizrate – through Shopzilla.
When it comes to third-party reviews, Google reminds businesses that there is no way to opt out of third-party reviews, and they need to take up any issues with third-party site owners.
App Store Results and Google StarsRight from the SERPs, searchers can see an app’s star ratings, as well as the total votes and other important information like whether the app is free or not.
How to Get Google Stars on App Store Results
Businesses can list their iOS apps in the App Store, prompt customers to leave reviews there, and also respond to them.
They can do the same on the Google Play store; instructions to do so are here.
Shoot for the StarsMany, many, many studies have demonstrated this phenomenon time and again. So don’t hold back when it comes to reviews.
Do an audit of where your brand shows up in SERPs and get stars next to as many placements as possible.
The most important part of star ratings across Google, however, will always be the service and experiences companies provide that fuel good reviews from happy customers.
More Resources:
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How To Get Pixel 3 Features On Any Android Smartphone
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL come with some pretty impressive features including things like a Night Sight mode in the camera, new Playgrounds 2.0 AR Stickers, Live Wallpapers, stock Android Pie, and a lot more. So, if you’re wondering how to get Pixel 3 features on any Android smartphone, look no further. Read on to figure out how to get Pixel 3 features on your phone right now:
Get Pixel 3 Features on Any Android SmartphoneThis tutorial is going to be a bit more complicated than your normal tutorial as many of the features that I mention have device restrictions so it may not work for every phone. I will mention these restrictions with every point, so be sure to read it before you try this on your phone. With that said, let’s see how to get Pixel 3 features on any Android device:
1. Get Pixel 3 Camera FeaturesProbably the biggest enhancement coming with the new Pixel 3 is its camera. However, even non-Pixel 3 users will be able to get Pixel 3’s camera features on their Android phones by simply downloading the Google Camera mod. Installing the camera mod is easy, but we have a detailed article on how to install Google Camera mod on any Android phone to help you out. Once you have installed the Camera mod, you will be able to access the following Pixel 3 camera features on your phone:
Google Night Sight
Google Live Lens
The developer of this APK has promised that it will be updated to bring more features such as Top Shot, and Motion Focus in the future. This means that eventually you will be able to use all the Pixel 3 exclusive features on your device which is just great.
Restriction: The app works only on phones with Android Pie as of now.
2. Get Pixel 3 PhotoBooth Feature 3. Get Playground 2.0 PlaymojiRestrictions: The app works only on Android Pie devices right now, and is most stable on Pixel devices.
4. Get Android Pie on Any Android DeviceAs you can see, the Google Camera features need Android Pie to work. That means that not many old Android devices will be able to utilize these features. Thankfully, there’s also unofficial Android Pie port available for many devices which you can install to run the Google Camera mod app. The list of devices which have receive Android Pie port include the OnePlus X, OnePlus 2, OnePlus 3/3T, Moto Z Play, Asus ZenFone Max Pro, Redmi Note 5 and more.
You can see a full list of supported devices and find the installation link by visiting this article. The article will be updated with the new devices that will get Android Pie ROM support.
5. Get Digital Wellbeing Features on Any Android PhoneNote: The app works only on Android Pie devices for now.
6. Get Pixel 3’s “SHUSH” FeatureAnother small but nifty feature coming with the Pixel 3 is the flip to shush feature which allows users to activate DND mode by just placing their phones face down on a surface. Google has introduced this feature to make people more social so that they spend more time talking to their friends than looking at their phone. To get the ‘Flip to Shush’ feature on your phone, all you need to do is download and install the Flip DND app from the Play Store. Once installed, just grant the app necessary permissions and it will put your phone into DND mode once you put it face down.
7. Get Pixel 3’s Now Playing Feature on Any Android PhoneWhile this feature was introduced with the Pixel 2, it still remains one of my favorite features of the newly released Pixel 3. The feature, if you don’t know, allows the phone to automatically recognize any song that is playing in the background. While it does it offline in Pixel phones, to enable this feature on non-Pixel devices, we will be using the popular song recognizer app, Shazam. There’s a feature inside the Shazam app called Auto Shazam and it recognizes the songs playing nearby even when your phone is locked.
The Auto Shazam feature is available under the Settings menu of the app. You just need to enable the toggle next to it and the app will automatically identify songs in the background for you. In our testing, the app was working flawlessly as can be seen from the picture above.
8. Get Always On DisplayAnother cool Google Pixel 3 feature is its always-on display which displays information such as time and weather even when the device is locked and in stand by mode. This is a very handy feature as it allows users to get quick access to information without waking up their device. To get this feature on older Android devices, we will take the help of a third-party app called “Always on Display – AMOLED” which is completely free and can be downloaded from the Play Store. Once you have installed this app and granted it the necessary permissions, you will get the ambient display feature just like the Pixel 3.
9. Get Pixel 3 Live WallpapersSEE ALSO: Pixel 3 XL Performance and Gaming Review: Should You Buy OnePlus 6 Instead?
Enjoy Pixel 3 Features on Your Android Device
10 Best Security Cameras That Work With Alexa And Google Assistant
When it comes to home security nowadays, the smart money is on smart cameras. Integrating your security systems with virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant provides unmatched access to your home, families, and businesses while you’re away or checking up on suspicious activity in your vicinity.
But not all security cameras are created equal, and not everyone is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. To help you make the smart choice and find the right camera for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best security cameras with just such compatibility.
Related: 10 Best Home Security Cameras Without WiFi
Best Security Cameras that Work with Alexa/Google Assistant
Brand: Blink
Price: $34.99
Camera Type: Indoor Camera
Compatibility: Alexa
The Blink Mini is an incredibly affordable, dependable indoor camera and the most popular one within Blink’s lineup of cameras for good reason. An Amazon company, all of the Blink products automatically come with seamless Alexa integration right out of the box and a set up as easy as plugging it in, connecting it to Wi-Fi and adding it to your Blink app.
The Mini itself records 1080p video with motion detection, night vision, and 2-way audio for checking in while away. Indeed, for Alexa users looking for a perfect coupling of simplicity and affordability, the Blink Mini is certainly worth considering.
Buy: Blink Mini
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Brand: Ring
Price: $148.99
Camera Type: Outdoor Camera
Compatibility: Alexa
A paramount element in any security system is, of course, dependability. Being solar powered and IP 66 weatherproof, Ring’s new Stick Up Cam can leave you with peace of mind that, come hell or high water, your camera system will remain vigilant. The highly-rated Stick Up Cam records 1080p HD video and comes with motion detection, night vision, 2-way audio and all without the need to charge it — ever.
Another unique feature of the Ring Stick Up Cam is its customizable privacy zones for sensitive areas you don’t want to be recorded. All in all, the Ring Stick Up Cam is a solid option for those looking for a reliable, premium option from one of the biggest names in home surveillance.
Buy: Ring Stick Up Cam
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Brand: Ring
Price: $199.99
Camera Type: Outdoor
Compatibility: Alexa
For those who take home defense a little more seriously, the ring floodlight camera offers extra functionality over most of its competitors. While recording 1080 P HD video with live stream capabilities, the Ring Floodlight camera eradicates blind spots in your vicinity and comes with a remote-activated siren to ward off intruders in case of emergency.
While a little more expensive, with integrated Alexa compatibility and A ring protect subscription plan, the ring floodlight camera offers possibly the most stringent home defense capabilities money can buy in a single camera.
Buy: Ring Floodlight Cam
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Brand: Google Nest
Price: $127
Camera Type: Indoor
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Google Home
While it’s definitely a little more expensive than many other plug-in wireless cameras, the Google Nest indoor camera — unsurprisingly — offers seamless integration with both Google Assistant, Google Home, and Alexa. Specs-wise, it’s not too shabby either.
With 1080p video, motion/sound detection and night vision and a 130° wide-angle FOV, the Nest Indoor Camera delivers the essentials alongside complete reliability and excellent customer service.
Buy: Google Nest Indoor Cam
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Brand: Google Nest
Price: $199.00
Camera Type: Outdoor
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Google Home
On the ornery hand, we have the outdoor counterpart to the Google Nest Indoor Cam. In terms of features, the outdoor variant is comparable to the indoor cam, with 1080p video, night vision and sound/motion detection with a 130° FOV. What separates the two is really the weatherproofing. Hardwired to power and with exceptional build quality, Users can count on the Google Nest Outdoor Cam to stay reliable all year round.
Buy: Google Nest Outdoor Cam
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Brand: Wyze
Price: $25.98
Camera Type: Indoor
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
If the Google Nest series of cameras are a little out of your price range, the Wyze V2 offers similar functionality at a much more affordable price point. Compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, the Wyze Cam records at 1080p with a 110° FOV and supports 24/7 stream, motion /sound detection with 12 seconds automatic clip recording when triggered as well as 30′ night vision and 2-way audio.
So it’s feature-rich and for a price that’s hard to beat — and backed by a large and enthusiastic customer base.
Buy: Wyze Cam v2
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Brand: Dragon Touch
Price: $49.99
Camera Type: Outdoor
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
Almost as badass as it sounds, the Dragon Touch OD10 comes with a potent assortment of home defense features that provide tremendous value for the price point. The areas in which the Dragon Touch notably outperforms many competitors is its 360° coverage, with 355° pan, 90° tilt, and 4x zoom, and the 66′ night vision radius — over double the standard range.
These two features, when combined with the floodlight, eradicate almost all blindspots from its FOV. On top of all that, the Dragon Touch cam offers the usual bevy of features: 1080p, motion detection, 2-way audio and IP65 weatherproofing.
Buy: Dragon Touch OD10
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Brand: Teckin
Price: $39.99
Camera Type: Indoor
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home
The best thing about the Teckin Cam 2-pack is the value for money it provides. The indoor, 1080p cam offers the now-predictable lineup of industry standards features — 32′ night vision, sound/motion detection with automatic recording, and 2-way audio — but at just about $20 per cam.
Each cam also supports local storage on a 128GB local MicroSD in case you don’t want to opt for a cloud subscription. A solid option for those looking for easy-to-set-up, dirty cheap nanny cams, pet/baby monitors, etc.
Buy: Teckin Cam
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Brand: Zmodo
Price: $59.39 (about $30 per camera)
Camera Type: Outdoor
Compatibility: Alexa
The Zmodo wireless security pack offers customers a powerful security package at a more accessible price point than is usual for its features.
The standout features of the IP66 weatherproof camera are its AI-powered object recognition that differentiates between humans, pets, faces and vehicles (though this feature requires a Zmodo Cloud subscription) and the extended, 65′ night vision with smart IR-cut to drastically enhance low-light visual quality. Overall, you really can’t go wrong with the Zmodo wireless pack.
Buy: Zmodo Outdoor Security Camera
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Brand: Eufy
Price: $149.99
Camera Type: Outdoor
Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit
While expensive up-front, the EufyCam 2 Pro comes with absolutely zero monthly fees and is a heck of a feature-rich camera to boot. It comes with 2K resolution, AI-powered object recognition and image enhancement, programmable activity zones for more efficient storage, and complete compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit.
It also has the added distinctions of being 100% wireless with 365-day battery life and next-gen night vision with enhanced resolution and IR-cut. But aside from its great features, what makes the EufyCam 2 Pro great is its commitment to verifiable privacy; all data is stored and processed locally but remains accessible to you through a 256-bit encrypted transmission. No extra fees, no headaches, a whole lot of power — there’s a reason the EufyCam 2 is as popular and well-liked as it is.
Buy: EufyCam 2 Pro
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Still haven’t found the security camera you need? Let us know the kind of specs/features you’re looking for or the unique security needs you’re trying to meet — we’d love to help!
Plug And Play (And Work): How Usb
For corporate IT teams and work-from-home desk jockeys alike, there’s no question that anyone who needs a monitor to do their job — and doesn’t have time or budget to waste — needs a monitor with USB-C connections. With ports built directly into the monitor, this technology supports staff by cleaning up workstations, reducing support requests and lowering the overall capital cost of business computing equipment.
With full USB-C support, employees can sit down with their laptop and connect a single cable to find everything they need to be productive. External USB hubs and docking stations are no longer necessary. For peripherals like an external USB-C keyboard, mouse, printer, hard drive, power adapter “brick” and a video signal cable, instead of the usual tangle of USB cables, one USB-C cable to monitor connection handles everything — including powering the laptop, which is especially useful in home office setups.
Growing usage and adoptionUSB-C is gradually replacing older USB types, including USB-A, USB-B and USB Mini-B ports that have been around for more than a decade and don’t offer the same capabilities or data transfer speeds.
The complete guide to USB Type-CWhite Paper
Learn how to clear desk space, streamline workflow and save time and money with USB-C connectors. Download Now
USB-C is the connector type; USB 3.1 is a broad technology standard. The Thunderbolt 3.0 standard developed by Intel also uses USB-C ports but supports much higher data transfer speeds than USB 3.1.
Increasing benefits
Simplified connections, with a standard reversible connector that can never plug into a jack the wrong way
Handles multiple duties from one monitor port, connecting peripherals like the USB-C keyboard, mouse, backup drives and printers, all plugged into the monitor instead of the laptop
Quick charging that doesn’t require a bulky external power supply and cord
Universal compatibility, meaning a USB-C monitor can power and charge any laptop equipped with USB-C
Higher data transfer rates for tasks like external hard drive backups (conventional USB has a transfer rate of up to 10Gbps, while USB-C enables transfers as fast 40Gbps using Thunderbolt)
For users, that means quick and easy connections, and no more worry or hassle to keep their laptop charged. IT teams also welcome technologies that simplify usage and remove potential points of docking failure. USB-C offers unprecedented versatility, packing more desktop capabilities into a single no-nonsense connector.
Building a modern workspaceFor most desktop support teams in a corporate environment, at least part of their day-to-day job involves running around helping staffers set up their workstations and meeting spaces. When someone loses a cable, needs a different docking station or doesn’t have the right monitor connector, the IT team is the first to be contacted.
To minimize support time, some IT teams are investing in expensive docking stations that make it easier for people to connect a laptop to a monitor. But at many organizations, these docks need to support multiple laptops and hardware types. In meeting rooms, these docking stations need to be equipped with multiple types of signal cables and adapter dongles, to minimize IT support requests for monitor connection issues. Now consider this type of IT snafu with an employee working from home who, at best, has direct communication channels set up through a messaging app to contact their support team. There the employee sits, several cables spread out on their desk, with a laptop and monitor that won’t connect to each other.
A USB-C monitor removes all the headaches for workers who just need to plug in and get to work. The monitor becomes the hub, and employees can connect their USB-C-ready laptop no matter where they are — and, with access to a keyboard and mouse, be ready to work.
Investing in monitors with built-in USB-C support, such as Samsung’s new S40UA, provides an easy upgrade path as business laptops go through their refresh cycle. These monitors still offer more conventional connections, and when the shift to USB-C happens, IT support can immediately realize the benefits.
You can calculate the total cost of ownership of upgrading your business’s monitors with five easy questions in this free assessment. And explore Samsung’s full range of USB-C monitors, designed for streamlined productivity and an organized desktop.
8 Common Http Errors And How To Fix Them
If you have been a regular Internet user, you will encounter websites with errors. Most of these errors come with an error code that is hard to understand for the average web user. That’s where this guide comes in as we help break down common HTTP errors and what you can do when you encounter them. Let’s dive right in!
What are HTTP Error Codes?Before diving into specific cases, it’s helpful to have a little background on what these codes are and why you receive them. In a non-technical way, HTTP codes are a message that is being sent to a website’s server and back to the browser to indicate whether a request has or can be fulfilled.
There are generally five levels:
1xx: Informational (what is happening when a browser or server request has been sent)
2xx: Success (things are working as intended)
3xx: Redirect (the requested page has moved to a new URL)
4xx: This is a client error that indicates something is wrong with the way your browser, be it Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. has asked the website server to see a page
5xx: This server error indicates that something is wrong on the server-side and how it tried to send the website to the browser
With that quick and easy read on what an HTTP error code is, let’s take a look at some of the more common ones you will experience. Keep in mind that these codes are not for anyone with technical knowledge, website managers, etc. How to fix these codes is very much in line with what a typical browsing experience would look like.
What are Some Common Fixes?Before diving into more specific error codes, it’s important to know some of the common steps that you can take to fix any website error you encounter. While not true for all error codes, for the most part, your first act should be to try and refresh the page. It’s entirely possible that something happened while the page was trying to load and a refresh will resolve. Another common fix is to double-check the website address. It is possible that you typed the website URL incorrectly, leaving out or adding an additional number, letter or symbol.
If you have tried both a page refresh and double-checked everything is spelled correctly, clearing your cache is the next best step. Doing so is incredibly easy and it won’t affect your browsing experience. Every browser can have its cache cleared and it takes mere seconds to do so.
1. HTTP Error 401 – Unauthorized (Authorization Required)In an instance where you see this HTTP error code, it likely means that the page you are trying to visit requires a user ID and password. If it’s a page you’ve already logged into and still see the error, it means the user credentials you entered are not valid.
The fix might just require returning back to the main page of the website, locating the login screen, and re-entering your valid credentials. Separately, as is the case with a common fix, try reloading the page, deleting the cache and/or close and reopen the browser and then attempting to log in again. If you are absolutely sure your credentials work and the issue isn’t on your end, reach out to the website administrator for assistance.
2. HTTP Error 403 – ForbiddenWhen you land on a page with this error, it basically means you are on a page you don’t have the authorization to view. There are a variety of reasons you can and will encounter this message but the overall takeaway is “this page is not for you”.
3. HTTP Error 404 – Page Not FoundResolving this issue is as easy as checking that you have entered the URL correctly. Alternatively, try a Google search for the website and see if the page has recently moved. Another possible solution is to move up one directory level in the URL to see if the issue is resolved. For example, if you are going to chúng tôi and you see the 404 error, try again with chúng tôi and see if the error resolves itself.
4. HTTP Error 408 – Request TimeoutWhile not as common, a 408 error means that the website took longer to load than the server was willing to wait. Because of that, the 408 error was provided to the browser. In many cases, the cause is something as basic as typing or loading an incorrect URL. This error is different from a 504 error as that is server specific while 408 is also impacted by the user client.
If and when you see this error, start by checking if the URL is correctly typed. Make sure to watch out for domain name spelling, backslash placement, etc. Does the URL have any particular character strings? Make sure those too are correctly spelled/inserted. Try and search the site via Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo and see if you can find the website this way.
5. HTTP Error 500 – Internal Server ErrorIt’s important to note that errors in the 5xx range are generally based on an issue from the website and/or its server. In other words, the issue isn’t a spelling error with the url. If you see this message, it’s likely that the website encountered some type of unexpected error trying to reach a server.
As indicated above, resolving this error resolves more around the webmaster resolving errors with a server, website code, database, etc. Given that, for the general web user, you have to wait for a fix. It could also be due to high traffic so keep refreshing the page periodically.
6. HTTP Error 502 – Bad GatewayWhen you see a 502 Bad Gateway error, that’s a good indication the issue is server-based and not specific toward your setup. That means no matter which device or operating system you use to try and visit a website, the same error will appear. Generally, this error appears when two servers are not talking to one another. However, in some cases, a 502 error can appear because your browser of choice thinks there is an issue.
To troubleshoot, start by trying to refresh the page. If that fails, the next best option is to try a different browser or a different device. This will help nail down where the problem exists and if something is happening on the user end and not just server-side. Separately, try and reboot your computer to see if that also provides a quick fix. Some online sleuths have nailed down browser extensions as a potential 502 error cause. Because of that, if all else fails, try and disable browser extensions one by one to see if a fix is found.
If you are a website owner and are seeing the 502 error for your website, check out the steps here to fix it.
7. HTTP Error 503 – Service Unavailable (Service Temporarily Unavailable)Whenever you see this message appear as you try to visit a website, you can attribute the cause to meaning that the server is not available at the moment. In most cases, the server might be too busy and suffering under heavy traffic or it could mean routine maintenance is being performed.
Given that the issue is not user-based, you can try to fix it by refreshing the site. As these issues are (likely) temporary, trying the page again a few minutes later is the best way to get on the webpage. Additionally, you can try to restart your modem/router as well as your computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. and see if the same 503 error persists.
8. HTTP Error 504 – Gateway TimeoutShould you see HTTP Error 504, that’s an indicator that the website you are attempting to visit is timing out. Said a different way, the website and its server are not properly communicating so this error appears.
As with the cases above, refresh the site to see if the problem fixes itself quickly. If not, you can try troubleshooting by resetting/starting your router/modem, make sure your DNS settings are set up correctly, etc. If all else fails, contacting the website administrator is likely the next best step.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can any of these error pages be customized?Yes! Many website administrators customize their 404 and 5xx series pages with fun or delightful images or messages. As website crashes can impact SEO, utilizing these pages can help make sure the user knows these HTTP errors are temporary and that they should visit again. These pages can be an invaluable tool for website administrators as Google penalizes a website every time it cannot be visited.
2. What about non HTTP error codes?Errors like “Network Connection Refused” or “Unable to Locate Host” is just as common as these numerical errors. The former is something you’ll see if a website is under heavy traffic or undergoing maintenance. Fear not as these issues resolve quickly and you can try and visit the site soon. The latter error is likely the result of the same issue but can also extend to the website not properly talking to its server(s). Check the URL (in both cases) and try again.
3. Should I be concerned if I see these while browsing the web?You shouldn’t be. This article should give you enough understanding so that anytime you see these errors, you know the steps to resolve them. That might include waiting for a fix but even then, that’s helpful to know so you can remember to visit a website again.
David Joz
David is a freelance tech writer with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. He loves all things Nintendo.
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