Connect with us

Tech

I Finally Got An Apple Watch, And I Love It (With One Caveat)

Published

on

Scroll through any tech news and rumors site these days, and you will be inundated with Apple coverage. Everyone wants to talk about the new AirPods and Apple News+ and the Apple Card and everything else the behemoth tech company announced at their Apple Special Event last week. But if you read one of those articles, you will have read them all – a lot of speculation, a lot of talking points and, especially in the case of Apple News+, a lot of derogatory information. (Apple News+ represents a direct threat to tech reporters’ employers and ultimately their livelihoods).

That coverage is all well and good if you are an Apple fanboy – someone who HAS to know about the latest and greatest Steve Jobs’ old brainchild has to offer. But what if you are a regular old consumer? What if you are someone who still rocks the iPhone 6 and has yet to make the jump to a smartwatch. This article is for those people. Because I am one of those people.

In the past two months, I made two separate (but related) Apple purchases. First, I got an Apple Watch Series 4. I did not want an Apple Watch, mind you. I liked my classic Bulova. I’ve sneered at digital watches since I was a child. And what is an Apple Watch but a digital watch made cool? But I got a deal, and with my Bulova needing a new battery, I decided I would at least try it out.

If my immediate experience with the Apple Watch wasn’t disappointing, it was only because of how low my expectations really were. The thing just flat out did not work. I followed all of the instructions, downloaded the app on my phone, turned it on and off about half a dozen times. Nothing. Ok, sure, it told time. And I suppose it looked cool. But it could not make or receive calls. It sometimes could send text messages but usually couldn’t. It began to seem like a giant waste of money.

Indefatigable as I am, I was determined not to give up. I scoured the internet for reasons that my Apple Watch might not work as expected. The only thing I could reasonably come up with was that my phone was too old.

Apple’s website claims that the Apple Watch Series 4 will work with iPhones 6 or later. I had an iPhone 6S, so my watch should have been compatible. Could it be that Apple was not entirely truthful? Maybe they wanted schmucks like me to think they could get away with spending $400 for a new watch without simultaneously shelling out $700 for a new phone.

Turns out, that is exactly what happened. While Apple may not have been completely mendacious when claiming the Series 4 “works” with the iPhone 6, the assertion is clearly misleading. If you want your Apple Watch to perform the primary function of an Apple Watch – namely, sit on your wrist and show other people that you own an Apple Watch – then an iPhone 6 is perfectly suitable. If you want it to perform all of the advertised secondary functions, then you need a newer model.

So, I did it. In what turned out to be more of a necessity than I had ever imagined, I bought an iPhone XR, hopeful that the upgrade would solve my Apple Watch problems. And you know what? It did. Since getting the iPhone XR, I have no complaints about any piece of Apple tech I own. The watch excels at making and especially taking calls. (I had never answered a phone call from the golf course before). Another feature I like is that I can control the music on my phone when it is plugged in to an audio jack on the other side of the room. (The downside here being that I needed to buy a special Apple-sanctioned adapter in order to be able to even play such music anymore).

Long story short: I do recommend the Apple Watch Series 4 for any traditional watch wearers considering making the leap. But caveat emptor, depending on what is in your pocket, it may end up costing you hundreds more than expected.  

Tech

How To Treat Neck Pain

Published

on

Neck pain can be a very serious issue. If your neck starts to hurt, it is important that you don’t simply ignore it. Pay attention to the signs and symptoms that may make the matter more serious. For example, holding your neck in place for a long period of time can exacerbate neck pain. This can be particularly troublesome, because all sorts of activities central to modern life, such as driving and working at a computer, require such a position. Other indications of severe neck pain include muscle tightness and spasms, as well as headaches. If your neck pain is bad enough, it is possible you are not even able to move your head. 

Although the above symptoms may not apply to you, it is still prudent to examine your life for potential future causes of neck pain. Doing a self-audit can save you a lot of headaches (literally) down the line, not to mention medical expenses. Start by examining your posture: Poor posture is one of the primary causes of neck pain. Repetitive motions and bad sleep habits are similarly avoidable origins. Neck pain can also result from a different medical issue, such as muscle strains or pinched nerves, or injuries from exercising or other physical activity. Fibromyalgia is another common culprit. 

If you start experiencing neck pain, you do not have to immediately seek out a doctor. As long as your neck pain remains mild, there are quite a few self-care remedies you can employ. Alternating the application of ice and heat can help, using the ice to reduce swelling and pain as the heat relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. You can also try correcting the problem at its source: Fix your posture, or sleep in a better position, and your neck pain may very well go away on its own. If your job does require you to hold your neck in position, be sure to take frequent breaks for short walks and gentle stretches. In addition to these solutions, you can be sure to relieve pain and improve comfort by giving yourself a massage. 

Unless you happen to have a live-in massage therapist, you will need a massage device to properly work on your neck. Luckily, there are several effective and affordable such machines available from NAIPO. A prime example is the classic 150DC, the most popular massager in the company’s history. This Shoulder & Neck Massager with Shiatsu Kneading Massage and Heat uses a U-shape design to envelop your neck as its nodes simulate the feel of a professional’s fingertips. Another good choice is the innovative oPillow, which attaches to your office chair to help you work out any kinks while you’re on the job. Both of these NAIPO massagers—the 150DC and the oPillow—can relieve neck pain, allowing NAIPO users to find well-being. 

Continue Reading

Tech

NAIPO Joins Massage Gun Craze With New Model

Published

on

NAIPO, one of the world’s leading massager companies, continues its hot start to the year by releasing its third new product of 2023. On the heels of its foot spa and handheld percussion massager comes its most anticipated launch yet—the NP-MG01 massage gun

In recent years, massage guns have become the crown jewel of the at-home massager market. Vibration therapy not only relieves muscle soreness generally but offers specialized benefits during post-workout recovery. Massage guns are a favorite of professional athletes, as well as weekend warriors and fitness freaks. Anyone who takes their physical health seriously needs a massage gun in their gym bag. 

Now, they can make it the NP-MG01 massage gun. Smaller and more compact than similarly designed products, this exciting new massager weighs just 390g (under 1 pound), which means anyone can carry it around in their pocket no problem. It also boasts a sleek design, with attractive and durable UV black paint making it smooth to the touch and easy to clean. 

A common complaint with most massage guns previously available for purchase is their annoyingly loud noise output. To solve this issue for its users, NAIPO’s R&D team designed this massage gun with a proprietary brushless motor with Quiet Technology™. Combined with an internal lithium-ion battery with convenient USB-C charging, this provides up to 180 minutes of continuous whisper-quiet massage treatment. 

From its many years of experience in the field, NAIPO knows that massages are not “one-size-fits-all.” Every person is different, and every person deserves a specialized massage to meet their individualized needs. To that end, the NP-MG01 massage gun features 5 speed levels and 4 interchangeable massage head attachments. That degree of customization is sure to provide advanced levels of relief and relaxation to anyone who gets their hands on it. 

The NP-MG01 massage gun is available now via NAIPO’s own website. 

Continue Reading

Tech

With Daylight Savings Time Ending, It May Be Time For A SAD Lamp

Published

on

Photo via Amazon

I am not a licensed psychiatrist, so I am not going to weigh in on whether Seasonal Affective Disorder is a legitimate mood disorder, as opposed to a normal human response to a change in seasons. But I will say that whoever named it obviously thought it was a joke – there is no way you can tall someone you are “SAD” and expect the sympathy that traditionally accompanies revelations of mental illness.

Whether you actually suffer from clinical depression or just would prefer more sunlit hours in a day, now is the time of year to start preparing for the winter blues. Daylight Savings Time is ending this weekend, which is the government’s way of telling you it does not want you to be happy when you get off work in the evenings.

In theory, SAD lamps can help. Contrary to their name, SAD lamps are not designed to bring you further down into the dumps but instead to make you happy. Maybe they should call them HAPPY lamps. I’ll let the professionals to come up with some appropriate backronym for that like they obviously did with Season Affective Disorder all those years ago.

Photo via Amazon

Verilux® HappyLight® Lucent – UV-Free LED Light Therapy Lamp, Bright White with 10,000 Lux, Detachable Stand, and Wall Mountable — $39.99

SAD lamps are useful for so-called “light therapy.” Again, I’m not a doctor, so I do not know exactly how they work, besides the crucial fact that they are meant to mimic daylight while filtering out UV rays. Putting one in your home can help you combat the effects of earlier and earlier sunsets, and maybe even trick your brain into thinking you live in Florida. SAD lamps aren’t very expensive, so if your mood ever starts to sag (especially going into the holidays without being surrounded by family), you might as well give it a go.

Continue Reading

Trending