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New Amazon Fire TVs Want You To ‘Rethink TV’

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If you’ve visited Amazon.com today, you have surely seen the big news: all Amazon customers are now invited to “Rethink TV.”

At first glance, this seems like a slogan fit for about a decade ago—before Netflix, before Hulu, yes even before Amazon Prime and its popular programming. Amazon Studios took home its first Emmy Award in January 2015. Wasn’t that a result of a new way of thinking about TV?

But this announcement is all about hardware. Since streaming services have already cannibalized their network programming ancestors, the industry is now ready to change how people access their new content options. Or, at least, that is Amazon’s plan. They are now selling two lines of “Fire TVs” designed to eliminate any friction that comes from watching streaming services on television sets originally designed for the old ways.

This might come as a surprise to some Amazon customers, who mistakenly believe they already own a Fire TV. It is true that Amazon has been marketing Fire TVs for years, made in conjunction with brands such as Toshiba and Insignia.

Turns out, those aren’t really Fire TVs. They are just pretending to be. A real Fire TV is actually made by Amazon, and it carries all the advantages that implies.

The two new Fire TV lines are named Omni and 4-Series. The Omni is the higher-end one, and it contains functions that Amazon has mastered on some of its Alexa devices but only work to varying degrees on other Amazon-branded products. The big one is voice control. Anyone who has ever owned an Amazon Fire Stick can attest to the spotty record of clicking the little mic button and getting the TV to respond correctly. It just didn’t happen very often. Well, the Omni is here to change that. Not only do you not have to press a button; your television does not even have to be on. That’s right, it works just like the Echo sitting on your kitchen counter—it is always listening, whether you like it or not.

Photo via Amazon

Introducing Amazon Fire TV 65″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV with Dolby Vision, hands-free with Alexa — $829.99

The 4 Series lacks the voice recognition capabilities of the Omni, but it does boast impressive 4K Ultra HD visuals. And it still allows for the use of Amazon’s key market advantage. Since Amazon knows all your shopping habits, and since it has been listening patiently in your home, Amazon has a tremendous amount of information on your likely viewing habits. Therefore, it can serve you exactly the type of content you are sure to enjoy. (Perhaps relatedly, Amazon Fire TV’s are the first to support TikTok, a popular app that has come under fire for this very same algorithmic learning).

Photo via Amazon

Introducing Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV — $369.99

The Omni Fire TV is available in the following sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch. The smaller 4-Series come in 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch. Both models will be released on October 27. Only then will we know how serious Amazon really is about getting us to “Rethink TV.”

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How To Treat Neck Pain

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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. 

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NAIPO Joins Massage Gun Craze With New Model

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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. 

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

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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.

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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.

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