A TRUE PORTABLE EMERGENCY DEVICE FOR EVERYONE
Several weeks ago, a new product was reviewed in the Wall Street Journal that should be a staple for those of us that have become more mobile, whether it be the frequent business traveler, senior citizen out for a stroll, or anyone, at any age, that spends time out of the home or office.
As quoted in the WSJ, “GreatCall’s 5Star Responder is one of the first truly portable emergency-call devices. It runs on Verizon’s network, giving it coverage anywhere a Verizon phone works. Other emergency-call devices like Medical Alert by LifeStation, work in the home and are geared toward seniors who rarely go out.”
Some of the features of GreatCall’s 5Star Responder include:
– Nationwide coverage that provides you with access to live help 24/7, anywhere wireless coverage is available.
– Agents who, based on GPS technology, identify and locate you, assess your situation and then either contact appropriate personnel or dispatch someone for help.
– In addition to dispatching 9-1-1 emergency services, agents can conference in family and friends, and will stay on the line with you until your situation is resolved.
At this time, you can either purchase the unit through their website, where you can review all its features and pricing, or download an app to your iPhone. The company indicates that an Android app is in the works.
If you don’t have a smartphone where you will be able to download an app, you should consider the stand-alone unit for all family members, parents, children, etc. The monthly service charge is $15 and $9 for each additional members of your family.
If you have any questions about this or other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
10 REASONS TO LOVE SKYPE
One of the most important contributions of the Internet has been the ability of people to maintain lines of communication with family, friends and business associates around the world. While e-mail, Facebook and other social media tools have brought people together, the ability to have face-to-face contact regardless of location is the consummate means of communication.
Here are some of the reasons why Skype has become an indispensable program to people that, in many instances, are still “technology challenged.”
1. For parents and grandparents – The ability to keep in touch with college students. In many instances, they may be across the country or abroad. Face to face contact is assuring to both students and family members. Meeting roommates and friends is a favorite activity.
2. Senior Citizens – Being able to video chat with family and friends that may not be close by. This is most effective for seniors that are unable meet personally due to illness, inclement weather or geographic limitations.
3. Business People – Great way to communicate with customers, clients and other business associates. The ability to reduce travel expenses.
4. Travelers – Whether for personal or business purposes, the ability to communicate with your home of business from anywhere in the world where you have an Internet connection.
5. Job Seekers – The ability to communicate face-to-face with recruiters regardless of geographic location.
6. Students and Residents from Abroad – Keeping in touch with family and friends in overseas locations.
7. Group Chat – Permits people in different locations to participate in the communication.
8. Tech Support – Problems with any of your technology? Have a face-to-face conversation with your tech support team and be able to visually demonstrate some of your issues.
9. The Skype program can be downloaded to Window and MAC computers as well as blackberries, iPhones and Android smartphones with built-in wi-fi.
10. And most importantly, Skype to Skype calls whether it be between computers or smartphones with wi-fi Internet connections are FREE!!
If you have any questions about Skype or any other technology issues, please do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com