Top Mobile Games to Keep Your Mind Active

It would be quite impossible to find one mobile phone user that doesn't have a game installed on their gadget. For some people's perception, the dependence on this mobile technology eventually makes us weak, but for some, having these kinds of skill set can give you the power to use your mental intelligence for good. And since almost everybody in this technology-based generation cannot live without using their mobile gadgets, it would be nice to know if you can do something with your phone that will make you smarter.

So, check out these top games for your mobile phone that will kick those sleeping neurons in your brain into high gear.

Lumosity

Lumosity is a program based on a number of cognitive science studies, which indicates that doing various brain exercises can greatly increase your memory and mental ability. When you start the program, you will be evaluated in a number of areas, and then a training plan will be created for you to do for 15 minutes a day. You can get the base program for free, but you can also purchase a subscription to get access to a wider variety of activities.

Math Workout

One of the most popular math games on the market today is Math Workout (for Android and iOS). The app is a unique brain training game that contains several mini-activities that work towards enhancing your mental arithmetic. Daily sessions let you practice at a variety of skill levels and monitor your progress.

Eidetic

Eidetic is a fascinating app that uses some interesting mental principles to help you remember anything. Using "spaced repetition," the app asks you to select a piece of information that you want to store, then interrupts you at irregular intervals to quiz you on it. The data is kept remotely in cloud storage, which allows you to train your memory from any device.

CogniFit Brain Fitness

The CogniFit app contains 10 challenges that measure cognitive ability, memory, and spatial perception. In addition to the base program, which uses numerous exercises and challenges to improve brain function, it has developed apps for emotional awareness and a customized program for sufferers of multiple sclerosis. CogniFit Brain Fitness has also sponsored several studies that showed positive results in brains of all types from their exercises.

100 Logic Games

100 Logic Games is the latest in a series of free releases that is packed full of content courtesy of developer Andrea Sabbatini. As the title suggests, the app features 100 different activities with the goal of stretching your problem-solving and logical reasoning skills. You will surely discover one or several activities that will tickle your brain cells.

Xperica HD

Xperica HD is one of the most fascinating mobile games in the market, which focuses on the physical sciences. Acting as a sort of "virtual laboratory," Xperica doesn't give the player-defined challenges to overcome. Instead, it stimulates a number of basic principles like hydrostatic motion and allows users to manipulate variables in the "lab" and view the results afterwards. A good understanding of the scientific method can reap dividends in multiple areas, so the free-wheeling experimentation that the Xperica HD app can surely improve your mental skills.

Some Do's and Don'ts When Using Instagram

Instagram is not only one of the fastest growing platforms in the social networking world, it's also one of the biggest there is. If you love looking at beautiful pictures, then you'll love Instagram -- or you already are one of its 300 million active users. It's another way of expressing your thoughts and feelings thru pictures. But with great power comes great responsibility since any social media platform is only as engaging as its users. Even though you can freely post just about anything you want, and that there are no definitive rules about using Instagram, there are still some things you need to consider if you want to gain followers.

Check out below our collection of do's and don'ts that will help you become an effective -- and less annoying IGer (Instagrammer, that is).

DO: Use same usernames for your Twitter and Instagram accounts

Most of the time, those people who follow you on Instagram would likely want to follow you on Twitter as well. With having different usernames, they have to search for and browse through all your online identities, they might give up doing so. It's good to keep your username simple by using the same handle on each account.

DON'T: Asking people to follow you

It's like giving out solicitations to people whom you don't really know. It's plain and simple -- don't look like cheap and beg for people to follow you.

DON'T: Like every photo you see

People who follow you see your stamp of approval as meaningful; however, liking every photo you see may diminish that value of that stamp. Remember, no one likes an Instagroupie. So, make your "Likes" count.

DON'T: Spam your followers

While consistency is good, the quickest way to get unfollowed is to bomb your followers with too many posts. Each user has their own limit as to how many pics is considered too much -- well, flooding their feeds with six selfie pictures you took this morning before going to work may be a good example of that. Posting one photo a day is a good rule of thumb. Keep this in mind and be sure to do this, otherwise you'll lose followers big time.

DO: Take interesting and meaningful photos

Photos can be interesting depending on the person looking at it. For some, they'll take time to look at your snapshots of nature or something that really interests you, while some while just never give it more than a 2-second look. But if a post gets quite a number of likes, then you can safely say that it's made of quality and sense because a number of people actually liked it. You got the point?

DON'T: Give into gimmicks

Phone manufacturers and app makers as well are constantly looking for new gimmicks to peddle the customers. Video, hyperlapse, slo-mo, and photo montages are all great, but see to it that you're using them wisely and for more reason than just the novelty of it all.

DON'T: Abuse Hashtags

Ideally, there are three main reasons in using a hashtag: One, so other people can find your photos; Two, so you can easily find your photos later; and Three, to be ironic. Just remember to use them sparingly as it can be time-consuming and senseless. Imagine you posting photos with almost 50 generic hashtags like #food #dinner #hungry #foodporn #foodgasm and the list goes on. Don't you ever get tired of typing all of it? But if you're the one reading the post, you'll definitely get bored reading it.

Weird USB Gadgets That You may Find Awesome and Useful

When we come across a PC gadget that's either weird or awesome, sometimes both, expect it to be powered by USB. Some of those USB devices can be considered crazy, while some are created by odd, creative minds but still can be found useful and fun at the same time. Gone are the days when USB boringly defined as a means of transferring data to and from devices or simply charging one of your devices via your laptop or PC. Electronic manufacturers from around the globe have wandered into the USB world and created gadgets out of their wild imaginations either with the intention of increasing their marketing sales or wanting to add more life and enjoyment to your computing experience.

So whether you are looking for the latest and craziest USB flash drives, the coolest USB-powered toy, or just looking for another accessory to plug in to your PC, below is a collection of weird (and sometimes useful) USB gadgets in the market today.

Ecvision Mushroom LED Air Purifying Lamp	In the way that a fungus would take in the proper nutrients and expel spores to reproduce, the Ecvision Mushroom LED Air Purifying Lamp does the exact opposite. This product absorbs dust, pollutants, smoke, and bacteria to provide your space with cleaner air. It produces a warm LED light, and can take in particles as small as 0.01 micron. Price: $34.99 at Amazon
Smoko USB Foot Warmer	USB heated slippers have been around for a quite a while now, but have you already seen one that looks like giant s'mores with a smiling face? These cool slippers can fit up to a men's size 12, and it includes a 5 ft USB cord, which gives you more freedom to move around while keeping your toes all warmed up. You can unplug the USB cable anytime if you feel the need to go somewhere else in your house or office, then plug it back in if you need your toes toasty again. Price: $32.99 at Amazon
Hand Body Vibrating Office USB Massage Ball	Sitting (and slouching) in front of your computer for hours, even almost a day when you're at work will surely give you a either a sore neck or back at the end of the day. Good thing you can have a handy massager that you can attach to your PC's USB port and massage all your stresses away. Get this very affordable massage ball and give yourself a DIY relaxation at the covenience of your own home or office. Price: $4.10 at Amazon
USB LED Clock Fan	Are you looking for something to cool you down while working during the hot summer season? Or are you looking for a cool clock to put on your computer desk? With the USB LED Clock Fan, you can have both! The LED Clock Fan has a flexible metal neck that lets you position it whatever angle you like, and the soft flexbile PVC fan blades will keep you cool without dangering any fingers that come in contact with it. This gadget keeps time when it's off or on, so you can never lose track of time and get a cool breeze without wasting electricity as well. Price: $11.59 at Amazon
Samson Go Mic Direct - Portable USB Microphone	Regular built-in microphones found in most notebooks might be functional, but this does not mean it is the best solution. Why not settle for something better, where for a small investment of just $39.99, Samson's Go Mic Direct would help you talk to the other party in a crystal clear manner. The Go Mic Direct's custom, ultra-compact design has a built-in USB connector that allows you to plug it directly into your PC or Mac. It does not matter if you are using Skype, FaceTime, or even recording audio for YouTube videos, the Go Mic Direct comes with the Samson Sound Deck Noise Cancellation Software (Mac and PC compatible), which allows you to capture pristine and accurate vocal communications and recordings regardless of the environment. Thanks to the Go Mic Direct, you no longer need to use your computer's internal microphone ever again -- unless necessary, of course. Price: $39.99 at Amazon

Top 5 Laptop Models That are Great for Business Use This 2015

While personal computers have higher storage capacities and faster processors, laptops offer features and benefits that are almost the same, sometimes even more, which made students and business owners to turn towards getting the best laptops in the market today. Laptops provide users with easier access, greater efficiency, and unrivaled portability. The last one mentioned is basically the main advantage of having a laptop. Having a small-sized computer allows users to carry it anywhere, allowing them to work on their task or perform any kind of computer work anytime. A laptop consumes much less power compared to a desktop computer and can still work using its batteries in case a power outage occur. Also, there are several private and public wireless networks that provide easy access of the Web to its users.

Here we have a list of top laptop models that are perfect for business people. Each one has a feature that will meet your every business need.

Lenovo ThinkPad T450s

This laptop is made for business because of its fast performance, long battery life, and the best keyboard anywhere. That's why this 14-inch notebook, an update to the former T440s, is considered as the best overall work laptop. The ThinkPad T450s boasts a sharp and clear full-HD display, a durable design, and perks like Lenovo's TrackPoint pointing stick, which provides more precise navigation than the touchpad. The notebook also provides approximately 16 hours and 1 minute battery life if you opt for Lenovo's extended battery.

Key features:

• TrackPoint pointing stick
• Hot-swappable battery
• Fingerprint reader (optional)
• Solid state drive (optional)
• Touch screen (optional)

Desktop dock compatible (not included)

Dell XPS 13

If you're a business owner who frequently travels, the Dell XPS 13 is the right laptop for you. Dell managed to cram a 13-inch notebook into the footprint of an 11-inch system by trimming the bezel around the display. It's less than half of what you would normally find on most other notebooks with just 0.2 thick. The XPS 13 is compact and well-built, with a gorgeous screen, fast performance, and surprisingly good audio quality. You may have to pay a lot of extra to get it with a touchscreen, but even then, it's priced in line with other flagship Ultrabooks -- and in some ways it's a better choice, too.

Key features:

• Edge-to-edge display
• Thin and light design
• Small footprint
• Solid state drive 
• Touch screen (optional)

Desktop dock compatible (not included)

Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro

If you're looking a business-oriented notebook that has a versatile function, Lenovo's Yoga 3 Pro is your best candidate. This 2-in-1 hybrid device can fold backward a full 180 degrees, which allows you to use it like a large tablet or fold out the keyboard if you need to get down to work. The Yoga 3 Pro boasts an elegant watchband-style hinge that gives it a thinner overall design. Some other features include an awesome 3,200 x 1,800 pixel touchscreen display, fast Core M processor and a lightweight design of 2.6 lbs only.

Key features:

• Thin and light design
• Convertible laptop/tablet
• Solid state drive 
• Touch screen (optional)

Desktop dock compatible (not included)

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is undoubtedly the most attractive and capable device Microsoft has ever produced. This laptop/tablet hybrid is designed for use with a keyboard, even though the accessory is sold separately. The Type Cover keyboard is one of the better tablet keyboards you will find, with its superthin design and good trackpad. Its 12.2-inch tablet display is spacious and sharp, which provides a surprising amount of real estate to work on. The Surface Pro 3 has a stylus included, allowing you to take notes directly on the pressure-sensitive display. Another great thing about the Surface Pro 3 is its built-in kickstand that comes useful for taking down notes because it gives users a good angle for writing.

Key features:

• Thin and light design
• 2-in-1 hybrid (detachable keyboard sold separately)
• Pressure-sensitive display
• Pen included
• Solid state drive 
• Touch screen 

Desktop dock compatible (not included)

MacBook Air (13 inch, 2014)

The Apple MacBook Air is a winning choice for business users who want an ultraportable notebook with lasting battery power, where tests claimed that the superthin device lasted for a good 12 hours. Even though its 13-inch display could be sharper, you'll be compensated with its premium aluminum build, comfortable keyboard, precise touchpad, and new ways to connect your MacBook to your iPhone. It may not have a Retina display, but this notebook does have a slightly more powerful processor that doesn't ding the battery life, and it's $100 cheaper. This gives users a compact, powerful, and productive laptop that will definitely suit many business users' needs.

Key features:

• OS X Yosemite
• iPhone continuity
• Solid state drive
• Thin and light design
• Long battery life

Rumored Features of the Upcoming iPad Pro

When the rumors of iPad Pro broke out last August 2014, there has been a never-ending talk about the possibility of a larger iPad, along with other expected greater features. The upcoming iPad Pro is the next evolution of Apple's long-running slate, something that could replace a laptop with a larger screen, more powerful processor, and an attachable keyboard. With more features ranging from dual operating systems to a Touch ID button, including features that we have come to love in the iPad Air 2 such as 2GB RAM and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. If this makes you a little more curious as to what the upcoming tablet can bring to the table, check out some of the rumored features surrounding the iPad Pro.

BIGGER THAN EVER

Initially, there have been reports that the iPad Pro will be definitely big, measuring 12.9 inches diagonally. If the iPad is said to replace your MacBook, then it has to be bigger. Since then, articles circling around the web announce that the larger iPad will be sporting a 12.9-inch screen, and be called iPad Plus, instead of iPad Pro or iPad Air Plus. With this expected size, the iPad Pro would be closest in size to the 13-inch MacBook Air.

While rumors on the larger (largest?) iPad is still at gray area, it is believed that the tablet will closely resemble the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, still having its signature thin chassis and slim bezels. A website in Japan hinted that the king-size iPad will be somewhat thicker than the slender iPad Air 2, which measures 6.1 mm thick. The iPad Pro's size is expected to come between 6.9 and 7.1 mm, meaning it will be about as thick as the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

PROCESSOR AND RAM

Also similar with the iPad Air 2, the iPad Pro will be shipped with the triple-core A8X processor. As an upgrade to the A8 processor, which was introduced in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models, the A8X offers some noticeable performance enhancements. Based on the Geekbench 3 multi-core benchmark, the A8X processor in the iPad Air 2 is up to 55 percent faster than the A8 processor in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Although most rumors are suggesting that the iPad Pro will be integrated with the same A8X processor used in the iPad Air 2, there's one rumor surfaced that Apple will be introducing an updated, and more powerful A9 processor for the iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro is also expected to be shipped with 2GB of RAM, same with the iPad Air 2, which is the first Apple mobile device to have 2GB RAM.

SMART COVER with KEYBOARD and STYLUS

Apple's Smart Cover is expected to be a lot smarter when it is rumored to come out with the iPad Pro. According to a recent patent filing, Apple could possibly release a Smart Cover that is equipped with a full keyboard, similar to the Type Cover on Microsoft's Surface. The company's patent suggests a keyboard that could operate independently from the cover, allowing you to attach the keyboard to your iPad in various configurations or use the accessory wirelessly. The keyboard may also support gesture controls on a small panel, thus eliminating the need for a traditional touchpad.

Apple may also bundle the iPad Pro with a proprietary stylus, if they want it to keep up with strong competitors like the Note Pro. The stylus is suggested to have stylus orientation detection, which would allow a touchscreen to react differently based on various types of stylus strokes.

TOUCH ID HOME BUTTON and EYE TRACKING

When the iPhone 5S rolled out last year, it was the debut of the Touch ID fingerprint-reading home button. So it makes sense that this feature should also make its way to the iPad Pro. The Touch ID allows users to unlock their device and authorize purchases with a tap of a finger, although it would be cooler if Apple will add the capability to replace website passwords with a touch.

Along with fingerprint support, the iPad Pro could make use of your eyeballs as well. The tablet is said to tap eye-tracking technology according to International Business Times, though there aren't any specific details as to how the said feature could work.

RELEASE DATE

Blighted by multiple delays last year, the iPad Pro is now expected to roll out in the markets in September 2015, according to a Bloomberg report. There are also reports that the larger slate will not be visible till the second half of the year, with its production only taking place in the third quarter.

Amazing Gadgets and Technologies That Will Satisfy Your Tech Cravings This 2015

With all these new tech toys, both out and still upcoming -- wearables, smart devices, mobile technology, Internet things, and everything in between, there's so much in store for tech enthusiasts this 2015. Although some are not yet out in the market, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 unveiled them recently, along with the R&Ds and prototypes that were released last year from different companies and organizations.

So let's take a look at some of these new and upcoming gadgets to give you a better idea.

Apple Watch	Apple has finally joined the smartwatch battle. Some of its significant specs include retina display, with the smaller watch sporting a 1.5-inch 272 x 340 display, while the larger variant has a 1.65-inch 312 x 390 screen. Its display can sense force via a new feature called Force Touch, which allows the device to distinguish between a tap and a press for more contextually specific controls. Another feature is the Taptic Engine, which offers haptic feedback for your wrist, tapping you with notifications or on specific sides of your wrist for Apple Maps navigation. It also has a heart rate sensor and Digital Touch that allows you to reply with a little hand-drawn message instead. When the Apple Watch does eventually go on sale, there will be three model choices -- each with two display sizes to suit different wrist sizes. The company promised to launch the smartwatch on the first quarter of 2015, no precise date at this point.
Sony Steel Edition SmartWatch 3	Sony is also taking its turn at wearable devices with this matte-finished steel edition SmartWatch 3. It's powered by a Qualcomm chipset in standard 24mm watch strap for non-stop hours of fitness activities. What's good about this smartwatch is that the main module can be popped out and put in other surrounds, making it easy to change between styles if ever you would like to get all active with it. Specifications include a 1.6-inch, 320 x 320 transflective LCD display and built-in GPS to help track your running (a unique part of Sony's Android Wear device). The Sony Steel Edition SmartWatch 3 will be rolling out in February this year.
Smartphone app that helps diagnose sleeping disorders	Are you looking for something that can help you diagnose sleeping problems? An app that does just like that is now under development. A team of researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology and Florida State University are currently working on a project that will enable your smartphone to listen to and monitor your breathing while you sleep without wearables. It was featured in MIT Technology Review and the said smartphone app will be developed this year.
Fin	Over the years, people have become too bored using the remote control in switching between channels. Fin, a bluetooth-enabled device, comes with a gesture interface that allows you to control smart devices like your TV. Fin has three built-in sensors for the beam signals to work with a 100 metre range between the hand and the smart device. It's not yet available in the market, although RHLvision offers pre-order, and that a prototype has already been produced.
Project Ara by Google	Reinventing the way we build, buy, and use smartphones in the future is the main objective of Google's Project Ara. It's not a phone for now, but a project being worked on using DARPA philosophy instead. The components of the phone are composed of magnetic modules that are networked to communicate with each other to function seamlessly like a smartphone.