You just got home and it’s dark. Want a brighter return? Schedule your light bulbs to turn on when you arrive. Here’s how, in one minute.
6 ways tech can solve life's little annoyances
Minor tech annoyances can seem small at the moment. But in the grand scheme of things, they can cause stress and wasted time. If you don’t want tech issues to have a significant impact, cut them off with these tech life hacks.
They can even help you when you’re away from your computer. Read on for a few easy ways to make your life easier.
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1. Stop missing important emails
Most email providers let you turn on alerts. This way, you know immediately whenever an email comes in. You may read this and think, “I get too many emails. If I turned on alerts, my phone would constantly blow up!”
Hold on a second. You can turn on alerts for specific email addresses. This way, you’ll never miss an email from an important contact.
Using Gmail as an example, here’s how to use this feature:
Follow these steps on your iPhone, iPad or Android:
- First, open the Gmail app.
- Tap Menu > Settings.
- Select your account.
- Then, tap Email notifications > High priority only.
2. Stop forgetting what you need at the store
Always forgetting that one thing at the store? Have your phone remind you to pick it up when you walk through the door. Make a shopping list in the notes section of the Reminders app on your iPhone. Here’s how:
For iPhone:
7 clever uses for your smart doorbell camera
Smart doorbell cameras add a ton of value to your life. Not only do they make you feel more secure in your home, but they can deter criminals, too. If you let a burglar know you’re watching them, they may be too spooked to try anything.
Uber’s new shuttle service: Each one will hold between 14 and 55 folks. Schedule shared rides and reserve up to five seats ahead of time in busy areas. Another change: Costco members (who don’t want the $1.50 hot dog deal) ordering through Uber Eats get discounts.
$13,000/month
What a guy with no college degree makes as a freelance music engineer. He mixes 30 to 40 songs a day on Fiverr for clients around the world. He works from home with a flexible schedule. It’s all about finding your niche.
Pet against the machine: Got a smart vacuum? Set it to clean after your dog or cat’s most active times, like post-breakfast zoomies. Open the app and find the Schedule tab to customize it. If your vacuum has smart mapping, you can tell it to clean the rooms where your furry friend spends the most time.
Deal alert: This all-weather outdoor smart plug is under $20 right now
Amazon
Automating your backyard is a game-changer. It’s hard to go back to the old-fashioned way when you can control outdoor devices with a remote control or even just your voice.
A helpful gadget like the Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug is an easy way to use landscape lighting, swimming pool pumps or holiday lights in a snap. It’s weather-resistant and has a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet. Our team’s product review expert, Ben Bradley, used a Kasa smart plug to keep his dogs safe.
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Timing is everything: Make your next YouTube video a hit by scheduling when it goes live. In YouTube Studio, upload your video, then go to Visibility > Schedule. Pick a time when your people will watch when it drops. This helps more people find your video.