Your living room deserves an amazing home audio system. If you have a comfortable couch and a big flat screen TV, the only thing you’re missing is a loud home audio system. It is the one thing that can change your living room into a home theatre or a music hall. If you are having a party, it can hardly be a success without music. But having said all of that, finding a home audio system that fits your room space and your budget is not very easy to find. So, here is a list of the top home audio systems in the market. If you are looking for a high end acoustic HD sound equipment to give you a theatre-like feel or a low budget one, you will find it on this list. Read along:

• Best overall: Nakamichi shockwafe pro 7.1 400W 45” sound bar
  It is the best home audio system in the market right now, if you are not restricted by a budget. It does not give you any hassle of space as it does not have a full receiver, the sound bar is aesthetically pleasing and has an amazing audio output. It has a massive 7.1 channel 400-Watt output which is ideal for your living room, no matter if you are watching movies or listening to music. It might not blast music into the room, but it definitely gives you a rich sound experience. The bar has five sealed speaker chambers and six DSP chipsets, it creates an acoustic wideness that gives life to your media with DSP EQ modes. It sets up with 11 tuned speaker drivers as well as an included eight-inch wireless subwoofer.
• Second best overall: Bose SoundTech 30 Series III
  Bose is known all over the world for its amazing sound quality and the enthralling atmosphere it creates around the room. It has the capacity to capture every single music tone, lyric, guitar strum, bass note and pin-drop from the music. This is a one-piece system so setting up is not an issue at all, and its patented technology is engineered to bring deep and robust sound quality to any room, large or small. These speakers are Bluetooth-enabled and can be added to other speakers, making your room a music blast. There is a SoundTouch app that allows you to connect to these speakers through your home Wi-Fi from your smartphone or your computer. And not just that, you also have access to music services like Pandora, Spotify, and SiriusXM in just one touch.
• Best Budget: Sonos Play 1
  This speaker is by far the best speaker in its category, it earns the ‘best budget speaker’ title with ease. However, it only has a Wi-Fi support and no other connectivity, but that could also be seen as a blessing in disguise. It loses some marks on the design, but has amazing sound output and is complete value for money product. It is the cylindrical shape, but isn’t designed for portability as it is 4.7 inches wide, 6.4 inches deep and weighs 4.1 pounds. The setup for this product is really simple, you just need to download the Sonos app and follow the basic instructions. Although you might have to stick to the sonos app for the music as it does not support either Airplay or Bluetooth. You can still stream the music through all the music streaming apps. It is tiny, but it can power up an entire room with volume and sound all it requires is a wall outlet connector.
• Best Under $75: Logitech surround speakers Z506
  This speaker is the most affordable speaker in the market, given the fact that it is priced below $75. It is a complete package with 6 speakers, wired two-channel sourced 5.1 and a 3D stereo surround sound system. Even if it does not have bluetooth connectivity, this speaker comes with enough sound to fill up a room with music and in some cases, rattle a few windows.

Photography is the art of capturing a moment be it a picture of a stunning landscape or a portrait of rare visuals you come across while exploring. With what you take the picture, doesn’t matter! What matters is how you take that first click.

For some, photography is just a hobby. For others, it’s their livelihood, and everything depends on how well the picture has been taken. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out, all photography needs is a passion for the craft and the patience to learn.

Here are a few basic things that will form part of your very own camera and photo essentials kit:

Camera

• Perhaps the most substantial and significant investment when you are just starting out.
• However with so many makes and models of professional DSLR camera’s available in the market, finding the right one for the best price can be very confusing.
• When you are just starting out, buying a high-end professional grade camera is not recommended, even if you can afford it.
• Instead, buy a DSLR camera which has basic yet useful functionality when it comes to different shooting modes and picture settings.

Lenses

• Just buying a camera body will not suffice, you will also need a number of lenses to shoot and click pictures for different settings and purposes.
• For a basic camera and photo kit, buying a prime lens and zoom lens, with one for specific wide angle shots will be more than enough to get you started on the basics.

Camera kit bag

• When you are investing a good amount of money in buying the right camera and photo kits and accessories, buying the right portable camera bag is the next logical step.
• Camera lenses and even the camera itself consists of delicate moving parts which are also expensive to replace in case of any damage.
• A good camera and photo essentials bag will allow you to carry your gear for both indoor and outdoor shoots with ease.

Tripods

• A good tripod will provide all the stability that you will ever need to click the best portrait and landscape pictures.
• Tripod forms an integral part of your camera and photo essentials kit, especially for people who are interested in travel photography.
• The tripod will allow a stable support even on rugged terrains to help you take a beautiful picture of that soaring eagle in the Grand Canyons, without having to worry about messing up manual focusing because you are too preoccupied trying to balance a heavy DSLR camera.

Memory cards

• Traditional cameras previously worked with film rolls, which would produce a negative print and the same would be then processed to provide with positive print on paper.
• This process was, however, time-consuming, which is why when digital SLR cameras were developed, memory cards replaced the film rolls.
• You want to purchase a high quality and capacity memory card for your professional grade camera, to get the best results when you process the finished product.

External flash and speedlight

• For the best results, professional photographers use external flash kits and speedlights as part of their camera and photo kit which are excellent lighting sources to click pictures in dim light or low light conditions.
• The traditional flash inbuilt in your DSLR will not provide the intended result when it comes to quality and color, which is why a speed light is used.
• The system is efficient since the speedlight is activated for a fraction of a second when the shutter releases to take the picture, which is why it is also not too harsh on the elements that you want to cover within the frame.
• However, speedlights are expensive accessories and generally should be bought only when you plan to take pictures professionally.

Must have camera and photo accessories for professionals

Professional photography is a good way to make those few extra bucks, even if you are a part-time photographer. Metro cities and bustling urban areas will have a number of events to be covered by professional photographers. The advent of social media and image sharing websites has also increased the demand for camera and photo technicians and freelance photographers to cover live events, wedding receptions, sporting events and even house parties so that people have great images at the end of the day to share on social media.

Professional camera and photo technicians will want to work with the best equipment out there which is why it is imperative to understand the need for these camera essentials. Every photographer must have these accessories as part of their camera and photo kit.

Professional grade camera: These cameras are high end and can be very expensive, with some of the most popular models made by top brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony among many others. Nikon D850, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D810, Canon EOS 5DS, Nikon D750, Nikon D5, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Sony Alpha A99 II, Canon EOS 6D Mark II are among some of the best high makes and models when it comes to a professional grade camera and photo equipment.

Professional grade lenses: Professional photographers will have a need for the various type of lenses suited for different uses and purposes. Some of the popular ones include Sigma 18-35mm f1.8, Sigma 50mm f1.4, Sigma 150-600mm, f5-6.3, Zeiss Otus 85mm f1.4, Sigma 24-105mm f4, Sigma 18-200mm f3.5 macro among many others. Just having a professional grade camera will not work, if you don’t have the best lenses to use with the kit.

Tripod: You have bought a camera and a couple of lenses, great! However, it will be quite difficult to manage heavy professional grade cameras especially when you want to capture fast moving and long distance objects with precision, clarity, and focus. This is where a tripod comes handy because it provides all the stable support you will need even on rough terrains. The weight of the equipment also gets distributed evenly which is why investing in a good quality camera and photo tripod is recommended. Vanguard Alta Pro, Gitzo GK, Bonofoto B6, Joby GorillaPod, Vanguard VEO, Manfrotto, Globetrotter are just some of the best tripod accessory brands when it comes to premium quality camera and photo accessories.

External flash: No camera is complete without an external flash or Speedlite. This is especially the case for professional grade cameras since this particular accessory will allow photography in low and dim lighting conditions. Popular Speedlights for premium purchases include Canon Speedlite 600, Yongnuo YN wireless flash, Canon Speedlight 430EX, Nikon SB AF Speedlight, Sony high power flash among many others available online.

White balance cards: White balance is essential for professional grade cameras from time to time to achieve true color images since all colors are made out of mixing the three primaries red, green, and blue. The perfect composition of RGB is what professional photographers are looking for since the picture quality will depend on proper lighting, white balance, and composition at the end of the day.

Wireless memory cards: Eye-Fi brand has innovative solutions for professional camera and photo technicians with their WiFi enabled wireless memory card to upload photos directly from the camera to your computer automatically once it has been set up and synched.

Camera bag: Last but not the least, you will be needing a supreme quality camera bag to keep your DSLR, all the lenses, memory cards, UV filters, extra batteries, battery charger and everything you need for a professional shoot.

Smart clothing is a type of wearable technology that is still being explored by various markets. Its fabric is implanted with interactive technology which is primarily used for tracking fitness goals. And even though it’s not mainstream as yet, it undoubtedly has a lot of potential to be the next decade’s most sought-after product. Therefore, thrilled with the possibilities of smart clothing, several manufacturers today have come up with their original products.

If you are wondering how this such kind of wearable technology can be beneficial for you, then read further.

• Ease – For some people, wearing a fitness tracker around the wrists or the arm can be extremely uncomfortable. This is because it can retain a lot of sweat around the area and cause skin irritation. On the other hand, smart clothing comes in various apparel forms which are highly inconspicuous and light. The best part about these is that brands have scaled several heights to make them incredibly comfy. So, you won’t even notice the difference between regular and smart clothing.
• Accurate numbers – Typically, statistics projected on most wearable technology products are correct. However, at times devices can process faulty information which always fuels the debate about how reliable they can be for fitness monitoring purposes. Smart clothing has an added advantage, i.e., the sensors within are much closer to the body so that they can offer precise data about exercise regimes and pulse rates.
• Additional data – Apart from the standard heart rate and motion tracking, currently some smart clothing brands are trying to take a comprehensive approach by monitoring the respiration rate as well. This can be extremely valuable as it gives you an insight into how you should manage your workout schedules as well as time-outs. For instance, if you do yoga exercises daily, smart clothing can be used to observe your breathing patterns, so that you can get better at executing complex postures.
• Healthcare applications – Not just for tracking your workout regimes, such wearable technology is also making its way in the healthcare sector. It can be used for keeping an eye on the infant’s breathing patterns and heart rates. Similarly, a few companies have come up with apparels that could help detect cardiovascular diseases.
• Convenience – Most smart clothing variants have to be washed by hand after detaching the monitoring devices from it. However, you can find products that have washable sensors, but at this point, this feature is only offered by a handful of brands. However, there is a good chance that brands in future will manufacture waterproof apparels to accommodate such consumer preferences.
• Connectivity – Like fitness wristbands, even smart clothing effortlessly connects to your smartphone. Not just for stats, some products can also utilize a social media space for active sharing. Some brands have also incorporated the feature of GPS tracking.

These products also termed as e-textiles, and are available in the form of shoes, bras, running shorts, suits, dresses, socks, trousers, jackets, etc. Besides fitness, smart clothing is increasingly becoming a subject of intrigue for ultra-modern fashion. So, in the coming years, they might be regular apparel to be seen on the store racks.

Hexoskin, Samsung NFC suit, Owlet Smart Sock 2, Nadi X yoga pants, SUPA Powered Sports Bra, Lumo Run, Levi’s x Google Jacquard Jacket, MyZone Sports Bra, Athos, Sensoria running socks 2.0, Neopenda smart baby hat, etc. are some of the popular products that you can consider buying. All of the wearable technology products mentioned vary according to the purpose and budget.

Apart from smart clothing, you can also explore different forms of wearable technology such as smart jewelry, intelligent wristbands and headbands, and smart watches, etc.

Myths about GPS systems dismissed

GPS and navigation systems have been around for over three decades now. While we do rely on these systems to guide us on a daily basis, not many of us are aware of how these navigation systems are designed and function.

It also doesn’t help when there is too much information being bombarded on the internet, with a number of myths that question the very functioning of these devices. Myths about GPS and navigation signals, the involvement of the government, the impact of weather on the signal strength and location accuracy among many others are creating a lot of confusion about this beneficial technology.

There are facts which state otherwise and dismiss these myths. Here are common myths about GPS technology dismissed for your reference:

GPS signals: A lot of people believe that GPS signals originate from independent signal stations set up along multiple routes and coverage areas to help you locate and map out your travel. However, GPS and navigation signals are transmitted through the vast network of satellites orbiting planet earth. The signal bounces off through multiple satellites to provide all the relevant data. Bottom line, these signals originate from above through satellites and not ground signal systems.

The military does not control GPS signals: While many may argue that the military can monitor and control GPS and navigation signals, it is only partially true. The military has space squadrons which can monitor GPS signals, but not control them. The government still maintains all regulations of proprietary GPS systems, which is a taxpayer-funded program.

The government can track your movements: This is another myth! The basic systems are just designed to receive signals and not transmit your location back accurately. Most vehicles that have proprietary GPS and navigation systems are designed to receive satellite signals to pinpoint your location and navigate.

Weather can affect signals: Satellite TV can get affected due to bad weather owing to the inherent design of these signals. GPS, however, it does not get affected by bad weather. As long as the GPS systems are free of any obstruction which will block the signal strength, there is no reason to be worried about catching a signal on the go. Location accuracy also will not get affected when you are outside, regardless of the weather.

GPS is accurate: This is not so much as a myth, but a technical error. While most GPS and navigation systems are accurate to the letter, this will entirely depend on your software. Updated software and apps for that matter will provide an accurate location, but this does not necessarily mean the system is flawed. Proprietary systems work well when the software is updated from time to time.

Additional apps mess up the system: Traditional GPS had only one job, provide location accurately and help navigate through places. Modern-day GPS systems installed in premium automobiles have a bulk of apps installed and integrated with the system, which many people cite as the reason for GPS not working sometimes. Building identifiers, real-time traffic updates, alternative route suggestions are all just useful add-ons in your proprietary system and do not necessarily mess with the signal.

Military GPS versus Civilian GPS: Unlike the myth which is being propagated to mislead people, there is no such thing as military GPS and civilian GPS. Both happen to receive the same signals from orbiting satellites, with the quality and type of equipment used being the only distinguishing factor. The bandwidth is another factor which differentiates these two signals.

One of the most popular manufacturers of GPS and navigation devices is Garmin, both for civilian and military purposes.

Listen to your favorite music while working out with these portable players

For most people, listening to their favorite music is a great motivator while working out. While working out, you need a media device that is light, compact to carry around, can be easily clipped onto your clothes, does not fall off while you are exercising or running, is resistant to sweat, and easy to use. Although smartphones are viable devices for listening to music, they are not suitable for use while working out. Also, if you want to listen to music while you do your swimming laps, you will want a portable audio and video device that is waterproof. Here are a few popular portable audio and video devices that have been known to perfect for a good workout session.

• Aerb 4G Waterproof MP3 Player: These belong to the category of budget portable audio and video devices. Priced at around $50, this device has a functional design with the bare basic necessities incorporated in it. You can listen to music with this waterproof device while swimming or while you are working out. It is resistant to water at a depth of up to three meters. Made of plastic, this device can be held in your hand with its grip support, or it can be clipped on your workout apparel. This device supports MP3 and WMA format songs. Audio files can be transferred using USB.
• Sony Sports MP3 Player: The Sony Sports portable player is a dedicated workout gear. Its unique design has been made for use while running and doing exercises. Resembling a pair of headphones, this device is comfortable and hands-free. The quality of music is quite high. Along with listening to music, this device lets you listen to audiobooks as well. It has an internal storage capacity of 4 GB. The device has Bluetooth capabilities that let you take calls and stream music. The battery lasts for about 8 hours. The device is waterproof at a depth of approximately two meters. The device costs around $120.
• AGPTEK A26: Made of silicon case, this portable audio and video player is very lightweight and can be attached to your workout gear with its back clip. The device supports nearly all file formats. Its internal storage capacity is 8 GB, which is expandable to 64 GB with a MicroSD card. It also has Bluetooth capability, FM radio, a digital clock, and can display lyrics of stored songs on its digital interface. The device can store up to 2000 songs, and it gives approximately 30 hours of continuous playback. This portable player costs around $45.
• TomTom Spark Cardio: This portable audio and video device doubles up as a fitness tracker and a smartwatch. It is worn around the wrist. It comes bundled with wireless Bluetooth headphones to easy listening as you work out. The fitness tracker allows you to check your workout progress by indicating the number of active minutes, steps taken, calories burned, and the heart rate. The fitness tracker has eight modes for different activities such as swimming, cycling, and running. The device can also be synchronized with various fitness apps. It can store up to 500 songs. On a full charge, the battery allows nearly 56 hours of playback time.
• FX-Sport VRX Wireless Smart Sports Headphones: If you are willing to splurge on your workout portable audio and video device, you can buy this premium player, that is also a pair of headphones. This wireless player is resistant to sweat and rain. It has an internal memory of 8 GB and has a total playback time of 5 hours on a single recharge. The device is preloaded with workout routines that you can choose and follow as you like. The control functions are located on one side of the headphones, so you can easily navigate through your playlist as you work out.

Battery backup systems are devices set up where the primary power source becomes unavailable. This can happen due to a power cut, a circuit failure, or any other related reason. The solution is available in various forms, from single-cell backup batteries used in computers to more advanced versions installed in large facilities with separate battery rooms, generally provided for data centers. The UPS (uninterrupted power supply/source) is an alternative to the usual battery backups.

Uninterrupted power supply/source – What it means
The UPS system activates automatically when the main power source becomes defunct. This source is distinguished from the other backup systems in that it provides almost instant protection from any interruptions due to power failure. This is made possible with the help of the pre-stored power in its battery packs.

Apart from this convenience, UPSs also help shield appliances from any spikes of voltage that might occur. Usually employed to protect electrical and telecom equipment, these devices come in various sizes. Allowing electronic gadgets to function smoothly without any work loss, UPSs recover their energy stock as long as the utility power is functional. This helps maintain its energy stores, providing optimal support for a long time.

Its main role
The UPS has the main role of bridging the power gap between the failure and the backup. This warrants that the system be extra sensitive to any power variation, be it voltage fluctuations or full-out power cuts. This especially makes UPSs instrumental in areas with rampant power cuts or a generally unstable power supply.

This is why these devices are installed between the main power source and the appliances and equipment. This presence would make it the first point of contact when the electricity goes out and would also enable it to restore the power backup while the main line is on.

Where are UPSs used?

Now that you know what UPSs are, it will be helpful to know the areas where they are most commonly used. These include hospitals, burglar alarms, and power stations.

• Hospitals: While normally a power cut is nothing to worry about, in places like hospitals and intensive care units, the time it takes for a device to reboot following even a slight current fluctuation can become a matter of life and death.
• Burglar alarms: In areas where the UPSs are powering surveillance systems, including cameras, microphones, etc., the event of a power failure can be better dealt with. Even if the electricity is cut deliberately, these devices will keep the alarms active, thereby maintaining the safety walls.
• Power stations: Power failure in power stations would cause a general blackout and lead to significant and, at times, irreversible damage to the generators.

Top UPS choice for 2023
In 2023, there are mainly two brands ruling the UPS market. Some of their best-selling models are discussed here:

• APC: With models like the APC BGM1500 Gaming UPS, the APC UPS, the 1500 VA Sine Wave UPS, and the APC 2200 VA Smart-UPS with SmartConnect, UPSs from this brand will meet any criteria for powering your home safely through their holistic bundles. They also accommodate what you spend most of your time on, including gaming and other long-term activities on electronics.
• APC BGM1500 Gaming UPS: With a loading time of 4 minutes and 7 seconds for 900 watts, the main input voltage utilized by this UPS is 120 volts with the same output. The device uses six NEMA 5-15R and four NEMA 5-15R surge connection types.
• APC UPS, 1500VA Sine Wave UPS: Providing ultimate battery backup and shielding against power surges, this sine wave UPS is suited for small office devices, home appliances, and equipment used for networking and gaming. The added advantages of this model are the USB power slots, heightened runtime, and sinewave outputs for essential electronics.
• APC UPS 2200VA smart-UPS with SmartConnect: As the name suggests, the SmartConnect feature of this UPS provides innovation through monitored functioning with auto notifications, advanced support services, and firmware updates. This model comes with a three-year warranty for repairs and replacements for the body and two years for the battery alone. Also, this UPS device complies with the Energy Star Program requirements.
• CYBERPOWER: CyberPower provides a smart and safe solution to all your power needs through its intelligent UPS models that take special care to protect your home from the adverse effects of power fluctuations. Top choices among the CyberPower models include the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS and the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD Intelligent LCD UPS System.
• CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS: This Sinewave UPS comes with a total capacity of 1000 W or 1500 VA. Working through a Line Interactive Sine Wave, the device produces an output of 120 Vac  5% through a NEMA 5-15P, five-foot cord. This UPS uses SNMP, USB, and relay modes to communicate with connected devices. This device is ENERGY STAR certified and comes with a 3-year warranty.
• CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD Intelligent LCD UPS System: This model provides coaxial and Ethernet data line protection and a 3-year warranty. This intelligent LCD UPS system has a capacity of 1500 VA or 900 W through simulated sine waves. This mini-tower device protects computers, networking devices, home entertainment systems, and workstations against power surges. This is further complemented by the battery backup, which becomes significant, especially in areas with frequent power fluctuations.

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion in the wearable tech industry. But many of us are still wondering “what exactly is a wearable tech?” And it is justifiable as this form of technology is still relatively new, and it is gradually targeting the mainstream markets. In simple terms, wearable technology is a hands-free device that can be worn by consumers on the wrist, arms, or face which can be connected to smartphones. Its purpose? Such devices primarily are used to track vital data about health and fitness. Apart from quantifying physical activities, numerous variants are used to provide information about calls, texts, e-mails, app notifications, etc. Currently, several professional domains are utilizing wearable technology to enhance productivity at their workplace.

Are you planning to purchase a wearable gadget for yourself? Then, here are some of the top benefits of wearable technology that you must be aware of. These will help you make better shopping choices.

• Connectivity – As mentioned earlier, wearable technology intelligently links to smartphones. These can notify you about incoming calls, messages, app alerts, etc. This liberates you from the hassle of checking your mobile every now and then. Some have also gone one step ahead and coupled them with home appliances like air conditioners to modify the temperatures. If you ever lose your smartphone, the technology can also be used to trace its location.
• Monitors health – Many wearable technology products are marketed for their health and fitness tracking features. Such devices are useful for athletes, fitness buffs, or people who merely want to keep an eye on their body’s daily activity levels. Such wearable technology monitors how many steps you have taken or how much distance have you covered in a day. When linked with its smartphone app, it will draw statistics about your calorie levels, pulse rate, daily targets, and weight management. You can even put it on while sleeping as it analyzes the quality of your slumber time.
• Safety – Some forms of wearable technology offer vital safety features which notify the network to coordinate with first responders. Such feature narrows down the location, gathers audio via your smartphones, and also tracks the speed of your movements.
• Aesthetics – The wearable technology industry has undoubtedly identified the significance of beautiful designs. Like they have evolved their features, brands have also taken the effort to modify their products to be compact, vibrant, and classy so that they could easily pass off as accessories. Aesthetics might not be a priority, but they are a fantastic incorporation in wearable tech.
• Innovation – Not just for conventional markets, wearable technology has even entered the healthcare sectors. Its innovative mechanism is used to target a number of diseases. Moreover, they can also be used by medical professionals to receive notifications about emergencies. Although, it is yet to be popular, as not all medical facilities are equipped with the much-needed technological infrastructure.
  It is also increasingly gaining momentum in specific types of workplaces to raise productivity among employees.
• Motivation – The progress charts provided by the wearable technology can often be motivating. This is because it records the real-time data which can be accessed anytime to see the growth so far. For instance, a runner can assess their progress or setbacks to achieve their goals efficiently. Similarly, in professional settings, employees too can access their performance. This can aid in identifying their strengths as well as areas of improvement to increase output.

If you are fascinated by the idea of wearable technology, you can consider buying products from popular brands like Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung, Xiaomi, Tomtom, Polar, Philips, Lumo, etc. All of these companies specialize in different types of gadgets. You can select the ones which suit your needs the best.

Tag – wearable technology