When it comes to employee evaluation, performance is a highly integral parameter; one of the best ways to evaluate performance is through a management system. Businesses often thrive when they incorporate effective performance management systems. It allows businesses to effectively supervise the employees from different departments and drive them toward common goals.
Performance management software is a tool that managers use for writing job descriptions, expectations, conveying job objectives, tracking performance, giving and receiving feedback, and maintaining workplace transparency. Every performance management software has key tools and techniques that include the following.
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
KPIs help companies measure the performance of different business units, projects, and individuals in relation to company goals. Companies use KPI for better decision making by evaluating factors that affect their productivity.
Performance appraisals
Along with KPIs, performance appraisal is another important performance management tool that allows companies to measure and evaluate an employee’s behavior and achievements over a period of time. It also helps companies successfully align the efforts of an employee with the companies’ goals and objectives. Performance appraisal also helps a company to identify the abilities and competencies of the employees in order to help them in their personal and professional growth. Additionally, companies use this tool to take a decision regarding incentives, rewards, and raise in salary.
360-degree feedback
A 360-degree feedback allows employees to get feedback not only from their managers, but also from their peers, subordinates, and the people they interact with externally, such as clients and vendors. This helps a company understand what everyone feels about working with a particular employee. The feedback remains anonymous to the employee as it can create unwanted tension and feelings of resentment between the employee and the people who gave their feedback.
Management by objectives
This tool in performance management software includes setting up specific objectives followed by an action plan to achieve them. Management by objective improves the overall productivity of the organization as its approach is result oriented. This tool allows the employees to view their achievements, which helps the employees stay motivated. It also helps the company measure each employee’s performance and compare it with the set standards.
Reward and recognition programs
This tool helps the employees stay motivated by giving them recognition and reward for their performance. There are other benefits of rewards and recognition that include shaping the employees’ behavior and work ethic, making them feel important and appreciated, and retaining them. Every performance management software should, therefore, have a rewards and recognition tool.
GoPro is one of the most popular companies when it comes to compact and portable camera technology. The mini cameras give most commercial grade cameras a run for their money by featuring stunning designs and sleek dimensions. The camera fits right into your pocket but packs everything you’ll ever need for capturing professional photos and videos.
Here are a few points to consider and a technical overview of the latest in GoPro technology, the Hero7 Black.
Points to consider
Technical specifications
Photo and video
The Hero7 Black is capable of capturing 12 MP images. There are multiple options for time-lapse photo, continuous photo capture, SuperPhoto, RAW Photo Capture, and Exposure control to ensure quality images. The camera is capable of recording 4K resolution footage at different aspect ratios with a maximum video bitrate of 78 Mb/s and saves the footage in mp4 format. A 60 fps frame speed allows you to edit and publish videos in slow motion.
Key recording features
Although there is no provision for 360-degree spherical capture, the camera does feature HyperSmooth video stabilization to maximize the smoothness of the video capture. Other key features include voice control, wake on voice, auto offload content to your phone, time-lapse video, and an 8x slow-motion record feature, live streaming, and the time warp video feature.
Advanced settings
Hero7 Black is also the only GoPro that has Protune settings, allowing you to manually control color, white balance, and shutter speed with advanced image and video settings. A 3-mic processing system helps in wind noise reduction with support for stereo audio and a slot for 3.5 mm audio Mic. You can also outfit Karma drones with the Hero7 Black to shoot amazing footage with flawless quality.
Underwater recording
Hero7 Black has a removable battery and is waterproof for up to 33 ft (10 m) with support for touch screen. It is also Super Suit dive compatible to shoot videos over a depth 196 ft (60 m). Note that the quality of the recording and color settings will adjust depending on your dive depth and location.
Price
The Hero7 Black can be purchased from the official website for a price of approximately $399.99.
Voice assistants are intelligent personal assistants designed to make your life easy by organizing and maintaining information. Some applications are automated and even use basic artificial intelligence (AI) to provide the user with a more interactive experience to perform concierge tasks and provide information based on voice commands. Voice assistants are basically robots that help you solve problems by providing solutions using an inbuilt inference engine to enhance human capability and productivity.
Here are four commonly used and popular voice assistants and intelligent personal assistants installed in smartphones:
Google Assistant
Premier features of Google Assistant include speech recognition, Google home, Google Allo, mobile integration, and a secure platform that allows you to inquire about anything using type assist or voice command. You can ask Google about the weather, check your flight status, ask directions that automatically link to Google maps, and do more with Google Assistant. One of the main highlights perhaps is that you can have Google translate the information for you in over 100 different languages directly using the Assistant. The voice assistant also features a hands-free that lets you command Google from anywhere in the room from a minimum distance.
Siri
If you have an iPhone, Siri comes preinstalled making it the default application for voice assistance. Prominent features of Siri include voice assistance for calls, messaging, voice changing, multi-language support, text editing, application support, and support for other bundles, including sports, entertainment, home kit, and more. Siri is programmed to do all the tasks that you would normally perform yourself like setting the alarm clock or timer, sending a message, and editing your email. Siri also offers support for multiple languages and allows you to choose either a male or female voice for the audio assistant. The smart software can also be easily integrated with third-party applications like Whatsapp, Skype, Venno, and Pinterest to manage information and organize your activities and preferences.
Cortana
The application is specifically designed for Windows-based computers and features digital assistance, time-based reminders, location-based reminders, photo reminders, support for notebook, Microsoft edge, support for cloud and online services, office assistance, and more. Cortana connects all your Microsoft devices online and lets you manage your preferences using the voice assistant. Cortana learns with your preferences and responds to your individual needs by keeping in mind individual settings that can also be customized accordingly.
Blackberry Assistant
The BlackBerry phones may not necessarily be in demand at the moment, but BlackBerry assistant is a smart software that enables users to interact with its connected devices. Naturally, the stakes are high in competition with Siri, Google Assistant, and other mainstream voice assistance applications. The BlackBerry Assistant supports multitasking, a special quite text feature in case you are not able to use the audio assist, and dedicated Bluetooth-enabled devices to receive audio instructions and assist the user in the requested task.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) secures and protects your internet connection by providing a secure and private network that is routed through multiple locations. Any information shared on a public network is vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. It is a good idea to invest in premium VPN services that mask the connection to protect sensitive data.
Here is a list of the most popular VPN services available in the market.
ExpressVPN
This service is compatible across multiple platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Express VPN offers fast and reliable speeds that support heavy uploading, downloading, and video streaming with a global average speed of over 47 Mbps. An ExpressVPN connection is available across 90 countries. You can subscribe to 15 months of service for a price of $6.67/month approximately.
NordVPN
This VPN service offers multiple privacy options with secure protocols, an AES-256 based encryption technology, support for TCP Port 443, and a killswitch feature among other advanced options. The average global speed of 46 Mbps supports heavy data streaming over a decent connection network spanning 59 countries. Nord VPN is also one of the most affordable VPN services with a three-year subscription that is available for about $2.75/month.
IPVanish VPN
This is an ideal option for P2P users as the VPN service sponsors high upload speeds over a global network spanning 61 countries. The service features an instant setup and a simple user interface. The service also has a zero log policy making your connection private and secure, unlike some alternatives that keep a log of user data. The cost of IPVanish is around $6.49/month for the year-long plan.
CyberGhost VPN
Strong privacy features and excellent connection speeds are the two key features of this VPN service. Compatibility is another highlight of this affordable VPN service as it is available across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. There is additional support for popular browser extensions like Google Chrome, and the VPN can also be configured for manual routers, consoles, and external streaming devices. CyberGhost is a value for money deal available for approximately $2.75/month for one year.
HideMyAss VPN
This VPN service has the highest number of global server connections to securely reroute your connection spanning across 190 countries and over 100,000 IP addresses. The private network is secured using AES-256 encryption technology and protocols. The service, however, keeps a log of user information. The cost of HideMyAss VPN about $6.99/month.
Appointment scheduling software is a tool that allows professionals and business organizations to manage bookings and appointments. Organizations can use it to automate multiple scheduling tasks and get reminders for meetings. The right software can help improve organizational efficiency and streamline the process of scheduling and rescheduling appointments, thus improving the customer experience. The tools can provide features like customer and employee management, appointment reminders, calendar integration, mobile compatibility, and payment and revenue processing.
Appointy
Appointy is an easy-to-use platform that helps you book, cancel, and reschedule appointments and meetings. The software sends automated alerts to group members when an appointment gets confirmed or updated. Here are some of its top features:
Appointy allows you to schedule appointments anywhere and at any time
Helps manage class schedules for multiple participants during virtual sessions
Users can share the appointment pages on social media platforms
The tool allows online payments by integrating with payment apps
You can opt for the free or paid Appointy plans. The Growth plan is priced at $29.99/month, Professional at $59.99/month, and Enterprise at $99.99/month. You also get a 14-day free trial.
Simplybook.me
This tool is ideal for service-based industries. The software provides a secure platform to backup data every day. Its top features are: members can accept bookings via multiple channels, customize sites according to your brand’s requirements, and send customized emails and intake forms to clients. You can opt for the Basic plan priced at $9.9 per month, the Standard plan at $29.9 per month, or Premium plan at $59.9 per month. Additionally, you get a 14-day free trial.
Genbook
Genbook is a secure cloud-based appointment scheduling software that promises a smooth business experience. The software also maintains a database of the client’s information. Other top features of the tool are that it provides a calendar for online scheduling, promises an effortless booking experience and client management, 24×7 appointment scheduling, and users get a secured client booking site and integrated payment software. Its paid plans are Solo at $29/month, Team at $59/month, and Company at $99/month.
Calendly
Calendly is a reliable appointment booking software that allows you to set up your bookings and appointments in three simple steps—select availability preferences, share the links with guests, and the booking is added to your calendar. Calendly helps you maintain up-to-date availability status, creates reminders about upcoming meetings, and it can integrate with other applications to enhance business efficiency. You can opt for its Essentials plan for $10/month, Pro plan for $15/month, Teams plan for $20/month, or get a quote for its Enterprise plan. You can get discounted rates when you opt for an annual subscription.
Doodle
Doodle allows direct integration with other applications to make scheduling meetings easier. The software helps generate video and conference links and add them to virtual meetings. Doodle eliminates the confusion of double bookings, updates schedule changes, sends reminders to teams, and offers a secure platform to store client information. You can opt for the Pro plan priced at $6.95/month or the Team plan at $8.95/month.
Using appointment scheduling software is the best way to improve time management. The right tool can automate scheduling tasks, create multiple booking pages, and help you share them on different channels to connect with clients.
When it comes to the best business phone broadband deals, you need a connection that provides your company much more than a good price. For businesses, there is always a need for fast broadband connections, along with reliable services and good customer support for times when you need help with troubleshooting. Currently, there are many options available in the market, which are very similar in price and services offered. Following is a list of best broadband services for business to help you make a decision.
AT&T
AT&T is amongst the top business broadband providers in the country owing to its high customer satisfaction rate and extremely fair and transparent pricing. This company has clearly defined its prices and packages. They include everything like installation and service charges. This is very rare in the telecom industry, which is known for its hidden fees and not many other broadband services providers offer clear rate charts. With AT&T, you can enjoy Internet plans for business using DSL, IPBB, and Fiber. There are also various plans that are variably available on the basis of location. The download speeds for business broadband ranges from 6 Mbps to 100 Mbps based on the type of plan you choose. Therefore, it safe to say that no matter the size of an organization, AT&T has a range of options to manage all your needs.
Verizon
Verizon offers a 3-in-1 service for businesses, which includes Fios, Business, and high-speed Internet. All of these are not available throughout the country, which means you can get them only on the basis of its availability in your location. Verizon’s advertised Internet broadband speed ranges from 1 Mbps to 90 Mbps, based on the plan you choose. Verizon is considered to be the fastest Internet provider for businesses. It is also much loved for its top-class customer service rating and flexibility of contract terms.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink is an ideal broadband service for businesses because it pays a generous amount of downtime compensation. While most companies claim to do that, CenturyLink actually offers this service and pays much more than other competitors. Similar to AT&T, CenturyLink also has a clear and transparent rating method with no hidden costs. Furthermore, it offers many plans for businesses that can be chosen on the basis of limited budgets. The speed of the connection with this broadband option ranges from 3 Mbps to 100 Mbps with DSL, and the Fiber speeds go up to 1000 Mbps, making this one of the best business phone broadband deals.
The launch of Samsung’s upcoming smartphone—the Galaxy Note10 Plus—has been in talks for quite some time now. While you can already pre-order it on their official website, the phones will start arriving only after the 23rd of August. The Samsung Galaxy Note10+ is a feature-rich smartphone, but it comes with a very hefty price tag. The base variant itself starts selling at around $950, but if you want the Samsung Galaxy Note10+, be prepared to shell out around $1100 onward.
The Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus is, without a doubt, a premium smartphone available for a premium price. But before you go ahead and buy one, take a look at the key features and understand why this smartphone is such a powerhouse.
Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus
Next-level display
The Samsung Galaxy Note10+ features an infinity-O display, a first of its kind in the Note series. The biggest advantage of a bezel-less camera, its discrete positioning that does not affect your viewing experience at all. Dynamic Tone mapping ensures true color without compromising on the comfort of your viewing experience. Samsung Display has also received the “Eye comfort” certification from TÜV Rheinland. The German testing and certification body has determined that the display emits low levels of blue light from its smartphone OLED panels. This makes the display safe for longer hours of uninterrupted viewing.
Bigger is better
The Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus literally pushes the boundaries of the display with a massive 6.8-inch screen. You don’t just get a big screen, but perhaps the best infinity display in the Samsung lineup launched to date. The best part, the front camera does not take up much of the top screen with its central positioning to give you the best cinematic display you can ask for in a smartphone. The Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED that works well in all lighting conditions. So, enjoy stunning visuals with HDR10+ support and a mobile gaming experience that is second to none.
Performs just as good as it looks
Technically speaking, the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ offers 12GB of memory and up to 512GB of internal storage. The Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus and its 5G variant additionally offers a microSD expansion slot with capacity up to 1TB. This means more space to download Netflix on the go and more internal memory for the avid gamer looking for some quality one-on-one first person shooting on the go! More importantly, there’s enough space to save all those precious memories that you want to look back upon in the future and relive the moment.
Power through all day long
It doesn’t matter if you’re binge-watching your favorite show all night or leveling up your PUBG character, the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ comes with a 4300 mAh battery that lets you get the most out of your phone all day long. If you run out of juice, fret not and take a short coffee break. Wireless charging restores most of the power in less than 30 minutes. Additionally, the Wireless PowerShare feature enables you to share your phone’s battery with other supported wireless charging phones and accessories. Compatible accessories include the Galaxy Buds and other Qi-based devices.
Capture the moment
A 16MP ultra-wide lens, a 12 MP wide-angle lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens team up to form a pro-grade camera. The ultra-wide angle lets you add the kind of image detail only a handful of smartphone cameras can manage. The plethora of settings lets you take control of the way you capture these images even in super-low-light conditions. The DepthVision camera adds character into any picture or video you shoot. Enjoy amazing bokeh effects when you shoot video for that professional depth of field shot. Shoot videos in 4K HDR10+ motion and share it on the go. A 10 MP front camera lets you take flawless selfies with inbuilt special effects. Only a few smartphones can match up to the camera quality of the Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus.
The S Pen experience
Samsung’s S Pen has been an integral part of many of their phone series. But the all-new S Pen is more responsive, follows your movement, and now comes with up to 10 hours of standby time. The S Pen’s click navigation feature seamlessly allows you to manage presentation slides, play or pause videos, and even take a picture by remotely controlling the camera. Air Actions allows you to control your phone with a simple wave of your hand. The new S Pen has been redesigned to let you unleash your inner creativity.
All told, the Samsung Galaxy Note10 Plus is a worthy competitor when it comes to the latest lineup of premium smartphones.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure pathway between two or more computers. These networks protect private web traffic from getting hacked and falling into the wrong hands.
In other words, a private network protects your data from prying eyes. SSL VPN stands for Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network and can be used in a standard web browser. While a traditional Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) requires users to install specialized client software on their computer, an SSL VPN does not require the user to do so.
Here are four criteria that you must use to compare VPN products that you are considering for the security of your office.
In the end, there is no best VPN when it comes to security, but you can always conduct a detailed comparison to find the solution that is most compatible with your organization.
Google’s latest offering, Pixel, is making the right noise. Say goodbye to complicated phones that make you miserable with unnecessary apps and say hello to Google Pixel.
Interesting features
Pixel has its own personal assistant that can be engaged with the words “OK Google.” Google Assistant is at your service when it comes to performing any task on your phone. One thing is assured with the Google Pixel; you will never run out of space as it offers unlimited cloud storage for videos and photos, unlike other smartphones. Pixel comes with a The SmartBurst camera feature that enhances the images and gives clear and crisp photos any time of the day, under any light conditions. What’s more, even video calling is made simpler with the new Google Duo app.
Network compatibility
Google Pixel is equipped with CDMA technology. So Verizon is the official carrier of Pixel and Pixel XL. It is available at Verizon or the Google Store. If the buyer is already on the Verizon network, they may get some credit when purchasing from the Verizon store in exchange for the old phone. However, if the buyer is not on Verizon, then they may buy an unlocked Google Pixel from Google store or online retail sites, and choose the carrier of his choice, like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint.
Best place to buy it from
Buyers are especially curious as to which is the right place to purchase the Pixel. Google has released Pixel and Pixel XL. So what are the best bets for a better deal? Since it is a Google phone, the best and first choice would be to grab it from the official Google store. One advantage of purchasing from the Google store is the easy finance option, which may not be available elsewhere.
Pricing and payment options
The Pixel starts at USD 650 for 32GB. Both Google and Verizon offer financing at USD 24 per month for 24 months. Google has a special promotional offer for pre-ordering the Pixel. The buyer gets Daydream View Virtual reality headset worth $79 for free. Pixel 32GB is available in silver, black, and blue color, while the 128GB model is available in silver and black only.
The availability of unlocked Google Pixels may vary from one retailer to another. Before making a decision about buying the Pixel, it is always better to check out any deals or promotional offer available online or in stores.
The Apple iPhone SE was launched in the March 2016. It is the smartest of smartphones, featuring 4.00 inches of touchscreen display having a resolution of 640 x 1136 pixels. The phone comes with 2 GB RAM and packs in 16 GB internal storage. The camera features 12MP camera towards the rear and 1.2 MP front shooter for your selfie-taking sessions.
We can say that this is truly a budget phone.
Home appliances help everyone complete day-to-day tasks at their homes. Whether it is for cooling or heating water or cleaning the house, home appliances play a major role in people’s lives in the modern age. The brick and mortar and online stores provide a great deal of the products for making people’s lives easier than ever.
Types of home appliances
Home appliances can comprise a long list of products that we use on a daily basis to complete basic tasks. These electronic appliances can be divided in three categories that have been briefly explained below.
Consumer electronics
DVDs, TVs, telephones, remote control cars, video games, desktops, laptops, and other things are included in this category of home appliances. Software development and upgrading electronic components have become the prime elements behind the development of electronic goods for consumers. In a nutshell, it can be said that this category of appliances is largely related to information technology.
Major appliances
Under home appliances, the large machines that are used generally for cooking, housekeeping, and washing laundry fall into this category. These products are not easy to transport and usually have a special electronic connection. Refrigerators, washing machine, drying cabinets, water cooler, air conditioner, microwave oven, water heater, and the like are some examples of the major home appliances. The electricity consumption is perhaps higher than other goods and for this reason, the products now have energy saving mode to help the consumer save up on their electricity bills.
Small appliances
Powered by electricity, the small appliances are the ones that are comparatively smaller in size than the major appliances. Toaster oven, blender, waffle irons, coffee maker, and food processor are generally included in this category. In the market, these appliances can be expensive and few of the expensive examples include espresso maker, hot pot, high-end mixers or microwave oven, can opener, toasters, and the like. Apart from electricity, there are few of the products that run on gas and hand power and these include hand crank egg beater and grater.
How can you buy energy-efficient appliances?
Nowadays, home appliances seem to provide more or fewer features for every product but the consumers need to look whether it has an energy saving feature. Because of high energy consumption, the cost can be higher and can use natural resources excessively. For maintaining a sustainable environment, you need to remember certain things while buying home appliances.
ENERGY STAR symbolizes whether a product is energy efficient. The Environmental Protection Agency has created the logo to help customers save energy and money simultaneously. There are several renowned brands like LG, Electrolux, Haier, and so on that pay special attention in maintaining the sustainability of environment by offering energy-efficient home appliances. Hence, comparison is the key to choose the best among all the products that are available in the market.