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5 kitchen gadgets you need (and 5 you actually don’t)

If you’re trying to save valuable cupboard or bench space in your kitchen, knowing which items you need and which you don’t can be a big help. 5 gadgets that are actually useful Slow cooker: add your ingredients in the morning and come home to a delicious home cooked meal. In a pinch though you can just use a casserole dish with a lid, in a low oven (but unlike a slow cooker you can’t really leave the house when it’s on). Vegetable peeler: you can get some great peelers now that make peeling a breeze with very little wastage. Non-stick pans: life is too short for soaking and scrubbing regular pans each night. Garlic press: no need to fiddle about peeling garlic cloves when you can just throw it in the press. Plus you can avoid having smelly garlic fingers. Stick blender: takes up minimal room and is great for blending soups, smoothies or batters. 5 items you could get rid of Knife block: save your valuable bench space and keep your knives in a drawer instead. Meat mallet: these are used infrequently and their bulky size means they aren’t exactly drawer-friendly. Use a small, heavy based saucepan instead. Sandwich press: these bulky items can take up a whole cupboard. Pop your sandwich in a frying pan and place a heavy pot on top. Icing bag: these are tough to clean and most likely get used once or twice per year. Just fill a zip lock bag with icing or cream and snip the corner off for a disposable icing bag. Avocado or egg slicer: these one-trick ponies just clutter up your utensil drawer without making life that much easier. Just use a sharp knife. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Aldi Shoppers rave about $40 samosa maker

Image: Facebook Aldi strikes again, sending fiercely loyal customers into frenzy over popular samosa maker. Shoppers everywhere have been raving about this $40 bargain, with many praising it for making “restaurant quality snacks” in minutes. The gadget has been branded “absolutely amazing” with customers and fans sharing snaps of their homemade treats online. The machine can cook up to 24 samosas in one go and features automatic temperature controls and a non-stick surface. One Aussie dad was so impressed by the appliance that he took to Facebook to show off the samosas he made, saying it’s a “big hit” with his family. He made his own mixture using potatoes, peas, onions, chilli, herbs and spices which he then added between two sheets of puff pastry in the samosa maker. Many excited to grab this product, with one woman commenting: “I need one of these machines!” Others are just stunned the samosa maker could be used for other snacks. “WAIT you can make cupcakes in the samosa maker?? Life changing.”

Food & Wine

The $8 Kmart gadget taking Australia by storm

Kmart Australia is used to releasing nifty new gadgets, and this customer’s latest find has fast become a cult favourite. In today's day and age, we all know someone who is far too addicted to their phones – whether it’s our grandkids, beloved friend or even a partner. Kmart is selling the perfect invention that might just be the thing you need to kick that terrible addiction once and for all. For just $8, shoppers can have a Phone Jail – a gadget that comes with a lock and key and keeps devices hidden away and out of reach. The phone jail does not just keep mobiles locked away either - it is also useful for storing game controllers, one mother on the Facebook group Kmart Mums Australia, has revealed. “For those wondering, it’s too small to fit a tablet/iPad, but easily fits two Xbox controllers,” she said in her post. The post went on to received hundreds of comments from others who decided it would be a much-needed Christmas present. “I’m so buying this for the hubby,” one person wrote. “YES,” another added. “I’m going to get this for my partner,” a third said.

Technology

“Worth every cent:” The $19 Kmart gadget home cooks can't stop raving about

Home cooks have found a gem that everyone should have in their kitchen, and the best part is it won’t set you back a lot of money with its affordable price. Kmart has released a $19 multi-grater that comes with a range of attachments made to slice, dice and julienne your vegetables in seconds. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828108/new-project-8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/217fde845d3346f69ce6956c95955195" /> The budget-friendly gadget has become so popular, one mother has taken to Facebook to write the find is her “favourite Kmart purchase". The item comes with two slicing attachments, two julienne attachments, one grater attachment, three dicer attachments, as well as a cleaning tool and hand guard. Facebook users have praised the nifty device for being an awesome find for their kitchen. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828109/new-project-10.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/97194c288dc042b6949dfc7e8d3aab7d" /> “I literally love this little tool when I make potato bake. Can't make it without this anymore! Kills so much time,” one user wrote. Another added: “I have this. I use it almost every day. Definitely makes potato bake easy.” “Multi grater, slicer and dicer from Kmart. $19 worth every cent,” an additional comment read.

Money & Banking

Apple's major announcement: The changes coming to your iPhone, iPad and MacBooks

Major changes are coming to iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, the company revealed at its annual conference. Apple announced a range of new changes and updates to its devices at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in California on Monday. As part of its new iOS 13 software, Apple is introducing new features on iPhone, including a Dark Mode, as well as new ways to edit photos, use the virtual assistant Siri, sign in to apps and websites, and navigate the world with a new map. With the new “Sign in with Apple” feature, users can sign into apps and websites without sharing their email address. It also allows users to show their location to any app just once instead of continually. Apple Maps is also set to receive a makeover, with more precise addresses and 3D street-level imagery similar to Google Maps. While the new map is currently limited to select cities and states in the US, it is expected to roll out to other countries next year. Voice assistant Siri will also be updated with a new, “more natural” voice and ability to read messages aloud to AirPods. According to the tech giant’s executives, iOS 13 will also open apps faster and include a Face ID system that will let users unlock their phones 30 per cent faster. Other offerings in the new software are the QuickPath keyboard – which makes it possible to type by sliding through the keyboard – and ‘Find My’ app to track missing gadgets and other people’s devices. The iOS 13 software is expected to be released later this year, with observers predicting it to launch with the new iPhones in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/ios-13-features" target="_blank">mid-September</a>. The company also confirmed that it will remove the iTunes service and replace it with three separate apps: Music, TV and Podcasts. "The future of iTunes is not one app, but three,” said senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi. iTunes has been phased out from mobile devices such as iPhone and iPad, and now it is set to be withdrawn from Macs and personal computers. For Apple smart watch users, the App Store will be available to allow apps to download on the wearable device, including independent apps that do not rely on iPhones. Apple also unveiled a new version of its professional desktop computer MacPro, whose design has been likened to a cheese grater. Prices will start at US$6,000 (AU$8,600). <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> New Mac Pro looks like a cheese grater cuz is gonna shred all the funds in ur bank account (🥁bu-dun-ski🥁) ...yes I’ll leave now... <a href="https://t.co/Q4Pzv4Xfkl">pic.twitter.com/Q4Pzv4Xfkl</a> — Dillon Francis (@DillonFrancis) <a href="https://twitter.com/DillonFrancis/status/1135647605747212288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Apple serving us GRATEness with their new Mac pro which has1.5 Terabyte 👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/1avn3zsx0X">pic.twitter.com/1avn3zsx0X</a> — KACHI❤ (@j_butney) <a href="https://twitter.com/j_butney/status/1135664375040282630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote> Computer users can also benefit from the new app Sidecar, which allows them to use an iPad as a second display.

Technology

The $7 Kmart gadget people are going crazy for

Shoppers are losing their minds over the new Kmart device that has taken all the hard work out of cooking. People have taken to social media to share their adoration for the store’s $7 2-in-1 Chopper, with many saying it’s replaced the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/is-there-anything-kmarts-29-pie-maker-cant-do/" target="_blank">pie maker that previously dominated the talk waves,</a> as their number one product from the discount store. The affordable device, which is available at most stores, chops up your fruit and vegetables in just seconds, making meal preparations much faster. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7825163/kmart.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bbc438339c4849e197450f50772de5bc" /> “Pull chopper where have you been all my life!!!! Best Kmart purchase ever. Kids... get ready for all the hidden veggies!!” One Kmart shopper wrote. “I love mine so much I've bought another five as backups!” another comment read. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcaravansalburywodonga%2Fposts%2F2480556015303698&width=500" width="500" height="651" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The easy-to-use appliance simply requires the user to add the ingredients into the container, close the lid and pull the string a few times until you are satisfied with the freshly prepped food. The chopper also has an additional blender attachment, which allows you to blend ingredients for dips, marinades, milkshakes and even whipped cream. Many Facebook users have even gone as far to call the $7 appliance the “best chopper” they have used. “The best new product since the pie maker,” one fan of the Kmart item said. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsilvana.david%2Fposts%2F10157302397032289&width=500" width="500" height="669" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> One excited user wrote the device saves so much time. “Save yourself some time in the kitchen and grab the $7 chopper from Kmart. I was able to chop carrots, zucchinis, mushrooms, celery, garlic and onion all in under 10 mins!” Another wrote: “Pretty sure my new favourite thing is my Kmart $7 pull-chopper thingo.” Will you be trying out this $7 kitchen must have? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

7 apps and gadgets for your pet

If you have a cat or a dog, you probably already own all the basics: food bowl, leash, litter box, collar. However, there are plenty of apps and gadgets available that can make caring for your pet a lot easier — here are our favourites. 1. Smart feeders If you work long hours and your pet needs a meal during the day, it can be a tricky predicament to manage. If you put food out when you leave, your furry friend is likely to eat it immediately and be starving by the time you return in the evening. A smart feeder can solve that problem. Many allow you to set specific portion controls, have the feeder release food into your pet's bowl at a specified time, and make a noise to attract their attention. Others even have smartphone integration, allowing you to manually change feeding times on the go, and a remote camera so you can keep an eye on your pet while you’re away. Price: $100-$250 2. PetCoach app Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether you need to take your pet to the vet to be checked out — especially if it’s a long trip in remote areas. While it’s always better to be safe than sorry, the PetCoach app provides a useful first step in making that decision. The app allows you to chat with professional veterinarians in real time — for free. If you have any niggling questions, you can easily get them cleared up, and all answers are publicly available, so you may find other people have had the same problem with their pet. The app also allows you to send photos to give the vet a better idea of any potential medical problems. Price: Free 3. Pet trackers While some pets are adept at wandering the neighbourhood and finding their way home, others (especially small dogs) are more likely to get lost if they get out. To save the heartbreak of a lost pet, a pet tracker such as the Petrek3G GPS Pet Tracker can make your runaway much easier to find. The linked iPet app gives you a satellite view and a live location of your pet, so you can track them down, scoop them up, and bring them home! Price: $279 4. Smart pet door If you have a pet that likes to go walkabout, having a cat flap is a must. Unfortunately, it also creates a security risk for your home and can allow unwanted visitors, such as possums, inside. SureFlap solves this problem with its range of smart pet doors that only open when they detect your pet’s microchip approaching. The linked app also allows you to remotely lock and unlock the door from anywhere, and keeps track of when your pet is using the door. Price: $149-249 5. Self-cleaning litter box Cleaning up after your furry friend isn’t the best part of pet ownership. Even if they are toilet trained, you’re still going to have to pick up and deal with your loveable fluffball’s less loveable droppings. A litter box is a must-have for any cat owner, but if you want to make things a little more sanitary, a self-cleaning option might be for you. These boxes automatically scoop your cat’s waste into a bin that you can easily dispose of without having to get your hands dirty. Price: $100-$200 6. Automatic ball thrower If you’re a little less mobile than you’d like to be and struggle to keep up with your dog’s energy, an automatic ball thrower could help you spend quality time with them, without exhausting yourself. The iFetch range of automatic ball launchers simply require you to drop the ball and they will shoot it out to a pre-programmable distance (options vary depending on the model). If your dog is well trained enough to drop the ball into the machine, it’s an easy way to keep their exercise levels up. Price: $90-$400 7. 11pets app If your pet has a medical condition that requires regular treatment or medication, caring for them can become a cause for concern — especially when you have to leave them with a pet sitter. The 11pets mobile app allows you to keep all your pet’s medical records in one place, and manage their medications by logging the required doses and setting reminders. You can also track important appointments such as vaccinations, deworming, and grooming. The data in the app also means you can easily provide any relevant information to a vet if you have to take your pet in. Price: Free Do you have any recommendations for pet-related apps or gadgets? Written by Jamie Feggans. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/lifestyle/pets/7-apps-and-gadgets-for-your-pet.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Technology

Why seniors should embrace the internet

Barbara Binland is the pen name of a senior, Julie Grenness, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She is a poet, writer, and part-time English and Maths tutor, with over 40 years of experience. Her many books are available on Amazon and Kindle. Our news age… Seniors online! Yes, we have embraced digital technology, the internet and all its benefits. Otherwise, we would not be reading this website for baby boomers. This is a growing trend, expanding and educating retired people in the uses of the digital world of the 21st century. Anyone can buy a computer in any format, to learn to acquire basic mastery of the necessary skills. Genius! We have turned on the internet! Great, we now have a portal to a whole world of opportunities. Is there a health condition in the household? Browse, and learn reliable information about the condition, treatments and their side-effects. Online support groups are available. Need to do banking or financial transactions? Yes, we can handle them online. Housebound? Online, we can find cyber buddies, social media, chat rooms, and websites for likeminded people, new friends anywhere in the world. Want to contact family and friends far away? There is Skype, and Facebook, and other social media. We can make cyber pen pals, to create bridges across the globe, and make new friendships, with email buddies. Can’t travel? Digital travelogues are very popular. Retired, and no longer in the rat race? Well, there are employment opportunities online, to work at home. Or we can seek employment opportunities by browsing. Want to fulfil dreams of exploring old and new hobbies? A whole world of websites and free informational emails await, with tips. YouTube has coaching in refreshing old skills, or learning new hobbies. Or do we want to play music of view movies? Online is answer! Maybe we want the latest news, and to read the daily newspapers online, and read news for around the whole wide world. Or we can browse for general information of interest, and even study courses online. Maybe we need a larger font, that is all. So, scroll and click, and we can increase the print size. Want new ways to spend money? Online shopping is the solution! But, if we have technology issues, geeks are available. Our server can assist, or we can hire a local computer expert. Or we can ask some young acquaintance, as millennial hi-tech savvies are groomed in the digital world, they can often solve issues in a flash. Here is a sensible tip: ask the problem solver to write it all down, then practise. Never be afraid to ask questions, we are all like Neanderthals to these young ones. But our retirement brains can embrace these changes in a positive way. How do you enjoy the internet today?

Technology

The $6 Kmart gadget that is replacing brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners

Kmart customers are praising a new $6 gadget they say has replaced their mop, broom and vacuum. The cleaning tool is a rubber broom with a squeegee blade that they claim is the next “must have item” from the popular discount store. One customer shared a photo to Facebook group Kmart mums, showing off the results of the rubber broom. <img width="500" height="608" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819471/1_500x608.jpg" alt="1 (163)"/> “Finally got my hands on the Rubber Broom with Squeegee and the results speak for itself! This is our theatre room carpet which is very thick. This broom has picked up more than our vacuum and the carpet looks amazing!! Would recommend it a thousand times over,” she wrote. The mum didn’t appear to be the only happy customer in the group. “Wait until you use it to scrub the bathroom floor... it is quicker and better than any mop,” one woman said. “It is great for cleaning the outside of your windows too, wet, soapy clean with the bristled then squeegee off with a blade.” The brooms are so popular, many customers claimed “it took ages” to get their hands on one as they are often sold out. The gadget also won over pet owners, with some impressed with how well it removed unsightly animal hairs. “It is amazing if you have pets,” one woman said. Another said the broom remarkably removes “everything”, from hair to crumbs and dirt. Some questioned the effectiveness of the broom, before fans swiftly chimed in. Do you own this product? Tell us your thoughts on it in the comments below.

News

Ridiculous airport price rip-offs exposed

Anyone who’s ever found themselves in an airport with a couple of hours to kill before a flight will know how expensive it can be to get a bite to eat or some refreshments. And while most people are willing to cop a surcharge of a couple of extra bucks here and there, every now and then you’ll come across a price tag that really makes you scratch your head. <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank">News.com.au reports</a> a bottle of water spotted by Tom Joyner at Sydney Airport is one such case, which as you can see is retailing for an extortionate $9.17. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Behold a $9.17 (!) bottle of water at Sydney airport <a href="https://t.co/38wTrO9Zz1">pic.twitter.com/38wTrO9Zz1</a> — Tom Joyner (@tomrjoyner) <a href="https://twitter.com/tomrjoyner/status/993131217066196992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote> And that’s not the only example. News.com.au reports items like a ham and cheese croissant which would normally cost $5 or $6 are retailing for $8.90, while banana bread will set you back $8. The report also notes the surcharge for alcohol. In the CBD a beer would set you back $8 on average, but in the airport expect to pay anywhere from $9.50 to $12.50. It’s a similar case with wine, which will cost you between $11 and $14. What are your thoughts? Are these surcharges justified?

Travel Tips

Getting your head around confusing gadget names

Some tech companies have a knack for creating confusing and complicated names for their products. Television manufacturers are the worst with their model names consisting of seemingly random letters and numbers. Each television manufacturer uses a slightly different methodology for its names. About the only number you'll recognise in the model name is the screen size, such as 40, 49, 55 or 65. The rest are internal codes to designate a year or feature. To make it harder, some TVs have different models numbers for different countries which makes it tricky when trying to find reviews online. This naming convention also makes shopping for a television difficult as it's hard to remember the models you like when comparing different products or asking shop staff for advice. However, smartphones, laptops and cameras can also have baffling names. Canon has used three different naming conventions for the same camera. The Canon EOS 450D was called the EOS Rebel XSi in North America and EOS Kiss X2 in Japan. Laptops are nearly as bad as televisions with unassuming model names. I can understand internally companies need detailed model numbers, but they should have a simple, marketable name for consumers. Research shows consumers identify with names rather than numbers. This has been shown with car models, which can have eclectic names that are designed to lure buyers. However, names didn't help Ausus. It released the both the FonePad (a 7-inch tablet that also doubles as a phone) and the PadFone (a 5-inch smartphone that becomes a tablet). Neither model sold well. Even Apple, which is proud of its simplicity, gets criticised. The iPad was mocked when its name was released and everyone is still slightly confused why Apple skipped the iPhone 7s and went straight to iPhone 8 instead of following its traditional naming pattern. Samsung has also had a run of odd product names for its phones such as the Samsung Rant and the overly long Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch. While all of these companies probably have their reasons for creating confusing names, it makes it hard for consumers. Navigating all the jargon, technical acronyms and specifications are tricky enough, we don't need complex names too. Do you think gadgets are too confusingly named? Written by Blayne Slabbert. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Technology

Why you should bring a toilet paper roll on your next trip

When you’re packing for an extended trip, there are some items you wouldn’t dream about leaving home without, from your passport to that <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/2018/01/lonely-planet-founder-names-10-best-cities-for-2018/" target="_blank">dog-eared copy of Lonely Planet</a>.<a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/2018/01/lonely-planet-founder-names-10-best-cities-for-2018/" target="_blank"></a> A toilet paper roll might seem like the last item you should save suitcase space for, but if you’re on a long trip and carrying jewellery, it might just be the most useful. With a little bit of creativity, a toilet paper roll or a paper towel roll is a multi-purpose, one-size-fits-all jewellery storage receptacle, as you can see in the image below. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvanguy.frank%2Fphotos%2Fa.264748873866568.1073741828.264596080548514%2F305311986476923%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="503" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> Pin your earrings by the side, insert your necklace by the hole, string your bracelets around the roll, it doesn’t matter how you organise your jewellery, but having it together with a handy toilet paper roll will ensure that nothing goes missing. What are your thoughts? Do you think you will try this travel tip? Are their any quirky travel tips you’d suggest for someone about to holiday? Let us know in the comments.

Travel Tips

Can gadgets really make us safer?

You can take steps to improve the odds of not becoming a burglary statistic. It's as easy as installing some security gadgets. They'll not only make your home a less attractive target but can help police nab burglars too. Alarms The most obvious security gadget is an alarm, which appeals because they can scare off burglars. Many come with sirens that will deliver an ear-shredding 120 decibels. Few burglars will hang around once a siren starts. MorePork features easy installation and a wireless design. It works with Android and Apple smartphones so it's easy to keep an eye on your home while you're away. For an extra fee, it can get monitored so security guards will pop over if the alarm goes off. It's expandable too. As well as the sensors bundled with the starter kit, you can buy cameras, smart lights, video doorbells and locks. By default, the starter pack comes with three door/window sensors, a camera and a passive infra-red image sensor. Getting set up was easy and I got it right the first time. There are some well thought out features too. You can have several alarm codes which are useful for house sitters. The alarm will notify you if you leave a door or window open. It'll even tell you if you've left home without arming the alarm. You can arm or disarm it from almost anywhere with the mobile app. Locks I've lost count of the number of times I've locked myself out of my home. A smart lock was what I needed. The Yale Assure has a touch screen for entering pin numbers and the smartphone app can unlock the door too. Installation requires holes get drilled in the door to fit the lock. That said, Yale provide comprehensive instructions plus a template to help things along. Reading the manual is a must. As keys are no longer needed, it's almost impossible to lock yourself out. Using the Yale app, digital keys can get sent to house sitters (they can get deactivated later-on). The Yale Assure also locks when the door closes so there's no forgetting to lock the door. Video doorbells Video doorbells can notify you if anyone is at your door. You can also chat with visitors before opening the door. The Ring video doorbell uses batteries so wiring is minimal. This makes it a doddle to install. Keeping its batteries charged is easy thanks to an optional solar charger. It has high-definition video and night vision, so you can get a clear picture of whoever is at the door, be it day or night. An optional Ring Chime also means you can hear it if your smartphone isn't to hand. Motion tracking means the Ring records when it detects movement outside the door. Recorded footage can get stored online for an optional fee. The Yale Look Door Viewer fits into an existing door peephole which means it's easy to install. Being a smart version of an old school peep hole, it'll notify you on your smartphone if someone is at the door. It'll also record video onto a SD card. It also acts as an intercom. This means that you can chat with visitors before opening the door. Instead of peeking through a tiny peep hole, the Look comes with a colour display. Seeing who's on the other side was easy. Cameras Few burglaries get solved. This is because the police are often left with little evidence. Most burglars wear gloves so there are no fingerprints. This is where cameras come in. A camera image provides police with invaluable evidence to help catch burglars. Arlo cameras are wireless, use rechargeable batteries and are simple to install. Add an optional solar charger and it becomes almost maintenance free. The cameras are designed for outdoor use and record video in high definition. Video footage is also stored online for up to seven days at no charge. A 130-degree field of view means one camera covers a large area. The night vision illuminates an 8-metre area and footage yields usable mugshots. It's not only cameras either. The Arlo base station can emit a piercing 100-decibel siren to drive burglars away. The Netatmo Welcome is a stylish looking home security camera. It resembles a designer aluminium-clad pepper grinder. It's also a capable indoor camera. The mobile app (Apple and Android) is easy to use and has face recognition. This means you can log who is entering and leaving. Video gets recorded onto a bundled microSD card, but only photos get uploaded to a cloud service. Video quality is very good, and night vision also yielded useable images. Would you consider technology like this? Written by Pat Pilcher. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Technology

5 clever gadgets that will change your life

For many of us, when it comes to smart gadgets and home technology, we can sometimes feel they are things the younger generation are much more adept at. Why is it they have no fear of never pressing the wrong button on a smartphone or computer and losing photos or important files? Or they never accidentally record a program on TV that they had no intention of watching, simply because they chose the wrong channel? If you can relate to these scenarios, you may not be immediately convinced that today’s smart technology can in fact make your life easier. If you are planning to move into a new home when you retire or are just looking for ways to improve your everyday lifestyle, here are some clever gadgets that will make a difference and can actually make your life better – without breaking the bank or needing one of your children or grandchildren on standby to help you operate them! 1. Watch TV the smart way These days the vast majority of modern TVs now have 'smart' capability, and soon it will become harder to buy a non-smart model. Although you don’t have to connect your <a href="https://www.jbhifi.com.au/tvs/">smart TV</a> to the internet, doing so can bring added benefits, including streaming, which allows you to watch what you want when you want, and being able to surf the internet or connect with your family via Facebook from the comfort of your sofa. 2. Help at home Chances are that one of your kids has already bought you a 'home hub'. If not, make sure you ask for a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Home">Google Home</a> or similar device for your next birthday, Mother's Day or Father's Day! Not only are these gadgets great at jogging your memory – just ask it questions like “What is the date today?” or “How many grams in a cup of flour?” – but they will also play your favourite music and add items to your shopping list, plus remind you of any upcoming appointments. If your house is smart-wired, you can even dim the lights and switch on the television without getting up from the sofa. <img width="500" height="329" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7268269/jb-hifi-image-3_opt_500x329.jpg" alt="JB Hifi Image 3_opt"/> 3. Made to measure As we get older, many of us experience high blood pressure. But quite often, going to the clinic or medical practice to have a blood pressure reading can result in a higher reading just because of the anxiety of having the reading – the well-known “white coat syndrome”. Monitoring your blood pressure using a <a href="https://www.jbhifi.com.au/home-appliances/blood-pressure-monitors/">home blood pressure monitor</a> can be a useful way of seeing what your blood pressure is like in your day-to-day life. It can also allow you to check if medication or lifestyle changes are having the desired effect, without having to regularly traipse to the doctor’s surgery. 4. Turn down the volume Have you found these days that you (or your partner) need to turn the TV or radio up more to make sure you catch every word? Or would you like to listen to your favourite music at a volume that makes you worry that the neighbours will complain? Or maybe it is the exact opposite – you long for some peace and quiet from the bustle and noise going on around you? Then noise cancelling headphones are something you should certainly consider. Originally developed for airline pilots, these clever gadgets can stop you annoying those around you – or being annoyed by them! 5. Get connected If there is one gadget that no-one should be without today, regardless of age, it is a tablet or PC. The simple fact is that you will miss out on a lot of things without a tablet or PC in your home. From seeing your grandchildren’s faces on FaceTime, WhatsApp or Skype, to getting your shopping delivered or booking your next holiday, these are all things that are so much easier to do with today’s devices and computers. If you’re worried about things going wrong with your technology, you can even give the kids remote access, so they can fix things from a distance – what could be better? Make your life easier – not harder – by picking the best technological inventions and making them work for you. For a fantastic range of home technology at great prices, check out <a href="https://www.jbhifi.com.au/">JB HI-FI</a> and start compiling your gadget wish-list today!

Home & Garden

6 people rushed to hospital after horror Jetstar flight

Six crew members on a horror Jetstar flight from Cairns to the Gold Coast have been rushed to hospital, after inhaling a mysterious gas at the airport. Two pilots and four members of the cabin crew reported the same symptoms of dizziness, light-headedness and nausea after their domestic flight, and were promptly taken to Tweed Heads Hospital for monitoring, according the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. The source of the fumes remains to be uncovered, but thankfully the passengers on the flight had already disembarked by the time the incident had taken place. <blockquote class="twitter-video"> A mystery fume onboard a Jetstar plane at Coolangatta Airport has placed six crew members in hospital. <a href="https://twitter.com/penelopeliersch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@penelopeliersch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDi9Fmz8T6">pic.twitter.com/iDi9Fmz8T6</a> — Nine News Gold Coast (@9NewsGoldCoast) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/943387805723402240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2017</a></blockquote> Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman Harry Beyne told <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>: "It's just a bit abnormal that all the crew were starting to experience some nausea." What are your thoughts? <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-insurance/?utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=travel-insurance&utm_medium=in-article-banner&utm_content=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/banners/Travel-Insurance_Website_GIF_468x602.gif" alt="Over60 Travel Insurance"/></a>

Domestic Travel

Why there are so many ‘gremlins’ in your gadgets

There's a motto in Silicon Valley: fail fast, fail often. It's supposed to motivate entrepreneurs to keep trying new things and to learn from their failures. The trouble is, the motto also describes many of Silicon Valley's final products. Who among you hasn't experienced one of the following glitches in the past few months: you can't connect to a Wifi network that worked just fine last time; your Skype call cuts out unexpectedly; you search for but can't find a recent Facebook post; you install a Windows update and encounter at least one mysterious error; your new device won't connect to bluetooth; you fail to complete a website transaction because your Java software isn't up-to-date; your TV streaming app crashes in the middle of a show. Perhaps we should blame all these technology woes on one of Roald Dahl's literary inventions: gremlins. In Dahl's debut book in 1943, these cartoon creatures were responsible for mechanical troubles and mishaps in airplanes. But if gremlins are at fault, they must now be in the employ of the world's largest software companies. Many software glitches are the result of what developers call "cruft." This is when a piece of software becomes so bloated with code, often because of unnecessary new features, that it makes the core product unstable. For me, Apple's iTunes is the most egregious example of software that has accumulated cruft over time. iTunes was released in January, 2001. Since then, it's gone from a simple music player to a complicated app with multiple functions. In the words of Wikipedia, iTunes is now "a sophisticated multimedia content manager, hardware synchronisation manager and e-commerce platform." Which is exactly the problem. Because iTunes tries to do so many different things now, many bugs have crept into the music player over time. The worst was a couple of years ago, when Apple introduced a Spotify streaming competitor called Apple Music. When I enabled a trial of the new feature, I discovered to my dismay that it immediately corrupted my entire iTunes music collection. To this day, iTunes has lingering frustrations – especially with its core music management function. Sometimes when I import a new CD or buy a digital album, the cover art is missing or the album gets splintered into different artists, or something else minor but annoying. Ironically, Apple just <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__support.apple.com_en-2Dus_HT208075&d=DwMFaQ&c=N9aEhCy8U0rJkO1xCZf7rgM9fohfR5qe_N93viZd7O8&r=Mn258sZVFlxoc-UyRb8UtsH7oR7t34rVz7Qay3dRIVU&m=mX_2i8zOjRZiwifpcL4p4eJemX-pdqwb4Uh7nZKO1KM&s=jnChWO0rgSHQoQNNT08Jcg488yXNein_4lzJEjsQbBI&e=" target="_blank">announced</a> that it is removing a major feature from iTunes: the App Store will now only be available on iOS devices. But I had to laugh at Apple's claim that "the new iTunes focuses on music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks." Oh, is that all? It's not just Apple or Microsoft or Oracle (the current owner of Java) that are afflicted by gremlins. These pesky creatures are rife in all the major tech players of today. Take Google, for instance. Of all companies, you'd expect Google to have efficient software systems. But just try running more than one Gmail account to see how often you encounter frustrating tech issues. Or try syncing Google Calendar with a desktop app, like Microsoft Outlook or Apple Calendar. It's never as seamless as it ought to be. This may come as a shock, but sometimes tech failures are deliberate on the part of big companies. Whenever I search for an old post on my Facebook profile, I have trouble finding it. Sometimes I never find it. That's because Facebook has deliberately limited its search functionality. Why would it do that? Because Facebook wants me to stay focused on the present – or "real-time" as they call it in the industry. Other than the "On This Day" nostalgia prompts, which are only there because they're apt to generate new shares, Facebook doesn't want you messing around in your personal archive. It wants you to repeatedly refresh your news feed, because that presents more advertising opportunities. It also prompts you to discover (and share) new content. Twitter has made a different kind of design choice to keep you refreshing your main feed. While the search functionality in Twitter is adequate, the company has purposefully neglected certain filtering mechanisms that would make for a better user experience. Lists should have been a wonderful feature of Twitter, because they enable you to categorise people and topics. I have a Twitter list for the kiwi technology people I follow, for example. And while I can still put lists into Tweetdeck, the company's desktop app, the act of creating and maintaining those lists has been made needlessly difficult. The fact is, Twitter made a business decision to de-emphasise lists and make them hard to manage. As with Facebook, the reason is simply that Twitter wants to keep you looped into the full firehose news feed. That way it keeps you refreshing, so you see more of its ads. It's a sad state of affairs. Because until big companies address their cruft problems and make better design choices for their users, I'm afraid that gremlins will be around to bug us for a long time yet. Let us know your favourite, or most frustrating, gremlin story in the comments. Written by Richard MacManus. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Technology

10 home gadgets for extremely lazy people

Since the beginning of time, people have been coming up with clever inventions to make our everyday lives easier, simpler and more enjoyable. But comfort and necessity aren’t the only inspirations behind exciting new inventions, laziness is also a major contributing factor. Here are our top 10 gadgets for the ultimate couch potato. While some of these ideas are downright laughable, others, we hate to admit, are pure genius. 1. The clap on, clap off light Is there anything more annoying than tucking yourself into bed, only to realise that you forgot to turn off the lights? Solve this ongoing (first world) problem with the help of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clapper-Sound-Activated-Switch-Each/dp/B0000CGKLR" target="_blank">The Clapper</a>. 2. Robotic vacuum cleaners Who can forget <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLt5rBfNucc" target="_blank">this viral video</a> of a cat wearing a shark costume whilst riding on a Roomba? Not only did it make us want to adopt that cat, but it also introduced us to the wonders of a <a href="https://auto-robot.com.au/irobot-roomba-vacuums/?gclid=CjwKEAjwkPS6BRD2ioKR7K245jASJAD1ZqHOi-SQkiXWlBWMD1Ee8zptSXckaW7IL1h6HBk31D30ShoCOHvw_wcB" target="_blank">robotic vacuum cleaner</a>. 3. Hair dryer stand Hate wasting time blow drying your hair? Got better things to do with your life? Let your fragile arms rest with a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/HAIR-DRYER-STYLING-STAND-HOLDER/dp/B0002VQ0WO?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0" target="_blank">hair dryer</a> stand that will hold your hot wind blowing machine for you. 4. Twirling spaghetti fork Linguini, fettuccine, spaghetti, oh my! If you’re a pasta lover, then you need this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hog-Wild-Twirling-Spaghetti-Fork/dp/B001HXD4U2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41OMrlSONDL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0W6W30JJ87QR2V1VP8VK&ref_=pd_sim_79_11" target="_blank">twirling spaghetti fork</a> in your life. It features a button that twirls your pasta perfectly for you. 5. Jug pourer The <a href="http://www.rollnpour.com/" target="_blank">Roll ‘n Pour</a> gadget takes the worry out of manually lifting and pouring liquids from jugs. Because let’s face it, heavy lifting isn’t for everyone. 6. The Popinator Say hello to the ‘<a href="http://www.popcornindiana.com/popinator-project" target="_blank">Popinator</a>‘, the world’s first fully automated, voice-activated popcorn shooter. Triggered by the word “pop”, it shoots popcorn straight into your mouth. Heaven. 7. Self-stirring mug Sick of stirring your own tea or coffee? This <a href="https://www.fasttech.com/product/1058000-stainless-pain-lazy-self-stirring-mug" target="_blank">self-stirring mug</a> can stir your favourite hot beverage for you. Powered by two AAA batteries, simply press a button and sip away. 8. Automatic lawnmower There’s no need to leave the comfort of your living room to have a lawn that looks great, just let an <a href="http://robot-lawn-mowers-review.toptenreviews.com/" target="_blank">automatic lawnmower</a> do all the hard work for you. 9. Mailbox sentry Find yourself desperately waiting for a certain package to arrive, but can’t be bothered taking another ride in the lift to check the post? Save yourself an unnecessary trip with <a href="http://www.japantrendshop.com/thanko-mailbox-sentry-p-866.html" target="_blank">this sentry gadget</a> that will alert you when something gets placed in your mailbox. 10. Prism glasses No one should have to be forced to sit upright while reading or watching TV, right? Well, <a href="https://www.medesign.co.uk/MEDesign-Bedglasses" target="_blank">these prism glasses</a> will let you do such activities while remaining flat on your back. Heck yes. Written by Pauline Morrissey. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank">Domain.com.au.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/5-very-dirty-things-in-bedrooms-people-arent-aware-of/">5 very dirty things in bedrooms people aren’t aware of</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/5-foods-you-should-not-store-in-the-fridge/">5 foods you shouldn’t store in the fridge</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/10-surprising-uses-for-dental-floss/">10 surprising uses for dental floss</a>

Home & Garden

12 travel gadgets you must take on every holiday

Make life on the road that much easier with these must-have travel gadgets that are worth the money. 1. Universal adaptor The modern world is replete with gadgets – and they all need charging. A universal adaptor will allow you to plug into a socket wherever you are and ensure that all your tech is ready to go. 2. Portable charger But what if you can’t find a socket? That’s where you need a portable charger. These handy gadgets will have USB sockets that can charge everything from phones to laptops, kindles or tablets. One portable charger will have enough juice to recharge multiple items. 3. Noise-cancelling headphones Block out that crying baby in the row behind you, or the loud television in the room next door, with a set if noise-cancelling headphones. You can listen to your own music or just relax in blissful silence. You’ll quickly come to think of these as the best travel investment you’ve ever made. 4. Good camera Yes, your smartphone will take good photos, but they still can’t compete with a high-quality camera. And you don’t need to spend a fortune or carry around a huge case full of equipment. Pocket size, reasonably priced digital cameras are easy to use and will take professional-quality pics. 5. Portable hard drive All those pictures you’re taking are going to fill up your camera or phone memory. Travelling with a portable hard drive means you can quickly and easily download the pics and keep them safe with you. Then there’s plenty of room to take more! 6. Waterproof phone case Your smartphone serves so many functions – communication device, internet access, camera, GPS and more. So you really don’t want to damage it on the road. A good quality waterproof case with keep it safe for all those boat trips, ferry transfers and beach excursions. 7. Swiss Army knife An oldie but a goodie. Never underestimate how many uses you will find for a knife, pair of scissors or corkscrew. The new breed of Swiss Army Knife even come with high tech goodies like USB sticks. 8. Tablet Travel often involves long journeys or a lot of time spent waiting around. A tablet provides hours of entertainment with internet access, movies, music, books, newspapers, magazines and games. It can also be used to store photos or do on-the-ground research when you arrive in a new place. 9. Sterilising pen Worried about the quality of your water? Nifty sterilising pens use ultraviolet light to quickly kill bacteria in any water to make it safe to drink. 10. Luggage tracker Lost luggage is every traveller’s nightmare, but new digital trackers allow you to monitor exactly where your luggage is via your smartphone. Small buttons attach to your luggage and then link to your phone via and app – so you can make sure it’s not in Hawaii while you’re in Hungary. 11. Global translator This gadget will make sure you’re never stuck trying to decipher a menu or ask for directions to the bathroom again. The more basic systems get you to type in words and it will translate them while the fancier models can recognise speech and even help you with pronunciation. 12. RFID wallet Sadly, thieves no longer need to physically take your wallet to steal your money. Digital technology means they can scan your pocket or bag from a few metres away and download all your credit card details. An RFID wallet will block these digital signals and keep your data safe. Do you have any of these travel gadgets? Would you consider getting them now? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/why-you-should-never-throw-out-boarding-passes/"> Why you must never throw out your boarding pass</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/tips-to-help-you-survive-a-long-haul-flight/">16 tips to help you survive a long-haul flight</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/secret-way-to-raise-the-armrest-on-your-aisle-seat/"> There is a secret way to raise the armrest on your aisle seat</a>

Travel Tips

Top tips and tricks for using Skype

Since it was invented in 2003, Skype has changed the way we communicate. It lets you see your grandchildren growing up on the other side of the world, bring your best friend into your living room when you need them the most or do business “face to face” with just about anyone. Use these tips to get the most out of Skyping. Backup and transfer your contacts If you have two Skype accounts (for example, a personal one for family and a separate one for business) but still want to share contacts, there’s an easy way to backup and transfer between accounts. Sign into one account, click on ‘Contacts’ followed by ‘Advanced’ and then ‘Backup Contacts to File’. This will create a .vcf file to save on your computer. Sign in to your second account and follow the same steps, but click instead on ‘Restore Contacts from File’. Send video messages If you can’t coordinate a time to chat to your loved ones you can record them a short video message instead. Click on the paperclip icon on the left hand side of the chat box and select ‘Send video message’ from the pop up menu. You can even record the message multiple times if you don’t get it right on the first try. Edit typed messages Skype is also great for chatting over typed instant messages, either on their own or in the background of a video chat. If you make a mistake in a message you can go back and edit it – just press the up arrow key and the previous text box will open up for you to make changes. Set up keyboard shortcuts If you use Skype a lot then setting up keyboard shortcuts – or hotkeys – can make things much easier. In the main Skype window click on ‘Tools’, then ‘Options’, then ‘Advanced’ then ‘Hotkeys’. Check the ‘Enable keyboard shortcuts’ box and then you can easily customise the keys you want to use for actions like answering calls, hanging up or muting the microphone. Use Skype Wi-Fi If you don’t have access to the internet you can actually create your own Wi-Fi hotspot using your Skype credits. Skype has access to over two million hotspots that you can access on your phone or tablet by downloading an app. Set up caller ID If you are calling a mobile or landline from Skype then it will come up as an unidentified caller, and a lot of people make a habit of not answering numbers without a caller ID. To set yours up click on the Skype menu button, then ‘Account’, which will open up a separate webpage. Click on ‘Caller ID’ and you’ll be prompted to choose your country/region and then enter your phone number. Once it’s verified that will be the number that shows up when you place a call. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/technology/2015/09/iphone-photo-app/">5 little-know things about iPhone’s photo app</a> <a href="/lifestyle/technology/2015/09/ipad-shortcut-tips/">Shortcut tips all iPad users need to know</a> <a href="/lifestyle/technology/2015/09/funny-illustrations-about-technology/">10 hilarious illustrations on how technology has changed us – for the worst</a>

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