One major advantage of Amazon’s drone delivery system is speed. Traditional delivery methods, such as trucks and planes, can be slow and prone to traffic and weather delays. On the other hand, Drones can navigate around these obstacles and deliver packages directly to customers’ homes or businesses in a fraction of the time. This could be especially useful for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries, such as prescription medications or emergency supplies.

Another advantage of drone delivery is cost efficiency. Drones are much cheaper to operate than traditional delivery vehicles, and they don’t require a human pilot or driver. This could potentially lead to lower costs for both Amazon and its customers. In addition, drones are much more fuel efficient than cars or planes, which could help reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

There are also potential safety benefits to using drones for delivery. By removing the need for human drivers, Amazon’s drone delivery system could potentially reduce the number of accidents and injuries caused by delivery vehicles on the road. Drones are also less likely to get lost or stolen than traditional delivery packages, which could make for a more reliable delivery experience for customers.

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to Amazon’s drone delivery system. One major concern is privacy. Some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of drones flying over their homes and neighborhoods, and there are also concerns about the potential for drones to be used for surveillance. To address these concerns, Amazon has said that its drones will be equipped with sensors and cameras to help them avoid obstacles and navigate around objects, but they will not be used for surveillance.

There are also regulatory hurdles to overcome before Amazon’s drone delivery system can be fully implemented. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict rules and regulations regarding the use of drones, and Amazon will need to obtain special permits and approvals before it can begin delivering packages by drone on a wider scale.

Despite these challenges, Amazon remains optimistic about the future of its drone delivery program. The company has already conducted thousands of successful test flights in various locations around the world, and it is working closely with regulators and industry experts to ensure that its drones are safe and compliant with all necessary rules and regulations.

In conclusion, Amazon’s drone delivery program has the potential to revolutionize the way we shop and receive packages. It offers a number of advantages, including speed, cost efficiency, and potential safety benefits, but there are also some challenges and concerns that need to be addressed. However, with continued development and testing, it is possible that we will see drones delivering packages to customers’ doorsteps in the not-too-distant future.

The post Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Amazon’s Drone Delivery Program appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

Amazon Echo Show 15: The Specifications

Before diving into the Amazon Echo Show 15, you might be interested in a few specifics. They include:

• Camera: 5 MP
• Display: 1920 x 1080, 15.6 inches
• Size: Without the stand, 15.8 x 9.9 x 1.4 in.
• Speakers: Dual, 1.6 in.
• Weight: Just under 5 pounds

What Does the Amazon Echo Show 15 Look Like?

Overall, the Amazon Echo Show 15 looks like a large photo frame. It is a large screen that is encompassed by a black border. It might not look quite as flashy as the rotating display of the Amazon Echo Show 10, but it is also significantly thinner, meaning that it does not take up nearly as much space. Because it is so thin, it has to be hung on the wall.

If you look on top of the frame, you will see buttons to control the volume, a slider you can use to physically cover the camera lens when you are not using it, as well as a button that you can use to control the mic. There’s also just enough room for you to cram any unnecessary wire behind the frame. It is not quite large enough to accommodate the Amazon Echo Show 15’s power plug, so the plug will stick out a little bit when you hang it on the wall.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of the Amazon Echo Show 15?

There are several significant benefits to the Amazon Echo Show 15. They include:

• The screen is much larger than other options, so you will have a more immersive experience.
• The widgets are responsive and generally helpful.
• The Amazon Echo Show 15 is relatively thin, so it does not take up much space.
• It comes with Amazon Fire TV built-in.
• It is easy to hang up on the wall.

On the other hand, some of the drawbacks you might notice include:

• The audio quality is not nearly as clear as some of the other options on the market.
• The camera does not provide the best definition.
• The widget selection is not that varied.
• The power plug is going to stick out a little bit once you hang it on the wall.

You should think about the benefits and drawbacks of the Amazon Echo Show 15 before you decide if it is right for you.

Should You Buy the Amazon Echo Show 15?

So, is the Amazon Echo Show 15 right for you? The answer is it depends. If you are interested in having a large screen in the center of your living room that comes with an Alexa you can use to power the screen itself, then it is probably worth the investment.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a smart display that will provide you with crystal-clear audio, then the Amazon Echo Show 15 might not be the best option.

In the future, there might be more widgets available for the Amazon Echo Show 15 that you can use. So, it is important to keep your eyes and ears open for updates. There is a chance that the Amazon Echo Show 15 will improve down the road.

The post What You Need To Know About the Amazon Echo Show 15 appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

1. Ease of Use

A website should be easy for visitors to use. Your visitor should have an easy time finding the information they need. There should be a navigation menu that conveniently points them to pages that hold the information they are looking for while making it easy to jump back and forth between pages.

2. Relevant

The information on your website should be relevant to the needs of your users. This means that you need to update your content regularly, sharing helpful articles, images, and videos. A website with relevant information will keep your visitors coming back.

3. Functional

Website and software development also needs to focus on functionality. Your website needs to work exactly as intended. The images should load correctly, the links should work properly, and all buttons should be properly labeled.

4. Discoverable

A strong website should be discoverable. What this means is that it should be easy for people to find your website. Search engine optimization can improve your search results rankings, boosting your online visibility. Your URL should also be intuitive, making it easy for visitors to remember.

5. Safety

Your website should also be safe. People should not have to be worried about popups and malware when they visit your website. You should test your website regularly to make sure there are no holes in your security. Just as you are working hard to provide your users with a functional website, hackers are working hard to get around your security protocols.

6. Easy on the Eyes

Your website should also be easy on the eyes. You should have a contemporary layout that is not too cluttered and not too empty. You don’t want to overwhelm your visitors when they visit your website. If you have a lot of information to share, consider breaking it up across multiple pages instead of trying to cram everything onto the same page.

7. Fast

A strong website is also a fast website. You want your website to load quickly when someone clicks on the page. Ideally, your website should load in under a second, but it certainly should not take more than 3 seconds to load. Otherwise, your bounce rate will go up, and your search results rankings will suffer.

8. Responsive

Your website should also be responsive. A responsive website should adjust its layout to match the device accessing it. For example, your website should load correctly on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. This includes images and videos. This will become more important as more people use mobile devices to access the internet.

9. Reliable

A strong website is also reliable. This means that it will load consistently when someone visits the page. You don’t have to worry about the website’s server dropping, and your uptime has been maximized. You should test your server regularly to make sure your website does not go down frequently.

10. Strong Call-To-Action (CTA)

Finally, a strong website should also have a clear call to action. What this means is that your visitor should not have to wonder what you want them to do next. The call to action will let your visitors know exactly what you expect of them, letting them know that you want them to call you, purchase something, or click on another link to learn more information. The call to action should also be obvious, conspicuously labeled, and updated properly.

The post 10 Attributes of Good Web Design You Need To Know appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

Risks to be Aware Of:

• If you aren’t cautious (or even if you are), you could surrender confidential information to bad actors. 
• You might provide the ability to track your online activities. This could be used as blackmail.
• Intellectual property can be at risk of theft or copying
• Compromising your online privacy can place your employer at risk. 

Tips for Protecting Your Privacy Online

Use Two-Factor Authentication

For login security, use two-factor authentication – this means a successful username and password combination must be followed by another layer of identification. For example, you might receive a text message or email code to submit in order to complete the login process. Use two-factor authentication to protect confidential information, and don’t forget to change your passwords regularly.

Use a VPN

VPN means Virtual Private Network. This is a tool you can use to encrypt your online activity. Without a VPN, it might be possible to intercept the information you are sharing while in transit. With a VPN, you can conceal your IP address, conceal your location, and ensure all your confidential information is encrypted.

Get Rid of Unused Mobile Apps and Browser Extensions

Try to get rid of any apps or browser extensions you are not using. You may have programs on your computer or phone that have gone unused for a long time, however they may still be collecting information about you. These are an unnecessary security risk so delete them permanently. 

Make Sure Your Confidential Information Stays Confidential

These are just a few of the most important tips to follow to protect your privacy online. Even casual browsing can leave you vulnerable to hackers and criminals, so take the extra steps to protect your online privacy and shield your confidential information.

The post Protecting Your Privacy Online appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

What Makes Social Media Platforms Toxic?

The toxic environment created by social media can have an adverse impact on your mental health. Reasons include:

• Though social media is designed to increase our interaction with other people, it can still be isolating, as you might not expose yourself to in-person interactions as often.
• Social media can have an addictive effect. You might find yourself “doom scrolling” on social media, looking for the perfect post.
• Social media can also make you feel like you are missing out on certain parts of life.
• You may find yourself comparing your life to the lives of others constantly, which can create unrealistic expectations.

These qualities can expose you to a toxic environment on social media.

How Do You Know If You or Your Children Have Been Affected?

There are several signs that you or your children could be impacted by the negative environment of social media. They include:

• You might start to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• You may feel like your self-worth is defined entirely by engagement on social media.
• You frequently compare your life to the lives of others.
• You might feel jealous about things that people post on social media.
• You allow negative comments to get under your skin and impact your relationships with other people.

If you develop any of these signs or symptoms, you can learn how to protect yourself and your mental health on social media.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

There are several tips you can follow to protect your mental health while you use social media. They include:

• Limit the time you spend on social media. You might even want to download an app that can lock your social media platforms after a certain amount of time.
• Remind yourself a lot of what people post on social media is not real.
• If you find that someone’s posts or comments are making you feel bad, unfollow or block that person.
• If you feel like you are the victim of bullying or stalking, you should report that behavior immediately.
• Make sure you go out of your way to spend real-world time with family members and friends.
• Consider taking a social media break from time to time to spend time outdoors.
• Take steps to limit the information you share with others on social media.

If you or someone you know has developed mental health issues as a side effect of using social media, you should consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can help you.

Stay Safe While Using Social Media

In the end, these are a few of the most important tips you could follow if you want to make sure that you protect yourself while using social media. Even though social media provide you with access to a wide array of benefits, it can also expose you to a toxic environment. Make sure you monitor your use of social media and do not forget to talk to your children if you have kids who are active on social media as well.

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But can Hive replicate Twitter and unseat it as one of the most popular social media platforms in the world? Though Hive is already becoming more popular, it is important to take a closer look at what it can and can’t do.

Can Hive Replicate the Main Components of Twitter?

Though Twitter has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, at its core it is a data storage system. Each tweet simply provides more information that is added to a data storage network. Then, all of the information is stored in the Twitter database in a manner that ties it to someone’s specific account. In essence, Twitter is a large data storage network with some front-end features that users have access to, creating a network effect people view as social media.

By comparison, Hive is a blockchain program. It uses a distributed ledger and decentralized nodes to store the ledger on numerous unrelated computers. In this sense, Hive also stores data, but instead of using a closed system (like Twitter), it uses decentralized blockchain technology, not that different from Bitcoin. Bitcoin contains only transactions, but Hive stores text from articles and comments, creating a more robust database.

Because Hive can store information on its ledger, just as Twitter uses its network, Hive has the infrastructure to create a decentralized version of Twitter.

What Are the Benefits of Using Hive?

There are several reasons so many people are shifting from Twitter to Hive. They include:

• The ability to share links in any location. You can include them in your comments, captions, and throughout your bio. This makes it easier to maintain a large following.
• You can still collect plenty of likes, and it is easy to see how many people have liked something you shared, just as on Twitter.
• All the content is displayed in chronological order, making it easy to see how a conversation has evolved.
• You can even add music to your profile, reminiscent of MySpace.
• You can filter contents easily, exploring topic-based communities like travel, pets, food, and gaming.
• The user interface is very intuitive. If you have experience using other social media platforms, you will figure out Hive quickly.

Clearly, there are a lot of reasons why people enjoy using Hive.

What Are the Drawbacks of Using Hive?

There are a few drawbacks of using Hive as well. They include:

• When you create a new post, the interface is a bit small – you may have a difficult time seeing exactly what you are typing.
• Unlike other social media platforms, there is no image editor.
• There are some situations where the app can be a bit slow, but with more traffic, the system might get an upgrade.

Hive could update a few of these issues in the near future to improve the user experience.

Is Hive The Next Twitter?

So far, it is clear Hive has the potential to replicate what Twitter does, but there are some notable differences. Hive is decentralized on the blockchain, and has elements of other social media platforms like Instagram and MySpace. Those looking for an alternative to Twitter will likely feel comfortable using Hive and enjoying its expanded capabilities.

The post Hive. Is it a New Twitter? appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

Useful for tracking your emails and monitoring your heart rate when you exercise, they make fantastic gifts for the gadget aficionado in your life. If you’re looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous Apple Watch, look no further.

We’ve done the research for you and found six of the best smartwatches for android. Ranging in price, style and functionality, you are bound to find something that fits your needs and budget.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

Samsung’s latest offerings to the smartwatch market are arguably the closest you’ll get to an Apple Watch without actually buying an Apple Watch. The Pro version wins over its younger sibling, mainly due to its battery length, with some reviews claiming 65 hours of use before needing to recharge. Don’t let that fool you, though. The Galaxy Watch 5 is still a great smartwatch and worth considering if your budget doesn’t stretch to the more expensive Pro version.

Features include:

• A bright crystal display that displays the information you need clearly
• A touch bezel (which replaces the famous rotating bezel)
• An upgrade to the software from previous versions
• Limited to using the Samsung Health app, although it is possible to sync to Google health, it’s not straightforward
• The pro version is physically larger, with more capabilities and a longer battery life than the Galaxy Watch

The Samsung Galaxy 5 ($284) and the Samsung Galaxy 5 Pro ($479.98) can be found on Amazon.

Google Pixel Watch

Beautiful to look at and feature-packed, there is much to like about Google’s offering. Featuring a recycled stainless steel body and custom 3D glass, the sleek, curvy design attracts attention. Once you dig a little, you’ll realize that the pixel is not just pretty to look at.

Features include:

• Fitness tracking by Fitbit, meaning if you already use their products, transferring your data should be painless. Google states that the pixel offers the most accurate heart rate tracking ability yet. The suit of fitness tools also includes an ECG app and blood oxygen tracking.
• The screen is small, but this is made up by the crisp, bright display, and the adaptive light sensor means the screen can be viewed in various light settings.
• The watch runs on Wear OS 3.5 and integrates well with other google and android products giving a seamless experience.

The Google Pixel Watch can be found on Amazon and retails for $449.

Garmin Vivoactive 4, Garmin Venu and Venu Plus

A set of solid offerings from Garmin, known for their fitness apps and products, the Vivoactive, Venu and Venu Pro models are excellent. Garmin has several fitness watch models with the more expensive Venu and Venu Plus worth considering.

Features of the Vivoactive 4 include:

• Sleek, lightweight build and a responsive color touchscreen
• Able to track many sports and fitness activities with 20-plus pre-loaded
• Access to a large number of health and fitness stats allowing you to track your goals
• Allows you to stay connected, giving you access to your email, calendar, weather updates, music and more
• The Venu and Venu Plus retail at a higher price and have an AMOLED display. All three watches have a very similar feature set. Which you pick is a matter of personal choice and budget.

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 (price from $249.99), Garmin Venu and Garmin Venu Plus (price ranging from $189 to $589 depending on model) can all be found on Amazon.

Which SmartWatch Is The Best?

Which watch is the best is a difficult question and one we’re reluctant to judge. Defining the best is subjective and dependent on your needs and budget. We can say that all the watches covered here are solid offerings worth exploring. If you’re looking for something different in the smartwatch market, you can’t go wrong picking one of these options.

The post The Best Smart Watches for 2022 for Android Users appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

But how do you go about building an app? And what are the benefits?

Keep reading. You’ve come to the right place.

What is an iOS app?

An iOS app is an application that offers functionality and features for a product or services user to explore, enjoy, and benefit from. By “iOS,” this means that the app is designed for the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, all of which utilize Apple’s iOS operating system.

iOS application development involves making mobile apps for Apple hardware, such as iPhone, iPad, and so on. The software is typically written in Swift programming language or Objective-C and then sent to the App Store for users to experience and enjoy!

What’s the process of building an iOS app?

The process of designing an iOS app is similar to the process of designing a product or service in general, and relies on many of the same concepts.

First, you need to determine the general objectives and flow for your app. What is your user going to your app to find? What problem is it solving for them? What information or insights or desired action does your customer expect when they open your app?

Once you’ve clarified these things, it’s important to create a flow of events, which can also be organized into what’s called a wireframe, to show the screens and processes a customer would use when exploring your app. You don’t want to create unnecessary pages or screens in the app, as each page or screen might take several days to create. Also, once a wireframe has been created with the desired pages, it isn’t easy to change. So, be judicious.

It’s best to aim for a simple and streamlined process from start to finish that requires as few clicks from the user as possible. When they open your app, how long does it take and how many pages will they need to go through to get to their desired objective? It’s tempting to want to make a very complex app with hundreds of different avenues, but simplest is best when it comes to app design.

In many ways, an app is similar to a website, and a great experience on the website is going to be similar to a great experience on an app for the same reason: the user gets what they need with as little effort as possible.

Native apps for iOS are usually built using the iOS Software Development Kit (iOS SDK). iOS SDK is based on Xcode IDE, programmed with Apple’s unique code language (Swift, referenced above). 

Each app building process will vary depending on the kinds of graphics or animations that are used, sounds that are used, communications between screens, resources and memory, visual modes, cache settings, and more. In the development process, a development team will explain different time and resource needs for optimizing each screen of the app as they build it to completion.

Once the hard work of building individual screens is done, the app is ready for testing, review, publishing, and distribution through the App Store!

What are the business benefits of an app?

People are more connected to their phones than they are to their computers in today’s world. So, it makes sense to have an app that will deliver information and details a customer wants rather than simply relying on a laptop website. Combine this with the convenience an app offers, the low barrier to entry for a customer to log on to an app and explore, and marketing benefits like push notifications, and it’s clear that any business with a product or service a customer wants has an instant connection with them through an iOS app.

The post iOS App Development for Your Business   appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

Wireless earbuds seamlessly bridge the gap between function and style. The best models make you look good, sound great in your ears, and play a perfect role for your workout, daily activities, and whatever else you use them for.

With so many models to choose from in an incredibly saturated market, which is the cream of the crop? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

Below are the top four wireless earbuds on the market today. This list looks at quality of technology, audio quality and detail, reliability, style, noise-cancellation, cost effectiveness, and more. We’ve done our research, and here are the models we consider the best of the best in 2022.

Sony WF-1000XM4

If you’re looking for incredible sound quality blended with noise cancellation in a wireless earbud, this is quite literally the best model on earth. They’re not cheap (between $250 and $300) but like most things in life, you get what you pay for. These truly wireless earbuds combine incredible battery life (up to 8 hours continuous audio including noise cancellation), and a great design with rose gold accents. The foam tips expand in the ear to help create a great noise canceling seal, and the audio quality and richness across frequencies is unparalleled. The only potential drawback is that they’re slightly bigger than other comparable models, but it’s a small price to pay for an immersive and rich sound experience.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

If noise cancellation is your primary interest in a wireless set of headphones, these are far away the best in the world. These earbuds are compact, and sleek, and still manage to deliver a bass-rich audio experience while closing out the outside world better than any earbuds we’ve ever tried. Multiple review sites and users agree that these are the world’s best when it comes to noise cancellation, so don’t forget to pack these on your next airplane trip.. If you need to take a phone call and want to have high quality audio to hear the person on the other end, these earbuds offer some of the best call quality available on the market. These run at just under $300, and have a battery life that might be slightly less than comparable models. But the supreme noise cancellation and rich audio experience they offer are more than worth the price.

Earfun Air S 

If you want power, performance, and don’t want to break the bank, the Earfun Air S is the way to go. These earbuds boast multipoint Bluetooth pairing technology, a brand-new Qualcomm QCC3046 SoC system with an AptX audio codec for Android and other supported devices. This model offers a punch in the sound department, especially given its sub-$100 price point. The background noise cancellation isn’t quite what its more-expensive counterparts offer, but for its price it’s quite competitive. The Earfun Air S also has a coveted IPX5 water-resistance rating meaning they’re able to withstand splashes and even a sustained stream of water.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple does not disappoint with its next-gen earbuds, offering powerful, rich sound that defies the size of the model, fantastic noise cancellation, and great integrations with Apple products. The AirPods have about six hours of battery life, and a unique portable charging system. Volume can be adjusted directly on the earbuds, an upgrade from previous Apple models. At a $249 price point, these earbuds are perhaps the best premium earbuds on the market, with dazzling sound quality and seamless connectivity that will please Apple users. You can even locate the earbuds if they get lost or misplaced using the Find My app, another big plus for Apple aficionados.

The post The Best Wireless Earbuds 2022 appeared first on Essential Designs Software.

It’s a big world out there, and you have a lot of choices. If it ever feels overwhelming, then a little help might be welcome.

Not to worry – here are five tips that can help you choose the perfect laptop.

How Will You Use It?

The answer to this question determines all the hardware considerations you’ll need to think about. Is this for work? School? Pleasure? Will you mostly browse the internet? Watch videos? Play games?

Here’s the biggest thing to think about. If you do more graphically intense work on the laptop (like editing videos or cad designs), then you need a more powerful computer. Otherwise, you can stick to the average recommendations in this article.

What Are Your Brand Preferences?

If you have a favorite brand, that’s fine. Get a new computer from that brand, and you should be fine. That’s true whether you prefer Macs, Windows PCs, or Chromebooks. New models tend to have good hardware, and they can do all of the usual stuff.

If you need powerful graphics processing, then you’ll need a high-end computer from your favorite brand.

If, however, you don’t have a preferred brand, then Windows machines are the most universal. They’re compatible with more stuff and will put fewer limits on what you can do with the computer.

What Hardware Do You Need?

This is the big question. There’s too much to cover it all right here, so instead, let’s focus on the essentials. These are minimum recommendations for average computer users. If you’re an above-average user, then you’ll need to take a step up from these recommendations.

RAM

Let’s start with computer memory (RAM). You need 8 GB. If you can get 16 GB at a good price, that’s worth it so that your computer will stay relevant longer, but 8 GB is the current minimum.

Processor

Every computer needs a processor (CPU). There are way too many options to cover them all, so here’s the very short version. Get either an AMD or Intel processor, and make sure it has at least four cores. Anything less, and your computer will really struggle in three years or so.

Graphics Card

Not all laptops have a dedicated graphics card, but some do. Most users don’t need a graphics card in their laptops. You only need one to play high-end games or do video editing. Anything else should be fine without this expensive upgrade.

How Much Should You Spend?

If you’re not terribly familiar with computer hardware, then it’s sometimes easier to think about things in terms of costs. The answer to this question really depends on how you want to use the computer. If you’re doing hardcore gaming or video processing, then you’ll probably want to spend $1,000 to $2,000 on the laptop, possibly even more for very advanced work.

If you’re an average user, then your price range will be $500 to $800 depending on your specific preferences and what kinds of sales you can find.

Now, it’s possible to spend noticeably less than $500 on a laptop. Unless you’re on a very tight budget, it’s a bad idea. A $200 to $300 laptop is only going to last for around 2 years. Meanwhile, you can get a $500 laptop that might be good for a full 10 years, if you take good care of it.

What Size Should You Get?

Laptops come in sizes that mostly range from about 11 inches to about 17 inches. What size do you need? This is completely a matter of preference. There is no right answer.

Keep in mind that these measurements are describing the screen. So if you want a bigger screen, you need a bigger laptop, but bigger laptops weigh more. That’s your trade-off.

You can also consider keyboards. Usually, you need a 17-inch laptop to get a full keyboard with a number pad. Otherwise, the keyboard will be smaller.

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