Category: TommyLog – TECH

TommyLog TECH – Backing Up with Verizon Cloud #vzwbuzz #AD

TommyLog TECH  – Backing Up with Verizon Cloud #vzwbuzz

Today for TommyLog TECH I want to talk about Verizon’s consumer grade cloud storage solution, appropriately named Verizon Cloud.

Before I dig into that assignment, let me briefly explain what “the cloud” actually means. The cloud is very ambiguous term for server access and storage that lives somewhere (a place few care to visit) and that’s only accessible via the Internet. So your mobile, desktop, and laptops can all access this massive networks of storage and services anywhere you are, worldwide.

Verizon Cloud is just that, a backup and syncing storage solution where your contacts, photos, videos, music, and documents,  even your call logs and texts, are stored.  The app loads onto your IOS or Android devise, available from Google Play or the iTunes App store. Verizon Cloud also has a desktop version of their app compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 & 8 (32 and 64 bit) versions, Mac (OSX 10.5 or greater). Forget your laptop or mobile device and still want to access your stuff? Simply find a computer connected to the internet and log onto verizonwireless.com/cloud and you have access to all your storage.

One great thing about this service is that when you move to a new phone or device, you just download one app, log in with your credentials, and your saved content will begin to be restored based on your download speed of your network. Another feature that I like about Verizon Cloud is that it defaults to only syncing via WIFI as to not use up all your cellular data. This can be overridden if you desire, but be careful, with the 25 GB Verizon Cloud as part of The More Everything Plan, you can max out your monthly data pretty easily.

Verizon cloud apps work fairly seamless with one small exception. The IOS version does not backup automatically. Instead you get a notification which alerts you to initiate a backup. Not good. I’ve been told that the next version of Verizon Cloud for IOS will include automatic background backups. The android version is just “set it and forget it”, backing up in the background based on the time you set. Slick!

I have added Verizon Cloud to my backup and syncing strategy and so should you.

Verizon Cloud if 100% Tommy Approved!

For more information on how to sign up for The More Everything Plan and get 25 GB Verizon Cloud storage for yourself.

[DISCLAIMER — I’m one of the cool kids who has been asked to play with and test technology for Verizon. They asked me test and share my thoughts. All my words are original and my own.]

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TommyLog TECH – Emma’s Take – Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 – 2014 edition #VZWbuzz #AD

Today for TommyLog TECH I’ve teamed up with my little 7-year-old daughter Emma to play with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 — 2014 edition from Verizon.

The first feature that I set up for Emma was the user account feature. You can set up accounts and restrict access to certain apps, so just the apps Emma wants are on her home screens. NOTE: Not all apps run property with user accounts set up. Apps like Gmail and Google syncing only work on the main “admin” account and not sub user accounts.

One of the built-in apps on the Galaxy Note 10.1 that Emma was just drawn to is the camera app. She takes pictures of everything around the inside and outside for the house including a huge load of selfies. The camera app of the Note 10.1, with built in photo editor abilities to add filters, effects, and draw on the screen with the S Pen, is a huge bonus for Emma and her creative skills

The last aspect of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Emma loves is the YouTube app. Emma is a HUGE lover of YouTube and searching for new content. One thing that Emma noticed immediately about the YouTube app on the Note 10.1 that differentiated it from the YouTube app on her iPad mini was the search capabilities. When you search, it starts giving you suggestions with each character that you type. This makes finding what she wants- as a new speller- easier and quicker!

Emma says that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 — 2014 edition from Verizon is totally Tommy Approved!

For more information on how to get your very own Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 — 2014 edition from Verizon, Here’s a link http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/tablet/samsung-galaxy-note-10-2014-edition?&zipRdr=y

[DISCLAIMER — I’m one of the cool kids who has been asked to play with and test technology for Verizon. They asked me test and share my thoughts. All my words are original and my own.]

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TommyLog TECH – Verizon Gives Hope to Victims of Domesitc Violence #VZWbuzz #AD

hl_get_involved1Last weekend I was in Chicago with my friends from Verizon. While there I learned of a program called HopeLine to help victims of domestic violence. Through HopeLine, you can help prevent domestic violence by donating no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any service provider at any Verizon Store or by mail.

It’s just super easy. Go to www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline print the postage-paid label, toss your phone into a padded envelope and seal it. Boom! Done!

No more phones in the landfill. Be green and help others in need all at the same time. A total WIN WIN.

Some amazing HopeLine stats, Since 2001…

10.8 million+ phones collected nationwide

$21.4 million+ cell phones
fcash grants donated to domestic violence organizations nationwide

2.4 million+ phones recycled in an environmentally sound way

180,000+ refurbished phones donated  to domestic violence shelters

543 million+ minutes of wireless service donated to domestic violence  victims and survivors

298 million+ text messages loaded on HopeLine phones

THAT’S HUGE!!

To help and join the cause go to www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline for more information.

[DISCLAIMER — I’m one of the cool kids who has been asked to play with and test technology for Verizon. They asked me test and share my thoughts. All my words are original and my own.]

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TommyLog TECH – Keeping Safe When Storms Hit #VZWbuzz #AD

TommyLog TECH –  Keeping Safe When Storms Hit #VZWbuzz

I love living in North East Wisconsin where we have 4 beautiful seasons. Along with those awesome seasons comes some not so great extreme weather. Floods, blizzards, severe thunderstorms even an occasional tornado or 2 can be the order of the day. Thanks to my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 from Verizon along with 2 great free apps, severe weather doesn’t catch me by surprise.

Storm Team 5Today I want to share with you 2 mobile apps that can keep you informed and alerted 24 hours a day.

The first one on my list is a simple text only alert mobile app called Simple Weather Alert. This one is for Android only, sorry IOS fans. Simple Weather Alerts is a text only application that allows you to set your favorite locations and get text-based weather alerts based on those locations. You can even set the severity of the notifications as well as override a muted phone. I like that feature… who hasn’t put their phone down while it was silenced and missed an important call? One cool feature not seen in any other app I’ve tested is the ability to email an alert to friends or send via text message, so they can know of the danger as well. Simple Weather Alert is just that, simple, no fills, does what it says, no more, no less.

Now if you want an app that gives you much more information and can be used as your daily weather app, then look no further than the Storm Team 5 weather app for both Android and IOS. This app was created by WFRV5, a local TV station in Green Bay, WI, but works wherever you are. This app builds on many of the features of Simple Weather Alert and adds local radar, hourly forecasts, and 10-day outlook. The Storm Team 5 app lets you save multiple locations as well as a home location. One cool feature hidden in the preferences is the ability to overlay a compass.

Zooming out on the radar gives you a big picture of the inclement weather on the map. The radar even overlays watchs and warnings so you stay safe when trouble’s headed your way headed your way.

You can download Simple Weather Alert from the Google Play Store here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.globalcanofworms.android.simpleweatheralert&hl=e

Look for the Storm Team 5 app for IOS here https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storm-team-5/id382465013?mt=8 and the Android app here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wfrv.android.weather&hl=en

For more information on how to get your very own Samsung Galaxy Note 3 from Verizon, Here’s a link http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/smartphone/samsung-galaxy-note-3-black

[DISCLAIMER — I’m one of the cool kids who has been asked to play with and test technology for Verizon. They asked me test and share my thoughts. All my words are original and my own.]
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TommyLog TECH – On my Way to a 5K with the Jawbone UP! #VZWbuzz #AD

Fitness bands seem all the rage these days. There are models from Fitbit, Nike and even Samsung has entered the fray. I have been using one for almost a year and it’s the UP from Jawbone.

The Jawbone UP as well as these other products are much more than just glorified pedometers; it’s a complete fitness accessory. The UP tracks not only my steps; zero set up required, but it tracks my sleep patterns as well. I tell it when I’m sleeping soundly and when I’m not. UP tracks how long it took me to fall asleep and how many times I wake up in the middle of the night. I have a sleep goal of 8 hours and its not that tough to attain.

Jawbone UP Tracks Sleep pattterns
I love that fact that the UP only needs to be charged about once ever 10 days. It’s waterproof for showering and doing the dishes. Not recommended for swimming or being submerged in the tub. The UP syncs to your iPhone or Android device via the 3.5″ headphone jack. I sync it once a day and while plugged in you can play with other settings like Smart Alarm and Idle Alert.

The UP Smart Alarm analyses your sleep patterns and wakes you via a gentle vibration when you are the most refreshed, within a 10-20 min wakeup window you set. The Idle Alert keeps you from sitting your day away. I have mine set to remind me when I have set for more than an hour at a time. A vibration reminds me to get up and take a walk around the plant. Love that feature!

2014-04-26 19.15.40One of my goals as I get more active 13000 steps at my 5Kwas to participate in a 5K. Last month I took part in the Fox Cities Glow Run/Walk. The even was my first sanctioned 5K EVER! I did the event along with my long time buddy John and it was a blast!
Can you believe that I walked well over 13,000 steps for the event, 19,000 overall for that Saturday? A personal all time best!  What an amazing feeling to know that not only did I smash my personal daily goal, but darn near doubled it, WOW!

The Jawbone Up is totally 100% “Tommy Approved”!!

For more information on how to get your very own Jawbone UP from Verizon, Here’s a link http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/sports-and-fitness/jawbone/
[DISCLAIMER — I’m one of the cool kids who has been asked to play with and test technology for Verizon. They asked me test and share my thoughts. All my words are original and my own.]Panorama of the Event

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