As Technology Has Evolved. So Have Our Holiday Traditions
Merry Christmas! We know that for the small business owner, even on Christmas day, business doesn’t completely stop. Sure you can spend time with loved ones and take a couple days off from the grind, but tomorrow is another day. According to one study, people are gifting technology more than ever, so much so that new traditions that include technology, are replacing the once-held notion that technology was a distraction.
The survey called “Happy Digital Holidays: Technology, Culture and Emerging Holiday Tradition” has highlighted just how the holiday season is being changed by technology. This whole concept is not that surprising. Consider how much technology has become a part of our lives in recent times, and how much we typically rely on it; not to mention how eCommerce has changed the way people buy and receive goods (especially around the holidays).
From communicating and managing busy schedules, to the content consumption that has helped define an entire generation, technology is a static part of people’s lives. The surprising aspect of this for many, is that technology isn’t just being used more by everyone around the holidays, it is being integrated into typical holiday traditions. Some statistics include:
- More than 22 percent of men keep a family calendar to track the holiday activities
- More than 40 percent of people use social media to keep track of holiday events
- Around one of four people will use video calling in lieu of the phone
- Over half of people use social media to keep in touch with friends and family
- Over half of drivers use map applications that run on GPS technology to get to their destinations
- Over 10% of people will send virtual gifts this Christmas
As technology becomes a larger part of everyone’s life, and people don’t have the same amount of liberties to take time off from their regular tasks, expect to see technology become a mainstay in new Christmas traditions.
Has your family developed any new traditions with the use of new technologies? Let us know in the comments section below. From all of us at Catalyst Technology Group, have a very merry Christmas!
Holiday Shopping Just Got Easier–Check out These Gadgets!
It can often be difficult to figure out what to get someone for a holiday gift. Fortunately, there is almost always a new gadget or gizmo that can make someone with particular interests happy. In this blog, we’ll go over a few cool gadgets that make excellent special-interest gifts.
For the Connected User
There has been a recent influx of Internet of Things and otherwise connected devices in the marketplace. This means that there are plenty of options to choose from when shopping for someone who dreams of a home they can control and customize with software and apps. From gifts designed to introduce someone to the connected concept, like the Philips Hue Starter Kit, to the person who is always talking to one digital assistant or another, like the Amazon Echo, Echo Spot, and Echo Show, Google Home, Home Max and Home Mini, there are plenty of devices suited for someone who has wanted to automate and computerize their environment.
For the Entertainment-Obsessed
If there’s anything that gadgets and gizmos are developed to do, it’s to provide entertainment. For those who love to take in the latest media via the latest devices, there are plenty of items that would make perfect gifts. From the highly popular Nintendo Switch to Microsoft’s Xbox One X, to the Amazon Kindle Oasis e-reader, to the Samsung 4K HD and Sony A1E series OLED 4K televisions. Admittedly, these items tend to fall under the “big-ticket” category, but aren’t the people we care about worth it?
For the Photographer in All of Us
Photography has evolved, with technology making it easier and easier for anyone to pick up a camera and take a half-decent picture. Whether the recipient is more interested in using their mobile device or a true camera, there are plenty of options for gifts that are sure to please. Mobile photogs would be happy to receive a lens adapter, selfie light or selfie remote, while hobbyists would very likely appreciate receiving a point-and-shoot like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V camera or Nikon D5500, or a useful accessory like a tripod. Finally, any photographer would appreciate a solid backup and editing system they could use on-the-go, like a GNARBOX.
Of course, you may find some other gift that works even better for someone who combines technology with their passions to improve upon their experience. What gifts have you given that have proven to be successful and well-used? Let us know in the comments!
These Smartphones May Make Your Holiday Season Brighter
The holiday season is upon us, which means that many will soon be opening packages in the hopes of finding a mobile phone nestled inside. Perhaps you or a loved one are one of these people. However, deciding upon a phone to request has become more difficult, as the market has become inundated with options.
To help you decide which mobile device is best suited to your needs, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most popular smartphones and their specifications this holiday.
The New iPhones: 8, 8 Plus, and X
Apple has three iPhones that might fit the bill. The 8 and 8 Plus models have a feel to them that many reviewers have said feels similar to the weight of the iPhone 6. This weight is the result of the glass that covers its aluminum casing.
The iPhone X offers a truly impressive display, and while it utilizes the same camera as the 8 and 8 Plus, the improved glass used on the iPhone X boosts its camera to best-in-class. However, the price difference between the 8/8 Plus and the X is a considerable one, so the choice of device may come down to cost.
Model: iPhone 8
Construction: Front/back glass & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 4.7-inch
Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD, 16M Colors, 1,334 x 759 (~326 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) – Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11
Memory
Internal: 64GB or 246 GB models; 2GB of RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection
Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 1,821 mAh battery – 66 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Price: $ 699.99-to-$ 899.99
Model: iPhone 8 Plus
Construction: Front/back glass & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 5.5-inch
Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD, 16M Colors, 1920×1080 (~401 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) – Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11
Memory
Internal: 64GB or 246 GB models; 3GB of RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.8, 56mm) phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection
Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 2,691 mAh battery – 81 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Price: $ 799.99-to-$ 999.99
Model: Apple iPhone X
Construction: Front/back glass & stainless steel frame
Screen Size: 5.8-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,436×1,125 ( ~458 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core 2.39 Ghz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) – Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11.1
Memory
Internal: 64 and 256 GB models; 3GB RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.4, 52mm) phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection
Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: FaceID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 2,716 mAh battery – 74 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey
Price: $ 999.99-to-$ 1,149.99
Samsung Galaxy s8 and Note 8
Again, the choice between these two devices will boil down to your needs and preferences. Also protected by aluminum and glass cases, the Galaxy s8 and Note 8 both have a considerable resistance to water.
However, the Note 8 offers a bit more to the power user, including a stylus and a larger display with more pixels per square inch. The Note 8 also has a better camera, and its 50% more RAM allows it to handle a little more.
Model: Samsung Galaxy s8
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame.
Screen Size: 5.8-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~570 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kyro) – Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.0, Touchwiz
Memory
Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256)
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung DeX, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,000 mAh – 84 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold
Price: $ 725.99-to-$ 825.99
Model: Samsung Galaxy s8 Plus
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame.
Screen Size: 6.2-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~529 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) – Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.0
Memory
Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM or 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256)
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung DeX, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,000 mAh – 84 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold
Price: $ 799.99-to-$ 899.99
Model: Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 6.3-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16m colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~521 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.34 GHz Kryo & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo)
Operating System: Android 7.1.1
Memory
Internal: 64, 128, 256 GB options, 6GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP (26mm, f/1.7, PDAF & 52mm, f/2.4, AF) OIS, autofocus, 2x options zoom, LED flash.
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7, face detection
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung Desktop Experience, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging, s-Pen integration
Battery size-life: 3,500 mAh battery – 88 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Maple Gold, Orchid Grey, Deep Sea Blue
Price: $ 949.99-to-$ 1149.99
Google Pixel and Pixel XL 2
As a relatively brand-new face in the smartphone offering lineup, the Pixel line of phones has raised the bar. With an impressive list of specifications and features, the Pixel was powered by Snapdragon processors. The Pixel 2 leverages processors that are even stronger.
While the Pixel 2 has sacrificed the headphone jack, it has added front-loaded speakers as a trade-off. In addition, Google plans to offer support for Pixel 2 devices for 3 years. This means that the OS will be reliable for a long time, compared to other mobile devices.
Model: Google Pixel 2
Construction: Aluminum unibody with hybrid coating, Gorilla Glass 5
Screen Size: 5.0-inches
Display: AMOLED, 16m, 1,920 x 1.080 (~441 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz Kryo, 4 x 1.9 GHZ Kryo) – Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 8.0
Memory
Internal: 64 and 128 GB options, 4GB RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/2.4
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 2,700 mAh – 75 hours
Available Colors: Kinda Blue, Just Back, Clearly White
Price: $ 649.99-to-$ 749.99
Model: Google Pixel 2 Plus
Construction: Aluminum unibody with hybrid coating, Gorilla Glass 5
Screen Size: 6.0-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16m colors, 2,880 x 1,440 (~538 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core *4 x 2.35 GHz Kryo & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) – Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 8.0
Memory
Internal: 64GB and 128 GB options, 4GB RAM
Expandable: None
Cameras
Primary: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS, phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/2.4
Audio: Dual stereo speakers, no 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,520 mAh battery – 88 hours
Available Colors: Just Black, Black & White
Price: $ 849.99-to- $ 949.99
Of course, you could find that a phone produced by another brand might serve your needs just as well. Here are some of today’s best options:
Model: Motorola Z2 Force
Construction: front plastic w/ Moto Shattershield, back plastic
Screen Size: 5.5-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16M colors, 2,560 x 1,440 (~534 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 MHz Kyro & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) – Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.1
Memory
Internal: 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/2.0, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 5 MP, f/2.2, dual LED flash
Audio: One front-facing speaker, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Motorola Mods (insta-share projector, 360 camera, gamepad, JBL SoundBoost 2, turbopower pack, style shell w/ wireless charging, power pack, Hasselblad True Zoom, vehicle dock)
Battery size-life: 2,730 mAh battery – 69 hours
Available Colors: Super Black, Fine Gold, Lunar Grey
Price: $ 720.00
Model: LG V30
Construction: front/back glass, aluminum frame
Screen Size: 6.0-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16M colors, 2,880 x 1,440 (~537 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.45 GHz Kyro & 4 1.9 GHz Kyro) – Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.2
Memory
Internal: 64 or 128 GB options, 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microsSD (Up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 16 MP (f/1.6, OIS, 3-axis, laser & phase detection autofocus) _ 13 MP (g/1.9) LED flash
Front-Facing: 5 MP, f/2.2
Audio: Dual speaker stereo, 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, color spectrum
Features: Fast charging, wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,300 mAh – 87 hours
Available Colors: Aurora Black, Cloud Silver, Moroccan Blue, Lavender Violet
Price: $ 819.99-to-$ 929.99
Model: BlackBerry KEYone
Construction: Aluminum, Gorilla Glass 4, with soft-touch plastic, physical keyboard
Screen Size: 4.5-inch
Display: IPS LCD, 16m colors, 1,620 x 1,080 (~433 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625
CPU-GPU: Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Operating System: Android 7.1
Memory
Internal: 32 GB with 3 GB RAM or 64 GB with 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: 12 MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing:8 MP, f/2.2
Audio: Dual speaker stereo
Sensors: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Features: Full programmable keyboard, fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,505 mAh – 107 hours
Available Colors: Black & Silver, Black
Price: $ 499.99-to-$ 559.99
Model: Nokia 8
Construction: Glass Aluminum
Screen Size: 5.3-inch
Display: IPS LCD, 16m colors, 2,560 x 1,440 (~554 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.5 GHz Kyro & 4 x 1.8 GHz Kyro) – Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.1
Memory
Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM or 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)
Cameras
Primary: Dual 13 MP, f/2/0, laser and phase detection autofocus, Carl Zeiss optics, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 13 MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus
Audio: Two-speaker stereo, 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,090 mAh – 78 hours
Available Colors:Tempered Blue, Polished Blue, Steel, Polished Copper
Price: $ 479.99-to-$ 559.99
Is there a particular smartphone you’d be thrilled to unwrap this holiday? Let us know which one it is in the comments, and don’t forget to visit our blog for answers to all of your technology questions.