The advent of technology has given customers a plethora of options that a previous generation of consumers couldn’t even have dreamed of. It’s becoming trickier to predict what the latest trends and phases will be, and then provide the goods and services that customers want, all the while staying ahead of the competition. Here are some things that 2013 has in store for digital customers.

The Real Deal

Revolutionary as the digital age is, customers still want the real thing. Even as the Kindle, iPad and Nook broke sales records, booksellers and publishers realized that the allure of turning the pages of a book will never fade away. People love the convenience of having their world delivered to their fingertips (like what ReZoop does), but it will never take away the feel of picking up a book, or going to see a movie in a cinema instead of on a tablet screen.

Less is More

For a long time, business exploited the novelty of the Internet by throwing an endless stream of ads at users. The dynamic has shifted, the way MySpace’s cluttered interface spelled its doom, and Facebook’s clean(er) look led it to dominate social media. In 2013, digital age customers will not only appreciate, but use services that do not assault their senses with advertising. Instead of being carpet bombed, users want more precise and personalized choices.

Social Media Isn’t Going Away

There was probably a time when Facebook, Twitter and their social media counterparts were considered fads that wouldn’t last long. In 2013, no business is going to go very far if they don’t seek to exploit the amount of time people spend on those two networks. When everything in life boils down to a Facebook ‘Like’ or a tweet that can be seen by millions of (potential) customers in literally seconds, digital age customers want products, services and offers that speak right to their fingertips.

Human Interaction

Apps, ‘Likes’, Tweets and YouTube videos are great, but nothing beats the reassuring sound of a human voice on the other end of a phone call, answering your questions or getting you the help you need for a problem. With so much technology around, something is bound to go wrong, and customers of 2013 will want to know that the solutions are still just a phone call away.

Better Service

Similarly, with how eager businesses are to market to customers, people in the digital age expect better treatment. Wanting exemplary customer service is nothing new, but if organizations are willing to spend time and effort trying to sell a product, the expectation is that those organizations will also bend over backwards to ensure that customer complaints are addressed speedily, restitution (where applicable) is offered, and services remain uninterrupted. These days, the competition is just a click away.

Every business, no matter how large or small, is thinking about how to incorporate technology with their marketing plans. With technology ever changing, it’s hard to keep up with the newest advances. A big player in the future of technology is augmented reality. Augmented Reality offers immediate, interactive data– such as video, text, and search engines– that responds to the surrounding environment. Take any landscape, any building, any cityscape and augment it. Now computer graphics overlay the environment, adding information and enhancing the experience.

Augmented reality already has a lot of applications, and many more that are being developed or haven’t even been dreamed up yet. Because augmented reality devices are fast responding, features like instant translation and adding visuals to audio recordings are simple beginnings. Apply this to the professional world and professions from architects to surgeons are becoming more efficient with the help of augmented reality.

Visual Searches With Augmented Reality

One of the many potential uses of augmented reality is conducting visual searches. We’ve already seen visual searches with Google’s app Google Goggles released in 2009 for Android phones, and has since been added to iPhones. The app uses photo recognition to match a photo taken with the phone’s camera to an image in the database. Augmented reality and visual searches can expand from there, adding additional information about the subject of the photo on the phone’s screen.

Augmenting A Product Plan

So how can visual searches benefit a business? Although augmented reality is still being developed, the companies that integrate it into their marketing plans early will benefit most from its potential. Beginning with smartphones and tablets, like Google Goggles, and looking toward the future with augmented reality glasses, contact lenses, or even windshields becoming mainstream. The possibilities for advertisement and getting a message to a large audience are endless when information can be incorporated digitally on top of the world around us.

Knowing where to start with integrating new technology with a business can be a challenge at first. Luckily there are scientists, marketers, and software developers available at http://gravityjack.com who are leading businesses into the future by helping them master augmented reality technology. It’s an exciting time with such new technology since there’s no knowing where it will go. The ideas and creativity that is applied to augmented reality and visual searches now in these early stages will shape how the devices grow, what features are added, and what it will be able to accomplish.

Augmented reality devices can change commerce and advertising, entertainment, education, and business in more ways than any one person could imagine. The majority of people have a smartphone in their pocket at all times, and with apps like Google Goggles it gives them a better view of the world around them. As technology grows it will need creative minds to help lead it along to its full potential and help its users grow along with it.

Moving is an exciting time in your life because you’ll soon be in that perfect house. In order to ensure that the process runs smoothly though, avoid these common moving mistakes.

Not Labeling Items
When you get into the new house, you’ll want to know where everything is. Even though labeling requires a little bit more work now, it will be so worth it when you aren’t panicking later on.

Carelessly Packing Fragile Items
Once again, you might try to simplify things now by just throwing items into boxes. Sure, you might tell yourself that you’ll take extra caution with that box on moving day. However, when moving day comes, you might not even be the one to pick it up and put it in the car.

Underestimating Time
Do not assume that you’ll be all packed up and moved into the new place in a matter of a couple of hours. Dedicate a whole day to the actual moving process, and remember to add more time if you’re moving to another state or across the country. You’ll likely need to take the day before off to pack any last minute items, and taking the day after off is wise as you’ll be extremely tired.

Not Watching Kids and Pets
You must be so careful when children and pets are in the home! For little ones, consider hiring a babysitter or dropping them off at a relatives house for the day. When it comes to pets, it might be better to let them stay at a pet hotel for the evening. It would be horrific if one of them wandered out of the house during the move.

Unpacking Everything at Once
Trying to unpack all of your items the same day that you move is practically impossible. Instead of giving yourself all of this extra stress, just unpack what you need and leave the rest for the next few days.

Not Preparing for the First Night
No matter how well you pack, you’re still going to need clothing and food for the first night. Be sure to fill a suitcase with clothes for each member of the house, necessary feeding and walking supplies for the pets and some canned goods and pots with which to eat on that first night.

Not Hiring a Reputable Company
Remember, you are picking a company to handle some of your most prized possessions, so you want to ensure that the workers are trustworthy. Check out www.trailervalet.com to connect with some of the professionals.

You might think that you would never make some of these mistakes. Hopefully, you won’t, but the stress of the day could make you change. Be sure to keep all of these helpful hints in mind.

Survivor horror takes a new and unexpected turn in the new game from Sony Computer Entertainment and Naughty Dog, “The Last of Us”. After a major catastrophe shatters the world we know, only a few of us – as humans – remain.

The story follows Joel, a grizzled, ruthless survivor who will do what it takes to keep living another day, and Ellie, a wise-beyond-her-years teenager who may have a few secrets of her own. What kind of a world must they traverse, and why? What happened to the rest of humanity? Are they alive, still human, or something more? Find out in “The Last of Us” releasing May 7, 2013. Pre-order available here.

The world revolves around the Internet. People rely upon it to conduct business, communicate with friends and family, shop, and socialize. In order to perform these essential things online people need a fast, reliable Internet provider.

There are over 20 different major Internet service providers in the United States. While they all provide Internet connections to people, they don’t all provide fast, reliable Internet service. The following is a list of the five Internet services providers in the United States.

Comcast Cable Internet

Comcast is considered the largest Internet service provider to people in the United States. According to a recent press release from the corporate offices, Comcast provides Internet to over 17 million people.

While providing Internet to 17 million people might be impressive it is the speed of that Internet that makes Comcast a top Internet service provider. Comcast provides Internet speeds of up to 105 Mbps. In addition to these top speeds, Comcast provides several email accounts, Internet security software, and other features that attract customers to their services.

CenturyLink

CenturyLink is quickly becoming a contender in the Internet service provider world. They are providing Internet to over 6.4 million subscribers. These subscribers range from Internet San Francisco fanatics to people in Florida.

CenturyLink is a contender in the Internet world because it offers Internet service at speeds up to 40 Mbps. In addition to these fast speeds, CenturyLink provides affordable plans and numerous features.

Cox Cable Internet

Cox is a regional cable Internet provider that proves to be a national contender in the Internet world. This regional cable provider provides service to over 16 different states and 4 million customers.

This regional cable Internet provider is a staple in many households for a variety of reasons. Cox provides Internet at a variety of speeds, which makes it great for people who have flexible Internet needs. Speeds can range from 3 to 50 Mbps. Other great features of this provider include a fully paid security software package, multiple email addresses, and a customer service team that was voted one of the best in the nation.

Frontier

Many people struggle to get Internet out in rural areas, but Frontier steps up to the challenge. This ability to get Internet to people in remote areas is why it is one of the top Internet providers in the nation.

Frontier currently has approximately 3 million subscribers. These subscribers can receive Internet services at speeds up to 50 Mbps. In addition to the swift Internet in rural areas, Frontier provides customers with parental controls, security software, and the ability to choose between dial-up and DSL services.

Verizon

When it comes to DSL or dial-up Verizon is one of the largest Internet service providers in the nation. Verizon provides service to over 2 million customers in a number of northeastern states, in addition to Texas and California.

Verizon is known for using top of the line technology to provide customers with a variety of Internet speeds. Customers can receive Internet speeds between .5 and 1 Mbps, which is relatively fast in the DSL/dial-up arena.

Going on safari is on the to-do list of many adventure travelers. The special lure of the safari is often the opportunity for people to see animals that are unique to Africa that they have only seen in zoos. It is also an opportunity to learn about how Africa’s tribal people live.

There are many beautiful places to safari to in Africa, but one of the most popular is the Serengeti in Tanzania. This unique ecosystem in East Africa provides tourists a chance to see prides of lions in their natural habitat, one of the great majestic sights that few other experiences can match. Visitors will get to view the expansive golden savannas, misty volcanoes off in the distance, and the bustling wildebeest herds as well. It is a truly one-of-a-kind vacation.

Another place to safari is found in Namibia, in Southwest Africa. Visitors who travel to this semi-desert land can see the Skeleton Coast, which has a history of shipwrecks especially from the whaling era. There is also a nearby seal colony. Bush elephants and mountain zebras are inhabitants of the coastal Namib Desert, and may be viewed during this safari.

The country of South Africa, a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the ocean and first-world status, has captivating safaris as well, especially through vuyanilodge.com. Visitors may see leopards, elephants, rhinos, lions, and buffalos, all in the same place when they choose this spot on the globe. Guests who go on safari here often get to see Kruger Park, one of the world’s most extensive game reserves, or Moditlo Private Game Reserve.

One place that is not thought of as a safari destination is West Africa, even though this part of the continent has its own fascinating geography, history, and wildlife. In countries like Mali in West Africa, visitors can look forward to dune camping in the desert and sights such as the Bedouin tribes, salt caravans of traders and camels, and the ancient clay dwellings and mosques of Timbuktu. Cruises down one of Mali’s rivers will reveal an up-close look at hippos cooling off and enjoying the water, one of Africa’s most characteristic sights.

One of the richest lands for exotic wildlife actually lies right in the heart of the African continent, in the Central African Republic and surrounding areas. This tropical hinterland features lazy rivers, mountains, and rainforests, and also provides access to savannas and rolling hills in the northern part of the country. It is also teeming with wildlife that few people not from this part of the world have ever laid eyes on outside of captivity, including elands, bongos, baboons, and warthogs. Tourists can experience some of the most breathtaking sights in Africa watching these fascinating creatures and learning about their habitats.

Owning a home is expensive, and while renting offers the cheaper option for many people who aren’t yet ready to own, rent prices continue to rise. Tenants who are looking for an apartment, home or condo to rent and want to save money can use these tips to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to signing a lease.

1. Do the Research

Renters should know what other properties are going for. When a landlord tosses out a figure that’s hundreds of dollars more than the competition without comparable features, he hopes that renters won’t notice. However, when tenants can prove that prices are unfair, landlords are that much more likely to cave and offer a reasonable price.

2. Drive a Hard Bargain

The easiest way to save money when renting is to negotiate. Although some leasing agents and owners have prices set in stone, many do not. Prospective tenants who offer a price lower than they’re actually willing to pay can haggle until they get to a price that’s comfortable. Often, individual landlords enter the conversation with a similar goal in mind.

3. Shop in the Off-Season

In areas that experience winter, most people try to move in fall or spring. Searching for a new home at peak times means more competition, and landlords know this. Instead, tenants should look in winter if they live in areas that experience a full four seasons. Similarly, renters should avoid apartment hunting during times when seasonable tenants, such as migrant workers or students, are on the hunt.

4. Sign a Longer Lease

Landlords will often let tenants sign up for a monthly lease, but they’re increase the price of rent. Signing up for six month or one year at a time can decrease the cost of rent. That $10 every month is more than $100 per year.

5. Get a Roommate

Sharing expenses is on way to cut down on overspending. While more bedrooms equals higher rent, splitting it with a roommate or two means lower individual payments. Plus, sharing a house or Gainesville apartment equals sharing utilities.

6. Pay in Cash

Renters can often get a discount by paying upfront in cash. Landlords won’t have to worry about getting paid on the first of every month and will often be lenient because of this.

7. Perform Maintenance Around the House

Whenever a landlord has to take time off her schedule to come fix a leaky sink or call someone to tune up the air conditioning, she loses money. Tenants who take the initiative to perform these duties themselves, they can deduct the price of materials from rent. Landlords may also be more willing to negotiate with renters about price.

Working in many offices is about as sedentary as one can get; and not only is this lack of exercise a near guarantee of weight gain and muscle loss, it can create workplace injuries involving the neck, back, shoulders, and legs, robbing both employee and employer loss of income, as discussed by Harvard University. In order to maintain long term health, every office worker should make time to exercise. Here are seven exercises every office worker must do to remain healthy and happy (well, at least healthy).

1)     Lower Back Exercise

Place your hands palm down on your lower back, and your fingers pointed downward. While keeping your elbows pointed outward, push your chest out, feeling the stretch. Hold for 15 seconds, and then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times.

2)     Calf and Quadriceps Stretch

After checking to see if you can fully stretch your legs for this exercise, place both hands on the top of the thighs. Push your right leg out and lift from the hip flexor, with the toes pointed. Then flex the foot until it is at a right angle from the leg, feeling the stretch. Hold for 15 seconds, and then relax. Lower the leg and repeat with the left leg. Complete five reps for each leg.

3)     Shoulder Rolls

This exercise is great when you just need a quick break to let your eyes rest, or your shoulders start to sag. While sitting straight up, roll your shoulders slowly clockwise, counting to three for each rotation. Do ten reps clockwise, and then ten counterclockwise. It is a quick exercise, but will prevent shoulder injuries and improve posture.

4)     Abdominal Crunches

Yes, abdominal crunches AT WORK. Move to the edge of your seat, grasping the edge with both hands. Lean backward, keeping your shoulders, neck, and back in line. Lift up both legs, and bend at the knee. Keep your abdominal muscles tight, and do between ten and fifteen repetitions. Not only will this keep your tummy flat, it will build strong core muscles which are necessary to prevent injuries.

5)     Walk

Probably the easiest exercise out of the bunch, walking is one of the best ways to keep healthy, both physically and mentally. Taking a few moments to walk during a break can do wonders for the cardiovascular system, increase blood flow to the brain, and stretch those legs.

6)     Glute Kicks and Calf Raises

This is a great exercise to do while you are waiting for a fax to go through or making copies. Using a counter (or copier) for balance, stand on one leg, while bending the other. Try to kick your buttocks using the bent leg. Do ten reps with one leg, then the other.

7)     Chair Squats

Stand in front of your chair with your back straight. Pretend to sit down, but stop short about one inch from sitting. Hold for ten seconds, and then stand straight up. Repeat ten times.

The best thing about all of these exercises is that they only require time and attention; no equipment is needed. Of course, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, it might be best to consult a professional prior to beginning any exercise regimen. If you’re in the Seattle area, check out Graham Rehabilitation Center, they can make sure you are ready for physical exercise.

Thousands of people across the country are looking for jobs. Everything in today’s world is going digital, so it makes sense that a lot of those who are looking for work are turning to the internet in order to find employment. Even kids looking for part-time work on the weekends at places like Chipotle’s or other restaurants are encouraged to go to the corporate website to apply, and career-type jobs are going the same way. This means there are new rules for how to interact with employers over the web. The catchy term for proper online manners is “netiquette”, and there are some helpful tricks and tips that might just help impress an interview just enough to land the job.

Remember people

Even though the applications are usually done online, a real person is on the other end of cyberspace reading it. This means that adding personal touches or throwing in a few courteous words can go a long way for the person slugging through the many applications for the position. Also, even though the application is digital, make sure that there isn’t any “padding” on the resume. Don’t think that it is okay to fib on the application just because there isn’t another person face-to-face. And this isn’t just for those who would perhaps be inclined to misrepresent themselves online – general manners and courtesies are important to remember on digital applications and in emails.  There are always P’s and Q’s to mind, and the internet is no exception.

Logistics

Whether applying for a job, or for online schools for business at PETAP, remember to be courteous when it comes to repeating questions or requesting information that can easily be found from the main website. This will waste the reader’s time and it will appear that the applicant isn’t thorough.  On the note of thoroughness, make sure that the emails have proper spelling and grammar, and avoid acronyms. Incorrect spelling gives the appearance of laziness, especially with the advent of spellcheck in the body of emails. There is really no excuse for bad spelling, but grammar is a little more tricky. Making sure to double- and triple-check emails for grammatical mistakes gives the application a final polishing that might put it ahead of others in the running.  Also, make sure only to attach documents to the email if the description of the application specifically allows it – otherwise, applicants might go straight into junk mail folders and never be seen again.  Even if an attachment makes it past the filter, it will again make the applicant look unprepared and as though they didn’t read the instructions correctly, which isn’t likely to inspire confidence from a potential employer.  These simple suggestions might be the finishing touches to make an application really stand out, and lead to something more.

Smartphones or cell phones are items most of us possess and often list as one we could not live without. Our mobile devices have literally become attached to our hips and are what we use to stay connected to family and friends no matter the place or time. Although we have become addicted to these mobile gadgets, there has been some concern about the health risks they produce, which is why many of us use Bluetooth or hands-free accessories, but what if your phone was no longer a device at all, but instead, an extension of your body.