Tag Archives: APPS

The COVID-19 Vaccine PassPort Conversation

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Vaccination proof for travel outside the USA is not a new requirement. However, since there are people who object to vaccination requirements, I am curious enough to ask “what is the down-side?” On the other hand, what are your thoughts on having travelers arrive in the USA who have no “proof” of negative response to the COVID-19 infection with them? I wonder whether that works for us in the USA healthwise.
For your information, some businesses are already accepting the New York – Excelsior Pass, which is “digital” proof of vaccination and “virus-tested” passport. In fact, Madison Square Garden used it recently to allow admission. Is it disconcerting to you when businesses use this option as a way of assuring their clients/customers that some attempt at protecting them from COVID-19 infection has been made?

At this writing, New York is, to my knowledge, the first US State to have a “digital” version of vaccination proof, which can be accessed on a mobile device. The Excelsior Pass is valid for 180 days after the final dose of the vaccine. When it expires, a new Pass can be activated. The COVID-19 PCR Test pass is valid until midnight on the third day after a test. After it expires – it can still be seen on your device in a dimmed format.

I am pleased to report, that I was able to download the free Excelsior App to my iPhone. After scanning the QR (Quick Response) code that is assigned once a vaccine or test is given, I was able to retrieve my information onto my mobile phone. As a result, I have “digital” proof of my vaccine history and a recent COVID-19 PCR Test. I do not have to print out a copy of my credentials. All I have to do is provide a photo ID.

If you want to, you can also use Excelsior Pass at the website, and print a paper pass without using the mobile app. Read more about it at this link: NY State Excelsior Pass

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COVID-19 APPs to the Rescue

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Are you remembering the ‘good ole days’ when gathering together for an afternoon of fun was not a COVID-19 health issue? I think we all are nostalgic about those times. As a matter of fact, some of us are ‘sick and tired’ of following the ‘rules’.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted ‘normal’ everyday socializing. And we are all feeling the strain of not having time together.

FYI – The good news is that there are Apps, like UnityLink, which can be used to assist you in having a reasonably safe way of gathering with family and friends.
I am encouraged that in the days ahead, these types of tools will be used more frequently.

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Celebrating Black History Month & Tech

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Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

During Black History Month on Tech4Boomers I like to call attention to what is happening with African Americans in the field of Technology.

This month, I am eager to share news about Blacks In Technology (BIT), which was founded by Greg Greenlee.  Greenlee has over 17 years of experience in Information Technology. BIT  focuses on what they refer to as “Stomping the Divide“, providing resources, guidance and establishing standards, which are geared toward technical excellence for Black people in the technology industry. The organization was established in 2012.  In addition, BIT is expanding to include member organized chapters throughout the United States.  It is a formidable support organization available for your use.  If you would like to learn more about BIT and how your city can be involved click this link.
Blacks In Technology – Chapter Registration Form (google.com)
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Great Sustainability App & Website

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What resolutions have you made for this 2021 year? Maybe you are not sure where to start, or even if it’s realistic you can keep them?

I was having a conversation with myself about being more responsible for those who come after me on planet Earth, to do my part in taking some interest and responsibility in finding out solutions to assist those doing the hard work in addressing sustainability issues.

Just as I was thinking about sustainable issues that confront our entire planet, someone asked me what to do with used batteries. By the way, what do you do with yours? Do you feel guilty when you just put them in the garbage, or are you saving them until you figure it out?

Did you know that after batteries are collected, they are sorted first by type, and then by chemistry? It’s a complicated process, which I will not detail here. However, below are ways to get started with doing your part to help the planet with guidelines from Recycle Nation.

Source: The Importance of Battery Recycling For Our Future – RecycleNation

Recycle Nation

1– Place batteries in their original packaging for quick identification.
2– Tape the ends with clear packaging tape, place them in clear bags, and bring them to one of the recycling facilities found in their list
3– All batteries can be recycled. Where you go for the different types may differ. If possible, look for a drop-off center that takes them all and sorts them into types for you.

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Mobile APPs for Hearing Aid Help

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 I am so excited to share this information with you and hope that you will share it with people who may benefit from this type of assistance.

Every so often the Tech4Boomers blog undeniably points out the reason why we continue to provide “Boomers” with technology tips we think will help them and their families.

In this post we introduce the Mobile Apps for hearing assistance.  These Apps, are designed to support seniors and other groups who suffer from hearing loss.  Did you know that the National Institute of Aging (NIH) reports one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss? In addition,  research shows that hearing loss can also lead to dementia. Hearing issues can also affect our balance.

These ‘Tech Tools’ can assist people who require hearing help when using a smartphone. The mobile apps are available for Android and iPhones and they provide smartphone captioning.

https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/47850-The-best-phone-captioning-apps-for-the-hearing-impaired

https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52548-New-research-links-hearing-loss-to-an-increased-risk-of-falls

Read more about hearing loss on my Living Senior blog. https://livingsenior.me/2020/06/30/hearing-aids-do-you-need-them-how-do-you-know/

 

 

 

 

 

Road Trip – APPS Fun for the Kids

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It’s that time of year again when many families pile into the car with the kids for their yearly road trip.  It may be that some of the kids, coming from a ‘computer savvy’ generation, are not interested in remembering the license plate numbers/states while they are traveling.  So what are the parents/grandparents to do?  We are in luck.  There are a few APPs that may be of interest to the entire family.  Check out the Insect App available for free on iTunes.  Learn about how the game works at the link below.

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/apr/23/for-summer-road-trips-a-new-app-turns-insect-splat/

Then load the APP onto your iPhone at this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/that-gunk-on-your-car/id1352752191

Here are some more ideas for APPS that may entertain your kids while they are in the car at the link below.

https://www.geekswithjuniors.com/best-apps-for-traveling-with-kids

 

 

Safe travels!

New Android Apps

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I’m eager for Android users to read about these helpful apps, reviewed by the  Guiding Tech website.

♦  YouCamVideo –   If you want to explore making videos click the link below, and then use the YouTube link for a tutorial.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.perfectcorp.ycv&hl=en_US

View the tutorial about YouCamVideo at this link – https://youtu.be/14kNIqcj4hI

♦  Aroundsound Audio Recorder– Would you like to keep notes for your brilliant ideas without having to write them down? This is the app for you.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aroundsound.audiorecorder

♦  Easy Pedometer – Use this app to keep track of all that exercise you have been doing.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=step.tracker.pedometer.stepcounter&hl=en_US

There’s so much to explore.  Read more about other apps at the source link below.

https://www.guidingtech.com/best-new-android-apps-march-2019/

Transitioning Tech4Boomers

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Greetings to all of my Tech4Boomers followers.  For the past nine years, I have worked toward bringing you technology information that provides you with a better understanding of the equipment, information, and your continuing participation let’s me know that we have had at least some success with technology challenges we face and require skills to use.

This month  tech4boomers will transition the type of information that is posted on the blog.  More and more, the onslaught of information overload forces us to consider using technology to help us with our personal challenges.  In the future, I’ll look for ways to use technology that can give us the opportunity to explore ways, such as, to relieve stress, play games, get fit, and be mindful of the time we are spending on our gadgets.  Often, the recommendations will lead you to a link of apps that may help with various issues. I am continuing to work so that it will be useful for you.

 

Click the Link Below for the Best Anxiety Apps of 2018

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/top-iphone-android-apps

 

No such thing as FREE APPS

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Ok Folks, let’s review this again for ourselves:  We all know now that information is always being collected about us when we use apps on computers and phones, as well as, the free online services. For example, tax preparation software. This is not a secret. We are being watched, and information is collected about us if we are using internet connected audio speakers, thermostats etc.

  • The regulation of these services and how these services are using our personal digital information are not regulated as in the food industry.
  • An article I read suggests that we still should take extra steps to be careful with ‘obscure’ tech brands.  Don’t sign up for every app that is available, or take every quiz if you’re a Facebook user.
  • None of these APPs are free, and they often give you the details of what their collecting in their privacy policy.

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Virtual HELP Wanted?

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I don’t know about you, but the idea of an assistant to help me keep my projects on track or, moreover, get them done, seems rather attractive these days. Well, it turns out that those virtual assistants are out there, and they are available 24 hours a day!  Yep!

According to a recent article in the New York Times, these services are for people who want help managing their lives, but don’t need a full-time assistant.  Does this sound like you?  Well, read on to find out what’s out there. And whether you can fit this type of help into your budget.  The article suggests a price range of $81 for an app, to as low as  $20 an hour.  So, what do the various services do?

The first website I visited is Fin – https://www.fin.com/,
Some of the claims are as follows: email; text; schedule; research.  24 hour service, 7 days a week. They are more flexible, highly educated, and you only pay for what you use.  That’s pretty impressive.  According to the article I read about this service, the experience with the company was a little confusing: the charges they accrued; how those charges were accrued; and the service was not what was expected. Although they eventually worked it all out.  My suggestion is to be perfectly clear what services you are asking for, and make sure to use those services one request at a time, instead of mixing them.  Use this link to review how the pricing works – https://www.fin.com/pricing

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