Harmony Evans's Blog, page 742

ANKER Powerhouse 555 Portable Power Station with Solar Panel

In this Gear review, I will take a look at the ANKER Powerhouse 555 – 1024Wh 1000W Portable Power Station with Solar Panel (100W).

With the uncertainty around energy supplies, having a reliable quality product, to keep the power running is almost a necessity.

The ANKER Powerhouse 555 is a power unit to have a look at if you’re looking for an all-in-one backup power solution with solar power charging as an option.

What do you get in the Anker Powerhouse 555 box?

What You Get in the box:

– Anker Powerhouse 555 Portable Power Station unit (PowerHouse 1024Wh)
– UK power cord to charge the device (Charge once fully before using).
– 3 types of charging cables (AC, car, and solar charging cable and splitter solar panel cable to use two solar panels at once),
– User manual,
– Worry-free 5-year warranty, and friendly customer service.
– Solar panels will arrive in a separate box when ordered as a bundle.

One thing I’ll say upfront is about the cost, Currently at the time of writing the Anker Powerhouse 555 with the solar panel is RRP: £1,399.

However, sign up for the Anker newsletter and keep an eye open for deals, sales and discounts as they do pop up from time to time.

there is a reason for The high cost of this unit and one of those reasons is that it is a 1kwh power unit and they don’t come cheap. It’s a heavy-duty unit that can charge a lot.

Here are some examples of what you can do:

– iPhone 13 (12.4Wh) – 66 charges.
– Drone (40Wh) – 20 times.
– Laptop (58.2Wh) 14 times
– Fan (35W) 21 hours constantly on.
– Portable fridge (45W) 17.5 hours Constantly on.

Just to give you an idea of what the Anker Powerhouse 555 can charge and do.

That means it has a capacity of 1KW for an hour and will cost 1KW/H to charge currently anywhere from 70p – £1.20 in the UK.

You can buy smaller capacity units and likely cheaper ones too, however, this level of quality and reliability comes at a price.

Which in my opinion is well worth it.

The unit is a very impressive beast. 1kw/h means you can run virtually any appliance.

Ahead of time, you should plan to make the most out of the capacity, which must be a balance between time (how long you’ll need power), power the consumption of the devices you want to operate and the consumption level of the devices.

For instance running a laptop, router and charging mobile phones, all at the same time to keep you working remotely during a power outage.

Some impressive key features of the Anker Powerhouse 555

The key features that I like most about the Anker Powerhouse 555:

– Convenient LED light. The built-in LED light illuminates the darkness and comes in handy during emergencies when you need it. Perfect for outdoor use and great for peace of mind.
– Informative display. The smart display shows the battery capacity and current output and input so you can monitor and control the use of your unit easily and with ease.
– Power saving mode – switch to power saving mode easily with a slide of a button and converse power when it isn’t needed minimising battery damage.
– Recharge and Go. Recharge 2 hours faster with the highspeed USB-C port and inbox adapter. recharge Anker Powerhouse 555 in 4.1 hours.
– Solar recharging. Fast recharge with the Anker solar panels in 5.5 hours with 200W solar input.

Inputs and outputs on the Anker Powerhouse 555?

Power Input is done by charging with the included UK power adaptor.

You also have the option to input power via one of the 100W USB-C ports for fast charging.

Power output options:
– Two UK plug ports.
– One car socket port.
– Two +IQ USB Ports.
– Three USB-C ports, two 60W outputs and one 100W input/output.

Loads of different ports and charing options to choose from as well as the use of the built-in LED light.

Once you’ve made your energy consumption budget as part of your emergency plan at home, you can lose the anxiety of losing mains power and sitting in the dark.

The device needs to be charged up as what you have is essentially a high-capacity battery, with a built-in charge/capacity meter and a set of different output sockets. 5V USB will last a lot longer than 240v running a 700w kettle for instance or an 800-watt rice cooker.

You can charge the device according to your environment.

If you’re at home, simply plug it into the mains, and in an hour or so it will be charged. If you’re driving, charge from your vehicle battery.

If you’re in the wild or static, use a Solar panel, to keep the unit “Float charged”, which is always topped up.

There’s little point in having a unit if it’s not kept charged and ready.

This unit is so versatile, it’s a buy one, use many pieces of kit that will last for years if it’s kept charged and treated well.

It’s a high-quality product and comes with all of the required adapters and cables.

You do need to occasionally “Cycle” that is “use” the power in the unit and recharge it. That keeps the battery healthy.

To get the real value out of the unit, you need to make use of it in many ways, then the initial cost outlay is spread out and the value outways the cost.

Think of the unit as the thing to take out with you on trips, use at home, in the garden, on days out, holidays camping and for general emergency use as part of your kit.

Use At home during a power cut or outage

I’d concentrate on having enough charge to keep your mobile phone, laptop, tablet and similar devices charged.

You can run lights off it, and USB lights draw little power and give off good light.

Modern TVs draw little current, if you have a set-top box, you’ll need to power that too.

A microwave uses less power than a hob, the unit can power a microwave, with a 1kwh capacity.

A microwave to heat water will use less power than a kettle, now that’s a top tip.

The main thing is to plan for the unexpected.

You do not want to be fumbling in the dark to find your power bank.

The perfect cooking device is a rice cooker, this means you can still cook hot food alongside the microwave. I have a 700W caravan kettle, that works fine.

Use whilst out for the day on holiday with the car or caravan

The perfect companion device keeps the children occupied with their tablets powered and charged.

Power your cool box, and keep your phones charged.

Power your cool box and the electric pump for the air beds, you could even take the microwave with you.

Really hot day, power an electric fan, and keep cool!

The beauty of this unit is its portability, you can have all of the benefits of a camper van electrical system, without the cost and issues of a permanent installation.

You can of course use your laptop and work from the car or caravan whilst on holiday.

Why not, remote working is the way to go.

Useful for camping and enjoying the great outdoors

The power bank will keep your mobile phone charged and give you the versatility to take an essential domestic appliance with you such as a rice cooker, kettle, small microwave or toaster!

The secret is to look at the power consumption says 500-800 watts, I love my rice cooker, it’s so versatile for cooking outdoors and camping foot.

The built-in capacity meter will show you the remaining charge.

Using the optional high-quality solar panel, you can recharge the unit when not in use on a sunny day.

At night, you can power your built-in LED light which is useful to allow a lighting feature to be added within your tent.

In the winter, you could even power your electric blanket, to keep warm! Now that’s a smart idea.

Also remember, cooking with electricity, no naked flames or safety issues inside your tent or vehicle! A modern and practical solution to enjoying the great outdoors.

Use In the Garden and outside and become mobile

The power bank is perfect to power various low-wattage electric tools, saving you from having to buy battery-powered items, and use your mains-driven ones when you are away from mains power.

Think of the unit as a replacement for a petrol generator in remote locations.

Especially with the added benefit of the additional solar panels you can arrange remote charging with direct sunlight becoming totally off-grid.

Thank you for reading my review of the ANKER Powerhouse 555

Thank you for passing by my blog and reading my gear review of the ANKER Powerhouse 555.

I hope you’ve found all the information above useful towards helping with your purchasing decision.

All the best and enjoy using your new Anker powerhouse Portable Power Station with Solar Panel.

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Pete Buttigieg Epically Takes Down Ron DeSantis

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg took apart Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for bragging about taking away LGBTQ+ rights.

Video:

Sec. Buttigieg said on CNN’s State Of The Union:

I’m going to choose my words carefully, partly because I’m appearing as secretary, so I can’t talk about campaigns, and I’m going to leave aside the strangeness of trying to prove your manhood by putting up a video that splices images of you in between oiled up shirtless bodybuilders, and just get to the bigger issue that is on my mind whenever I see this stuff in the policy space, which is, again, who are you trying to help? Who are you trying to make better off? And what public policy problems do you get up in the morning thinking about how to solve?

You know, what we’re focused as an administration on how to get things done to make people better off. I spent my week traveling around the country to places that are benefiting from infrastructure funding. We were in Appalachia, an eastern Kentucky community that’s been wiped out by floods completely and we’re bringing them highway funding that’s going to help them not only improve the road, but improve the dam and protect them from floods in the future. A few weeks ago, we were in North Dakota where there was a railroad crossing that was a community headache for decades. And thanks to President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure funds, we finally have the resources to do something about it, and we’re going to make that better and have it not be a problem holding back first responders.

These are the kinds of problems that most of us got into government, politics, and public service in order to work on. And I just don’t understand the mentality of somebody who gets up in the morning, thinking that he’s going to prove his worth by competing over who can make life hardest for a hard-hit community, that is already so vulnerable in America.

Buttigieg had to be careful with his remarks because the Hatch Act prohibits government officials from using the official position to engage in election activities, but he made his point clear.

Republicans like Ron DeSantis are running on making life harder for people who already have it difficult in the United States. The Republicans aren’t running on making people’s lives better. The GOP is trying to divide America down to the nub so that they can win elections with far-right extremism.

It is almost too easy to take down DeSantis and his failing culture war campaign of failure, but the question that voters need to ask themselves is what kind of government do they want.

Do they want a government that helps people, or hurts them?

The answer to that question will go a long way toward determining who wins in 2024.

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association

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8 Tips to Market Luxury Products

Marketing luxury goods is an art form that requires a special set of skills and techniques. It’s about creating an exclusive, aspirational experience to capture the attention of high-end consumers who are looking for something more than just the ordinary.

Unlike traditional marketing, which focuses on features and benefits, luxury marketing relies heavily on storytelling and emotional connections.

By understanding how to market luxury goods effectively, brands can create an unforgettable customer experience that will lead to lasting loyalty and brand recognition.

From crafting captivating visuals to engaging in influencer collaborations, companies can promote their luxurious products with finesse in many ways.

In this guide, we’ll cover some practical strategies for marketing luxury goods so you can maximize your success in this competitive space.

1. Have a clear customer persona

The first step in any successful marketing campaign is to know your target audience.

To effectively promote luxury goods, you need to have a clear picture of who your customers are so that you can tailor your message and reach them with the right methods.

And to do this you need to do extensive market research.

This involves researching your existing customers, as well as potential new ones, to develop a detailed customer persona that outlines their interests, preferences, and values.

I recommend working with a research agency or building lead-generation roles in your business to find and target

By understanding who you’re targeting, you can craft messages that resonate with them and tailor your marketing campaigns accordingly.

2. Develop a brand story

In order to capture the attention of luxury consumers, you need to have a compelling story that sets your brand apart.

Because when high-ticket customers are considering an investment, they want to be sure that their money is going towards something special.

Creating a strong story reflective of your values as well as what makes your product luxurious.

A good story can include the origin of your brand, the design process behind your products, and why they are worth investing in.

By telling a story that resonates with luxury shoppers, you can create an emotional connection that will be hard to forget.

3. Use High-Quality Visuals and Packaging

While luxury is something that you have to experience, visuals and packaging are necessary to create an initial impression.

Having high-quality visuals that showcase your product in creative ways is essential for any luxury marketing strategy.

Videos, images, and animations should all be used to tell a story and evoke the feeling of exclusivity associated with luxury goods.

Additionally, packaging is key when marketing high-end products.

It should be carefully designed to reflect the brand’s values and create an elevated experience for shoppers.

From custom boxes to luxurious gift wrap, think about how you can go above and beyond to make your products stand out. It’s worth hiring a professional and reputed graphic designer to make you look more professional.

4. Showcase your product features in elevated terms

When describing and promoting your product features, look for ways to elevate them so they appear more luxurious.

Rather than simply listing out the specs, find creative ways to explain the features in a way that is aspirational.

For example, check out the image above showcasing how Creme de la Mer highlights its products features and ingredients.

The company uses words like ‘miracle’ and ‘exclusive’ and ‘unique’ to drive home the point that their products are something special.

By putting a more luxurious spin on your product features, you can create an overall sense of exclusivity that will help you stand out from competitors.

5. Focus on delivering experiences

When it comes to luxury, the customer experience really matters.

From how they are served in your store or website to how they receive their product, luxury shoppers are looking for experiences that reflect the quality of your products.

For example, if you’re selling jewelry, consider offering a custom engraving service with the purchase.

Or, if you’re selling luxury skincare, treat customers to complimentary samples and personalized skin consultations.

Another way to create a luxury experience is to host events that allow customers the opportunity to interact with your brand. For example, you could host a networking event or a pop-up shop where people can learn more about your product.

These are the types of experiences that luxury shoppers expect and you should strive to deliver them.

6. Use Luxury Terms in Your Copy

When you’re writing copy for your luxury products, use words and phrases that evoke a sense of exclusivity and elevation.

For example, consider these descriptive words:

LuxuriousExquisiteElegantPremiumExclusiveRefinedSumptuousOpulent

Using these types of words can help capture luxury shoppers’ attention and clarify why your product is worth investing in.

These words can also create an overall sense of luxury permeating any marketing material or product description.

7. Partner with influencers and experts

While traditional marketing techniques still have their place, luxury brands need to think beyond

Influencer collaborations are among the best ways to get your product in front of luxury consumers.

For marketing luxury goods, however, you need to work with influencers and experts who truly understand the luxury market. And not only that, they have to have a profile, aesthetic, and personal brand that reflects a ‘luxe’ status.

Meaning that your influencer marketing strategy becomes more expensive out of necessity.

You have to collaborate to create high-quality content and promote a lifestyle rather than a run-of-the-mill product.

Look for people who reflect your brand values and have a large, engaged following on social media or other platforms.

These strategic partnerships can be especially effective when it comes to boosting brand awareness among affluent shoppers.

Additionally, influencer collaborations can help you reach new audiences and strengthen relationships with your existing customers.

By investing in strategic influencer partnerships and creating experiences, you can successfully promote luxury goods to a wider audience.

8. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is an integral component of marketing luxury goods, that no successful business can afford to overlook.

As customers demand higher levels of personalization, marketers of luxury goods need to ensure their customer service offerings reflect the same level of sophistication and attention to detail as the products themselves.

Having the right tools in place, such as comprehensive customer relationship management systems (CRM), will enable quality sales and client support teams to properly manage all operational processes.

As a result, they can provide a high level of personalized customer service.

Consequently, luxury goods businesses can be assured that they are receiving the maximum return on their investment when providing quality customer service experiences.

Final Thoughts

Using the abovementioned strategies, you can create an effective luxury marketing strategy that resonates with high-end shoppers and stands out from the competition.

Focus on creating experiences, investing in influencer partnerships, and providing exceptional customer service to ensure your luxury products are seen and purchased by the right audience.

By doing so, you will be able to successfully promote your luxury goods and experience long-term success in the luxury market.

Remember, while luxury shoppers may have different expectations than other consumers, they are still looking for a good overall experience.

By accommodating their needs and surpassing their expectations with your luxury product or service, you can ensure that you stand out from the competition.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Karolina Grabowska; Pexels; Thank you!

Syed Balkhi

Syed Balkhi is the founder of WPBeginner, the largest free WordPress resource site. With over 10 years of experience, he’s the leading WordPress expert in the industry.

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I switched from an iPhone 14 to the Pixel – and I won’t be going back

OPINION: From my iPhone 14 to my iPad 10, I’ve been making good use of Apple’s products for years now and when I usually have to stray away from them for the purpose of a review, I find myself eagerly awaiting their return… until now that is.

In order to put the TicWatch Pro 5 to the test, I needed to jump over to an Android phone as anything running Wear OS 3 doesn’t work with iPhone. I knew that Pixel phones were among the easiest Android handsets for iOS users to get to grips with, so I made the jump to the Pixel 7 which was going unused in the TR offices.

As with any jump to a new phone, there was a bit of trial and error as I tried to sign into all of my major apps and accounts on the Pixel, but after that was over and done with, I found myself surprised by the fact that I didn’t immediately want to move back to my iPhone. In fact, as time’s gone on, I’ve only ended up discovering a ton of features that I wished were available on iOS.

Let’s start with the camera and Google Photos – not only does the Pixel 7 take some of the best shots I’ve ever seen from a smartphone, but the brilliance of features like Magic Eraser and Unblur have now become part of my go-to process before uploading pictures to social media (and yes I know that Google One subscribers can access these features on any phone, but they’re all available from the jump on the Pixel 7).

An incredibly cheap contract for the Google Pixel 7

Make sure to scroll down to find the 100GB contract, which we think is the very best pound-for-pound. And don’t forget, iD Mobile is offering a £50 Currys gift card raising an already great deal into the exceptional.

iD MobileNo upfront cost£25.99

View Deal

There’s also Screen Call, which is one of those features that’s so ingenious, I don’t understand why Google doesn’t make more of a song and dance about it. The feature uses Google Assistant as a buffer between yourself and any incoming calls, letting you see in text format what the caller is saying before deciding what to do with the call. As someone who, unfortunately, receives a lot of scam calls – this has been incredibly helpful in separating important calls from unwanted ones.

As any journalist can attest, having to record and then dictate audio files is a bugbear of the job but the Pixel simplifies this process as well with real-time dictation that can also recognise when different people are talking so that the end result isn’t just one block of text.

I also use my phone mostly for listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks, and the Pixel offers another helpful feature there too by letting you quickly dive back into whatever it is you’re listening to across multiple apps when you swipe down to pull up the dashboard. It’s small features like these that have made all the difference.

I can appreciate that Apple likes to take time before implementing major features but after a decent bit of time with the Pixel 7, it feels like iOS is just lagging behind on one too many things and until the gap is closed, I’ll be sticking with the Pixel 7 as my main handset.

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What carriers run on the T-Mobile network?

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

T-Mobile is known for having the cheapest plans out of all three of the major postpaid carriers by a fairly wide margin. Unfortunately, the Uncarrier’s prices have crept closer to its competition recently. While T-Mobile still offers competitive pricing, the cheapest way to enjoy T-Mobile is to use a T-Mobile MVNO.

In this guide, we explain what a T-Mobile MVNO is, why you might want to consider one, and finally, we take a brief look at the best carriers on T-Mobile’s network.

What is a T-Mobile MVNO?

T-Mobile not only provides its own plans and services, but it also sells its network capacity in bulk to other businesses. These businesses can then do whatever they wish with this capacity, including creating their own mobile virtual network operator (or MVNO). That’s just a fancy way of saying it’s a carrier that piggybacks off another network.

These carriers typically use the prepaid model for payments, meaning you pay for services ahead of each month instead of receiving a bill for charges at the end of a billing period.

A T-Mobile MNVO might use T-Mobile’s network, but it is still completely responsible for its own marketing, customer service, promotions, phone selection, activations, and more. You can learn more in our guide to MVNOs.

The pros and cons of using a T-Mobile MVNO

So why use a T-Mobile MNVO instead of getting service directly from a carrier? There are several pros and cons. Let’s start with the pros:

You can save a lot of money! Prepaid carriers tend to charge significantly less for service.You can easily switch networks if you find a better deal, as there are no contracts or commitments typically.You don’t need good credit to qualify for a plan, though you’ll have to pass a credit check if you want to add a device payment plan (for those MNVOs that offer it).

Of course, there are also some notable cons:

There are fewer extras. T-Mobile offers several streaming perks and other incentives with its plans. Most MVNOs won’t be able to say the same. You’re getting fewer extras, but again that’s part of why you are saving money!Throttling and deprioritization could be an issue for some prepaid carriers. While the T-Mobile Essentials plan actually has less priority than some MVNOs, the majority of T-Mobile’s plans have top priority.Customer service is typically weaker than what you’ll get from T-Mobile. Brick-and-mortar stores are a rarity, if available at all, and some carriers only do customer service via the web.Phone options often are weaker on prepaid carriers, though this isn’t the case for all of them.You’ll get better roaming arrangements from T-Mobile directly. Many prepaid options will either have no roaming or very limited options.

Now that you know the pros and cons, let’s take a look at some of the best T-Mobile MNVOs at a glance.

Consider Metro by T-Mobile

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Metro by T-Mobile isn’t actually an MVNO, as it is owned directly by T-Mobile itself. There are many reasons to consider Metro, including decent pricing and a few potential perks like international texting. Although the carrier offers limited or no data “Heritage” plans, in most cases, we recommend going with an unlimited plan. 

Here are more details on what you get with Metro’s unlimited options: 

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $40Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $50Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $60

Cost

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $40

$40 for one line
$80 for two lines
$90 for three lines
$100 for four lines
$125 for five lines

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $50

$50 for one line
$80 for two lines
$110 for three lines
$140 for four lines
$170 for five lines

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $60

$60 for one line
$90 for two lines
$120 for three lines
$150 for four lines
$180 for five lines

Unlimited talk and text

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $40

Yes

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $50

Yes

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $60

Yes

Data

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $40

Unlimited LTE/5G
May see congestion after 35GB

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $50

Unlimited LTE/5G
May see congestion after 35GB

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $60

Unlimited LTE/5G
May see congestion after 35GB

International

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $40

Not included

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $50

Not inlcuded

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $60

Unlimited texting to 210+
countries and destinations

Extras

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $40

T-Mobile Tuesdays
ScamShield
1 year access to VIX Premium

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $50

T-Mobile Tuesdays
ScamShield
1 year access to VIX Premium
100 GB Google One
8GB hotspot access

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $60

T-Mobile Tuesdays
ScamShield
1 year access to VIX Premium
100 GB Google One
25GB hotspot access

Need more reasons to consider Metro?

Metro has brick-and-mortar locations across the country. There are only a few prepaid carriers out there, like Cricket, that can match this. Above-average customer support. Not just because of brick-and-mortar access. Metro is also known for its great online and phone-based customer service.You get T-Mobile extras like T-Mobile Tuesday discounts and other benefits that are typically reserved for postpaid carriers.All the prices include taxes and other fees, so there is nothing hidden to worry about.

 

The best T-Mobile MVNOs at a glance

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

There are a lot of T-Mobile MVNOs, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. Here are some of our favorites:

Google Fi WirelessFlexibleSimply UnlimitedUnlimited Plus

Cost

Flexible

$20/mo + $10/GB per month for 1 line
$35/mo + $10/GB per month for 2 lines
$50/mo + $10/GB per month for 3 lines
$65/mo + $10/GB per month for 4 lines
$80/mo + $10/GB per month for 5 lines
$95/mo + $10/GB per month for 6 lines

Simply Unlimited

$50 per month for 1 line
$80 per month for 2 lines ($40 per line)
$80 per month for 3 lines (previously $25 per line, now $26.67 per line)
$80 per month for 4 lines ($20 per line)
$100 per month for 5 lines ($20 per line)
$120 per month for 6 lines ($20 per line)

Unlimited Plus

$65 per month for 1 line
$110 a month for 2 lines ($55 per line)
$135 per month for 3 lines ($45 per line)
$160 per month for 4 lines ($40 per line)
$200 per month for 5 lines ($40 per line)
$240 per month for 6 lines ($40 per line)

Talk & Text

Flexible

Unlimited

Simply Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited Plus

Unlimited

Data

Flexible

$10 per GB used until you reach limit

Simply Unlimited

Up to 35GB of free, unmetered data

Unlimited Plus

Up to 50GB of free, unmetered data

Hotspot

Flexible

Full-speed at $10 per GB rate

Simply Unlimited

5GB of Wi-Fi hotspot tethering per person

Unlimited Plus

Full-speed included

International

Flexible

Free calls from US to Canada and Mexico.
On an iPhone, when you travel outside of the US, tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot options are not available.

Simply Unlimited

Free calls from US to Canada and Mexico
No international calls, texts, and data outside the US, Canada, and Mexico

Unlimited Plus

Free calls from US to over 50 countries.
Unlimited data and texts in over 200 countries or regions.

Extras

Flexible

Data free after per-month limit

Simply Unlimited

None

Unlimited Plus100GB of Google One storage for each group plan member.

One year of YouTube Premium per user at no additional cost.

Google Fi Wireless offers both limited and unlimited data plans. For most users, we recommend Simply Unlimited. At $20 per line for four lines, you’ll get unlimited talk, text, data, and 5GB of mobile hotspot service per device. There’s also free roaming in Canada and Mexico. 

 

 

Mint MobilePlanCostTalk & TextDataExtrasPlan

Mint 5GB

Cost

$75 for three months
$120 for six months
$180 for 12 months

Talk & Text

Unlimited

Data

5GB LTE/5G access

Extras

Hotspot up to data limit

Plan

Mint 15GB

Cost

$105 for three months
$150 for six months
$240 for 12 months

Talk & Text

Unlimited

Data

15GB LTE/5G access

Extras

Hotspot up to data limit

Plan

Mint 20GB

Cost

$135 for three months
$210 for six months
$300 for 12 months

Talk & Text

Unlimited

Data

20GB LTE/5G access

Extras

Hotspot up to data limit

Plan

Mint Unlimited

Cost

$120 for three months
$210 for six months
$360 for 12 months

Talk & Text

Unlimited

Data

40GB premium data
Unlimited 4G/5G

Extras

10GB hotspot access

Mint Mobile has cheap pricing, though the catch is you have to pay far in advance to get the best pricing. For example, you’ll pay $360 a year for unlimited data, which works out to just $30 a month. This is one of the cheapest unlimited plans on T-Mobile’s network and actually enjoys pretty decent prioritization. All of Mint’s plans aren’t bad, as long as you’re willing to pay for a year all at once.  

Ultra MobileLimited dataUnlimited data

Cost

Limited data

$15-$39 per month (1 month)
$13-$27 per month (3 months)
$11-$35 per month (6 months)
$10-$30 per month (12 months)

Unlimited data

$49 per month (1 month)
$34.50 per month (3 months)
$45 per month (6 months)
$40 per month (12 months)

Talk & Text

Limited data

Unlimited

Unlimited data

Unlimited

Data

Limited data

250MB up to 15GB

Unlimited data

40GB

Hotspot

Limited data

Hotspot available up to data cap

Unlimited data

Hotspot available as part of the monthly limit

International Service

Limited data

Unlimited talk to 80 destinations
Monthly international long distance credit
One-time $5 international credit

Unlimited data

Unlimited talk to 80 destinations
Monthly international long distance credit
One-time $5 or $10 international credit

Ultra Mobile offers monthly plans as well as steeper discounts for those who want to pay 3, 6, or 12 months ahead. Yearly limited data plans will run you as little as $10-30 per month if you pay for a year in advance. Unlimited plans aren’t quite as impressive, at the equivalent of $40 per month if you pay for the year all at once. We’d recommend Ultra Mobile primarily for those interested in limited data. 

 

Boost Mobile1GB Yearly Plan5GB PlanUnlimitedUnlimited Plus

Cost

1GB Yearly Plan

$100/yearly ($8.33/monthly)

5GB Plan

$15 per month

Unlimited

$25 a month

Unlimited Plus

$60 a month

Talk and Text

1GB Yearly Plan

Unlimited

5GB Plan

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited Plus

Unlimited

Data

1GB Yearly Plan

1GB per month

5GB Plan

5GB 4G LTE

Unlimited

Unlimited

Unlimited Plus

Unlimited

Hotspot

1GB Yearly Plan

Included up to data cap

5GB Plan

Included up to data cap

Unlimited

None

Unlimited Plus

30GB included

International

1GB Yearly PlanTodo Mexico Plus available for $5 per month5GB Plan

Todo Mexico Plus available for $5 per month

Unlimited

Todo Mexico Plus available for $5 per month
International

Unlimited Plus

Todo Mexico included

Special terms

1GB Yearly Plan

New customers only

5GB Plan

Available to new customers only

Unlimited

$15 add-on gets you 12GB hotspot data

Unlimited Plus

None

Boost Mobile offers a range of plans, including a yearly plan for $100 (equal to $8.33 a month) that gives you just 1GB of data each month. The Unlimited Plan is probably the best value at just $25 a month, though be aware it has somewhat aggressive deprioritization during peak times or in majorly congested areas.  

 

 

Looking for more options? Be sure to check out our guide to the best prepaid carriers. You can also check out our guides for Verizon and AT&T if you want to consider another network. 

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Top Quiet Luxury Handbags – Where Did U Get That

We have talked about it before but allow me to discuss the topic a little further: this time – quiet luxury handbags. The art of making investment clothes, but applied to handbags instead: understated and timeless elegance, simple yet luxurious, impeccable detailing, neutral color palette, quality, and craftsmanship. These are the main attributes. 

If you’ve been looking for an elegant grab-and-go bag (the kind that does it all) to add to your collection, look no further because I have done the research for you. Scroll down for the ultimate quiet luxury handbags edit. 

When in doubt, choose a classic

Quiet luxury handbags feature classic silhouettes, and most importantly, luxe designs that are free of any prominent logos. However, for the fashion set “in the know,” these bags have recognizable elements such as brand-defining details, signature clasps, and unique silhouettes that serve as subtle hints to the brand. These investment pieces will make sure to elevate your wardrobe for years to come!

Turn on your JavaScript to view contentQuiet Doesn’t Mean Boring

Look for interesting shapes and details. Will you love said bag in years to come? Upon first glance, do you want to hold onto and cherish it, then pass it on? The right bag goes beyond trends and becomes a versatile staple in your wardrobe (hello Bottega Veneta) that you can mix-and-match with almost everything. 

Turn on your JavaScript to view contentDo you have a favorite? Drop it in the comments and follow me on TikTok for daily style tips!
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How Sulfur Can Help Heatproof Your Skin, From A Dermatologist

When your skin is exposed to high temperatures, your chances of sporting an oily complexion, triggering breakouts, and constant flushing go way up. 

The secret: Find a product with sulfur in it. Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, M.D., FAAD (aka the “Pillowtalk Derm“), recently reviewed the benefits of this buzzy ingredient in a TikTok video—according to Idriss, the single ingredient can help protect your skin from those negative impacts that come with heat exposure.

“Sulfur acne treatments are the treatments you didn’t know you needed, especially if you have oily skin,” she says. But there’s more to those benefits than meets the eye, even for non-breakout-prone skin types: 

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Three reasons to choose Madagascar as your next holiday destination

Looking for a unique travel experience? Consider Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world.

With its eclectic mix of cultures, stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, this Indian Ocean destination is sure to provide an unforgettable holiday.

Well-publicised conservation efforts and wildlife documentaries receiving worldwide exposure have shone a light on this beautiful destination, which inevitably tops the bucket lists of nature-loving travellers the world over.

But in case you needed any further convincing, here are three reasons why you should choose Madagascar for your next vacation.

Natural wonders await in Madagascar

Madagascar offers many stunning natural attractions, from lush rainforests and towering mountains to deep caves and UNESCO sites aplenty.

The island is home to some of the world’s most diverse plant and animal species, with many being endemic to the region.

You can expect to come across hundreds of bird species as well as lemurs, chameleons and other exotic creatures.

Madagascar’s unique animal kingdom doesn’t limit itself to dry land, either.

The island’s surrounding seas are teeming with subaquatic life, which can be explored in any number of ways.

From humpback whales to green sea turtles, some of the planet’s most fascinating marine life gather in the warm and tranquil waters here.

The whales in particular are rarely camera shy, and will often give visitors a warm welcome with their magnificent breaching.

Visitors can explore the country’s protected areas such as the Kirindy Forest or Ankarana National Park or take a guided tour through one of the many nature reserves.

And don’t forget about the famous baobab trees, which can grow up to 30 metres in height and live for thousands of years.

The trees are emblematic of Madagascar’s sheer scale and beauty, and they play an important role in local culture and tradition.

These ancient wonders are found only in Madagascar, so be sure to take plenty of pictures to add to your travel collection.

The beaches along Madagascar’s coastline


Measuring around 3,000 miles in length, Madagascar’s coastline is the longest of any African nation.

It’ll come as no surprise that a large portion of this immense coastline is made up of gorgeous beaches which come in all different shapes and sizes.

These sandy slices of heaven can be found both on the mainland and its equally beautiful surrounding islands, so if it’s purely a beach holiday you’re looking for, consider casting your net slightly wider beyond the mainland.

Widely considered to be the jewel in the crown of Malagasy beach destinations is Nosy Be.

A small resort island situated off the northwest coast of the mainland, Nosy Be epitomises the jaw-dropping natural beauty for which this corner of the world is best known.

When it comes to world-class beaches, this island has them in abundance, and there are few more special than Andilana.

Often considered the showpiece of Nosy Be’s coastal catalogue, Andilana provides all the ingredients necessary for a dream day at the beach, in a picture-perfect setting.

Despite being one of the island’s most popular spots with tourists, Andilana retains an air of tranquillity.

After familiarising yourself with the fluffy white sands, strap on your snorkel and mask and head out into the welcoming waves of the Indian Ocean; keeping a lookout for the sea turtles that are often spotted around these shores.

Whether it’s soaking up the sun or exploring diverse landscapes before retiring to nearby beach resorts, mainland Madagascar and its surrounding islands have it all for beachgoers searching for adventure.

Cultural experiences across Madagascar

Madagascar is home to a multi-ethnic population, with as many as 18 distinct subcultures each of which have their own traditions and way of life.

Visitors can explore traditional villages, attend cultural festivals or visit one of the island’s many museums to learn more about its rich history.

You can even take part in activities like fishing trips with local fishermen or hikes through the rainforest with a knowledgeable guide this can be a great way to gain a better understanding of what local life is like for the people living here.

No matter what type of cultural experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Madagascar.

Malagasy culture is made up of many different strands, with its world-class cuisine being one of the most important aspects.

The cuisine of Madagascar is predominantly a fusion of African and French flavours, but takes inspiration from other corners of the globe too.

Traditional dishes include romazava (a beef stew – the national dish), ravitoto (a pork dish) and laoka (a variety of side dishes typically served with rice).

Of course, you can also find international restaurants in the country’s major cities like Antananarivo, but be sure to try some local specialties during your visit; you won’t regret it!

Savour the magic of Madagascar

There are so many amazing things to see and do in Madagascar from exploring its abundant natural wonders to trying its delicious cuisine.

It’s no wonder it’s becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination among travellers who want something different from the usual tourist hotspots.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation experience that will leave you with lasting memories, then consider visiting this unique African island on your travels.

— Dave Brett

Travelling the world, one adventure at a time. Follow the UK’s leading solo adventure travel blogger, Dave Brett on his travels around the world. An Adventure travel blog that features travel tips and advice, inspirational stories, travel videos and travel photography that will help you inspire and plan your next trip abroad.

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House Democrat Destroys Mike Pence Criticism Of Biden On Ukraine

Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) said Mike Pence has zero credibility on Ukraine and wrecked the former VP’s criticism of President Biden.

 

Video:

Jake Auchincloss said on MSNBC, ” I can’t help but laugh. Ed Sheeran is performing in my last few days, I might as well tell him how to put on a show. That’s how much credibility Mike Pence has. Mike Pence was vice president when Donald Trump was impeached for blackmailing Ukraine. He was vice president when Donald Trump went to Helsinki and prostituted himself before Putin in what two GOP nominees called disgraceful. Mike Pence has zero credibility on Ukraine. If I were him, I would be spending time on the phone and calling GOP members and asking them to not cut half a billion from Ukrainian support as they voted to do two weeks ago.”

Pence has no credibility on anything, but it takes a lot of something to stand in front of the nation and criticize Joe Biden for the job that he has done in aiding Ukraine after serving as Trump’s vice president. Mike Pence has revealed himself to be politically delusional.

Former vice president Pence thinks that he can court MAGA voters while being MAGA public enemy number one for not going along with Trump’s coup plot. Pence also seems to believe he can embrace Trump and not be covered by the stink of Trump’s failed administration.

Mike Pence could have been viewed as a hero if he had spoken out about Trump’s coup plot and disavowed the failed president. Instead, he is a national joke who refuses to criticize Trump even though the former president tried to send a mob to kill him on 1/6.

Pence is not a serious person, and his criticism of Biden should not be taken seriously by anyone.

 

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association

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What Are Summer Office Hours and Should You Offer Them to Employees?

In an effort to attract and retain workers, employers offer nontraditional perks across various industries. It is not uncommon for companies to implement summer office hours, such as Fridays off or reduced work hours, in order to give their employees a break.

The history of Summer Fridays isn’t clear. However, some sources say it began in New York City during the 1960s when advertising executives would drive early on Friday morning to the Hamptons, a rich, rural area on Long Island.

By the 21st century, 55% of employers offered summer Fridays. There are more summer hours schedule components than just Summer Fridays.

Are you new to summer hours? If so, we will explain why your business needs summer hours and how to implement them.

You can offer your employees flexibility during the summer.

During the summer, staying productive at work can be challenging — to say the least. It’s a popular time of year to take vacations, visit family, and otherwise stay away from work. As a result of these factors, as well as the temptation to skip work to enjoy nice weather, summers are less productive.

If you offer summer hours, your employees can plan their work around vacations and holidays. When productivity dips, and projects take longer to complete, employees are more likely to complete them if they are provided incentives. In addition, employees are more likely to front-load their work week during summer hours.

Increased productivity during the summer.

Continuing from the previous point, weather-based timetables make employees happier and more productive. Are you aware that happy people are also 12% more productive? This is a win-win situation for both your employees and your company.

As a result of the increased focus, employees can accomplish more tasks. The assumption is often made that remote work on Fridays or on days off will negatively impact productivity. The opposite is true, according to Opinion Research Corporation. In the study, 66% of employees who enjoy summer hour benefits are more productive.

Further, the 4 Day Week Global Foundation undertook a study in 2022 to determine the implications of a four-day work week, similar to the schedules of some businesses during the summer. The study found that businesses with reduced work hours were more productive and performed better. In some cases, revenue increased for these organizations.

There is an upswing in morale among employees.

When the weather outside is nice, your employees might feel demotivated. However, when morale is low during the middle of the year, summer hours are a great way to boost it. This gives them something to look forward to at the end of the week.

Also, an employee’s morale affects his or her satisfaction rate. The CEO of Ivy Exec, Elena Bajic, agrees:

“We noticed an increase [in] employee morale and all the good things that go with that, such as higher retention, candidate attraction, and productivity” following the implementation of summer hours.

It is through all of these things that employee satisfaction can be improved. When there is a high level of employee morale, teammates work together more closely and are more self-confident.

A higher level of employee satisfaction.

In order to increase employee satisfaction, companies can emphasize work-life balance and summer hours. This leads to more loyal employees and fewer employee departures.

Absenteeism decreases.

Employees are allowed to take vacations or other obligations during summer hours, reducing absenteeism. Therefore, it is possible to run the workplace smoothly, and the costs of replacing absent employees are reduced.

As stated by Circadian in their ‘Absenteeism: The Bottom-Line Killer,’ unscheduled absences cost hourly workers roughly $3,600 per year. For salaried employees, it costs roughly $2,650 per year.

A greater level of creativity among employees.

Taking time off for vacations or sick leave encourages employees to be more creative, according to research. By doing so, new ideas and innovations can be generated.

An increase in employee health and well-being.

It is also beneficial to your health to have summer hours. When your employees constantly work without time to play, their health can quickly deteriorate. In your role as an employer, you must promote a healthy work environment.

In the words of the Families and Work Institution’s Senior Director of Research, Ken Matos, “The simple reality is that work, both mental and physical, results in fatigue that limit the cognitive and bodily resources people have to put towards their work.”

Furthermore, your employees will benefit from summer schedules after working a 4- or 4.5-day week in hot weather. Employees with Fridays off can also take a 3-day vacation to relieve stress and prevent burnout.

You can also reap long-term benefits from providing your employees with sick days or mental health days. As well as increasing employee engagement, corporate healthcare costs will likely decrease.

An improved company culture.

Additionally, summer hours can contribute to a more relaxed, fun work environment. The result is an increase in employee engagement and productivity.

As Patrick Whitesell, Co-CEO of WME, puts it bluntly, “You can have all the right strategy in the world; if you don’t have the right culture, you’re dead.”

Trust and respect are demonstrated.

Offering flexible summer work hours is one of the most important benefits of showing respect to your employees. By providing this key benefit, employers signal to workers that they can trust them to take care of their responsibilities to the fullest extent possible on Fridays.

Typically, these gestures of trust increase employee engagement and loyalty.

Retention, sustainability, and cost savings are improved.

Again, summer hours are becoming increasingly important when recruiting and retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive job market. Because of this, companies are becoming increasingly dependent on flexible working arrangements. One way to demonstrate that your business is flexible is by offering summer hours to your employees.

Also, by shutting down the entire office every week, businesses will save on electricity and other operational costs. In addition, your sustainable business model can contribute to the conservation of natural resources.

Costs associated with turnover were reduced.

It can be expensive to hire, train, and replace an employee. However, turnover costs can be reduced by summer hours.

According to some studies, it costs a business on average 6 to 9 months’ salary to replace a salaried employee. For example, recruiting and training expenses typically amount to $30k to $45,000 for an employee earning $60k a year.

Enhanced customer service.

When employees are happier and more productive, they are more likely to provide good customer service. Customer satisfaction and loyalty can increase, boosting the company’s profitability.

Conclusion.

When offering summer hours to your employees, there are a few things to consider. The first step is ensuring that your company can handle the reduced hours without sacrificing productivity. Additionally, it would be best to inform your employees well before the change so they can plan accordingly. Lastly, it would be best if you were flexible and willing to adjust your schedule as needed.

Summer hours can boost employee morale, productivity, and loyalty. With summer hours, your company can attract top talent and improve profits.

FAQsWhat are summer hours for companies?

It is common for employees to have Fridays off during the summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Some companies give employees the afternoon off, while others give them the entire day off. Summer hours have become more popular since fewer workers took time off before the pandemic.

How do summer hours work?

Each company has different summer hours. Generally, summer hours are as follows:

Flexible work schedules. Each week, an employee can work a certain number of hours. The hours can, however, be scheduled in a way that suits the individual. Work may be started or ended earlier or later, or a day off might be possible during the week.Compressed workweek. In some cases, an employee works more than a full day a week, but he or she receives one day off. The employee can work 10 hours per day, four days per week, or 9 hours per day, five days per week, and take Friday off.Summer Fridays. It is possible to approach summer Fridays in a variety of ways. In some businesses, employees are required to make up the missed time on Fridays. Others stagger Fridays off to keep someone at work. It’s also popular for employers to allow employees to work a half-day on Fridays to have an afternoon off. You can offer your employees half days every Friday, or they can leave early on Fridays.What are the benefits of summer hours?

Summer hours have numerous benefits for both employers and employees. The following are some of the most common benefits:

For employees:

With greater flexibility and control, work-life balance can be achieved.Stress is reduced.Improved morale.Productivity increases.The number of leisure activities available has increased.

For employers:

A company’s ability to attract and retain top talent.The employee satisfaction rate increased.Increased productivity engagement.Absenteeism decreases.Healthcare savings.What are the drawbacks of summer hours?

Summer hours have some disadvantages, but the benefits usually outweigh them. The following are some of the biggest drawbacks:

For employees:

New work schedules can be challenging to adjust to.It can be difficult to find childcare outside of traditional hours.Non-traditional hours might make staying in touch with colleagues and clients difficult.

For employers:

It can be difficult to coordinate employee schedules.Serving your customers is hard when you don’t work traditional hours.Non-traditional hours make it difficult to maintain productivity.If your company has summer hours, how can you make it work?

Summer hours can seem daunting at first. Consider your approach carefully and communicate clearly if you want summer hours to succeed.

To help you implement summer hours, here are a few tips:

Getting feedback is key. Consult with everyone, from management to employees, and gather as much information as you can. Do they have any suggestions for a better approach? Is there anything they’re worried about?Make sure summer hours are clearly communicated. This shouldn’t be an excuse for people to slack off. You are offering your employees this benefit to give them a better work-life balance, not to decrease their productivity.Define your policy clearly. To avoid bumps in the road, your policy should be clear enough. Keep your policy simple and uncomplicated to avoid confusion and ambiguity. Writing the policy is definitely a good idea so your workers can refer to it when they need it. The policy should also state when summer hours end and begin, as well as what they involve. You should also define how summer hours work at your company. It could be a half-day Friday or working remotely.Expect some hiccups. Whenever you make a change, you’ll experience hiccups at first. Don’t rush the process. Be patient.

Published First on Calendar. Read Here.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR; Pexels; Thank you!

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