Category Archives: Gadgets

iPhone Photography for Parents: Apps That Will Make Your Life More Colorful Instantly

Gadgets, iPad, iphone, New posts, Photographs, Technology, , , , , , , , ,

The rapidly increasing photographic capabilities of the iPhone are beginning to rival those of standalone cameras. Apple’s flagship smartphone manages to pull off amazing iPhonography without the use of additional lenses and filters. That’s especially convenient for busy parents without a lot of time to fiddle with their camera equipment when trying to capture a moment in time. Here are four amazing iOS apps that will allow you to take stellar photos on the fly with your phone.

Instagram

While Instagram is more closely associated with nostalgic hipsters and the technorati, it’s really perfect for anybody who wants to take distinctive photos. It’s the kind of app that’s tailor-made for taking photos of the kids at the beach. Vacation photos just look better for some reason when they have a washed out, analog color palette created by a custom filter and some post-production effects.  A newer feature of Instagram is that you can import photo from your iphone’s photo album and edit them in Instagram.  I love this! Sometimes I just can’t get to Instagram quick enough to snap a shot using the Instagram app, but now I can snap the shot with the native camera app then import it into Instragram to edit and publish online.

Pros: It is very easy to view your photo with many different filters in just seconds.
Cons: As of now, there isn’t a way to access your Instagram photos via an online interface.  With the number of iPhone users using Instagram, this would be a great feature.

Instagram iPhone photograph example
Instsagram photograph - Click to enlarge

Hipstamatic

Much like Instagram, Hipstamatic allows parents to tweak the look of their family photos to achieve a timeless feel. The stock installation of Hipstamatic costs a mere $1.99, though the base functionality can be extended with “HipstaPaks” comprised of custom filters that run $0.99 a piece. I spent about $5 on “HipstaPaks” for purposes of this story.  Users can preview the add-on HipstaPaks and download the right digital lenses before a photo shoot or family trip, ensuring that you get the perfect look to match any given occasion.  The one thing that I wish Hipstamatic did like Instagram, is allow us to import photographs into the app.  That’s not in Hipstamatic’s plans for now though.
The photographs in the image to the right were all taken with Hipstamatic.  I just changed the film for each photograph. Unlike with Instagram, I couldn’t see the filter being applied to the photo as I lined it up so I didn’t know how the photograph was going to turn out.

Pros: Hipstamatic allows users to share a photo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,Tumblr, Flickr, and a Hipstaccount.
Cons: Not easy to switch between films (essentially filters).  You can’t import photographs from your iPhone photo album in order to apply Hipstamatic ‘effects’ to them.

Hipstamatic iPhone photo examples
Hipstamatic photographs - Click to enlarge

moreBeaute2

If you’re a busy, sleep deprived mom who still cares about looking good, moreBeaute2 should be right up your alley. Like a lightweight, mobile version of Photoshop that works automatically, moreBeaute2 snaps amazing pictures while removing wrinkles and dark under-eye circles immediately. In order to get rid of dark under-eye circles and wrinkles, just take a picture and tap the auto-correct button to look flawless in your photos. Like a mild form of airbrushing, it makes everyone look their best. This is one of my favorite iPhonography apps.. for obvious reasons!

Pros: moreBeaute2 can make the most tired mom look awake and fresh, instantly.
Cons: You can’t adjust color or contrast within the app.

moreBeaute2 iPhone photo app
Before | After - Click to enlarge
Software has an impressive ability to make up for the limitations of the underlying hardware that it’s running on, which is especially true when it comes to mobile photography. That’s not to imply that iOS devices are weak when it comes to the quality of their lenses. However, you can take far better pictures of the family with these programs by your side. For weary parents who rely on their trusty iPhone to act as their primary camera, these worthy applications are all you’ll ever need.
Do you have a favorite iPhone photography app?
Share with us in the comments below.  We love to learn about new and interesting apps!
Alicia Hagan, Editor
I was not compensated from any of these app companies, for this story. I purchased all of the apps mentioned above and all opinions are 100% my own.

Skype and FaceTime: The Differences

Gadgets, iPad, iphone, New posts, Technology, ,

[simple_series title=”All posts in the Skype Series”]

 

Do you wonder what the differences between Skype and FaceTime are?  Why should you use Skype over FaceTime?

When I was approached about becoming a Skype ambassador, I thought to myself “why would I want to use Skype regularly instead of FaceTime?”.

Skype Ambassador programJust by asking myself that question, I realized that I had subconciously blocked all of my PC owning family and friends, from my video call list.  Most of my family members own PC’s and do not own an iPhone or iPad.  Let’s just say they live simple lives.  Therefor, I can’t FaceTime with them.  I have cousins who have children that my kids would love to video chat with but until it clicked for me that we can all use Skype, I didn’t even consider it.  With Skype, my kids can chat with any family member who owns a PC, Android device, iOS device, or Mac.

While I love FaceTime for video chatting with my Dad and Sister who both own an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, FaceTime does not allow me to chat with my PC loving friends and family.

Skype vs FaceTime Feature Comparison

Skype FaceTime
Video chat from PC/Windows Yes No
Video chat from iPhone/iPad/Mac/iOS Yes Yes
Video chat from Android Yes No
Let’s you know who’s available Yes No
Chat function Yes No
Group video calling Yes (Premium feature) No
Send files while you chat Yes No

These comparisons are valid as of May 2012.

Situation when using Skype rocks!

  • If you have a child who is graduating school soon,  Skype is a great way to help grandparents celebrate with you!
  • Include relatives in your child’s birthday celebration
  • Your kids can video chat with Mom or Dad when they are traveling
  • Read a bedtime story to your child when you are traveling
  • Bloggers, catch up with your blogging buddies between events via Skype!

 

Connect with Skype:

Alicia Hagan, Editor

Disclosure: While I am a Skype Ambassador, this post was not required.

Mother’s Day Gift: BungeeAir™ Power Wireless Security Tether™ for iPhone

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BungeeAir™ Power Wireless Security Tether™ for iPhone
BungeeAir™ Power Wireless Security Tether™ for iPhone

Do you lose your iPhone or keys at least once a day like I do?

I carry my iPhone with me to every room of the house and everywhere I go, except when I lose it.  I have, on more than one occasion, lost my iPhone. It’s hard to believe, I know.

I received a product from Kensignton called BungeeAir™ a few days ago and haven’t lost my iPhone since!  In fact, I haven’t lost my keys either.  The BungeeAir™ reminds you if you walk too far away from your iPhone and helps you find your iPhone via the included keyfob that can be conveniently slipped onto any keyring.  Now I just push a button on the keyfob and I am audibly alerted to where my iPhone is.

On the flip side, if I lose my keys I can use the BungeeAir app to locate my keys.  All I have to do is open the BungeeAir iPhone app and click Find my Fob.  The keyfob beeps instantly, helping me find my keys quickly.

I often run out the door without shoes, I forget my keys or phone, and I forget where I’m going.  The BungeeAir Power Wireless Security Tether for my iPhone 4 is a life changer.  That sounds dramatic I know.  But if you are a busy mom and/or a blogger, you know how crucial it is to have your iPhone with you and charged 24/7.

Battery Case

Has this happened to you?  You’re at the soccer field watching your son or daughter’s game and you decide to take a few shots of your child scoring a goal.  Then you realize that your iPhone doesn’t have enough battery.  The integrated battery case adds 4 hours of power for talk time to your iPhone.

Your iPhone 4 slides into the BungeeAir™ and you can charge your iphone with the USB cord that comes with the BungeeAir.  All of your iPhone’s buttons are fully accesible with the BungeeAir™ case on.

BungeeAir™ Benefits:

  • Integrated battery case adds 4 hours of power for talk time to your iPhone
  • Case has a built-in 2-position stand to hold your iPhone in landscape or portrait mode
  • Remind: Lets you know that you lost your iphone / iphone 4
  • Secure: Locks your iphone / iphone 4 and an alert is automatically sent
  • Find: Helps you find your lost iphone or BungeeAir key fob

Kensignton’s BungeeAir™ Power Wireless Security Tether™ for iPhone makes a great gift for your Mom or yourself for Mother’s Day!

Treat yourself to a gift that will make life a little easier for you.

You can learn more about and buy the Kensington BungeeAir™ Power Wireless Security Tether™ on Kensington’s website here.

Skype Ambassador Announcement

Brand Ambassador, Gadgets, Technology,

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The Mommy Insider is a Skype Ambassador!

Skype Ambassador program
Just as I am with any opportunity that comes my way, I am honored to be a Skype brand ambassador for the next few months.  As a Skype Ambassador through Mom Central Consulting, I will be sharing my experiences using Skype with you over the next few months.  I will be posting about how I use Skype at home, as well as tips, ideas, and stories about Skype.  Some funny, some touching.

My First Time and Now:

The first time I used Skype was when my daughter was about two-years-old, over three years ago.  She was sitting on my lap and I was experimenting with this Skype program I had just put on my laptop.  My daughter got a kick out of seeing herself on the screen and seeing my sister who lives states away.   Since then, she’s almost six-years-old, Skype has become more of a household word.  I use Skype to talk to relatives as well as for work. I no longer have a land-line because of services like Skype.  Great, huh?

When I feel like hiding from the camera/video, I communicate via Skype voice call or chat.  On the flip side, when I’m feeling particularly confident or actually have makeup and clothes on that match, I will go for a Skype Video Chat.

I talk to my Dad who lives in Florida pretty regularly on Skype.  He’ll buzz in asking for a video chat and I just click the button to accept.  We always have a great time video chatting.  On the business side, Skype video chats make a huge difference in the productivity of business calls.   I am able to accomplish a lot more with a video chat or Skype voice call than I am from a simple phone conversation or email alone.

What is Skype?

Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet.
Skype allows people to talk and video chat via their Internet connection, Wifi, Smartphone, and more.

  • Mac or PC computer
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Android device
  • You can even Skype via a Skype-ready Blu-ray™ player and TV webcam!
  • There is also a home phone adapter that will allow you to make Skype calls right from your home phone.  Use Skype’s FREETALK® phone adapter to make convenient, low-cost calls and Skype-to-Skype calls from your home phone.
  • More Skype features
As you can see, Skype has an option for everyone. If you have been waiting to get rid of your landline number but weren’t sure about making the change, Skype probably has a service for you.
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Connect with Skype:

Alicia Hagan, Editor

 

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Q2: Wifi Radio makes a great Mother’s Day gift!

Gadgets, Mother's Day, Technology, , ,

Q2 Wifi RadioIs mom tired of interference and bother with antennas? A great gift for mom is the Q2 WiFi radio this coming Mother’s Day. Regardless of a wireless router or mobile hotspot, the radio can pick up signals from any source emitting wireless frequencies. The WiFi radio is a four-inch square, which is relatively compact compared to larger radios. Also, the Q2 comes in five vibrant colors, such as purple, to bring out Mom’s smile on Mother’s Day.

With crystal-clear CD-quality audio, mothers can enjoy smooth sound unlike traditional distorted radio. Additionally, crystal-clear CD-quality audio provides mothers the opportunity to play music to their kids. Busy mothers do not want added stress, even from technology. Therefore, the Q2 coming in vibrant colors allows the user to control the radio through motion without any buttons.

An advantage of the Wi-Fi radio is a stereo headphone jack for personal listening in crystal-clear audio. The compact radio is great for traveling because of rechargeable batteries. The fitness class instructor mother can use it in the gym. Or, mothers can enjoy their favorite station at home.

Does you or your mom enjoy podcasts?  I love listening to podcasts.  The Q2 has access to podcasts over Wi-Fi.  Additionally, mothers have access to over 15,000 stations including podcasts. Not to mention, no paid subscription or fees are required to access radio over Wi-Fi. Thus, mothers can enjoy music, news, sports and faith anywhere while they are in a Wi-Fi network.

Grown-up kids should get the Q2 Wifi Radio for their mother as a Mother’s Day gift and Moms like myself can ask that our own children gift us a Q2 for upcoming Mother’s Day.. right?

You can buy a Q2 Wifi radio for about $120 on Amazon.com here.

Learn more about Q2 Wifi radio on the Q2 website.

Like Q2 on Facebook

Alicia Hagan, Editor

Disclaimer: I received an equivalent product to review for purposes of this article.  All opinions are 100% my own.