What’s the Windows Insider program?

Image source: Insider.Windows.com 

Consider it a beta project, a home to some 10 million Windows fans, professionals, and enthusiasts who want to be part of building the future of Windows 10.  Windows Insider is an open software testing program by Microsoft that lets users who own a valid Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 license to register for pre-release builds of the operating system, which were formerly available only to software developers.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

The program was launched for the technically able ones who want to test out new developer features on pre-release software and builds.  This is done to collect low-level diagnostics feedback that will help identify, probe, mitigate, and enhance the OS, in direct coordination with Microsoft Engineers in a properly structured communication channel.

Windows Insider features three levels or so-called “rings”: Fast, Slow, and Release Preview rings.  What needs to be noted is that since it’s a beta program, a build that gets released can sometimes spell trouble.  Your PC may become less stable, and the program can require a lot of bandwidth given that a new build is usually released once a week.

At any rate, many are keen on becoming a part of the program since it offers the privilege of testing new features first, or before they officially roll out to the public.  It's part of a large-scale initiative to shape the next version of Windows, where feedback about bugs, suggestions, or personal ideas are welcome and might even be implemented by Microsoft.  Finally, it fosters a sense of community among like-minded – or Windows-minded – individuals. 

James P. DeVellis is an IT consultant. These days he is working for a tech company and gets to test new programs and apps as part of his job. Learn more on this page.

Clear your mind with these relaxation apps

Going through stress and anxiety can be overwhelming especially for adults who have lots of responsibilities that they need to face each day.  Instead of seeking outside help, sometimes we end up brushing off the negativity, which can make it worse.  Thankfully, the smartphone is no longer just a tool for productivity and entertainment.  It can now be used to help a person relax and meditate.  Below are some of my favorite relaxation apps:

Image source: Pexels.com

Calm
This app is probably one of the most popular relaxation apps for smartphone users.  The app's easy to navigate and calming interface encourages you to take a step back.  With sessions that can last from 3 to 25 minutes, users will be able to find guided meditations that will help them build not just their inner peace but also self-esteem and positivity.  Some meditations also encourage mindfulness and forgiveness.  Relax and recharge on your own time through this app.

Image source: Pexels.com

Relax Melodies
If you need a soundtrack to a peaceful sleep, this app will do the job for you.  You can choose from a wide selection of tracks and create a playlist.  You can adjust the volume and set up alarms so that you can wake up on time, relaxed and refreshed.

Breathe2Relax
Sometimes we're just too busy to take a step back and breathe.   Thankfully there's a breathing app like Breathe2Relax these days.  Through diaphragmatic breathing, users will be able to learn how to breathe and release their stress.  I'm sure you'll feel the calming effects after a few minutes of doing their breathing exercises.
Use your smartphone to get rid of what's weighing you down.  Meditate and breathe.  You deserve to experience peace.

  James P. DeVellis is an IT consultant, techie, and industry insider. He’s sharing the latest innovations on this space.

Apps for a better travel or vacation experience

Traveling to a new country is always exciting, but often, confusing.  Many questions and setbacks will arise along the way.  But thanks to travel-centric mobile apps that could be downloaded to your smartphone, you can get any information you want any time you need it.  Whether you’re looking for expert tips, insights, recommendations, or the best accommodations, these apps will deliver.

Image source: atoztravel.net 

For flights: FlightTrack Pro --  This app covers more than 3,000 airports and 1,400 airlines and lets you manage local and international flights.  You can see real-time updates, push flight alerts, and weather-related delays.

For accommodation: Airbnb --  Airbnb remains the undisputed service for accommodation options all over the world.  From tents to lush villas, Airbnb’s wide range of selection covers all preferences.  You’ll be surprised at how cheap the accommodation rates are.

Image source: pcmag.com

For food: Zomato --  Zomato is a user-generated food rating app that shows reviews for restaurants in most cities across the globe.  Users upload photos of the food that’s actually presented, setting realistic expectations and prices.  In some regions, Zomato teams up with hotels and hostels so you can have food delivered if you’re too tired to wander out.

Miscellaneous --  There’s literally an app for every need, including all your travel essentials.  Need an app to help you pack? Download PackPoint.  Searching for WiFi hotspots in an unfamiliar area? Get WiFi Map.  Other helpful apps are AccuWeather (weather reports), SitOrSquat (public bathroom locator), CityMapper (digital mapping with transit features), and XE Currency (real-time currency converter).

James P. DeVellis is an IT consultant who reviews gadgets and shares tech-related news. He uses his willingness to test-run programs, platforms, and gadgets by reviewing them on his tech blog. To keep up with James’s tech reviews and insights, click here.

Camera Setup And Other Essentials For Vlogging: a Beginner’s Guide

To start vlogging on YouTube is an exciting prospect. It can be fun, it can showcase one’s interests and expertise, and it can bring in profits down the road. But are you equipped with the basic setup and other essentials for this endeavor? Here’s a quick guide to making YouTube videos and rock a vlogging career.

Image source: SewingReport.com  

Camera

Make no mistake about it: a smartphone would do just fine and boasts a great camera to capture video and a microphone to record sound. To step up a little, one can choose a powerful small camera with front-facing display, a quality mic built, and some stuff like wide-angle capability. There’s no need to break the bank when choosing a DSLR or point and shoot camera, but keep a few features in mind, such as an audio input for your external mic.

Audio capture

A reliable external mic comes in handy if you find that sound is important (and it is). A shotgun mic can be attached to the hot shot of the camera to quickly capture high-quality sound.

Lighting

Harness natural light by setting up near a window or where you can get some of that sunlight for the production. A reflector will fill in undesirable shadows. As the sun can be difficult to control, LED lights can be attached to the camera or have their own stands as a rich addition to the beginner’s setup.

Image source: MakeUseOf.com

Vlogging niche or industry

Choose a niche, industry, or topic that helps you focus your content on areas you’re most passionate about. Passion will drive this activity for the most part, and will offer an endless supply of ideas and innovative thinking. Identify this niche in order to create a sustainable YouTube channel and actually have fun while doing it.

James P DeVellis is an IT consultant. On most days, I get to test and try programs, platforms, and gadgets before they are presented to the public. Learn more on this page.

Upcoming Must-Play Games On The PS4

Image source: polygon.com

Even before the many upcoming games unveiled by Sony in the recent E3, 2018 has already given us a bunch of solid and addicting games for the PS4. These games include Ni No Kuni 2: The Revenant Kingdom and the highly acclaimed God of War III, which is destined to be the best console game of the year. But it doesn’t end there; here are some of the most anticipated games releasing on the PS4 in 2018 and the coming years.

SpiderMan

Easily one of the most hyped PS4 releases for the remainder of the year is this open-world, action-adventure game. It’s exclusive to Sony and is the first big Spidey game in a long time. It will allow players to explore, fight crime, and generally web-sling his or her way in a fully realized city patterned after New York. Spider-Man is coming out in September.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Competing with Spider-Man for the most anticipated upcoming game on the Sony console is the sequel to the critically praised Red Dead Redemption. Releasing this October, RDR2 is the brainchild of highly successful developer Rockstar Games of Grand Theft Auto fame. It’s an even bigger open-world sandbox game that will give players a grand adventure in the untamed Wild West.

Death Stranding

Image source: theverge.com

Being developed by Kojima Productions, the release date of this sci-fi game is still shrouded in mystery but is even now generating tons of hype among gamers. After all, it stars actors Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Lindsay Wagner, and even director Guillermo del Toro. It is set in a dark planet riddled with fetuses and Dementor-like creatures. Innovations in facial recognition and game engine are making Death Stranding the new standard for gaming realism.

Hello, James P. DeVellis here, an IT aficionado. I get a lot of questions from family and friends about the latest smartphones, the best apps, troubleshooting laptops, etc. So, I decided to start writing on everything that is technology. Visit this blog for more tech-related posts.

Some Of The Best Tablets To Buy In 2018

For many, the best tablets are all about the most flexible features, a desktop-like experience, and a sleek appearance that won’t go above budget. In short, they offer the most bang for the buck. Here are some top options for 2018.

Image source: Pocket-Lint.com

iPad Pro 10.5

Opening the list with Apple’s latest flagship tablet – which understandably would cost much more than most other competitors – might be a little off-putting. But come to think of it: it’s a great choice for those looking for a serious upgrade, with standout features that enhance productivity and can even be a suitable laptop replacement for some. It got us sold on the new ProMotion screen, the wonderful speakers, and overall professional-tablet packaging.

Amazon Fire HD 10

Amazons newest and biggest Fire tablet to date competes with its larger Galaxy and Apple counterparts at a fraction of the price. The screen packs a punch at a full 1080p resolution, while the quad-core 1.2 GHs/1.4 GHz processor is nothing to scoff at. Battery life lasts long, and built-in features like the Alexa functionality are just as tempting. We’d love to choose from the black, blue, and red colors, too.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

The HDR screen is made for the future, just as the four speakers are cut out for greatness. Enjoy the S Pen stylus and the array of useful offerings on this leading Android tablet that boasts better quality and more potent features.

Image source: BestBuy.com

James P DeVellis is an IT professional consulting for a tech company. Most of his day is spent testing new programs and gadgets while they are being developed for public use. Learn more on this page.

Is now a good time to get a VR headset?

Virtual reality is seeping into our everyday lives, evidenced in various industries from education and medicine to real estate and gaming. Gadgets featuring VR technology are now a lot cheaper. This is manifested in current VR headsets. They’re novel and cool, for sure, but is it time you get one? 

Image source: thegadgetflow.com

The experience is definitely amazing. With a VR headset, you can look around and see yourself in a 360-degree, often-interactive world simulating the real one. There’s a great sense of being in the game, especially as you use hand-motion controls to duck, lean, and move forward and back. 

Popular VR headsets like Daydream, HTC Vive, Gear VR, and the Oculus Rift now have a good number of supported VR titles you can play. The great thing about these is that the price is going down, with standalone VR headsets that don’t have to connect to PCs seen to be priced for just $200 when they roll out. 

Right now, VR headsets are cool and fun gadgets good for some games. But they are still just toys with not-so-great graphics. VR tech has yet to give you those 1080DP or 4K resolutions, making the experience a little less real, visually speaking. Still, critiquing VR tech seems pointless given its imminent prevalence and potential to be the next driving force for truly immersive gaming. 

Image source: news.stanford.edu

Hello, my name is James P. DeVellis, and I’m a certified technophile. Since I work for a tech company, I get a lot of questions about tech stuff. So, I decided to blog about it. More tech reviews here.