#Also switching back to a Pro model makes you realize just how slow the base model is

[musiquesduciel]

Officially transitioned to iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium yesterday ✨

[per-so-phony-blog]

My REAL Review on Bathmate Hydromax  | Per-So-Phony

The Hydromax is improved and new variations of the Bathmate.

Developed by John Oaks in 2006, they evolved into a quick hit with men all around the globe.

They're additionally referred to as Hydro-pumps since they use h20 in the bathtub and bath.

Several of the promises made by the business include:

Boost the measurements of the penis.

Boost the girth of the penis.

Flaccid (soft) and also Erect (hard) gains

Enhance your erection quality

Dependable Fast results, even with the very first period.*

* However, there is a little trick to Bathmate that few know. And that trick is that you can get with Bathmate permanent results. Bathmate is great for fast results. However, if used solely once you stop using it the results are not permanent. To make them permanent you have to use a combination of penis exercises and a specific way of doing them. Check bathmategains.tumblr.com for the exact details on how to achieve all that.

Just how Does The Hydromax Work For Penis Enlargement?

In order to enable you to realize the way the Hydromax functions.

I am gon na chat about biology of the penis of yours and what occurs when you receive an erection.

The penis of yours has 3 various chambers.

You will find 2 huge chambers on prime known as the Corpra Cavesona.

There's additionally a smaller chamber in the Urethra was named by the bottom part.

The Urethra is exactly where you urinate as well as ejaculate from.

If you get switched on, blood rushes to the penis of yours.

This fills the pro chambers to the max and that results to an erection.

The Hydromax functions by raising the dimensions of the chambers which keep the bloodstream.

What this means is the penis of yours is able to keep additional blood, and that boosts the dimensions of your respective penis.

Purchase Process, Payment and Shipping

I wanted to make sure I get the original product.

This's the sole method to be hundred % certain you're purchasing a real pump.

The Hercules was included by me, the Hydromax X30 and also the Hydromax X30 Xtreme with the cart and made transaction.

I got e mails verifying the purchase, then an additional email arrived later on with my monitoring specifics.

A number of days later my purchase come in a huge plain brownish package.

The entire purchase procedure was extremely basic, effortless and discreet.

**The Results After Using The Bathmate For thirty Days **

I have been going with the Hydromax for one month now.

Probably the most amazing aspect is the fact that you are able to notice results FAST.

I'd read about this before though I did not trust what I come across.

Exactly how might a thing this way perform as rapidly?

the immediate results do me ask yourself the reason why I did not purchase one of those most pumps years back.

Do not buy me wrong, the outcomes just survive for a couple of hours.

I have read you are able to attain long lasting results in case you drive the pump for many years.

These pump are fantastic for utilizing before sex.

The girlfriend of mine may sense the gap and she was loving the sex.

You are able to take a look at my previously as well as after pictures below.

Prior to + After Photos Uploading soon…

Hydromax VS Hydromax Xtreme Bathmate Hydromax VS Xtreme

As you understand I applied the Hyromax x30 and definitely the Hydromax X30 Xtreme model.

You may be curious about what is the big difference in between these 2 kinds of pump & what must you purchase?

The point many men do not recognize is the fact that each pump have exactly the same strength.

Additionally you receive the next extras:

Higher quality case

Computing gauge to observe the gains of yours

Maintaining kit

Comfortable pad

Lube

Protection lock

Bath strap

The single you purchase is going to depend on the personal choice of yours and finances.

Right after employing each stroke/pump for the final couple of weeks, I've began to like the Xtreme edition.

You do not require it but in case you've the budget it is worth every penny.

Pros I am currently planning to discuss several of the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing the Hydromax high presure pumping.

Several of the benefits about the most pumps include:

Quick Results

Grows Girth

Safe To Use

Simple To Use

More challenging Erections

Much better Sex

Money Back Guarantee

Drawbacks

Moment Required

You've In order to Put it to use With Water

Difficult Being Discreet

Expensive

Bathmate Hydromax Size Guide

One of the more widespread thoughts concerning the Hydromax is what measurement must you purchase?

I additionally had exactly the same issue just before I positioned the purchase of mine.

You have to ensure you purchase the appropriate dimensions for you to be a pump that is way too huge or even tiny won't be as useful.

For that their official website is going to help. They have all the details that you need to take the perfect fit for maximum gains.

Bathmate Extras + Accessories The recognized Hydromax site likewise offers a lot of extras you are able to contribute to the purchase of yours.

Enjoyment Lube

Enjoyment LubeThe Bathmate enjoyment lube is a bath primarily based lubrication.

Developed to boost enjoyment during sex.

You are able to work with this for equally masturbation as well as intercourse.

You are able to insert this to the order of yours for just $15.95 or even obtain it no cost once you purchase the Hydromax Xtreme.

Maintaining Kit

Maintaining KitThe cleansing system includes equipment to maintain the pump of yours thoroughly clean, hygienic and fresh.

As you are able to visualize when you're utilizing a thing this way on your genital region you have to help keep it thoroughly clean.

You are able to insert the washing system to the order of yours for $39.95 or even obtain it no cost once you purchase the Xtreme edition.

Prolonged Warranty

I've never ever been a fan of Extended warranties.

Every time I purchase a thing I constantly decline a prolonged warranty.

But that is me.

You receive a twelve month guarantee with the order of yours.

When you would like to lengthen it you are able to insert the next choices to the purchase of yours.

Bathmate Trim

Bathmate Trim Shaver KitOne of the most effective methods to enhance suction as well as outcomes is shaving the genital region of yours.

The Bathmate trim is a superior quality shaver with several attachments.

When you do not currently have the shaver type well then it is really worth putting in the purchase of yours.

You are able to insert the Bathmate trim to the purchase of yours for $39.99.

Bath Strap

Bathmate Shower StrapThe Bathmate bath strap is a superb inclusion to the Hydromax span.

You are able to often make use of the pump in the bathtub or maybe the bathtub.

When you want making use of the pump in the bathtub then you definitely need to examine this out there.

This particular strap helps you to hold the pump installed while you shower.

It will make making use of the pump a lot easier.

You are able to insert the bathtub strap to the order of yours for $24.95 or even obtain it no cost once you purchase the Hydromax Xtreme.

Degree Gauge

Evaluate The GainsThe Bathmate of yours computing gauge is a great instrument for keeping an eye on the profits of yours.

It is really an elasticated leader which rolls up into a discreet and small very coil.

In case you're interested in monitoring the profits of yours, you ought to receive among these.

You are able to include it to the order of yours for $14.95 or maybe you are able to obtain it no cost once you purchase the Xtreme edition.

Lengthy Insert

Lengthy InsertThe very long insert helps you to boost suction as well as comfortableness.

You must select the appropriate dimensions based on the pump you order.

When you would like to put in the very long insert to the purchase of yours you are able to accomplish this for just $16.95.

Pillow Rings

Pillow RingsIf you wish to boost coziness you are able to insert the pillow rings to the purchase of yours.

They go onto the foundation of the pump and think of the knowledge more comfy.

You are able to insert the pillow rings to the purchase of yours for $14.95.

Case

If you would like a secure and strong situation to keep the Hydromax of yours and then look no additional.

It is a superior quality situation and yes it is going to keep the pump secure of yours and discreet.

You are able to insert this to the purchase of yours for $39.95

When you would like to maintain your pump concealed then you definitely must buy this particular.

How you can Obtain the best Results From The Hydromax Bathmate ResultsI've additionally found some techniques as well as tips to boost the outcomes of yours.

Below are my present top four methods to obtain the best outcomes by Hydropumps.

1 - Shave Your Pubic Area This's the very first point which I did when my most pumps arrived.

If you shave your pubic hair it helps you to boost suction.

Much better suction = higher outcomes.

A term of warning: do not make use of a damp cutter like I did the original period.

I wound up with an awful rash.

Not a great appearance.

Utilize an electrically charged shaver like the Bathmate trim, that you are able to contribute to the purchase of yours.

This makes an enormous impact on the outcomes of yours.

2 - Warm Up It is better to loosen up prior to you wear among the Hydropumps.

When you "go in cold" you might harm the penis of yours.

You'll additionally not notice exactly the same outcomes.

I take advantage of a bright towel and do a couple of penis workouts just before I begin the treatments of mine.

Absolutely nothing major, a couple of mins must get the job done.

3 - Start Slow plus Do not Abuse The Pump Among the major errors men do is utilizing the pump much more in a couple of months.

Once you find out how quick the pump functions, it is not hard to get taken out.

You are able to then increase to day use and then like lots less dangerous as well as much better benefits.

An excellent product helps you to boost blood circulation and keep an erection while making use of the pump.

Other advantages include

Harder and bigger erections

Good sex drive as well as sexual pleasure was Increased by stamina.

Much faster outcomes My present #1 ranked product is Max Performer.

You are able to take a look at the results of mine in the male enhancement capsules aisle of this particular site.

Anywhere Are you able to Purchase the Hydromax and just how Much Will it Cost?

BUT you will find scores of sites promoting affordable duplicates.

If perhaps you purchase an inexpensive message you won't obtain results.

The sole means to be hundred % positive would be to order direct from the producer.

I purchased both of my Hydromax from the official site.

This's additionally the sole put that provides the sixty day guarantee.

The costs for any Bathmate stove beginning at $139 for any X20 up to $399 for any X50 Xtreme.

You are able to just click here to take a look at the current rates in USD and the neighborhood currency of yours.

Conclusion The Bathmate is #1.

It is the 1 I endorse to the audience of mine since It is VERY comfy and extremely valuable.

The pump is packaged in four distinct sizes and also you are able to additionally receive the serious variant in case you wish to personalize the stress.

The Hydromax is ideal for men that would like a quick acting formula to boost sizing.

Bathmate includes discreet delivery.

[entergamingxp]

The Collection on Switch Finally Makes Good on the Franchise’s Promise to Appear on a Handheld

June 5, 2020 3:02 PM EST

While the dreams of BioShock for Vita have long been dead, the full series is now playable on the Switch in a remastered collection that is quite well-done.

All the way back in 2011, Ken Levine, the creative director of what was then Irrational Games, announced that a new installment in the BioShock series was being planned for Sony’s PlayStation Vita platform. At the time, much wasn’t known about the project, but the thought of seeing the critically-acclaimed shooter franchise come to a handheld platform in some manner was exciting for a multitude of reasons.

Unfortunately, as we all now well know, BioShock for Vita never saw the light of day and was canceled due to what seemed to be a lack of an agreement between Sony and 2K Games. Even though this planned title wasn’t going to be your typical BioShock experience and was instead set to be a turn-based tactics game, the falling through of this Vita iteration closed the door on bringing the series to a dedicated portable platform.

Nearly a decade later and the BioShock series has now at long last come to a handheld via the Nintendo Switch. While what we’ve been given isn’t anything altogether new like the Vita game would have been, all three mainline BioShock titles make for wonderful additions to the larger Switch library and each has the benefit of being a solid port to boot.

BioShock: The Collection on Switch is identical to the package that released on PS4 and Xbox One back in 2016. All three entries — BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite — can be found in this bundle along with each respective game’s accompanying DLC. The overall collection remains solid and has enough content to keep you busy for quite awhile, if you choose to play all of it.

Of course, the real question with this version of the game though is, “How does it run and perform on the Switch?” Perhaps unsurprisingly, all three games play and look relatively great on the platform. This isn’t a major shock considering the roots of all three titles were from the last generation, meaning that they have more easily been ported to the console compared to games from the current generation.

Visually, each BioShock game retains the iconic feel and look of its given locations without having to sacrifice too much on the graphical front. The eerie, dark corridors of Rapture from BioShock and BioShock 2 are still haunting to explore, while BioShock Infinite’s Columbia still makes for one of the more breathtaking and unique locales ever seen in any video game. The only noticeable difference, other than a general dip in the resolution compared to other versions of BioShock: The Collection, comes in the way of the textures being a bit less defined. Character models don’t look as sharp as normal and getting too close to walls and other objects in each game prove that they’re a bit muddied. In the end, though, this isn’t too much of a problem and didn’t lead to any unenjoyment while playing.

On the performance front, I noticed no dips in frame rate in all three games, even once combat situations ramp up a bit. This stayed true in both handheld and docked modes, which was definitely a big positive. Performance seems to be one of the areas that a lot of games go back and forth on with the Switch, even when it comes to first-party games from Nintendo. For it to be largely great here with BioShock: The Collection on the Switch made me realize how good of a job that Virtuos did with this port.

Strangely enough, the only time I really saw any hitching or frame rate problems came during the hacking portions of the original BioShock. I’m not sure what it is under the hood that would make these pipe-making puzzles cause the game to slow down, but this was one of the only instances that I saw any particular problems.

One of the things that I also noticed was a bit odd came in the way of the options presented in each game. From what I examined, all three BioShock games largely have identical settings, except for one minor change in the original title. The first BioShock has the option for an expanded FOV, meaning that your peripheral view can be widened if need be. This is something that was true in other versions of BioShock: The Collection on PS4 and Xbox One, too, but I always wondered why it was never added to BioShock 2 or Infinite. It still remains an odd thing to me here as I revisit this package.

I also have to just say that in a general sense, I still cannot get down with shooters on the Switch. I might very well be alone in this, but I find the Joy-Cons to be so uncomfortable when it comes to playing shooters for extended periods of time. I got way more enjoyment out of BioShock: The Collection once I switched (pun intended) to my Pro Controller and began playing either on my TV or via my Switch with it sitting upright thanks to the kickstand. All in all, if you like the Joy-Cons, then more power to you. I wish I liked them more with first-person games.

If you’re a big-time BioShock fan who is looking to revisit the series for the umpteenth time like myself or you’re primarily a Nintendo console owner who has never had access to these games, BioShock: The Collection on Switch is well worth your time. While it obviously can’t match up to The Collection’s counterparts on other current-gen platforms, the work that Virtuous has put into this Switch port has proven to be quite exceptional. At the very least, hopefully this re-release can help satiate the appetite that many have for a new installment in the series, which 2K Games is actively developing right now.

June 5, 2020 3:02 PM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2020/06/the-collection-on-switch-finally-makes-good-on-the-franchises-promise-to-appear-on-a-handheld/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-collection-on-switch-finally-makes-good-on-the-franchises-promise-to-appear-on-a-handheld

[mindyindy]

Half Way Through the AER HEAD Kickstarter! New Computer Tech Stuff!

Half way through the Kickstarter! So elated that people have come together to support myself and an artist and my dreams :) . Read my latest Kickstarter update here. Many thanks to all my current backers, and if you haven’t already joined the fun, please do so and select an AER HEAD reward like a digital or physical copy of the book :)

In other news, I added a new media section to my website! Since I’m reaching out to people and news entities about my Kickstarter, I wanted to add a tailored section of select media like articles, interviews, and podcasts that feature my Kickstarter. Check it out!

Business & Tech Stuff

You’ll see at the bottom of the media section a coaching call with Tyler James of the ComixLaunch podcast. It’s humbling for me to have this out on the internet because we discuss problems I’ve been having in the freelance world, but it’s always a learning journey.

One of the hurdles I faced recently was that I had to get a new computer during my Kickstarter - super stressful! But I am typing to you right now on the new computer and IT’S AWESOME. I’m also just glad that the screen doesn’t blink in and out and that programs start in 2 seconds. Keep in mind that I had to get the computer regardless of how the Kickstarter went, as it was literally dying. None of the Kickstarter money will go to the computer unless I make extra beyond my stretch goals.

I highly recommend doing THOROUGH research when buying a new computer if you’re mid-career. When you’re a student, you take what you can get, but as you grow professionally you realize that sometimes “off the shelf” computers won’t cut it. Brace yourself, I’m gonna get my TECH on:

Refurbished 2018 MacBook Pro on the left. Early 2011 MacBook Pro on right. Yes I’ve made that baby last 8.5 years by Frankensteining it. This model was one of the last of its kind where you could switch out the parts. Today’s Macs are built in one solid piece so if one part has problems internally, you pretty much have to get a new computer. For the 2011 one, I replaced nearly everything in it except the screen, keyboard, and fan. The logic board was the first to go - took it to Apple’s Genius Bar & they fixed it. Then the hard drive went - luckily I got it replaced without losing data. I upgraded my RAM 3 times on this Mac - once all by myself. The RAM is Random Access Memory (yes the Daft Punk album is based on actual tech stuff lol)

Over the years of having that computer I gradually learned about the tech stuff to save money. WHY was my computer slowing down and what was the cheapest way to fix it? I’ve learned through asking techie friends, YouTube, and Apple support on the phone & in-store. It’s difficult for me to understand everything about RAM, for example, but the only thing you need to know is that THE MORE RAM YOU HAVE, THE BETTER because it speeds up your computer. I knew that if I wanted my next computer to have a chance at lasting many years I HAD to get the highest RAM possible, which meant customizing, which you can do on the Apple website.

But customizing is more expensive. I decided to look into the refurbished section of the Apple site and found one that was modified to 32GB of RAM instead of the standard 16. I had to wait awhile for an affordable computer (their inventory fluctuates all the time. Once literally a mac disappeared before my eyes! BEFORE my EYES!!) but a suitable one popped up and I snatched it!

Another problem was that I couldn’t easily transfer all my files from the old Mac to the new one due to hard drive size. Years ago my external HDs kept failing so I saved all my data on the Mac’s internal HD & backed up remotely through CrashPlan (switched to Carbonite now). When I replaced the HD on the old computer, I souped it up to 500GB, but the new Macs come with only HALF that due to people saving files in various clouds. For all my previous computers, I just migrated the old computer to the new one, but trying to do that now would have caused many problems because you can’t transfer 500GB of data to a device with only 256GB of space.

In THIS case tough, I did NOT choose to buy the extra internal HD space because it was hella expensive!! You can always get more EXTERNAL HD space for way less. I got 2 1TB external HDs, each for like $60. I downloaded all the data from Carbonite to one of the HDs. I never used TimeMachine because it’s for the entire system & don’t want to go down that tangent. In my case, I think Time Machine would have made the transition more complex.

Anyway my newer Mac has the regular 256GB internal HD, and I’m storing all my data now on an external HD, which I’m backing up to a 2nd external HD and will reconnect it to Carbonite later to also back up my new files to their cloud.

Ok my eyes are bugging out from re-living all of this lol! My new computer journey was even more complex than this but I have to stop here or my brain will explode. This stuff is hard for me to understand but I CAN learn it if I try, but I do get burned out easily from it. Made lots of progress though and am super happy with the end result!

[ntrending]

31 ways to optimize your smartphone

New Post has been published on https://nexcraft.co/31-ways-to-optimize-your-smartphone/

31 ways to optimize your smartphone

Studies show that we’re spending half our waking hours with our smartphones, and it’s clear that the devices have changed how we interact with our world. So why not optimize your device to get yourself a easier, more productive, more relaxing life? Below, tricks that’ll keep your phone primed for any situation.

Switch phones without losing anything

A new smartphone model—from Google, Apple, or another manufacturer—catches your eye, and all of a sudden, your old device won’t cut it. But don’t leap into an upgrade without taking precautions. After all, you store a lot of important information on your smartphone, and you don’t want to lose any of it during the excitement of a switch. Luckily, upgrading from one phone to another is a lot easier than it used to be, because we now store most of our digital possessions in the cloud. Plus, you can find some key apps to help you switch from one device to another. What you need to know. >>

What to do before you sell or recycle your smartphone

If you’re getting rid of your old laptop, smartphone, tablet or other gadget, you need to protect your private data before parting with your unwanted hardware. Are all your photos stored somewhere safe? Are you sure your laptop’s new owner can’t get at your banking spreadsheets? Disposing of old hardware can be a privacy minefield, but staying safe isn’t difficult if you know what you’re doing. What you need to do. >>

Check on all the app subscriptions you’re still paying for

Many smartphone apps will ask you to pay a monthly or a yearly subscription, and automatically deduct this payment from your financial account of choice. From video-streaming services like Netflix to weather-monitoring apps such as Dark Sky, this model lets you buy into a program without worrying about making manual payments. The problem is that, as these apps add up, it’s easy to lose track of how much cash you’re shelling out each month. Add in all those free trials you signed up for and then forgot to cancel before the first billing date, and you can end up spending way more than you intended. Although the task of sorting through all your subscriptions may seem daunting, you can run an app audit in only a few minutes. The simplest ways to check. >>

Be in a healthier relationship with your smartphone

If you find yourself checking Instagram during a meal out with friends, playing Candy Crush as you walk down the street, or scrolling through your Facebook feed in bed until you look up and realize it’s 2 a.m., you may have an unhealthy relationship with your smartphone. Tips, this way. >>

Control your app permissions

Your smartphone wouldn’t be all that useful without all the apps you’ve downloaded. Even when you’re not actively poking around within a program, it can run in the background—updating your location, checking your email, or playing music—to make life more convenient. But to do so, it needs permission from your phone. Periodic permissions checks protect you against potentially unscrupulous app developers and give you more control over your privacy. As an added bonus, if fewer apps are working away in the background, your phone can save on battery life. How to get check. >>

Tame your smartphone notifications

Having a smartphone is a real catch-22. And the more apps you download, the more notifications you receive, until the flurry of incoming alerts makes it difficult to pick out the updates you actually care about—or to concentrate on anything outside your phone. To balance staying in touch with staying sane, you need to control the number of notifications you see. How it’s done. >>

Set phone reminders for anything

With the frenetic pace of modern life, we’ve got more to remember than ever. Help is at hand in the form of (what else) your smartphone. As well as a digital camera, music player, and all-round communications device, your phone can also act as a combination of secretary and to-do list when it comes to reminding you about what you need to get done. And your options are much more sophisticated than that notebook or pile of Post-it notes that they will replace. How to outsource your memory. >>

Extend your phone’s battery life

To own a smartphone is to know the frustration of having its battery die right when you need it most—whether you’re approaching your next high score or need to call someone to let you into the building. While modern-day displays and phone tech put a lot of strain on the battery pack inside your handset, you can follow these steps to eke out as much life as possible.

Quick-charge your phone during a busy day

On hectic days, charging time is minimal. If you’re running from meeting to meeting, for example, you may only have five minutes to plug in your phone. To get the most battery power stored up in the shortest possible time, start here. >>

Fix the most common smartphone problems

No one likes a faulty smartphone. Unfortunately, bugs, crashes, and other issues are inevitable, especially as your phone gets older. On the bright side, many of the most common issues have relatively simple fixes you can perform yourself. Here’s how to fix some of the most common phone problems you’ll encounter. Read on. >>

Protect your smartphone’s lock screen

The lock screen on iOS and Android blocks access to all of your personal information, but it can still reveal more than you might think. That’s because Google and Apple have tweaked the lock screen to allow easy access to some of your phone’s main features, including Siri and the camera app. What you need to know. >>

Free up space on your smartphone

You pull out your phone to snap a spontaneous photo…and get an error message because you have no space for the image. Running out of room on your phone—with no memory left for photos, videos, or new apps—can feel like a disaster. Avoid this scenario by reading these tips. >>

How to stay under your data limits

Smartphones put a world of information, games, videos, and music at your fingertips. That is, until you run out of data. It only takes a few minutes of throttled, agonizingly slow speeds to realize how much you rely on that cellular connection—and how important it is to stay within your data allowance. The solution: Cut back on the amount of data your phone chews through. Adjusting your settings to reduce data usage will come in handy for those with limited data plans or travelers who plan to spend time out of network. We’ve collected some tips for staying on the right side of your data boundaries. What you need to know. >>

Upgrade your phone’s default apps

Settling for the default email, messaging, and browsing apps on your phone? It’s understandable. But if you haven’t at least tried some of the excellent alternatives out there, you’re missing out. Even if the default app works as well as the alternative version, you may not want to trust every bit of your personal information to just one tech behemoth—third-party apps let you distribute your data more evenly. Is the grass really greener on the other side of the…app fence? Only one way to find out. The best replacement apps for your phone.>>

10 hidden Android features you never knew existed

Whether you’re on Android’s tam or iPhone’s, one thing is certain: Google’s phone software is more versatile and customizable than Apple’s offering. Dig into the settings and tweaks available for your Android phone and you’ll find a host of clever features and useful tools. We’ve collected 10 of them right here. >>

Learn hidden iPhone features

Both iPhones and Android devices have their pros and cons, but the general consensus is that iOS is a little easier to pick up and use, while Android offers more in the way of customization and configuration. Still, as simple as Apple’s operating system seems, you can find plenty of advanced features hidden below its polished surface. Here are 10 of them to uncover. >>

Charge your smartphone the right way

Without a battery, your expensive smartphone becomes a hunk of dead electronics. And these rechargeable powerhouses have a finite lifespan: Over time, they will start losing power faster and taking longer to charge. To extend the battery’s useful life for as long as possible, you need to take care of your device properly. That means adopting good charging habits and taking care with battery storage. What you need to know. >>

Pay for things with your smartphone

Most of us leave the house carrying three essentials: keys, wallet, and smartphone. But over the past few years, more and more people are combining the latter two objects. Your smartphone can store your financial details and use them to make secure, instant payments in the store. It may feel vaguely futuristic, but you can check out with a wave of your mobile—as long as the place you’re shopping has the necessary hardware. If you’re new to the world of app-based payments, but want to upgrade from the old cash and cards approach, it’s easier than you might think to get set up. In fact, you have most of what you’ll need already installed on your phone. Here are your payment options. >>

Prepare your phone for travel

When you’re traveling, you rely on your phone to navigate, translate, and stay in touch with friends. But on the road, you may face challenges like insecure or nonexistent Wi-Fi and a scarce charging spots. Before you head out the door, take a few steps to prepare your phone. These tips will make your indispensable travel companion even more resilient and useful. Read on. >>

The best travel apps to install on your phone

When in a strange land, your phone’s your way to clarity and familiarity. As long as you’ve got the right apps installed, that is. You probably already use a few common apps for getting from A to B and researching the best local restaurants. We’ve picked out a few more that are particularly suited to traveling. Install them now—while you still have Wi-Fi. Get more out of your trip. >>

Plan a road trip using only your smartphone

Until self-driving cars take over, the road trip will remain one of the most popular vacations. It’s liberating, offers flexible options, and can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. However, to make sure you see everything you want to see—and avoid spending half your time in traffic—a good road trip will need meticulous planning. Here’s how your smartphone can help. >>

Essential apps for your commute

You get up in the morning, drink some coffee, and face your first challenge of the day: the daily run to the office. Whether you drive or take public transportation, you get to deal with all kinds of potential unpleasantness, from road work to overcrowded subway trains. That’s when you should turn to your phone. These six apps will help you get through your daily commute with your sanity intact—and you might even have fun along the way. Download our picks. >>

On a hot summer day, the ocean beckons. Just as you stretch out on the sand to soak up those sweet rays and scare up some vitamin D, your hand itches—you need to grab your smartphone. Maybe you want to snap a photo of the churning surf, or blast the latest pop hit, or video-chat with your unlucky friend who couldn’t make it to the shore this weekend. But the things that make a beach amazing—sun, sand, and ocean—can also wreak havoc on electronic devices. To keep your phone safer at the shore, take these precautions. Protect it from sun, sand, and seawater. >>

Take the best smartphone photos of your life

By now we’re all familiar with the basics of smartphone photography: You pull out your phone and push a button. But if you really plan to preserve those memories for posterity, you’ll want your phone snaps to look their best. Up your phone photo game with these nine tips and tricks. Read on. >>

Shoot the best video on your smartphone

We all wield the miniature computers in our pockets to shoot endless photos, but what about video? While many of us do capture clips—spurred by improving camera quality, increased storage capacity, and the rise of “stories” formats on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram—the quality of these videos still tends to be low, with uneven lighting, variable audio, and a shaky frame. However, a few smart tricks and well-chosen accessories can make all the difference to your phone video. Whether you’re recording a few seconds of footage for your friends or putting together a professional reel to share more widely, our advice will have you shooting like a pro in no time. Release your inner Spielberg. >>

Shoot better nature photos with your smartphone

National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson is responsible for some of the best photography advice ever given: “If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” [Nature is full of interesting stuff](Nature is full of interesting stuff), and, thanks to smartphones, we’re almost never without a pretty-good-quality camera. But even the most-beautiful, surprising location won’t be very photogenic in the wrong circumstances. Here are seven tips to help you get the most out of your next nature photography adventure. >>

Photograph the night sky with your phone

You can’t stop gazing at the luminous full moon—you need to share this with Instagram. So you pull out your phone, aim at the heavens, and capture … a fuzzy white blob. The firmament is one of the hardest targets to snap on a phone. Why? A smartphone’s camera lens is wide, and it automatically sets the exposure to capture the dark sky instead of the bright objects in it. To up your phone game, try adding some additional technology. These tips will help you **photograph celestial bodies near and far. >> **

Find a new job on your smartphone

There are lots of ways to go job hunting, including a plethora of apps and services on the web designed to help discover the perfect way to make a living. Your smartphone can definitely help, too. This way for a selection of our favorite mobile apps and tips for landing the job of your dreams. >>

Share your location (without broadcasting it to the world)

Location-tracking apps can be useful, but you need to be careful about who has access. In addition to figuring out where to meet up, apps like these can let you track your kids without telling every stranger where they are. The ones we’ve collected are free to use, simple to set up, and can save you a long series of calls or texts when you need to know where someone is. Check them out. >>

Protect your smartphone privacy

Many people don’t realize that the software in their phones can track their every move. Whether you have an iOS or an Android device, Apple and Google can collect data about how you use it: the places you go, the apps you run, the search queries you type into the web browser, and so on. Although this sounds unnecessarily invasive, the companies use a lot of your data in helpful ways. So if your desire for privacy outweighs these benefits, you can decide how much you trust these companies with your data and how much information you’re prepared to share with them. Whatever you choose, it’s important to be aware of what you’re sharing, and how you can limit it if you want to. Protect you privacy. >>

While cloud-based services can back up our emails and social media posts when we lose an old phone or switch to a new one, our SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) histories tend to disappear. You’ve probably got some precious memories and a few important nuggets of information tied up in your text message conversations. Don’t let those texts get lost. These solutions not only preserve your text histories; they can also save any texts you send in the future. How to back up your SMS history. >>

Written By David Nield

[elajoloterosa]

The unsuspected benefits of the hammock

Ever thought about swapping your bed for a hammock? Some people swear by sleeping daily in a hammock. And its popularity is growing.

Hammock Sleeping Pros (http://www.criticalcactus.com/hammock-sleeping-benefits/)

8 reasons why swapping your good old bed for a hammock could be a good idea:

fall asleep faster

deeper sleep (which is thought to be healthier)

as a result, better ability to concentrate during the day

better reading

increased learning

alleviate back pain (anecdotal reports only)

no more dust mites infested, dead skin cell stuffed mattresses (what’s true about such claims will be covered soon in another post)

say goodbye to soaked mattresses

How A Simple Net Has Unsuspected, High Tech-Like Features

Recent research has shown that the swinging effect of a hammock provides the same kind of brain waves in adults that make babies fall so quickly into a deep sleep. Not only do they make you fall asleep faster, but you will also doze off into a deeper and longer sleep.

Study Shows Settle in a Hammock, Sleep Like a Baby

In a June 2011 article published in the journal Current Biology, researchers found that the swinging motion provided by a hammock affords a faster route to sleep and the benefit of deeper sleep throughout the night.

Why do we cradle babies or irresistibly fall asleep in a hammock? Although such simple behaviors are common across cultures and generations, the nature of the link between rocking and sleep is poorly understood. Here we aimed to demonstrate that swinging can modulate physiological parameters of human sleep. To this end, we chose to study sleep during an afternoon nap using polysomnography and EEG spectral analyses. We show that lying on a slowly rocking bed (0.25 Hz) facilitates the transition from waking to sleep, and increases the duration of stage N2 sleep. Rocking also induces a sustained boosting of slow oscillations and spindle activity. It is proposed that sensory stimulation associated with a swinging motion exerts a synchronizing action in the brain that reinforces endogenous sleep rhythms. These results thus provide scientific support to the traditional belief that rocking can soothe our sleep. (Current Biology)

This research provides insight into why rocking to sleep is the best method for lulling babies. The brain wave synchronization occurs much easier through a rocking motion and allows the baby to feel more at home (i.e. it feels closer to being in the womb).

The gentle rocking of a hammock will boost brain wave oscillations associated with better sleep and has been shown to provide a very pleasant sleep. More specifically, the rocking fortifies the brain waves that are naturally present during sleep which maintains you in a deeper sleep.

Is Deeper Sleep Better Sleep?

According to the researchers deeper sleep is not necessarily healthier but deeper sleep usually means a better recovery. All stages in the sleep cycle are beneficial but the deeper sleep stage and REM sleep stage are particularly important.

This is when our body repairs itself. Energy is restored, tissues and muscles are repaired, and the immune system is fortified. Different sleep cycles have different effects on the functions of our organ systems and it is hypothesized that during sleep the brain and other organs are recovering. .

This is probably where the claim that a hammock helps you rebalance your internal organs comes from. Although it sounds a bit woolly.

Sleep is not a passive event, but rather an active process involving characteristic physiological changes in the organs of the body. (Source: National Institutes of Health)

The Secret Cure To Insomnia?

Since the mild swinging sensation works on our brainwaves it is thought that sleeping in a hammock may be the cure for people with very severe insomnia.

When faced with challenges to sleep, do you turn to the latest in pharmaceutical technology? Or do you use special smart phone applications that promise to “cycle” your sleeping to maximize your REM and deep sleeping based on timers?

Maybe all you really need to do is change up what you’re sleeping on top of. Sleeping on a mattress couldn’t be further away from the feeling of sleeping in a womb so perhaps it’s time we question why we’re so apt to sleep on a firm surface.

That old trusty mattress may be ruining your chance for a good night of sleep (and be killing your back, more in a bit.) If you’re hesitant to leave your bed, it’s not like having a hammock as another option means you have to permanently forgo bed sleeping.

Answer to the question on a camper forum, What’s your worst investment in your RV?

“I consider a hammock as my worst investment. For one year I had such a thing. I crawled in with a good book, but five minutes later I was sound asleep. After the holiday I realized that Ihad slept my vacation away. I gave the hammock to my brother who now, already quite some years spends his vacations sleeping.”

How a Hammock Can Make You Smarter… (Really)

Hammock sleeping improves concentration, and as a result reading and learning. Let’s see how this works.

The particular brain waves monitored during the research are directly related to memory. Michel Muhlethaler, professor of neuroscience in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva, Switzerland said it like this;

..the type of waves that you see, which are reinforced here, have also been associated with an increase in memory for recent events. So it’s true that from that point of view, this type of ameliorated sleep could be beneficial also for cognitive purposes.   source: NPR.org

The Laziest Way to Get Smarter

Hammocks provide a fantastic way to relax after a hard day’s work. Who doesn’t like to doze off a little before dinner. And when you are reading in your hammock they provide valuable relaxation. Here’s how.

The research on the brain waves indicates that readingactually becomes more pleasant because of increased concentration. It also helps you remember what you have read. Which obviously is a real benefit for studying.

Are You Overlooking a Simple Solution For Your Sore Back?

Everybody knows what plays a role in back aches being so common. We sit in front of computers all day, afterwards we drape ourselves on the couch, and we don’t exercise like we should. But at those aren’t the only reasons.

According to the hammock advocates, the cultural paradigm of sleeping on a mattress is not exactly the best we can do for our bodies. And may in fact be the reason for back aches.

So, do hammocks reduce back aches?  Potentially, yes. While there is no definitive literature that absolutely supports this claim, it makes sense that pressure points are alleviated much more effectively than even the best mattresses. What’s more convincing is that abundant anecdotal reports confirm the back soothing claims.

Sleeping Together, Super Romantic or The Ultimate Relationship Test?

A major drawback, and actually the only valid con, of hammock sleeping is that it’s best as a solo venture. Though two person hammocks exist, for most people, sleeping together just doesn’t seem to work that well.

If you are both very cuddly it may be quite nice actually but most people don’t like being smooshed together. Which almost always is the case. Even in big two-person hammocks such as the ENO Doublenest you run the risk of getting bunched up like twisted strands of string.

Another drawback. If one of you has to go to out at night the other, especially light sleepers, will probably notice and wake up too. One way or the other, dual hammock sleeping really is an acquired taste.

The only real drawback you say?

Yes, I know. I hear you thinking, “No way, there are much more downsides to hammock sleeping. What about getting cold for example? Or being folded up like a caterpillar? Not being able to move freely. And feeling claustrophobic or being afraid of falling out?”

Well, you may be surprised. These are either very easily solved or actually not such insurmountable difficulties as you might think.

Are You Ready To Try It?

The benefits of full night hammock sleeping transcend the utilitarian. Improved sleep quality that really should sell a person on trying it out for a few nights.

So, whether you decide to try and hammock sleep for just napping, for a night, or for a few nights a week, whether you sleep on your stomach or your back, if you’re constantly being bothered by back pain or the inability to get a quality night’s sleep, existing knowledge and thousands of years of existence proof it’s worth trying hammock sleeping. And for the price compared to a regular bed, it’s hardly beatable.

Honesty commands me to add that although I’m planning to, I haven’t yet tried it myself.

If you are going to make the switch, make sure to pad the hammock and leave yourself a lot of covers with which to stay warm.

Also keep in mind that not all hammocks are suitable. Nicaraguan, Brazilian and Mayan hammocks are the most appropriate.

The Rada Yucatan Hammock for example is often used for full time sleeping (see the top reviewer’s comment how it helped alleviate his back problems). http://hammocksrada.com/

The Vivere UHSDO9 Double Hammock is another popular model for every night sleeping. http://hammockstandexpert.com/vivere-uhsdo9-double-hammock-with-space-saving-steel-stand-tropical-review/

If you don’t want to abandon sleeping in a bed but do want the (scientifically proven) benefits of a hammock spring bed may be something for you.

Author: Thijs Harteveld

https://www.treklightgear.com/

NPR: Why Hammocks Make Sleep Easier, Deeper WebMD: Gentle Rocking Helps You Fall Asleep Faster, Get Deeper Sleep CNN: Hammocks Make For Deeper Sleep Lifehacker: Want Better Naps? Sleep In A Hammock Health.com: Study: Hammocks Make For Deeper Sleep HealthGuidance.org:Improve Your Health With Hammocks

http://www.lasiesta.com/en/hammock/

https://www.campclayborne.com/products/bison-bag-g2-sleeping-bag-hammock

https://hydrohammock.com/

[xertasadventures]

Cebu Trip - The Second Weekend

Getting close to the end of this series. I kinda don’t want it to come to an end but I fear if I don’t write it soon enough I will forget more details of the trip (I mean I was struggling with the first week already x.x)

So without further ado, let’s go!

2-25-17

So for the weekend we were going on a trip around the island of Cebu. This trip was mostly planned by JR and though it would be with some of my cousins, a part of me wished more cousins could be coming, but I guess we would need a bigger van.

A note: The original plan was to just take mass transit to the places we wanted to go to. Anything from bus to cab to jeepney to even riding on the back of a motorcyclists or his sidecab x.x As brave as I can be, I definitely didn’t want to risk losing anything nor injuring myself, so I told JR that I would pay for a van for us to take around for the weekend.

So JR and Patrick went to pick up the van early morning, around 4 or 5am. They picked up QT and Magz before they picked me up, then we picked up Raymon. This would be the crew we would be rolling with for the weekend. Our first destination would be a city called Carcar which is famous for their street market and their lechon. We wanted to get some lechon for lunch since we would be passing by anyway so we got off at the market and went to the lechon stands. Literally, there was a lechon on each stand. The one we eyed was giving free samples so I took a few pieces of skin and omg it. was. SO. GOOD!!! Truth be told, I’m not as much of a fan of lechon as my fellow Filipino Americans, primarily because usually when I get lechon it’s either too hard or too soggy. But the ones in car car are really really good.

After stopping in Carcar our next destination would be Oslob to see the whale sharks. Everyone but my cousin QT and I had seen them, so it would just be us two going out to watch them. However, because it was a Saturday, it was pretty busy and we had to wait about an hour before we could go. I was told by my Dad before we left that I didn’t have to swim with the whale sharks and that I could just sit. It’s not that I was scared of them, and I knew that we would have life vests, it’s just that one of my little weird quirks is that I don’t like being wet with sea water and not being able to take a shower right afterwards. And mind you, this was still before lunch. We still had a long way to go before we would reach the place we were staying over night so who knows when I would get a proper shower. So that’s why I opted to not swim.

As my luck would have it, however, I did get wet. It’s just something that can’t be avoided considering how small the boats are. Thankfully, I left my cell phone behind, but that also meant I couldn’t take pictures. RIP me. At least this made me realize how important having a water proof phone is I suppose, and I’m hoping that the pixel’s third iteration will be water proof (because I’m not going to get the second one because that would be a waste of getting the first one lol)

But seeing the whale sharks up close was really cool. Supposedly there’s a story surrounding the whale sharks - one day this fisherman saw a whale shark near his fishing grounds in Oslob and decided to feed it. I think it was injured too? So after feeding it and helping it out a bit, it swam away, but then the next day it came back with more family/friends. This culminated in the town uniting together instead of stabbing each other in the back so that the town as a whole can make a living off of having people view the whale sharks. I obviously have my reservations about humans making money off of animals (Though I also like seeing them up close at Seaworld) but it’s not like the whale sharks are forced to stay there. They come and go as they please pretty much, which is why we got worried a little because we thought they would leave before we would get to see them.

QT was able to swim in the water with the sharks and had the guy who rowed the boat take some above and underwater pictures with her go pro. After staying there for about thirty minutes, we rotated out and were back on ground.

After visiting the whale sharks at Oslob, we went to Tumalog falls, though it was kinda funny how we got there. We took a road thinking it would take us where we needed to go, but it was actually a wrong way and by the time we realized it, we were up a steep part of a mountain. And our van was a Mahindra one (don’t remember the specific model, just know that it was an Indian car brand). So Patrick had to carefully back up until we reached a spot where he could make a u-turn. He was sweating like crazy, which I can understand because he was probably mad nervous. Mad props to him though for keeping his cool and being able to get us back down safely :D

So yeah, after that, we went the right way and reached the falls... Well, we didn’t reach the falls, we just reached where we could park. We still had to walk to the falls, but before we did, we all switched to our swimming trunks because apparently we would be getting wet. Again, fearing for my phone’s safety, I had to leave it behind, but at least Patrick stayed behind to watch the car and rest up (since he would be driving for a while after the falls).

The walk to the falls was a little long. But I didn’t complain--after all the eating I did I was happy to get some exercise! There was a point where it was kinda steep but we just went slowly and soon enough we reached the falls. Holy. Crap. It was really beautiful. Something out of a fantasy video game or an asian kung fu movie, where the hero goes to meditate underneath some falls. And the reason why we switched to swimming trunks is because we could swim in the lake that formed at the base of the falls. It wasn’t deep considering I could stand and the water wouldn’t go past my shoulders, so it was just awe inspiring being in the water looking at the falls up close. Was it cold? Initially it was, but after taking a full dip my body adjusted and it felt really nice.

We hung out at the falls for at least thirty minutes I think (didn’t really have a sense of time for this whole trip) and when we were done JR took a motorcycle back up while the rest of us walked back. We tried up and got back in the van and were heading to our next stop: Moalboal.

I was able to get like an hour’s sleep in the car while we drove, but when I was awake, let’s just say it’s not like it is in the states. The highway is a two lane road, one lane for each direction. For most of it, you’re allowed to pass using the opposing lane, but you had to be smart about it. Obviously you’re not going to pass if you can’t see the road ahead or if there’s an incoming car. But if you saw the road and there was no incoming traffic, you would overtake the person in front of you. We had to do this several times because we encountered buses which obviously move slow or the motorcyclists carrying people in their side cab. Makes you appreciate having two lanes each direction, but I know there are roads like this in the states as well.

When we got to Moalboal, I was not aware that we didn’t make a reservation at a hotel here. So we had to walk around until we found a spot that had a room with AC available and a backpacker’s room so we could all stay in the same place. I’m usually used to making a reservation beforehand, but at least we managed to find a place with an AC still available. Would be nice if the shower wasn’t shared, but you get what you get I suppose.

After we found a place to stay, we went back to the main area of the beach and just hung out and chilled at a bar-restaurant. We talked about life, about what we did in our jobs. Had a few laughs because of a guy that passed by that one of my cousins waved at funnily, and took pictures when the sun set. When it got dark, we ate dinner at a local BBQ stand where you pick out the BBQ you want cooked and they’ll cook it for you on the spot. A little bit like Picnic Garden except it wasn’t all you can eat - you paid for what you get. After eating dinner, we went back to the hotel we were staying at where we all freshened up and took naps.

When it was close to 11 pm we went out to hang out at a bar. I’ll admit. At this point I was kinda not in a good mood. I had just been woken up from a nap after a pretty tiring day and I’m not the type to hang out at bars, especially ones where it’s pretty loud. My mood got even worse when this white guy questioned me for ordering water at the bar and then kept drinking from my botttle of water while offering me his drink, which looked like a long island iced tea. Yeah, no. If there’s one thing I’m constantly told, it’s to not accept drinks from people you don’t know. It also didn’t help that it wasn’t a smoke free bar so there was second hand smoke around me, but I did my best not to ruin the mood for my cousins. After a while, Patrick and I went ahead because he needed to rest since he was driving tomorrow and I just wanted to get out of there. So we went back to the hotel and slept.

2-26-17

When I woke up, I was texting Jaymie and my friends and just catching up with them since I was up earlier than everyone else. I remember farting a few times, which is actually kinda funny because Patrick was sharing the bed with me, and we were sleeping on different ends, like his head was on one end and mine was on the other. It was just funny because after one fart, I suddenly heard a “what the eff” and just burst out laughing. A moment later, he farted in return and we just couldn’t stop laughing after that XD It’s always good to start a day with a laugh.

For breakfast we just went to a local place that served your regular filipino breakfast dishes. I got longsilog because it’s hard for me to get that in the states. After we ate, we checked out and headed to our next stop, which was the Kawasan falls. I kept thinking I remember being at these falls but I didn’t realize it until we got to the actual falls. The last time I went here was when I was a sophomore becoming a junior in high school when my mom had a college reunion. These falls was one of the stops of the tour and it was here where I lost my necklace from my Quest retreat, which I was really bummed about (Quest was the best retreat I took part in). I was prepared this time though - I didn’t wear my Jedi Order necklaces from Hollywood Disney so there was no way I was losing that (I am one with the force and the force is with me).

But what I didn’t know is that there are three levels or areas to these falls, and the last time I went we only went to the first area. We walked further up and got to the second area where we would eat lunch and hang out for a bit. We swam in the lake, though this time I had to be careful because it was a lot deeper than then Tumalog Falls. At one point, QT urged me to try and swim to another shallow part of the lake, but I had to swim a little to get to it. So I did what I remember from swimming lessons many years ago and made it... half way LOL. Raymon had to pull me for the rest of the way, which was fine because at least I didn’t struggle or drown > . < But again, it was mesmerizing to be in that water looking at the falls. Made me wish I could do that in the states.

Kawasan is another tourist spot, so there were a bunch of other people there that were jumping from a cliff into the lake at the base of the falls as well. Part of me wanted to try, but considering that I can’t swim, I opted not to. I wanted to get home in one piece after all. But if I did know how to swim, or at least knew how to swim better, than I probably would be down to try it out.

We ate lunch at Kawasan, though the food took a while to be cooked because they had a lot of orders, so while we waited we just chilled in the lake. After we ate, we stayed in the lake a bit more then headed back. When we got back to our van, we drove back to Cebu City, though we stopped by the Milk Station to get some eats and ice cream. We also stopped by Carcar again to get some chicharone, another thing Carcar is famous for.

When we got back to Cebu City, we dropped off everyone at their respective places until it was me and Patrick. We then went to Urgello so he could pick up some stuff to shower with since he would be taking a shower at the hotel my family (and most of my other relatives) would be staying at, Quest Hotel. We had the van until the following day, so we just took it and parked it in the hotel garage, then freshened up. It was nice to have a good shower after such a busy weekend. We had to rush a little bit though because Patrick and I didn’t want to miss mass so after we were ready, we went back out, this time with my Dad and went to Church. It was funny because I was the one that chose where we sat and we ended up sitting right in front of the AC. And though it is the Philippines, it was really, really cold x.x I was actually glad to leave the AC for once when mass ended.

After church, we got some barbeque and snacks before heading to my cousin Lisalee’s house for dinner with everyone... Except we were late and everyone had gone their separate ways already. But more of the Dejoras clan was in Cebu by this time, which is always cool :D

When we were done eating dinner, we split ways again, with me and my cousins going to hang out with some of our other cousins outside of a TomTom’s coffee shop. It was basically the people I went on the weekend trip with, plus my cousin JoJo, his wife Jade, Jenny, their younger sister, Jo-anne, Carl, JJ, and his wife Jasmine. Though I was really tired and looking forward to passing out at the hotel, it was really cool and awesome to be with all of them there with no alcohol involved. I like moments like that where I can chill with people and they are rowdy but not because of alcohol and all because of jokes and laughs :) Though I didn’t understand about 1/3rd of what they were saying due to my limited understanding of Cebuano, it was still nice and I kinda wish I did at least know more of the language > . <

When it started getting late, we had to go because Jenny would be leaving early in the morning since she couldn’t take off of work, plus I’m sure those of us that went on the weekend trip were probably really tired. Raymon dropped me off at Quest while Patrick and JR went to return the van. And after doing a few dailies in WoW I headed to bed.

Thankfully, this wouldn’t be the last time I hung out with my cousins on this trip. More to come in the following blogs.

[touristguidebuzz]

DJI Mavic Pro: Best Drone For Travel? (Plus Tips & Tricks)

DJI Mavic Pro Drone Review

Gear Review

Drones are incredible tools for capturing images & video in a totally different perspective. With the new DJI Mavic Pro, we finally have a drone that’s easy to travel with too!

The other day I was kayaking at a stunning blue lagoon in Mexico. To capture its beauty, I brought along a daypack filled with camera gear — my Sony A7Rii, GoPro Hero5, and the new DJI Mavic Pro.

All of this gear, including accessories, fit neatly inside a single camera backpack that I use as my airline carry-on!

The ability to pack a drone, along with the rest of my camera gear, into a single bag has been a dream of mine ever since I first started flying drones in my travel photography and video workflow.

But it just wasn’t possible until now.

Small & Lightweight Design

DJI Mavic Pro Drone Review

Sure, there are small drones out there. And more powerful ones too. Unfortunately you couldn’t have the best of both worlds — until the new DJI Mavic Pro came along.

The Mavic has all the features of the original DJI Phantom 4, but is half the size and weight.

Folded up, the Mavic is about the same size as a Nalgene water bottle!

To make this possible, DJI really put a lot of thought into the Mavic’s design. It has four “wings” that neatly fold up when not in use. You no longer need to remove the drone’s propellers either, they fold up too.

Even the Mavic’s remote controller is about half the size as previous models. Yet DJI’s new drone still boasts about 21 minutes of flight time, speeds up to 40mph, and a super impressive 4 mile range.

With the ability to shoot 4k video and capture RAW photos, the Mavic is just as powerful as its predecessor (DJI Phantom 4). It also has front-facing optical sensors that help you avoid obstacles and prevents the drone from crashing into things.

Powerful Portable Drone for Travel

DJI Mavic Pro Specs

Video Recording: 4K in 24/30p or 1080 in 60/30/24p Pixels: 12 Megapixels Max Resolution: 4000 x 3000 Lens: 28mm Memory Card: Micro SD ISO Sensitivity: 100 – 3200 Max Speed: 40 mph Average Flight Time: 21 minutes Max Distance: 4 miles Weight: 1.62 lbs (734 g)

Flying the DJI Mavic

Flying The Mavic

The DJI Mavic is surprisingly easy to fly. It feels a lot like a video game. If you let go of the controls, the drone simply hovers in one place.

But drones are complicated machines too — you need to be aware of your surroundings in multiple dimensions, something most of us aren’t used to.

Before you do anything, make sure to watch all of the Mavic tutorial videos here. Then, practice flying the drone simulator on the DJI GO app.

When you finally think you’re ready, I recommend practicing with the Mavic in a wide open field until you get the hang of how it handles. Then practice some more.

The Mavic has a beginner mode that forces the drone to fly a bit slower, and limits height and distance. Use this mode while you’re learning.

All My Camera Gear in One Bag

Launching & Landing

Unfolding and preparing the Mavic for flight takes less than 2 minutes. First I start the DJI GO App on my phone, connect the phone to the remote controller, turn on the remote controller, then power on the drone.

The Mavic will attempt to lock on to GPS satellites, which keeps it stable during flight.

Before you fly in a new location, remember to calibrate the compass (aka do the “drone dance”). It’s an easy process that takes less than 20 seconds

One of the drawbacks to the DJI Mavic’s compact design is that it has much less ground clearance than the Phantom 4, meaning the belly of the drone is closer to the ground.

This can be a problem if you want to launch or land in tall grass. So try to find a wide, flat base to launch it from. I actually launch it from the back of my LowePro Whistler Camera Backpack most of the time.

If you run low on battery power or lose your connection, the Mavic will automatically “return to home” using GPS.

Cameras on the bottom of the Mavic take a photo of the launch site, helping it land in the same exact spot once you’re finished. Pretty impressive technology!

Shooting From a Different Perspective

Image Quality

When the Mavic was first released, there were a bunch of videos saying the image was fuzzy. This is because the camera wasn’t in focus — users didn’t realize they needed to touch the screen and focus the camera first.

However this issue has been resolved, as the latest software update gives the Mavic an autofocus mode, which you can turn on or off depending on your preference.

Both video footage & still photos from the Mavic are crisp and clean, sharp enough for most video applications, especially on the web. You can shoot up to 4k, although in my opinion 1080 24p works best on the Mavic.

If you want to make high-end movies, drones like the new DJI Phantom 4 Pro and DJI Inspire 2 boast larger camera sensors which can pick up more detail in lower light. The caveat is these drones aren’t nearly as portable as the Mavic.

Battery Life

Battery life for the DJI Mavic is solid, averaging 21 minutes on a typical flight (that’s with 15% battery remaining). I travel with 3 batteries to maximize my flight time in each location.

It takes about 60 minutes to re-charge a battery, about 2 hours to re-charge the controller.

DJI recommends deep-discharging (cycling) your intelligent flight battery after every 20 re-charges, to maximize battery life. You can view how many cycles a battery has gone through in the DJI GO App.

DJI Mavic Settings

4K or 1080?

Actually, neither. After doing a lot of research on this subject, it appears that the best footage on the DJI Mavic Pro comes from recording in 2.7k at 30p.

It’s complicated, but basically true 4k video footage needs a bitrate of 100mps. The Mavic can only handle a 65mps bitrate, meaning the footage gets compressed, and doesn’t look as good.

The sweet-spot seems to be recording at 2.7k, which you can then downsample to 1080 for web, and it will still look better than shooting at 1080 directly from the drone.

Also, while the Mavic can technically shoot video at 60 frames per second, it doesn’t look very good in practice. So make sure to keep it at 24p or 30p for the best looking footage.

Setting Your Camera Profile

Camera Profiles

If you aren’t planning to color-grade your video footage the default color profile settings work fine. However if you use color grading techniques or LUTs with software like Color Finale, you’ll want to adjust the color profile.

These are the settings I’ve found work best for me.

Profile: CINELIKE

Sharpness: -1

Contrast: -1

Saturation: 0

If you don’t know what I’m talking about when I say color grading or LUTS, here’s more information explaining the process.

Reducing Gimbal Speed

Gimbal Tilt Speed

The default gimbal tilt/pitch speed (aiming the camera up or down) was moving too fast for me, so I slowed it down to 20 in the remote control settings. This helps you get smoother, more cinematic camera movements for your videos.

YAW Speed

The drone’s YAW is what controls its rotation left or right. I prefer to slow this down a bit, again for smoother footage. You can do this in advanced settings under “rudder control”. I changed mine from 0.25 to 0.20.

Intelligent Flight Modes

Intelligent Flight Modes

The DJI Mavic drone has 11 cool intelligent flight modes, software that helps fly the drone for you, to get different kinds of unique shots that are difficult when flying with full manual control.

To activate them, you need to go into the flight mode settings. You can then pause or stop the program when necessary and go back to manual control. Here are some of my favorites.

Active Track

Active Track visually locks onto a person or object, and tracks their movement while keeping them in frame. It automatically follows the subject, or you can even fly circles around a moving subject. It’s great for following bikers, kayakers, people walking, and even cars (as long as they aren’t driving faster than 20 mph).

Gesture

This is the Mavic’s “selfie” setting. Send the drone up into the air, put down your remote control (or hide it out of frame), wave your hands to get the Mavic’s attention, then gesture with your hands in a frame around your head, and the drone will lock on and snap a photo after 3 seconds. You need to switch from video into photo mode to make this work.

Cinematic

Cinematic Mode is available with the new DJI Go V4.0 App. Basically it slows down certain drone movements, smoothing out the flying for more cinematic looking shots. But it’s important to note that this function slows down braking speed too, so the drone no longer stops on a dime if you let go of the control sticks. It “drifts” to a stop — so you need to be careful near objects like walls & trees.

Tripod

Tripod Mode is very cool. It drastically slows down the speed of the drone, to about 3-4mph maximum. It too is wonderful for slow, smooth, cinematic shots. It holds as steady as possible, but still stops quickly unlike cinematic mode. It’s great for maneuvering in tight spaces like narrow pathways or around trees. I use it when I’m afraid of running into something.

Course Lock

Another favorite mode of mine is Course Lock, where the drone will fly in one direction no matter which way the camera is facing. So if you wanted to fly parallel with a moving car, but change the direction of the camera angle as you fly alongside, you can do that without altering the course of the drone’s path.

Point Of Interest

Say you wanted to fly around a particular building or monument. With Point Of Interest, you hover over a stationary object, lock on, then adjust the diameter and speed you want to fly at, and the drone will then circle your chosen subject keeping it in frame. Manually flying perfect circles around something is very difficult, this mode does the hard work for you, so you can focus on filming.

Terrain

Terrain Mode is great for flying low over a rough landscape, or up the side of a hill. The Mavic’s bottom sensors track the changing ground features, and keep the drone at a certain height over it. So you don’t have to worry about adjusting it’s altitude to avoid running into the side of a hill, it takes care of that for you.

Photos From the Sky

Shooting Photos

The Mavic’s 12mp camera can capture great still photos too, in DNG RAW format for those who like to post-process their images, or normal JPG. You can also shoot in manual mode for adjusting ISO, exposure compensation, and shutter speed.

There are options for bracketing images, a self-timer, and rapid fire shots.

The image sensor is the same size as the original Phantom 4, however DJI’s newer Phantom 4 Pro has a much larger sensor, about 4 times the size as the Mavic’s. This means images from the Phantom 4 Pro will come out better in low-light situations, with less sensor noise.

DJI Mavic Tips & Tricks

Press Record!

As stupid as this sounds, when I first started flying drones, I’d forget to start recording video. Maybe it was because I was so excited to fly the thing, or because I was mesmerized by the beautiful scenes it was showing me. Remember to hit record and capture that beauty!

Full Screen View

The tiny DJI Mavic controller is pretty slick, displaying flight details like speed, altitude, distance, and battery level. This allows you to switch your phone into full-screen mode (swipe up for IOS), removing the information overlay so you can concentrate on framing your shots.

Slow & Steady Movements

Racing around at 40mph in sport mode is fun as hell, but doesn’t make for great video footage. The best drone videos are smooth and steady. Small input changes can have a big effect — you don’t need to jam down on the control sticks full throttle. Plus, you can always speed things up later with editing software too.

Return To Home

It took me a while to realize the benefits of this feature. Why engage return to home when I can fly back myself? Well, the software is much more efficient than humans are. It takes the shortest path back, flying at optimal speed, saving you precious battery power. If you really want to land yourself, you can cancel it at the last minute and take control.

Catch Landing

If I’m attempting to fly from uneven ground (rocks, tall grass, sand) I’ll generally launch the Mavic from my camera backpack, and catch-land it in my hand. However I do not recommend catch-landing a drone until you have a LOT of experience flying in all kinds of situations/weather. It can be dangerous if it goes wrong.

Recovering After A Crash

Everyone crashes their drone eventually. Everyone. I’ve crashed 2 times now, once in water! If you do crash your drone, the best way to get it back is using the GPS information stored on the DJI GO App. Click on the map, zoom into where the last signal was sent from, then head over and start searching. It’s crazy how accurate it is.

Facebook Live

Did you know you can broadcast live video from your DJI Mavic to Facebook & YouTube? The video feed comes from the drone, while the audio comes from your phone. This lets you tell a story, or describe what you’re seeing, as you fly the drone live. It’s possible with a strong 3G signal, but wifi and 4G connections work best.

Controller Sun Hood

DJI Mavic Accessories

Sun Shade Hood

The DJI Mavic Sun Hood helps you see your phone’s screen in full-on sunlight, cutting out the glare. Especially if your eyes are sensitive to the sun like mine are. It makes flying in sunlight much more enjoyable, so you can actually see what you’re recording.

Car Charger

The DJI Mavic Car Charger can plug into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter and charge your battery while driving. It’s super helpful during travel photography road trips, so you always have fresh batteries for flying.

ND Filters

These Polar Pro Mavic ND Filters are a bit like sunglasses for your drone’s camera. It gives professional videographers the ability to shoot video at slower shutter speeds in bright sunlight, creating a more cinematic look.

DJI Care Refresh

Like I said earlier, everyone crashes their drone eventually. It’s best to be prepared and purchase the DJI Care Refresh insurance, so when you do crash one day, you can get back to flying as soon as possible at minimal cost. Drones are expensive machines! It would suck to lose one.

Summary

With the DJI Mavic Pro, I can now fit all my camera gear into a single airplane carry-on bag. It’s also far easier to bring my drone hiking in the mountains, snowboarding, on a boat, or on other kinds of adventures.

Not only is it much smaller and lighter than earlier drones, it’s still just as fast, stable, and easy to fly too.

The convenience of the Mavic’s super portable design means I’m more likely to take my drone with me — giving my travel photography and adventure videos a big-budget WOW factor that was previously only possible from an actual helicopter.

While traveling with a drone is probably overkill for most people, if you make your living with photography or video (or want to eventually), nothing can compete with the DJI Mavic Pro for its combination of power & portability. ★

Watch Video: DJI Mavic Pro Review

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More Information

Product: DJI Mavic Pro (click here for price) Useful Notes: Even with a few downsides like less ground clearance and crappy 60p footage, the DJI Mavic Pro blows away the competition with its powerful features and extreme portability. It’s definitely the best drone for traveling photographers at the moment. Suggested Reading: Remote Drone Pilot Test Prep Handbook

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Have any questions about the DJI Mavic Pro drone? Are you thinking of getting one? Drop me a message in the comments below!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.