With the weather plunging to colder temperatures this winter, staying warm and comfortable is a top priority for many families. For some, that means breaking out the sweaters from storage bins and cozying up by the fireplace. But beyond just bundling up in layers of clothing, modern technology offers a range of solutions to help keep you cozy without wasting energy or feeling like you're living in a sauna!
Below, we highlight some of our favorite devices and gear for keeping warm this winter. Whether you're working from home or relaxing in the living room while streaming a favorite movie or TV series on FPUAnet Communications’ fiber internet, or even heading outdoors for a winter adventure, these tech gadgets will help you stay comfortable while embracing the convenience and efficiency of innovation.
1. Smart Thermostats
Let’s start by controlling the temperatures at home with a smart thermostat. Gone are the days of manually adjusting your thermostat every time you feel a chill—or needing to rush home to turn up the heat after being away from the house all day.
You can control most smart thermostats via an app on your smartphone, which is particularly handy if you want to pre-heat your house on those extra-cold mornings. Additionally, many smart thermostats “learn” your schedule, so they can automatically adjust the temperature based on when you're home or away. Indeed, some models even offer geofencing capabilities, which means they’ll know when you’re coming home and start heating up your house before you arrive!
We like the Amazon Smart Thermostat as a budget-conscious option that’s still loaded with features. For a more traditional feeling smart thermostat, check out the Honeywell Home T9 Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat. Its easy installation and simple-to-follow instructions make it a popular choice for first-time smart thermostat users.
2. Smart Heated Blankets
Of course, some people prefer things a little warmer around the house than other members of the household, which can sometimes lead to arguments over how warm the house should be, even in the dead of winter! But don’t fret—one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep people who need higher temperatures happy without impacting others is to snuggle up with a smart heated blanket.
Electric blankets have come a long way in recent years, with smart heated blankets offering precise temperature control and even smart features that allow you to pre-heat your bed before you crawl in. Indeed, many smart heated blankets come with multiple heat settings, automatic shut-off timers, and accompanying apps.
One option from a name brand you likely know is Sunbeam’s Electric Wi-Fi Connected Loftec Electric Heated Blanket. Its ten heat settings provide a perfect variety of adjustable heat levels. And Sunbeam’s app and the smart blanket’s Wi-Fi capability let you set schedules so it’s pre-warmed just when you’re ready for it.
3. Heated Insoles
Staying warm in winter requires more than just a comfortable and efficiently-heated home—you need to keep your body warm when you’re out and about too! And if you’re one of those people who constantly have cold feet—whether indoors or out—smart heated insoles could be a game changer this winter.
To help keep those tootsies toasty and snug, smart heated insoles provide targeted warmth to your feet. Best of all, they can be controlled via an app, allowing you to adjust the temperature as needed. Heated insoles are especially useful if you’re spending time outdoors in cold weather or if you’re prone to poor circulation.
One option to consider is Dr.warm’s Rechargeable Heated Insoles, manufactured by a company that specializes in cold-weather apparel and accessories. Its rechargeable heated insoles can fit into your shoes or boots, providing warmth to your feet for hours on end. And it’s controllable through an app on your smartphone, helping you regulate the level of heat throughout the day.
4. Portable Hand Warmers
Keeping your hands and fingers warm is also essential to staying comfortable this winter. And if you're always on the go or spend a lot of time outside, a rechargeable hand warmer is a must-have winter gadget.
These small, portable devices can be slipped into your pockets or gloves, providing instant heat whenever you need it. Whether you’re waiting for the bus, hiking, watching a football game, or attending a winter carnival, a hand warmer can provide relief from the cold without requiring you to carry bulky items.
OCOOPA Magnetic Hand Warmers are a popular model, offering adjustable heat settings and a long battery life. They’re available in a wide variety of colors too, helping each member of your family keep track of which warmer belongs to whom.
Winter doesn’t have to mean enduring endless layers of clothing and constant shivering. With the right tech gadgets, you can stay warm and cozy while saving energy and improving your comfort. Whether you opt for a smart thermostat, a heated blanket, or a portable hand warmer, there’s a wide range of products designed to help you beat the cold. So, embrace the warmth of innovation and enjoy this winter season to the fullest. And check out FPUAnet Communications’ social pages for more tech recommendations for your family!
Like most people in today's digital age, you probably spend a considerable portion of your life online. From daily emailing to online banking, managing finances, and shopping, these basics of everyday life are undoubtedly enhanced by our ever-present internet world. But with so much of our lives intertwined with the web, online security is more important than ever. And sadly, with cyber threats and data breaches on the rise, stepping up our personal cybersecurity is more crucial than ever.
A strong password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts. Below are six essential tips for creating a robust password for better online security. By utilizing a strong password, you can stay safer online while enjoying FPUAnet Communications’ high-speed fiber internet for everything from streaming TV and movies to connecting with loved ones through video calling or managing your finances.
1. The Elements of a Strong Password
Many people have been using the same password for a long time—and across many apps and websites! And it’s common to use a word near and dear to one’s heart because it’s easier to remember.
This risky practice is not nearly secure enough to combat today’s sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals. A strong password typically includes a mix of the following characteristics:
Length: Aim for at least 12-16 characters. Longer passwords are generally more secure.
Complexity: Use a diverse combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (e.g., &, !, @, and #).
Unpredictability: Avoid easily guessable information, such as names, birthdays, or common words.
Check out these examples of a weak (but common) password and a strong password:
Weak: Passcode123 (a shockingly overused word attached to a simple sequence of numbers is just not sufficient in today’s world).
Strong: 6L~3s1yXt#f4Fmz8 (this tangled combo is loaded with randomness, making the password extremely difficult to guess).
2. Avoid Widespread Password Mistakes
In addition to simply using the same password over and over again, many users fall into other common traps that compromise password strength. To dodge these:
Steer Clear of Words Found in the Dictionary: Avoid common words or phrases. Cyber attackers use dictionary attacks, which try every word in the dictionary to crack passwords.
Don’t Use Personal Information: Refrain from using your name, family names, or birth dates, as these are often easy to guess or obtain.
3. Use a Passphrase
If a jumbled set of letters, numbers, and characters is just too much to remember, you can still improve your password by lengthening it. A passphrase is a longer sequence of words or a sentence that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
For instance, instead of a single word, use a phrase like “MyCatMeows@Midnight?”
While seemingly silly, such a passphrase is more complex—and harder for hackers to guess or obtain—than using your cat’s name alone. And it’s also easy for you to remember.
4. Utilize Password Managers
If you don’t have the time to create a proper password and want to be sure that it contains the right amount of complexity, consider using a password manager. A password manager can help you create—and store—strong passwords securely. These tools can generate random passwords that meet security criteria and save you from having to remember every password.
When selecting a password manager, make sure that it utilizes strong encryption to protect your stored passwords. Many password managers will sync across all your devices, including cell phones and tablets, but double-check before choosing one.
With TechShield you will receive a convenient password manager along with mobile security and 50 GB of storage for photos and documents all for $7.99 per month.
5. Keep Your Passwords Updated
It’s not enough just to make your passwords more secure—you need to keep them updated, too. Ideally, you should change your passwords periodically, with some experts recommending changing them about every three to six months. This is particularly wise for sensitive accounts like email and online banking or credit cards but should also be considered for your most commonly used apps and social media.
If a company, service, or app you use experiences a breach, you must change your password immediately, no matter how recently you last updated it.Additionally, if you notice any unusual activity in your accounts, change your password to give yourself peace of mind.
6. Avoid Reusing Passwords
Our last tip relates to an all-too-common pitfall: using the same password repeatedly for apps and website logins. Reusing passwords across multiple sites increases your vulnerability. Indeed, if just one account is compromised, attackers can access your other accounts that share the same password.
Password managers can ease the creation and storage of unique passwords for each of your accounts. Alternatively, you can create variations of a strong base password just by adding a suffix or prefix related to each account.
Creating a strong password is a vital step in securing your online accounts. By following these six tips, you can significantly enhance your password and your overall online security. And to learn more ways to stay safe online, check out FPUAnet Communications’ social pages for additional cybersecurity advice!
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to dust off those beloved classic Christmas movies from decades past that warm our hearts and bring back nostalgic memories. Whether you’re a fan of animated flicks from your childhood, timeless tinsel-tinged comedies, or heartfelt melodramas, there’s a streamable movie to bring out the holiday spirit in all of us.
Below, we present a guide on where to stream 10 of the most cherished, must-watch Christmas films. And you can enjoy all these holiday favorites in pristine picture quality with FPUAnet Communications’ state-of-the-art high-speed fiber internet—and without a cable subscription!
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This Frank Capra film is the very definition of “classic.” Indeed, for many families, watching It’s a Wonderful Life and Jimmy Stewart’s magnificent performance as George Bailey is an annual holiday tradition in and of itself. You can find It’s a Wonderful Life on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Scrooge (1951)
The 1951 adaptation of Charles Dickens’s timeless tale, A Christmas Carol, is a Yuletide must-watch. Alastair Sim’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from a villainous miser to a kindly humanitarian is simply iconic. Scrooge is available on Tubi.
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This heartwarming and funny story of a man claiming to be Santa Claus has charmed audiences for generations. Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, and a young Natalie Wood star in this original 1947 version. Watch Miracle on 34th Street on Disney+.
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
An animated fav for several decades, this short gem features Charlie Brown searching for the true meaning of Christmas amid its contemporary commercialism and stress. The unforgettable Vince Guaraldi musical score is just as beloved as the Peanuts characters themselves! You can catch it on Apple TV+.
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Jim Henson’s Muppets bring a delightful twist to Dickens’s story in this musical adaptation. With catchy songs and loveable characters, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a fun choice for the whole family. Stream it on Disney+.
6. Home Alone (1990)
Holiday hijinks abound in Home Alone, where Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) defends his home from bungling burglars. It’s full of laughs and the Christmas spirit while being surprisingly touching. Home Alone is available on Disney+.
7. Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is a romantic comedy weaving together multiple love stories during the Christmas season in London. Over the years, it has become a perennial favorite for many fans of both rom-coms and holiday-themed movies. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a stop-motion film from the 1960s, has been a holiday tradition for families for 60 years. Follow Rudolph and his fellow misfits as they save Christmas and teach valuable lessons in open-mindedness, tolerance, and appreciation for those who are different. Stream it on Apple TV+.
9. Jingle All the Way (1996)
This family comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger showcases the frantic last-minute shopping experience of a father trying to secure a popular toy for his son. While typically noted for his action hero roles, Schwarzenegger’s comedic turns are always fun, as is the comic genius of his costar, Sinbad. You can view Jingle All the Way on Disney+.
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
Last on our list is The Santa Clause. Tim Allen stars in this family favorite about an ordinary dad who is compelled to become Santa Claus and carry out his extraordinary present delivery duties each Christmas. The Santa Clause streams on Disney+.
From enjoying a quiet night in to taking a break from shopping or even hosting a festive viewing party, these films are sure to bring warmth and cheer. So, grab your cocoa, snuggle up, and let the holiday magic—and streaming—begin! And be sure to keep up with FPUAnet Communications’ social pages for more streaming entertainment recommendations throughout the year.
From chestnuts roasting to bells a-jingling, it’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season! And that means it’s time to start thinking about who’s getting what gift this year. If you’re already scratching your head about what to buy everyone on your list, fear not! Below, we present FPUAnet Communications’ curated list of practical, innovative, or just-plain-fun tech gifts for 2024.
From cutting-edge smart home devices to must-have accessories and quirky stocking stuffers, we’ve got even the pickiest gift recipients covered. Whether your loved ones are into gaming, fitness, productivity, or entertainment, there’s a tech gadget out there for everyone. And with FPUAnet Communications’ advanced fiber network, you can enjoy your gift with ease and lightning-fast speeds.
Smart Home Gadgets
We begin with some of our favorite smart home devices. With these smart home gadgets, connected to the power of FPUAnet Communications’ fiber, your loved ones’ homes will be more comfortable and efficient.
A smart speaker with a rotating screen, the Amazon Echo Show 10 is great for video calls, smart home control, and entertainment. The rotating screen moves to follow you around the room, making multitasking and conversation much easier.
Perfect for those looking to make their home smarter, the Google Nest Hub smart display offers voice controls, video calling, and even sleep tracking. It’s ideal for controlling smart home devices, checking the weather, or streaming videos.
The Philips Hue Ambiance Starter Kit helps transform any ordinary space into a well-lit wonder that’s sure to be the talk of the neighborhood. Its customizable, color-changing smart bulbs from Philips work well with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Streaming Devices
Next, we highlight streaming sticks and similar devices. Perfect to add to non-smart TVs or to enhance options and apps for existing smart TVs, these streaming devices are worth a look.
Apple TV 4K is a streaming box that provides the sleek and sophisticated interface and features that Apple aficionados adore. This third generation from 2022 includes a Siri-Remote, which can be voice-controlled.
Compact but powerful, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max supports 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos audio for streaming all your favorite content.
Fitness and Wearable Tech
Of course, good tech doesn’t need to be confined to the couch at the end of a long day! The wearable tech below can help you track your steps, monitor key health metrics, and stay active throughout the day.
A great option for fitness enthusiasts, this sleek fitness tracker keeps tabs on your overall activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns. The new “Health Metrics” dashboard also gives deeper awareness into wellness trends.
Ideal for a subtler but stylish look, this health monitoring ring tracks sleep, heart rate, body temperature, and activity. The Oura Ring offers insights into recovery times and overall wellness, too.
For an all-inclusive smartwatch option, this entry in Apple’s wearable lineup features enhanced health tracking, including heart rate and sleep monitoring, along with a faster chip and improved battery life.
Audio On-the-Go
To stay connected to your favorite music apps or to block out (most of) the sounds of the outside world while out and about, check out these portable audio options.
Sony’s award-winning noise-canceling headphones provide superior sound quality and up to 30 hours of battery life. They’re perfect for commuting, traveling, or deep work sessions.
This portable Bluetooth speaker offers Bose’s signature deep bass and clear sound in a rugged, water-resistant design, perfect for outdoor use.
Gaming Gear
Gamers are always on the lookout for tech that gives them an edge against their opponents! Below are three gifts to help elevate their game and improve their online gaming experience.
A top-tier gaming headset with advanced noise cancellation, hi-fi audio, and dual wireless modes for PCs and consoles, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset is a splurge gift that’s sure to please.
A mechanical gaming keyboard that features Razer's new linear optical switches, RGB backlighting, and programmable macro support for peak performance in any game, the BlackWidow V4 is a stellar keyboard.
For PC gamers, Corsair’s gaming mouse is a true game changer, featuring extensive battery life (around 50 hours), eight programmable buttons, and a comfortable textured grip and ergonomic design for long sessions.
Quirky Gadgets and Useful Accessories
Our last set of gift ideas runs the gamut from practical stocking stuffers to eccentric but meaningful surprise gifts.
Combining the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the ordinary wonder of nature, the Masdio Smart Flowerpot enhances your plant care routine while letting you uniquely engage with your houseplants through its 49 AI-animated expressions.
The Ember Smart Mug 2 keeps your coffee or tea at the perfect temperature, which can be controlled through the Ember app. It’s ideal for fussier folks who like their drinks just right!
Help your loved ones keep track of their keys, bags, or other belongings with this compact Bluetooth tracker. It also syncs well with Samsung’s SmartThings app.
Anker’s 3-in-1 wireless charging station charges your phone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all in one convenient place with a sleek design that fits just about any space.
Perfect for writers, students, or those who love taking notes, the Rocketbook makes a thoughtful gift. This reusable notebook syncs with cloud services and lets you wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Whether you’re shopping for someone who’s always on the cutting edge of tech or someone who loves practical, everyday gadgets—or even looking to indulge yourself—these gift ideas are sure to bring joy this holiday season. And for more tech suggestions this season or any time of the year, be sure to follow FPUAnet Communications’ social pages!
There’s a dizzying number of internet companies and options available to consumers across the country in the 2020s. Three of the most talked-about technologies are fiber-optic internet, 5G wireless internet, and Starlink satellite internet. Each of these promises’ internet users’ high speeds and reliability—but are they genuinely equal?
If you’re confused or unsure about your internet choices and are exhausted by the near-constant inundation of advertising and junk mail offers, we don’t blame you! To help you navigate the bewildering world of internet technologies, we break down the key differences between these three options and explain why fiber internet, such as FPUAnet Communications’ advanced fiber network, is the clear winner for most users.
Fiber Internet
We begin with fiber (short for “fiber-optic internet”)—and as you’ll quickly see, it’s simply the best option for high-speed internet today. Fiber uses light signals transmitted through tiny, ultra-thin strands of glass-like fibers to send data from servers to your home or business at nearly the speed of light!
Its physical cables are sturdy and flexible, typically installed underground to protect them. Thanks to its sophisticated materials, fiber is extremely reliable, offering a connection that’s not easily affected by weather or other interference that plagues other forms of internet.
Fiber internet is also the fastest available internet option on the market today. Critically, its speeds are symmetrical, providing spectacular speeds for downloading and uploading. Indeed, fiber’s download speeds can reach an astounding 10 Gbps or more!
Fiber can also handle massive amounts of bandwidth, supporting multiple users and devices without slowdowns, making it perfect for households with multiple users or smart devices. This unlimited bandwidth capacity and fiber’s amazingly low latency (around 1-2 milliseconds) make video conference calling, streaming TV and movies, online gaming, and watching and sharing videos a frustration-free experience!
5G Wireless Internet
Next, we turn to another internet option that promises high-speed internet in ads, billboards, and mailers: 5G wireless internet. 5G is a cellular technology—yes, like the technology used for cell phone calling. It utilizes high-frequency radio waves to deliver data to mobile phones, home routers, and other connected devices. 5G is “wireless,” meaning there’s no physical connection required between the user’s device and the network. Keep in mind, however, that some setups may still require a 5G router or home modem.
Though it’s typically faster than some old-school internet technologies like DSL, 5G generally offers speeds between less than 100 Mbps and around 300 Mbps (with some carriers claiming maximum download speeds of 1 Gbps). However, in most cases, 5G is not nearly as fast as fiber’s remarkable download speeds. And 5G’s upload speeds are a mere fraction of fiber’s excellent and truly symmetrical internet capabilities.
Even more annoying to customers, 5G’s speed can vary depending on network congestion from too many users at one time, distance from the tower, and environmental interference (like trees, walls, or buildings). That leaves many 5G wireless internet users subject to the whims of the weather, overuse by other customers, or the construction of a new building they cannot even see.
And 5G’s latency is far higher than fiber’s (approximately 20-30 milliseconds). Such high latency will make more intense online applications like gaming and video editing an aggravating chore for many users. Thus, for most customers, 5G just can’t match fiber’s stellar experience.
Starlink Satellite Internet
The last commonly considered internet option is Starlink, the brand name of a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. It uses a group of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to “beam” internet signals back down to Earth. To capture and connect to the satellite’s internet, users need a satellite dish (called a Starlink terminal) installed at their location.
Though its technology sounds impressive, even futuristic, its performance pales in comparison to fiber. Starlink generally only provides download speeds ranging from around 50 to 300 Mbps. And though Starlink promises to expand its satellites and improve its speeds and overall service in the future, Starlink’s satellite technology offers just a sliver of what fiber provides today.
And Starlink’s mediocre-at-best speeds occur only under ideal conditions! With weather issues (even rain or snow) and other atmospheric disturbances, Starlink’s internet speeds can drop considerably—or even leave frustrated customers without any internet connection at all. Upload speeds are even slower for Starlink users, and its bandwidth can’t touch fiber’s unlimited bandwidth capacity.
Starlink’s latency is higher than fiber’s, too (around 20-40 milliseconds), hindering performance for many users. The main advantage Starlink offers is that it can reach most rural areas, even those many miles away from any town or city. But as fiber keeps expanding into more and more rural areas, more customers can take advantage of fiber’s superior service without depending on satellite internet’s uneven reliability and slower speeds.
Why Fiber Internet Beats the Rest
Let’s briefly review and summarize why fiber internet is far and away your best choice for high-speed internet:
High Speeds: Fiber internet provides the fastest and most consistent speeds available, especially for upload-heavy activities like video conferencing, online gaming, or content creation.
Reliability: Fiber’s underground cables are durable, flexible, and not subject to interference from buildings, trees, and other obstacles. And fiber’s cutting-edge materials are unaffected by weather conditions like rain, snow, or heat, which can impact both 5G and Starlink.
Unlimited Bandwidth: Fiber can handle more devices from more users and heavier internet traffic simultaneously for streaming TV and movies, video calling, gaming, and other common online activities than 5G or Starlink. For households or offices with many users, fiber will handle the load without slowing down or stifling quality.
Low Latency: Fiber offers the lowest latency, which is crucial for real-time applications like gaming, video conferencing, and voice-over-internet calls. Neither 5G nor Starlink can match the ultra-low latency of fiber.
In short, fiber is the gold standard of reliable, high-speed internet. Should you have any questions or would like to learn more about how fiber can make you more productive and just make life online more pleasant for your family or business, feel free to reach out to the friendly, knowledgeable customer support and technical specialists at FPUAnet Communications by calling (772) 498-1697.
