December is now upon us, and the holiday shopping season is in full swing! If you’re like most entrepreneurs, this is both the most exciting and most stressful time of the year. Between getting more clients, boosting your marketing efforts, … Read More

The post Gig Economy News: Give the Gift of Gigs appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – It’s a common refrain: technology is killing our relationships. Couples have swapped date night for Netflix binging. They Candy Crush their way through an intimate conversation. They’ve replaced long walks on the beach with an all-out Facebook investigation into their friend’s cute new puppy.

We can blame a lot of our relationship woes on today’s tech — it’s true – but when technology’s power is harnessed the right way, it can actually become the very thing that saves us from love’s most common pitfalls.

So before powering down all of your electronics, consider the following three scenarios where technology might be the only thing that can help you save an untimely end to your relationship:

1. Your loved one is having a tech meltdown.

Admit it: there is no greater frustration known to mankind than when you’ve been working on a document for hours and the program crashes. Or when the printer isn’t printing. Or when you can’t access the baby pictures that you’re trying to show to your grandma.

The urge to pick up the computer/phone/tablet and throw it against the wall becomes a dark force within you. Your tech-savvy partner is out for the whole day and now the dog is even starting to judge you.

So what do you do? You call your partner — wherever he or she may be — and rant about the problem.

If you’ve been on the receiving end of one of these calls, you know how they all end. The few troubleshooting suggestions you can rationally muster without being able to see the problem at hand are all met with an “It’s still not working!” The frustration flows on both sides of the call with no resolution in sight.

But by adding a “remote control” application into the mix you can now virtually (and safely) access a computer and solve any problems from anywhere with an internet connection.

A number of companies produce this kind of software. TeamViewer offers a free version for personal use and their latest version has improved security features and, for the first time ever, offers mobile-to-mobile remote control so you can even help your loved one with their phone faux pas.

2. You’ve left the tickets to the big show at home.

It has happened to all of us. You’re finally at the check-in for the sold-out Beyoncé concert — where Jay Z is expected to make an on-stage appearance — and where he will rap-battle with a hologram of himself.

The security guard calls for “tickets, please!” You reach into your pockets, and your heart drops as the realization sets in: the tickets have been left at home, saved on the computer.

You start calculating the damage — both emotional and fiscal. Your partner begins to glow red with rage.

But you need not fret! Remote control software lets you log in to your home computer, even when it’s unattended, from your phone, your partner’s phone or that tablet in your carry-on.

It’s the perfect opportunity to prevent such a moment from spiraling into an all-out “incident” that will be held against you for years to come.

For added bonus points, use your smartphone’s built-in personal assistant and ask her to remind you to bring the tickets before you ever leave the house.

Admitting you’re forgetful is the first step. Stepping up your tech savviness is the second.

3. That special getaway you’ve planned is about to be ruined by work

One of the quickest buzzkills to any vacation is the unexpected work assignment from the boss or client who doesn’t care that this is the first time you and your partner are getting away together — without the kids/dogs/cats/ferrets — in over a year.

Enter virtual meeting applications.

They let you present documents, share files and even speak to your attendees all through the app with no need to long distance dial-in. You can tell your boss you’ll handle the presentation and still plan that special vacation without worrying that a big project might flare up. And your partner can still take in all the R&R she or he has been longing for.

You see? With a little help from technology, you can bring out the relationship champ you always knew was within you.

(BPT) – It’s a common refrain: technology is killing our relationships. Couples have swapped date night for Netflix binging. They Candy Crush their way through an intimate conversation. They’ve replaced long walks on the beach with an all-out Facebook investigation into their friend’s cute new puppy.

We can blame a lot of our relationship woes on today’s tech — it’s true – but when technology’s power is harnessed the right way, it can actually become the very thing that saves us from love’s most common pitfalls.

So before powering down all of your electronics, consider the following three scenarios where technology might be the only thing that can help you save an untimely end to your relationship:

1. Your loved one is having a tech meltdown.

Admit it: there is no greater frustration known to mankind than when you’ve been working on a document for hours and the program crashes. Or when the printer isn’t printing. Or when you can’t access the baby pictures that you’re trying to show to your grandma.

The urge to pick up the computer/phone/tablet and throw it against the wall becomes a dark force within you. Your tech-savvy partner is out for the whole day and now the dog is even starting to judge you.

So what do you do? You call your partner — wherever he or she may be — and rant about the problem.

If you’ve been on the receiving end of one of these calls, you know how they all end. The few troubleshooting suggestions you can rationally muster without being able to see the problem at hand are all met with an “It’s still not working!” The frustration flows on both sides of the call with no resolution in sight.

But by adding a “remote control” application into the mix you can now virtually (and safely) access a computer and solve any problems from anywhere with an internet connection.

A number of companies produce this kind of software. TeamViewer offers a free version for personal use and their latest version has improved security features and, for the first time ever, offers mobile-to-mobile remote control so you can even help your loved one with their phone faux pas.

2. You’ve left the tickets to the big show at home.

It has happened to all of us. You’re finally at the check-in for the sold-out Beyoncé concert — where Jay Z is expected to make an on-stage appearance — and where he will rap-battle with a hologram of himself.

The security guard calls for “tickets, please!” You reach into your pockets, and your heart drops as the realization sets in: the tickets have been left at home, saved on the computer.

You start calculating the damage — both emotional and fiscal. Your partner begins to glow red with rage.

But you need not fret! Remote control software lets you log in to your home computer, even when it’s unattended, from your phone, your partner’s phone or that tablet in your carry-on.

It’s the perfect opportunity to prevent such a moment from spiraling into an all-out “incident” that will be held against you for years to come.

For added bonus points, use your smartphone’s built-in personal assistant and ask her to remind you to bring the tickets before you ever leave the house.

Admitting you’re forgetful is the first step. Stepping up your tech savviness is the second.

3. That special getaway you’ve planned is about to be ruined by work

One of the quickest buzzkills to any vacation is the unexpected work assignment from the boss or client who doesn’t care that this is the first time you and your partner are getting away together — without the kids/dogs/cats/ferrets — in over a year.

Enter virtual meeting applications.

They let you present documents, share files and even speak to your attendees all through the app with no need to long distance dial-in. You can tell your boss you’ll handle the presentation and still plan that special vacation without worrying that a big project might flare up. And your partner can still take in all the R&R she or he has been longing for.

You see? With a little help from technology, you can bring out the relationship champ you always knew was within you.

(BPT) – Whether you’re paying for a meal, signing up to play a game on your smartphone or withdrawing money from your bank, your information is at risk. In 2016 alone, 873 data breaches exposed more than 29.8 million records containing potentially sensitive information, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.

Clearly, stronger measures must be taken.

While more people are turning to digital solutions to store important information, the threat of cyber security remains a concern for many businesses, governments and individuals. The modern reality when it comes to safely protecting valuables, documents and digital assets, is that both physical and digital secure storage solutions are needed.

Security in a changing world

In The Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger says people need a way to securely store both digital and physical copies of important documents. They should “wrap the documents in plastic and store them in a safe or safe-deposit box. Other paper items to keep in both paper and digital form include wills, diplomas, deeds, titles, licenses and trust and retirement-plan documents.”

Jerry Pluard of Safe Deposit Box Insurance Coverage (SDBIC) agrees, and recommends using a combination of physical and “digital” safe deposit boxes to protect valuables and digital identity.

“A digital safe deposit box can be used to maintain an inventory and store images of the valuable items in your physical box. You can also specify in your digital box the location of physical box and where the keys can be found,” Pluard says.

Digital vaults for consumers

While highly secured digital safe deposit boxes have been used by consumers and banking institutions in Europe for several years, the technology has not been embraced to the same degree in the United States.

With the digital vault options now available, American consumers need to be educated on what features are essential to ensuring their security. The top features are:

1. Password manager: Keeping passwords in a highly secure location might be the feature you access the most in your digital safe deposit box. Look for a password generator and the ability to link directly to the login screen to copy and paste the password in. Also, make sure you can access the password vault even when offline.

2. Encrypted email: Your digital box should have an encrypted email so you can send and receive sensitive documents.

3. Accessibly: Your digital box should have an easy to use mobile app, allowing you to access your passwords, documents and to download and receive encrypted information form a number of devices.

4. Digital inheritance: You should be able to designate several loved ones as beneficiaries who will have access to your digital files and documents in case of a life-changing event.

5. Security: Zero Knowledge technology is a must. This means only you and those you authorize can access your box. Also, you want something known as double encryption. This assures you that even if there is a breach, the hacker cannot access documents or data.

An Integrated Solution

Recently, SDBIC formed a partnership with DSwiss AG to bring such a digital vault solution to the US.

In addition to providing people with the needed features mentioned above, all the data is stored in a military command bunker in the Swiss mountains. This same service, which is used by large European financial firms to store highly sensitive information, is available to the consumer for just $40 a year.

This means there is now double-pronged security solution available. With an insured safe deposit box and a Digital Fortress digital vault, consumers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their valuables are protected. It’s a digital and physical security solution for every generation.

It is every parent’s responsibility to educate their children about money. Some adults may think talking to kids about money is inappropriate, but starting them young ensures that they will grow up to be financially stable and independent. So, if … Read More

The post 6 Gig Economy Values Parents Need to Teach Their Children appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – The next time you find yourself pumping gas, don’t be surprised if Miles offers to keep you company. He’s not an attendant and he isn’t a friendly good Samaritan.

Miles is the name given to the first ever BP Personality Pump, an interactive smart pump that will first start appearing at BP stations this year. Miles uses proprietary technology allowing him to “speak” with consumers as they are filling their tanks. Miles receives responses in real-time through a touchscreen tablet allowing consumers to interact with him via an array of entertainment options.

“We know that most people don’t enjoy pumping gas. So we asked ourselves, how can we make those moments spent at the pump more fun,” said Donna Sanker, chief marketing officer of BP Fuels North America. “With the BP Personality Pump, we hope to redefine perceptions of the routine fill-up and build a meaningful relationship with our consumers, giving them a fulfilling and entertaining experience during the time they spend with us.”

Miles is programmed to interact with consumers in several different ways. During their visit, consumers will have the opportunity to engage Miles by playing music trivia, selecting songs to play through Pandora or even by recording a video e-card that they can then share on their social media channels. And, upon finishing filling up their tank, consumers will also have the opportunity to send themselves a text message with the content they created during their interaction with Miles. This message will include a link to the Pandora station they chose as well as a special return offer.

The goal, according to BP, is to make the otherwise routine task of filling a gas tank more fun and memorable.

Miles will first appear in November, 2016 in the Chicago and New York Metro areas.

To showcase more of Miles’ capabilities, BP has teamed up with The Onion Inc.’s creative services agency, Onion Labs, to develop a series of videos capturing customers’ interactions with Miles. You can watch this video, titled Laura & Miles, to learn more about the first-ever Personality Pump. You can find more videos at www.theonion.com/special/innovation.

(BPT) – The next time you find yourself pumping gas, don’t be surprised if Miles offers to keep you company. He’s not an attendant and he isn’t a friendly good Samaritan.

Miles is the name given to the first ever BP Personality Pump, an interactive smart pump that will first start appearing at BP stations this year. Miles uses proprietary technology allowing him to “speak” with consumers as they are filling their tanks. Miles receives responses in real-time through a touchscreen tablet allowing consumers to interact with him via an array of entertainment options.

“We know that most people don’t enjoy pumping gas. So we asked ourselves, how can we make those moments spent at the pump more fun,” said Donna Sanker, chief marketing officer of BP Fuels North America. “With the BP Personality Pump, we hope to redefine perceptions of the routine fill-up and build a meaningful relationship with our consumers, giving them a fulfilling and entertaining experience during the time they spend with us.”

Miles is programmed to interact with consumers in several different ways. During their visit, consumers will have the opportunity to engage Miles by playing music trivia, selecting songs to play through Pandora or even by recording a video e-card that they can then share on their social media channels. And, upon finishing filling up their tank, consumers will also have the opportunity to send themselves a text message with the content they created during their interaction with Miles. This message will include a link to the Pandora station they chose as well as a special return offer.

The goal, according to BP, is to make the otherwise routine task of filling a gas tank more fun and memorable.

Miles will first appear in November, 2016 in the Chicago and New York Metro areas.

To showcase more of Miles’ capabilities, BP has teamed up with The Onion Inc.’s creative services agency, Onion Labs, to develop a series of videos capturing customers’ interactions with Miles. You can watch this video, titled Laura & Miles, to learn more about the first-ever Personality Pump. You can find more videos at www.theonion.com/special/innovation.

(BPT) – Whether you’re paying for a meal, signing up to play a game on your smartphone or withdrawing money from your bank, your information is at risk. In 2016 alone, 873 data breaches exposed more than 29.8 million records containing potentially sensitive information, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.

Clearly, stronger measures must be taken.

While more people are turning to digital solutions to store important information, the threat of cyber security remains a concern for many businesses, governments and individuals. The modern reality when it comes to safely protecting valuables, documents and digital assets, is that both physical and digital secure storage solutions are needed.

Security in a changing world

In The Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger says people need a way to securely store both digital and physical copies of important documents. They should “wrap the documents in plastic and store them in a safe or safe-deposit box. Other paper items to keep in both paper and digital form include wills, diplomas, deeds, titles, licenses and trust and retirement-plan documents.”

Jerry Pluard of Safe Deposit Box Insurance Coverage (SDBIC) agrees, and recommends using a combination of physical and “digital” safe deposit boxes to protect valuables and digital identity.

“A digital safe deposit box can be used to maintain an inventory and store images of the valuable items in your physical box. You can also specify in your digital box the location of physical box and where the keys can be found,” Pluard says.

Digital vaults for consumers

While highly secured digital safe deposit boxes have been used by consumers and banking institutions in Europe for several years, the technology has not been embraced to the same degree in the United States.

With the digital vault options now available, American consumers need to be educated on what features are essential to ensuring their security. The top features are:

1. Password manager: Keeping passwords in a highly secure location might be the feature you access the most in your digital safe deposit box. Look for a password generator and the ability to link directly to the login screen to copy and paste the password in. Also, make sure you can access the password vault even when offline.

2. Encrypted email: Your digital box should have an encrypted email so you can send and receive sensitive documents.

3. Accessibly: Your digital box should have an easy to use mobile app, allowing you to access your passwords, documents and to download and receive encrypted information form a number of devices.

4. Digital inheritance: You should be able to designate several loved ones as beneficiaries who will have access to your digital files and documents in case of a life-changing event.

5. Security: Zero Knowledge technology is a must. This means only you and those you authorize can access your box. Also, you want something known as double encryption. This assures you that even if there is a breach, the hacker cannot access documents or data.

An Integrated Solution

Recently, SDBIC formed a partnership with DSwiss AG to bring such a digital vault solution to the US.

In addition to providing people with the needed features mentioned above, all the data is stored in a military command bunker in the Swiss mountains. This same service, which is used by large European financial firms to store highly sensitive information, is available to the consumer for just $40 a year.

This means there is now double-pronged security solution available. With an insured safe deposit box and a Digital Fortress digital vault, consumers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their valuables are protected. It’s a digital and physical security solution for every generation.

Quickbooks Self-Employed helps freelancers and other small businesses track income, mileage and expenses, as well as maximize deductions at tax time. By keeping your finances organized, you can focus your energy where it matters most: building your freelance business.

… Read More

The post How to Discern What’s Tax-Deductible This Holiday Season appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – With a forecasted value of $82 billion for 2017, video games are hotter than ever. With new technologies, classic characters and interactive worlds that become more lifelike every day, there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to video games in the new year. So whether you’re just getting into the hobby or you’re a veteran gamer looking to level up, here are the top five things to look for in video gaming in 2017.

* The growth of virtual reality. Virtual reality uses technology to create a completely artificial world for gamers to play in and while most people have heard of virtual reality gaming before, opportunities to experience it will increase in 2017. Existing technology will only continue to grow and develop in the next year, providing gamers with more options. In 2016, most virtual reality systems for PC were quite expensive. Moving into the holiday season and 2017 however, consumers can own a virtual reality-ready PC for under $500. 

* Improved desktop options. On the tail of virtual reality’s popularity, Microsoft and their partners are unveiling several new Windows 10 personal computers up to the task. The ASUS ROG 752VL will carry updated specs in 2017, and it’s already virtual reality ready. The same can be said for the CyberPowerPC Syber M Series, which offers the perfect balance between price and performance. Finally, for gamers on the go, the Razer Blade Signature Edition Gaming Laptop lets you take your favorite games with you wherever you’re headed in style.

* The revival of augmented reality. While virtual reality seeks to create an entire artificial world digitally, augmented reality brings pieces of digital creation into the real world. The year 2016 was dominated by people traversing parks and paths playing with the power of augmented reality on their phones. While that particular craze has died down, other companies have taken notice. Expect more augmented reality options to appear in 2017 with new missions and popular characters joining the action. All of it will focus on helping people bring their favorite games into the real world through innovative new technology on PCs and mobile devices.

* Increased gaming flexibility. The new year will mark more ways to game on your own terms. Microsoft’s Xbox App allows you to edit and share epic gaming moments with your Xbox Live friends and Xbox Play Anywhere makes it possible to purchase any digital game and play it on your Xbox One or your Windows 10 PC. Best of all, there’s no messy file transfers because all of your saves, game add-ons and achievements automatically come with you so you won’t miss a step.

* Return of classic characters. A great game is often defined by its heroes and some of the most popular characters in gaming will make new appearances in 2017. Gamers will have the opportunity to start a new investigation as Blake Langermann in Outlast 2, go to war as a heroic Spartan in Halo Wars 2 or join the kids of South Park in South Park The Fractured But Whole. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to have a great time with some old friends.

The year 2017 is a great year to be a gamer. The games are better than ever and new technology is making for a streamlined experience where you can game when you want, where you want. So don’t delay, pick up your control and play today because the 2017 games will be here soon, and you don’t have time to hit the pause button. To learn more about Xbox games and Windows 10 devices, visit your nearest Microsoft Store, microsoftstore.com or a partner retailer.