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Monday 20 May 2019

Best smart lock for a keyless home

Keys are yesterday’s tech, your smart home needs a smart door lock.

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Thunderbolt 3 adapter guide: How to connect an iPhone, display, hard drive, and more to a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air

Looking for a new controller for your Switch? Look no further!

The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are fantastic controllers, but not everyone likes them. The buttons are small, and people with larger hands may find them annoying or difficult to handle. Of course, Nintendo did design the Pro Controller as a more traditional gamepad for people who wanted something bigger, heavier, and a little more conventional; however, it's $60. If you want a more conventional gaming controller for your Switch, and you want to spend less money, you do have other options. Here are our favorite third-party controllers for Nintendo Switch.

Solid wireless controller

PowerA Enchanced Wireless Controller

Staff Favorite

This is likely the closest you're going to get to the Nintendo Pro controller. It's wireless and has motion controls, 30 hours of battery life, and the same layout as the Pro controller for the switch. Like PowerA's other controls it also takes two AA batteries.

$40 at Amazon

Affordable wired option

PowerA Wired Plus Controller

As its name suggests, the controller is indeed wired, meaning you'll have to plug it into the USB port on the back of your dock; however, the included cable is eight feet long, giving you ample length to work with. Plus, the thumbsticks come in three different lengths, so you have some customization to how the physical sensitivity feels. Unfortunately, the PowerA Wired Controller doesn't support NFC (so no amiibo) and doesn't have motion controls.

$25 at Amazon

Classic GameCube feel

PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller

For some Nintendo fans, the GameCube controller will always reign supreme, and the PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller brings that classic style and feel to the Nintendo Switch. With motion controls on board, it feels much more like a Nintendo Switch controller than other gamepads; however, there's no rumble or NFC capabilities. Plus, instead of being rechargeable, it needs two AA batteries.

$40 at Amazon

No frills gamepad

HORIPAD Wired Nintendo Switch Controller

If you are okay with sacrificing rumble, motion-control, and NFC capabilities, the HORIPAD Wired Nintendo Switch Controller is a very budget-friendly option. Although the HORIPAD is not wireless, it comes with a 10-foot cable, making it long enough to sit a comfortable distance from your TV. The weirdest part of the HORIPAD Wired Nintendo Switch Controller is the detachable directional pad. When you take it off, it leaves a big indent and reveals four individual buttons, which allow you a little more precision, but isn't the most practical.

$18 at Amazon

Perfect for retro games

8Bitdo SN30 Pro

The Nintendo Switch has a ton of retro and retro-styled games available in the Nintendo eShop, so why not use a controller that embodies that nostalgia in a perfect way? The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro takes the retro Super Nintendo controller and brings it into the 21st century. It has all the buttons you need to control the Switch, including a home and screenshot button cleverly tucked away at the bottom of the controller. The select and start buttons function as the - and + buttons respectively, and the 8Bitdo SN30 even adds two joysticks so you can play all your games just like a Pro Controller.

$45 at Amazon

Use your own controller

Mayflash Magic-NS

Perhaps you are one of those folks that are totally in love with the Xbox controller or even the PS4 DualShock. Or maybe you just don't want to buy one more controller. Fortunately for you, there is a solution which will allow you to use those controllers on your Nintendo Switch. The Magic-NS will allow you to wirelessly connect a PS4, PS3, Wii U Pro, or Xbox One S controller to your Nintendo Switch. This is a nifty little third-party dongle which will kick open the doors of possibility for controlling your Switch.

$20 at Amazon

Wireless alternative

EALNK Wireless Controller

This is a great alternative to Nintendo's official Pro Controller. It features motion controls, dual motors for shocks, and an ergonomic design. You can play wirelessly for up to eight hours with the aid of the internal 350mA battery. Should the battery life get low, don't worry. You can plug it in and continue to play. It comes with a three-year warranty and a 45-day return policy so you'll be able to get it fixed or return it if necessary.

$29 at Amazon

Headphones please!

Faceoff Deluxe+ Audio Wired Controller

This will be the first Nintendo Switch controller to actually feature a headphone jack. I know, right? This should have definitely been done sooner. You'll be able to adjust music volume during gameplay by using the D-pad. This wired controller will also feature an interchangeable faceplate so you can get the color or theme you want. You won't feel too tethered since it comes with a 10-foot cable. PDP will be accepting pre-orders starting in May.

Pre-order at PDP

Wired imitation

Sunjoyco Wireless Remote Controller

This conventional-looking controller features HD rumble, motion controls, and enlarged buttons. It also offers both a D-pad and a left joystick so you can play with whichever options feels best. The battery life lasts up to five hours. This is plenty of time for the average gaming session, but you'll want to make sure you charge it in between uses. It also has plug-and-play abilities should the battery get low. You get plenty of freedom when playing with the cable plugged in and charging since it's over 20 inches long.

$24 at Amazon

Travelling Controller

Red Wireless Switch Pro Controller

This controller's internal battery lasts for up to eight hours, which is plenty of time for you to charge it between gaming sessions. It comes with a protective EVA hardshell bag making it safer and easier to transport when on the go. It responds to motion controls and has built-in vibration. The battery life indicator lets you know at a glance if the controller needs a recharge. Choose between a red or a blue controller.

$28 at Amazon

Take control

The Nintendo Switch is an amazing console and it can be enjoyed even better with the proper controller. A conventional-looking controller is especially necessary for multiplayer games, shooters and action RPGs. Since there are so many third-party controllers out there, there's no need dish out $60 for the Pro Controller if you don't want to.

Our number one recommendation is PowerA's wireless Nintendo Switch controller due to it's ergonomic and lightweight design. It feels good in adult-sized hands and provides all the functions you need for an intense gaming session. Just keep in mind it doesn't do amiibo support.

If you'd prefer something a little cheaper check out the HORIPAD Wired Nintendo Switch Controller. It's the least expensive controller on this list but will still provide you with a better gaming experience than the Joy-Cons. Now get gaming!



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Take your iPhone XS for a swim with one of these waterproof cases

Though the iPhone XS has an IP68 rating, which guarantees protection in water up to 1.5m deep for 30 minutes, I know I don't want to risk dropping it into a swimming pool completely unprotected. That's where waterproof cases come in. They're completely sealed off so not only are you protected from potential water damage, but also from dust and debris. These are the best on the market for the iPhone XS.

Best for Most

Catalyst

Staff Favorite

Get true waterproof protection with serious drop protection on top. Catalyst cases have special acoustic membranes to provide better audio than most waterproof cases.

$90 at Amazon

Colorful

LifeProof FRÄ’

The most popular waterproof case for iPhone gets the XS upgrade with all the same features, including drop protection, a built-in screen cover, and button covers across the board. It comes in some amazing colors, too.

$90 at LifeProof

Budget option

Spidercase

Just because this case is less expensive, doesn't mean it's less waterproof. It'll keep your iPhone XS sealed up tight. Audio quality may suffer a bit, but water and dust protection will not.

From $19 at Amazon

Rugged

Hitcase Splash

If you're looking for a waterproof case to help you take stellar underwater photos, look no further. Combine this protective case with Hitcase's specially designed lenses for truly brilliant images.

$70 at Hitcase

Affordable

Supcase

If you need your phone to be waterproof as much as you need it to be drop-proof, Supcase has your case. It's built with extra thick padding on the corners and a strong polycarbonate hard shell. Mud wrestlers take note. This one's for you.

$18 at Amazon

Reliable

AxisGO

If you want to go deep with your iPhone, but don't want to worry about the pressure getting to it, this case is designed for underwater activities, complete with a special camera lens. It'll handle up to 33 feet of immersion and comes in black or seafoam green

$199 at Amazon

Find a perfect waterproof case for your iPhone

If you're looking for serious water protection, you're going to want a waterproof case, which always has the added benefit of being dust and dirt-proof, too. I swear by my Catalyst waterproof case, taking it with me every time I'm going to be near any body of water.

If, however, you're a fan of underwater photography, HitCase's Splash is the best for the price and you can get extra lens kits as you go.

Of course, we had to test them both out to see which one we liked best.



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If you've forgotten the password for your Apple ID, here's how to reset it

Forget your Apple ID password? Here's how you'll go about resetting it.

Whether you want to log into iCloud on a new device or download something from iTunes or the App Store, you'll need your Apple ID password to get it done. If you can't remember your password, you can reset it using the web browser on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you don't even remember your Apple ID, you can try to recover that too!

How to reset your Apple or iCloud password with your email address or security questions

If you don't have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID, you'll need to use your email address or answer security questions to change your password.

  1. Navigate to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser.
  2. Enter your Apple ID email address.

  3. Click Continue.
  4. Select I need to reset my password.

  5. Click Continue.
  6. Select Get an email or Answer security questions. In this example, we're going to send an email.

  7. Click Continue.
  8. Click Done.

  9. Open the email you received from Apple. It will be titled "How to reset your Apple ID password".
  10. Click Reset now.

  11. Enter your new password.
  12. Enter it again to confirm.

  13. Click Reset Password.

If you chose to answer security questions

If you decided to answer security questions instead of receiving an email, follow these steps after clicking Continue in Step 7 above.

  1. Verify your birthday.
  2. Click Continue.

  3. Answer the two security questions you're given.
  4. Click Continue.

  5. Enter your new password.
  6. Enter it again to confirm.

  7. Click Reset Password.

How to reset your password if you have two-factor authentication enabled

If you do have two-factor authentication turned on, you'll need one of the devices associated with your account nearby.

  1. Navigate to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser.
  2. Enter your Apple ID email address.

  3. Click Continue.
  4. Enter the phone number that is associated with your Apple ID.

  5. Click Continue. You'll be asked to pick up one of the devices connected to this account.

  6. Pick up one of the devices associated with your iCloud account. In this case we'll use an iPhone.
  7. Tap Allow.
  8. Enter the passcode of your chosen device.
  9. Tap Done.

  10. Enter your new Apple ID password.
  11. Enter it again to verify.

  12. Tap Next.
  13. Tap Done.

How to reset your Apple ID password on your iPhone

You can reset your Apple ID password directly from your iPhone if your phone is signed into iCloud and you have a passcode on your phone.

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap your Apple ID banner.
  3. Tap Password & Security.

  4. Tap Change Password.
  5. Enter your iPhone passcode.
  6. Tap Done.

  7. Enter your new password twice in the New and Verify fields.
  8. Tap Change.

How to reset your Apple ID password on your Mac

  1. Open System Preferences from your Dock or Applications folder.
  2. Click iCloud.

  3. Click Account Details.
  4. Click Security.

  5. Click Change Password…
  6. Enter your Mac password if prompted to do so.
  7. Enter the new Apple ID password in the New Password and Verify fields.

  8. Click Change.

How to find out your Apple ID if you've forgotten it

Of course, Apple can help you find your account even if you've forgotten the email address you use with it.

  1. Navigate to iforgot.apple.com in any web browser.
  2. Tap look it up under the email address entry field.

  3. Enter your first name, last name, and backup email address. Make sure you're using the full name associated with your Apple ID.
  4. Click Continue. If your name and recovery email are in the system, you'll be taken to a page that says "Apple ID Found."

  5. Click Go to Your Account. You will be taken to appleid.apple.com.
  6. Click Forgot Apple ID or password? if you still need to recover your password. Follow the steps above for recovering your password with an email address or security questions or if you have two-factor authentication turned on.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about recovering your Apple ID or setting a new password if you've forgotten yours, let us know in the comments.

Updated May 2019: Updated for iOS 12 and maOS Mojave.



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Best workout gear for home while pregnant 2019

We know it's hard to stay fit and find the motivation to workout throughout your pregnancy.We get the benefit of being able to do your prenatal workouts at home and firmly believe that the #1 at home workout gear essential is a high-quality workout mat. Our favorite overall is the: Manduka Pro Yoga & Pilates Mat because it will never peel, fade, or flake, is completely customizable, and provides a well-cushioned space to practice a wide assortment of exercises on. We've also comprised a list of our additional favorite at-home maternity workout essentials so you can get your workout on your own time and stay fit, happy, and healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Best Overall: Manduka Pro Yoga & Pilates Mat

The Manduka Pro Yoga & Pilates Mat is the perfect at home workout partner for pregnant Mamas. You can do several types of exercises on this high-quality, densely cushioned, and environmentally friendly yoga mat such as: Yoga, Pilates, Barre, general strength training, and general stretching. We love Manduka mats because they're highly reputable, have great joint support, offer nice cushion. These mats are built to last with highly durable material. This mat also possesses a closed-cell surface preventing your sweat from seeping in and providing you with a nice no-slip grip.

On the downside, these mats are a bit pricey starting at $90+, but Manduka offers a lifetime warranty and promises the Pro mats will never peel, flake, or fade. Manduka claims that the performance grip will improve over time. Please note that these mats must be broken in. The more you use them, the better the grip, so practice away!

Pros:

  • Customizable
  • Closed cell surface
  • Non-toxic

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Needs to be broken in
  • Can be slippery if not used frequently

Best Overall

Manduka Pro Yoga & Pilates Mat

Breathe, stretch, flow, let it go

This high quality, cushioned, environmentally friendly yoga mat offers joint protection and unmatched support as you practice. It comes in a variety of designs, so you can find the fit that's perfect for you. It possesses a closed-cell surface to prevent your sweat from seeping in and is non-toxic, 100% latex free, and comes from emissions-free manufacturing.

Best Value: URBNFit Exercise Ball

This super durable exercise ball has an ultra safe, high grip surface. These balls are extra-large in diameter and can support up to 2000lbs, so they'll survive even the most rigorous of workouts. Designed for at home workouts with their tough, rubberized surfaces, they allow you to perform a range of balance and stability exercises, and are perfect for use with yoga, pilates, or for general strength and balance training. Get a great workout in for just $17, that's a great value!

Some reviews of this product do reflect size discrepancies and the pump that comes with it is pretty low-quality. Just be sure to have a backup pump to inflate your ball with after ordering.

Pros:

  • Large color selection
  • Extra-large diameter
  • Tough, rubberized surface

Cons:

  • Low-quality pump
  • Size discrepancies

Best Value

URBNFit Exercise Ball

Versatile comfort in ball

This ball comes in a large assortment of colors and boasts an extra-large diameter. It has a tough, rubberized surface, allowing you to perform a range of balance, stability, and strength exercises. It's perfect for use with Yoga, Pilates, or for general strength and balance training.

Best Tech: Apple Watch Series 4

If you're a high-tech Mama, you can't do much better than the Apple Watch Series 4. The latest and greatest from Apple features the widest display yet. It comes with a proactive health monitor that sends notifications for low/high heart rate as well as any rhythm irregularities. You can personalize your workouts and training program to suit your pregnancy through every trimester and the watch will offer you daily motivation to accomplish your health goals. There is also a feature that can detect when you fall or send an SOS in emergency situations.

Like most Apple products, these watches are pricey, but you get a lot for the price. However, beware. You may have to purchase additional apps to achieve the right workout routines and coaching. This watch is a bit heavier than your typical Fitbit or fitness tracker, so be sure to take that into account when making the decision to buy.

Pros:

  • Proactive health monitor
  • SOS/accident features
  • Workout direction/personalized coaching

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • May have to purchase additional Apps
  • Heavier than your average watch

Best Tech

Apple Watch Series 4

High-tech mama

This watch has a proactive health monitor, fall detection/emergency SOS feature and response, and uses automatic workout detection to track your workouts. It also offers cadence and pace alerts. It has a comprehensive activity tracker that provides personalized coaching and other activities giving you the motivation you need to close your activity goals every day.

Best Resistance: Azure Life Resistance Bands Set

Resistance bands are a great way to strengthen your upper and lower body at home. This premium quality set is eco-friendly, non-toxic, odorless, and latex free. These bands feature four different levels of resistance: light, medium, heavy, and x-heavy and are color coded so you can tell them apart. An exercise guide is included and you can incorporate these bands into your prenatal Yoga, Pilates, Barre, stretching, and strengthening routines at home.

Pros:

  • Four levels of color coded resistance
  • Exercise guide
  • Eco-friendly & non-toxic

Cons:

  • Exact weight of resistance not specified
  • No instructional video

Best Resistance

Azure Life Resistance Bands Set

Strengthen & tone

This premium quality set comes with: four top elastic quality exercise bands, illustrated workout guide with 12 exercises, worry-free 12-month product guarantee, friendly customer service, and complete customer satisfaction. These color coded bands offer four levels of resistance: light, medium, heavy, and x-heavy and are eco-friendly, latex free, and non-toxic.

Best Free Weights: AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbell Pairs & Sets

Add resistance training to your prenatal workouts with this dumbbell set. Resistance training not only builds strength, but it can also burn calories, increase energy levels, protect bone health, and improve your mood! This versatile set includes three pairs of dumbbells in 2-pound, 3-pound, and 5-pound sizes, so you can choose the right amount of weight for your routine, preference, and number of repetitions. We recommend this set for it's light weight nature, so you can up your reps and achieve long, lean muscle.

The stand that comes with these weights isn't super sturdy, so consider purchasing another holder especially if you have active pets or small children. The handles on these weights are also quite thick, so they're not the best for smaller hands. This weight set comes in heavily boxed and padded packaging, so understand that you're going to be carrying about 25lbs of product and packaging when it arrives at your door.

Pros:

  • Colorful neoprene coating
  • Versatile use
  • Weight stand included

Cons:

  • Stand isn't super sturdy
  • Thick handles
  • Lots of packaging

Best Free Weights

AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbell Pairs & Sets

Got dumbbell?

This dumbbell set comes with three pairs of dumbbells in 2-lb, 3lb, and 5lb sizes. They're ideal for resistance training and strength building and perfect for workouts at home. These weights can be used indoors or outdoors and their neoprene coating provides a firm, secure grip.

Bottom line Mama

We get that maintaining a consistent workout regimen throughout your pregnancy is tough! Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to workout and stay fit in the comfort and privacy of your own home with this workout gear list. Our favorite piece of gear overall is the Manduka Pro Yoga & Pilates Mat because it's the foundation of every at home workout routine and offers a high-quality, nicely cushioned surface that has great support and durability for a variety of different workouts. You can practice Yoga, Barre, Pilates, cardio, general strength training, and general stretching on the Manduka PRO. It comes in a variety of colors, lengths, and thicknesses, so you can find the perfect fit for you!

You can't go wrong with any of the gear on this list, and all of the items were picked to work in conjunction with your: Manduka Pro Yoga & Pilates Mat. If you're looking for some at home instruction to guide you through putting this gear into action, we'd recommend joining Amazon Prime. Not only will you get free 2-day delivery on all of these products, but you'll have total access to their video streaming service where you can find a large array of prenatal workout videos. Get your sweat on, Mama! We guarantee that these items are the best in their class and will support your health and happiness while you workout at home throughout your pregnancy.



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