While a full scale medical alert system is always best for complete protection in a medical emergency, other medical alert devices give you options. 

Wearable medical alert devices such as medical alert smartwatches, medical alert bracelets and neck pendants allow you to carry on with your daily routine with minimal interruption. They’re also less cumbersome than a full in-home medical alert package, saving you space and the need to carry around heavier devices.  

Why is considering the different types of medical alert devices important? A recent study found “Worldwide, falls are a leading cause of unintentional injuries in adults older than 65 years old, with 37.3 million falls requiring medical attention and 646,000 resulting in deaths annually.”

Fall risk increasing with age is simply a fact of life. Many community based organizations implement a fall prevention program. They offer training in elderly fall prevention. While medical alert devices won’t stop falls in the elderly, they’ll certainly speed up the emergency process and give family and caregivers peace of mind.

Choose a medical device that suits your needs from the list below.

1. Simply tell us your needs

2. Receive free medical alert system quotes

3. Compare prices and save money

What is an in-home medical alert system? 

These medical alert devices have a base station and work depending on how far they are from that base range. Most in-home medical alert systems have a two-way speaker and a microphone at minimum. We list some industry favourites below.

If you have an elderly relative who lives in their home it’s a good idea to make use of one of the many alarms for the elderly to ensure they can access help in a medical emergency. Call buttons for seniors are devices that can be hung on the wall, worn around the neck or kept on the wrist a watch.

An emergency call button for seniors that’s monitored by a call centre means your loved one can easily call for help using the medical alert, if they have an accident or a fall.

Some people might be put off wearing a call button for the elderly, but they are designed to be lightweight and comfortable.

Call buttons are perfect for both the elderly and the physically challenged because  all you need to do is feel for the device and then you can summon help with the push of button. You don’t have to rely on your telephone or cell phone. 

There are several difference types of call buttons. In-home buttons are usually part of the base station that will be in one of your rooms indoors. Pendant buttons are designed to be worn round your neck for easy access. Some button devices are like tiny telephones you can keep in your bag or your pocket.

Here we’ve chosen four popular call button emergency devices with their pros and cons.

Most affordable

Medical help system with watch, pendant, and mobile GPS device.

Mobile Help Pros

✔ Affordable monthly plans

Our working lives and how businesses communicate has undergone massive change over the past couple of years. Reflecting this change, there’s now a daunting level of choice when it comes to Internet Protocol (IP) phone systems and VoIP phone providers.

Nowadays, typing ‘IP phone’ into Google will present you with sponsored links and targeted advertising, which makes it difficult to choose the right IP phone. 

As no two service providers have the same offerings, we’ve explored the best VoIP phone systems for your small business. This enables you to get a full understanding of the different IP phone systems available. With setup easier than ever, and significant cost savings to be made, every business should embrace modern IP telephone technology.

Continues below…

Benefits of using VoIP phones for a small business include: 

Cost savings: This is a key benefit for businesses of all sizes, as an IP telephone is more cost-effective than a conventional phone. Since IP telephony connects calls over the internet, businesses using IP phones save money on long distance calls. For businesses who make overseas calls, additional savings are made. For small and mid-sized businesses, savings can be around 50%.

Setup time: As a small business operating in unprecedented times, downtime is not an option. Installation is quick and within a few hours, your system can be up and running.

Remote working: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that companies need to be flexible. In the era of remote working, cloud-based tools are crucial for internal and customer-facing business processes. IP technology enables you to easily port a phone number to a new location, as phone numbers are not tied to specific devices. IP phones are simple to use and training for employees is quick and minimal.

Integration: The best VoIP services allow easy integration with existing software and third-party providers.

IP phone systems are simple to install but there are areas to consider. Businesses will need to ensure there is a reliable broadband connection, a router, and a PBX server for internal call handling. You will need to then select your IP phone model and perhaps VoIP headsets.

Knowing how to screenshot on Windows 10 is a vital skill. No matter if you’re just browsing social media, the internet, or streaming videos, you’ll probably want to or need to do this eventually. It might be to share something funny with friends and family or to show how exactly your PC is acting up to tech support.

It’s actually fairly easy to learn how to screenshot on Windows 10, so don’t be worried if you’re not a technical wizard. It’s not any harder than learning how to activate Windows 10, another simple task. However, there are a few different routes on getting a screenshot depending on your needs. Taking a screenshot of a specific window, the whole screen, or even a freeform screenshot all have different steps to get the desired result.

Regardless of what kind of screenshot you’re after though, we’re here to help. Just follow the steps and you’ll master how to screenshot on Windows 10 in no time. So, read on for the different ways you can screenshot on Windows 10. And, if you need to do the same on an Apple machine, you’ll find it even simpler taking screenshots on a Mac.

Your keyboard should have a Print Screen key, and it’s easy to find. Look for a key, usually somewhere around the top right section of your keyboard, with the “Print Screen” on it. On some keyboards, it’s written in shorthand, like “PrtSc” or it may be the secondary function of a key, in which case you’ll need to use the “Fn” key of your keyboard to use it. 

Once you’ve identified your Print Screen key and whether you need to press the “Fn” key to use it, you’re ready to go.

With the Print Screen key on your keyboard, you can either take a screenshot of your full screen or capture an active window.

1. Taking a screenshot of the entire screen
Press the Print Screen key. This will immediately take a screenshot of your whole display (including any extended desktops you have). The screenshot is added to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it elsewhere, and automatically saved to your Screenshots folder.

2. Taking a screenshot of an active Window
To capture just your active window, press Alt + Print Screen instead. This will take a screenshot of just the active window – so, if you’ve got several windows open, be sure to select the specific window you want to capture to make it active. Like with the full screen screenshot, this is added to your clipboard as well as automatically saved to your Screenshots folder.

3. Paste the capture screenshot where you want it.
Once you take a screenshot, that screenshot is added to your clipboard, allowing you to quickly paste it into some applications. You can paste it into an image editor, like Paint 3D, to edit and save it. Or, you can share it with a friend or colleague by pasting the image into a chat or email.

That’s all there is to it if you just need a way to quickly share what’s on your screen. However, there are more advanced ways to screen capture on PC.

Is it any wonder that people want to get a Windows 10 upgrade for free? Paying full price for the Home edition is not cheap, coming in at $139/£119/AU$225.

Upgrading to Windows 10 for less is actually not that hard. However, getting that Windows 10 upgrade for free may seem out of reach. Microsoft, after all, has allowed its offer for a free upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8 users to expire. Yet, the company has not actually shut down the path to that upgrade for the newer OS. In essence, if you know what to do, it’s actually fairly easy to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Microsoft has most likely allowed this route for a free Windows 10 upgrade to stay available to users of older versions of Windows on purpose. It’s probably better to absorb the cost of the free upgrades instead of having users switch to a different operating system like Linux, which is free, or stick with an outdated, and possibly unsafe, older version of Windows.

It is very possible to download Windows 10 for free if you know how to do it. So, read on to learn how to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. This guide will make it easy and painless to do so.

After you’ve done that, make sure to also find out how to activate Windows 10 and how to find your Windows 10 product key if you’re having trouble finding it. Experiencing Windows 10 slowdowns? Here’s how to speed up Windows 10.

Windows 10 has never really been free. In fact, with Windows 10 Home costing $139 and Windows 10 Pro a hefty $200, getting Windows 10 installed on your computer or laptop is going to cost you quite a bit of money. 

There was a period of time when Microsoft offered free upgrades to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users, but that time has long expired. Still, a loophole remains that allows you to get Windows 10 for nothing.

And, we suspect that Microsoft is keeping it open as it’s in the company’s best interest to get as many people on Windows 10 as possible. We’re sure that it’s keen to get people to move on from the unsupported, older, operating system to the new one.

Basically, the steps for upgrading to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are the same as when Microsoft was officially offering the update.

To install the latest version of Windows 10, you’ll need to have the following:

If you’ve ever wanted to use a PS5 DualSense controller on a PC to play your favorite games, it’s relatively easy to do so. Though the benefits of using mouse and keyboard are clear, particularly in FPS games, there are some genres that just play better with a controller, and Sony’s pad is a great option.

The PS5 DualSense controller, one of the best controllers for PC, is super comfortable to hold, and it’s nice to get a bit of extra mileage out of your gamepads when you can. It’s also nice to play some PC games with a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard, especially if you’ve got your rig setup in your living room.

The controller works both wired and wirelessly if your PC supports Bluetooth, and you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A lead if you plan on using the controller wired. If your PC has a USB-C input, you can also use a USB-C to USB-C lead.

If you do use your PS5 DualSense controller on PC, it’s important to remember that the adaptive triggers won’t be utilized when playing the vast majority of PC games. However, Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition recently received an update that added full support for the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, as well as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This suggests that we could see more games take advantage of the DualSense controller’s unique features in the future, which is exciting for PC owners who prefer using Sony’s new pad. 

Steam has recently received a small update that allows players to customize the DualSense controller’s LED light, which adds some extra functionality. You can either enable, disable, or only illuminate it when multiple controllers are connected.  We’re still waiting to see if the controller’s haptics and adaptive triggers will eventually be supported, though.

Note that the controller’s 3.5mm audio jack isn’t currently supported on PC, so you’ll have to plug your headphones directly into your computer or use a pair of wireless headphones instead. Still, if you’re interested in using Sony’s pad, here’s how to use the PS5 DualSense controller on a PC.

The most popular storefront and game launcher on PC, Steam lets you use the PS5 DualSense controller on your PC when running the application, and it’s a great choice when using Steam’s TV-friendly ‘Big Picture Mode’. 

First, open up Steam and navigate to the top left. Click Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings. Connect your DualSense using either a wired or wireless connection (see how to connect via Bluetooth below). Once connected, Steam will show that you have a generic controller plugged in, and may even prompt you to configure it. If not, click on the device and select ‘Define Layout’.

From here, you can map the buttons to however you see fit. The touchpad, for instance, can be mapped as a button, but make sure that the triggers (R2 and L2 buttons) are mapped as an analog input, not as a button. 

When you’ve finished tweaking things to your preference, save and name the device (it’s probably easiest if you just call it DualSense). Also, make sure you select that it’s a PlayStation 4 controller, as this will enable PlayStation button prompts in supported titles.

Apple tvOS 15 has arrived, for some. This year’s update to the new Apple TV software platform is now available in beta, meaning that anyone who’s signed up to Apple’s beta program can download the new OS.

You might not want to, of course – Apple TV 4K devices can’t be reset to earlier tvOS iterations, so you should only opt for tvOS 15 right now if you’re ready to stick with what you get, potential teething issues of the beta and all.

There isn’t a huge amount different with tvOS 15 compared to last year – at least partially because Apple tends to release smaller iterative updates throughout the year, too – but there are a few key features to get excited about, such as SharePlay and Spatial Audio support.

But how do you even install tvOS 15, and when will the finished product actually roll out to customers? You’ll find everything you need in the guide below, whether you’re an Apple TV owner, developer, or prospective Apple customer.

The tvOS 15 public beta kicked off in early July. To gain access to the public beta, though, you’ll need to have enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program, enabling you to “access the latest features” in tvOS 15 (and any other Apple software betas) as well as give Apple timely feedback through a dedicated app (should you wish to). 

You can sign up now at the link below.

Sign up here: Apple Beta Software Program

The finalized version of tvOS 15 went live in September 2020, after two months of public beta – and we expect a similar timeline in 2021.

That means September is likely when tvOS 15 will be available for everyone else to install on their Apple TV devices.

There’s the introduction of SharePlay, an Apple-specific feature for co-watching TV streaming services with friends over FaceTime (which is getting some limited support on Android devices too). You’ll be able to set it up for a host of streaming platforms over Apple TV like Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Twitch, Pluto TV, ESPN+ and Paramount Plus – though not Netflix – casting from your iPhone to Apple TV hardware while continuing to chat into your handset.

If you’re in the market for a running watch then you’re at the cutting edge of fitness wearables. The best running watches are among the most technically advanced, most impressive and priciest wearables around. We’re talking GPS, biometrics and apps that offer artificial intelligence-driven insights into the data you clock up.

However, with so many running watches available it can be difficult to make the right decision. You might already have a pair of the best running shoes, but here’s how to choose the right running watch for you.

We’re not counting steps here. That’s for smartphones, smart watches and fitness trackers that are more about casual encouragement and looking good. Running watches – also referred to as GPS watches and multisport watches – must be altogether more obsessed with accuracy and performance. Cue GPS-powered location-tracking that removes the guesswork for calculating distances, and a host of sensors to measure biometrics.

Heart rate monitoring is by now a default feature that helps you exercise at the right intensity while an incoming feature is a measurement of blood oxygen (SpO2) levels. The latter is nice to have as a general measurement of fitness, but only of practical use on the move if you’re going to be hiking or climbing at high altitudes, or free diving, though marathon runners may also find it handy.

Almost all running watches support multiple activities, but many higher-end running watches also feature dedicated triathlon modes, which track entire events without you having to record the bike ride, swim, and run separately.

Do you need a running watch? If you go for the occasional jog and just want to keep track of how much you move, think about investing in a fitness tracker or a smart watch. If, however, you’re a regular runner, cyclist or triathlete and are hell-bent on improving then a running watch is for you. 

What you’re likely to notice if you’re stepping-up from a Fitbit or a smartphone app to a running watch is data. In place of the simple algorithms, step-counting and an obsession with reaching 10,000 steps you’ll find multi-sport modes, cadence sensors, stride length calculators, heart rate monitors and compatibility with third-party sensors like chest-strap heart rate monitors and foot pods. Running watches that are focused all and only on running include the insight-packed Coros Apex and the Polar Vantage V2, the latter of which adds a regular fitness test to establish your benchmark. 

Do you know where you are with navigation? GPS has become a byword for satellite navigation, but the US-built Global Positioning System is but one of several around the world. 

They all work the same way, with a receiver inside a running watch tuning-in to radio signals from networks of orbiting satellites. Using signals from four satellites a receiver can triangulate to produce your position on the planet every few seconds and to within a few metres. 

You’ll often see running watches advertised as being compatible with GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), which is a Russian-run system that’s slightly more accurate than GPS, the EU-owned Galileo, Japan’s QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) and China’s BDS (BeiDou). You don’t need a running watch that supports all of them, but it’s wise to have access to two satellite systems because more satellites will be available at any given time.

One of the under-the-radar announcements to come from Apple’s annual WWDC keynote was the revelation that you can now use the Apple HomePod mini as a speaker for the Apple TV 4K.

Given that this was a feature once only available on the now discontinued HomePod, it’s big news for those thinking of using their HomePod mini – or even two of them – in place of a more expensive soundbar in a home theater setup.

Doing so will also give you the benefit of controlling your TV using Siri-powered voice commands, so there’s convenience to be gained from repurposing a HomePod mini this way, too. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to connect your Apple HomePod mini to your Apple TV – through either your iOS device or Apple TV itself.

Before you start, you’ll need to check that both your Apple TV and iOS device are updated to at least tvOS 14.2 and iOS 14.2, respectively, in order to ensure compatibility with your HomePod mini.

Both devices involved in pairing will need to be on the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, too.

On your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to make sure that your Apple TV is assigned to the same room as HomePod in the Home app.

In the Home app on your device, touch and hold Apple TV. From here, scroll down, then tap the Settings button. In Settings, tap Default Audio Output, then the room with your HomePod.

This will route all sound, including navigation clicks, from your Apple TV to your HomePod.

To connect your HomePod mini to your Apple TV using the Apple TV itself, open Settings on your Apple TV.

Phones have improved in all sorts of ways over the past decade. The best smartphones now offer cameras that can easily beat classic compacts, games with graphics that wouldn’t look out of place on a PS4, and the same amount of storage as you get in a high-end laptop.

But battery life? That is still an issue. Most phones only last a day of decent use off a charge, and you can’t rely on some if you have an early start, a late finish, and will do plenty on your phone during the day. There are ways to improve the situation, though.

Here are some tips for iPhone and Android owners to make your battery last longer. A few are basics that you may already know about, others are more advanced and may come with trade-offs.

An awful lot of Android phones have high refresh rate screens these days. This means the screen image is refreshed either 90 or 120 times a second rather than the usual 60 times.

It makes scrolling appear ultra-smooth but also impacts battery life to a significant degree. This is reportedly why Apple chose to stick with 60Hz for the iPhone 12 family.

Own a high refresh rate phone? It’s well worth dropping back down to 60Hz if you’re getting fed up with battery drain. Where these controls are will vary slightly between models, but you should find them in Settings > Display > Advanced > Refresh rate, or similar.

Benchmark testing shows that 5G tends to use more battery than 4G, in both Androids and iPhones. This may vary between the various phones’ chipsets, but switching to 4G mobile internet is worth trying out for busy days.

In an Android phone you can turn off 5G in Settings > Network > [Select SIM] > Preferred Network Type. As always, the naming of these sections in settings varies between phones.

In an iPhone you’ll find this option in Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data.

This tip relates to use throughout your day. At times it may actually be better to use 5G, as its faster data rate means the phone spends less time actually downloading large files.