Online Shopping Blog

The Day of the Glass

Red — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:41:55 +0000

Ever since Google first unveiled the Google Glass project, the bleeding edge technology that aims to introduce an exciting new form factor for mobile data consumption and creation, tech watchers and bleeding edge early adopters have been clamoring for whatever news they could get about its release. Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founder and director for special projects, was in attendance at TED Talks 2013 this last month and got the invitation from the conference’s moderator to make an impromptu presentation of the device.

While most of his presentation didn’t reveal anything new about the device that they hadn’t already revealed in the past, Sergey mentioned that Google Glass will likely go on sale before the end of this year. Google’s internet-enabled eyepiece was originally slated to go to market early in 2014, but several reliable internet sources are reporting that the gadget’s development schedule is indeed running ahead of time and the likelihood that we will see the device in stores before the end of the year is high. This, of course, is good news for early adopters who are eager to get their hands on the device as soon as possible.

So with the age of the Google Glass form factor getting ever closer everyday, what kind of changes will this bring to those of us who might still be stuck with the form factors common to the mobile devices available today? Will Google Glass-type form factors become the norm for mobile communications in the future?

The general consensus on whether Google Glass will become successful is that it’s too early to be absolutely sure. However, there are early signs that the new form factor is already starting to be taken seriously. Sony has been rumored to be working on and has filed a patent for their own version of the form factor and a consortium of Japanese demonstrated their entry, Telepathy One, during the recently concluded SXSW conference in Austin, Texas. A number of other potential competitors are also expected to release their own versions within the next two years.

It is, therefore, likely that we will see the new form factor and other augmented reality concepts become popular in the coming years; however, analysts are quick to point out that we shouldn’t expect everyone to embrace it as the gold standard form factor for mobile communications for at least a few years more. One reliable indicator of this the significant social resistance that the new form factor seems to be getting; several parodies exist that strongly criticize the device, a few groups have been formed to resist its adoption, and a dive bar in Seattle has even banned Google Glass from being used on their premises in advance of its release.

As Sergey Brin put it during the his presentation at TED Talks 2013, Google Glass is a form factor that is new for most people and no social norms yet exist to regulate its use. He went on the note that just like during the early days of the mobile phone, modern societies will still have to undergo changes that will determine whether this new direction in design will be accepted in the long run or not.

With that in mind, it isn’t likely that the introduction of Google Glass will have a negative effect on mobile gadgets that still use traditional form factor for quite a while. So whether you’re a businessperson concerned about whether Google Glass will pose a problem to your mobile phone retail or wholesale business, or a consumer trying to decide whether making the transition will be worth it or not, you can rest assured that the day when the new form factor will be the norm is still a significant way away.

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Five Steps to Dramatic Eye Makeup

Jena De Belen — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:53:36 +0000

Dramatic eye makeup can be very intimidating. It’s like you have to follow a lot of steps very carefully because one wrong move can ruin the whole look. But there’s an easy way to achieve the smoky-eye effect. All you need is an eyebrow pencil, a smoky eye shadow pallet, black eyeliner, mascara, and a pair of faux eyelashes.

Step 1: Fill in Your Eyebrows.

Trace the outside of your eyebrows, making an outline, using an eyebrow pencil. Make sure that it is two shades lighter than your hair color so it will appear more natural. Next, using a small angle brush, dust a little eyebrow powder or eye shadow to fill in your eyebrow starting with the part nearest to your nose. Again, like the pencil, make sure that it is two shades lighter than your hair color. Use the same brush to soften the outline you drew with the pencil to remove the hard lines.

Step 2: Highlight Your Brow Bones.

Using the lightest shade of your chosen eye shadow pallet, highlight your brow bones (it is located in between your upper eyelid and your eyebrow).

Step 3: Apply the Eye Shadow on Your Eyelids.

Apply a dark eye shadow on your entire eyelids evenly. Next, choose a darker eye shadow and apply it on the creases of your eyes and below your brow bone. It important to make sure that you shade both your eyelids evenly because if one’s darker than the other, it might create an illusion that your eyes are not of the same size. Once done, fill your inner lids with a lighter eye shadow. Then, apply the darkest shade of your eye shadow pallet on your lower lid (closest to the lash line).

Step 4: Line Your Lash Lines.

Use black eyeliner to line your upper lash lines and your waterlines. It makes your eye color pop and creates the drama to the shape of your eyes. Gel eyeliner is best for lining your lash lines because most formulas are smudge-proof or tear-proof, avoiding raccoon eyes.

Step 5: Va-va-voom Lashes!

Glue your faux lashes closest to your natural lashes as possible. Apply a volumizing mascara to make your natural lashes and your faux lashes come together somewhat. For a more dramatic effect, you can curl your lashes up and make your peepers looking awake and bigger.

Neutral shades are usually preferred for smoky-eyes but for a different and younger taste, blue and purple pallets are also must-tries. Perfecting the smoky-eye makeup may take a lot of practice but hey, it ups your glam to a whole new level. Just be patient and do 3 things: practice, practice, and more practice!

Choosing the Right Yoga Mat

Jena De Belen — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:38:08 +0000

Yoga is believed to have been around for centuries but it has grown more popular today because of its health and lifestyle benefits. Aside from being a strenuous workout, yogis consider it a way of achieving a lasting happiness and balance. With proper diet and the quitting of unhealthy vices, it has been proven to help aid weight loss and maintain a positive outlook. While yoga pants are said to be the most comfortable type of clothing right now, choosing the right yoga mat can sometimes be a headache.

Yoga mats are widely available in malls, sportswear boutiques, and even online. The choices of colors are almost infinite. However, you should be careful when buying yoga mats. The colors will inevitably attract you, yes. But you should also consider its quality, the material it is made of, its function, and if it’s worth its price.

The right yoga mat is a necessity for a successful yoga session. You should be comfortable with it or you will not be completely satisfied with your session. You should also consider which type of yoga class you will be taking; for example, Power Yoga requires intense movements so that means you will be sweating most of the time. A cotton yoga mat is a great choice for Power Yoga, because it absorbs the sweat, keeping you from slipping. A yoga mat with extra cushioning is best for the White Lotus Yoga because it is all about meditation and it requires sitting for long periods of time.

Whatever yoga class you are taking, remember that you should always (and I mean ALWAYS) consider the comfort and support that your yoga mat provides. It should be big enough to allow you to perform the different yoga positions, as well as the relaxation poses. The mat should also have a nice grip, but not too sticky so you can follow the changes of positions from time to time. The price should not be questioned if the mat is of good material, guaranteed. However, there are also affordable yoga mats that are available online that will also give you the right support and comfort you will need for a successful yoga session.

The Sweetest Way to Lose Weight: The Melon Diet

Jena De Belen — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:38:01 +0000

A lot of women struggle everyday, thinking of every way possible to make weight loss bearable. That, primarily, is the reason why different diets such as the South Beach Diet (prohibits simple carbohydrates), the Mediterranean or Greek Diet (consuming olive oil in high amounts), and the Atkins Diet (restricts net carbs) are popular now, but there’s another diet that joined the circle lately—the Melon Diet.

Watermelon contains lycopene which aids in reducing the risk of prostate, cancers. Melons are naturally sweet, giving you the mindset that you are eating a dessert, and so it also helps you to avoid excessive calories that you get when consuming too much sugar found in different kinds of sweeteners such as refined or caster sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, and the like. Melons are the best snack for strict dieters, given that its fiber content keeps the stomach full. It also helps you stay away from the high-calorie snacks and desserts. Melons are also rich in vitamin C and beta carotene that fight different diseases and boost your immune system.

The Melon Diet aims to diminish the toxins stored in your fat cells. But because it requires you to eat nothing but melons and cantaloupes, you are discouraged to do physical and mental activities that will require large amounts of energy. It also prohibits drinking anything else but water (lemon water is allowed). No coffee, no carbonated drinks, and even tea is not allowed. You can lose up to 12 lbs in a week when followed strictly and partner it with regular exercise. Not only does it clean your digestive system, it also helps you achieve healthy eating habits after three weeks of maintaining the diet. Who said being healthy means eating bland foods? The Melon Diet proves you that you can actually eat something sweet without hurting your waistline.

Five Makeup Kit Must-haves

Jena De Belen — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:37:42 +0000

Carrying your heavy makeup kits is too hassling. Why throw all your makeup into your bag when all you need are these five essentials that can easily fit in a small makeup kit? Save space, save time.

Primer

Makeup base or primer conceals the uneven skin tone, dark spots, and fine lines so you can have a smooth and even base. It is best to put on a primer before you put on your foundation because it helps adhere it properly to the skin. It makes the foundation last longer. A primer that works as a moisturizer and a sunscreen is a better find, especially those with SPF 15 and above.

Foundation

Foundation enhances your complexion. It can even out or change your skin tone. Foundation colors have categories of warm, neutral or cool. The different coverage categories are sheer, light, medium, and full coverage. The closest color to your skin color is best.

Mascara

Mascara is like a magic wand that transforms or enhances your eyes. This is a must-have especially to those with sleepy eyes. It darkens, defines, thickens, and just adds volume to your normal lashes. Modern mascara products have different formulas. It is best to choose a mascara that does not flake much, clump, and smudge. Nobody wants raccoon eyes, right?

Blush On

The purpose of blush is to create a dimension of contours, highlight the angles of your cheekbones, and give a healthy glow to your face. Always choose colors that are 2-4 shades darker than your skin tone.

Lipstick/Lip gloss

Lipsticks make your lips look plumper. You should always carry at least two different colors on your makeup kit. You can change your whole look just by changing the color of your lipstick. For example, pink coral for your daytime look then change it to a deep red color when you go out and party at night. Avoid trying out lipsticks at the drugstore because god knows who last used it, right? Just dab a little on the back of your hand to see if the color you chose compliments your skin tone.

For the women-on-the go, it is best to carry a small makeup kit that you can easily throw in your bag or in your purse.

Lipstick Guide

Jena De Belen — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 21:55:48 +0000

With the different cosmetic products out in market today, a lot of women get confused with the difference of each product to another. A lipstick is a staple to every woman’s makeup kit. It completes their look and sometimes, reflects their mood. It is important to know the different types of lipstick to know what’s best for you.

Matte lipstick came to popularity in the early 1900s. It is known for its flat and no-shine color palette but younger women usually prefer this kind of lipstick because the formula is long lasting. It is best to apply lip balm before applying a matte lipstick because it tends to dry out if you have chapped lips. This type of lipstick is best for plump and smooth lips.

Metallic lipstick has been a bold trend since the 1980s. Almost every year, different shades of metallic lipstick come out, and so it bounces back to popularity. This type of lipstick is considered as heavy makeup, and should be paired with a matte finish foundation for it is not advisable to put on too much glitter in one look. Metallic lipsticks range from subtle to extreme. Aside from its metallic sheen, it is known for its emollient contents which help moisturize your lips.

Lip gloss has been popular since the year it was invented in the 1930s. It is usually applied after a lipstick to give additional shine but it can also be a worn alone as the finishing touch for a fresh and natural look. Lip gloss favors thin and small lips because it enhances the dimension of depth.

Satin lipstick is an excellence choice for dry lips. It is a perfect balance of a cream lipstick and a lip gloss. Because of its high oil content, it keeps the lips moisturized, aside from giving it the gloss and shine which this type of lipstick is known for. Satin lipstick is best paired with bold eye makeup for a balanced look.

Color coordination and balance is essential for every look. Remember, to be beautiful, you have to feel beautiful. Makeup is a way to boost one’s confidence and a lipstick is a staple in every makeup kit so it is important to know what is best or you. A lipstick guide just might help you.

SCARF: a Versatile Accessory

Jena De Belen — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 21:38:01 +0000

Scarves are great addition to your wardrobe. With the modernization in the world of fashion, scarves can be worn not only during fall or winter but the whole year round. With the different colors, designs, fabrics and textures, you can always find one that will match any outfit.

If you love wearing jeans because of its comfort but bored with the same look you pull off repeatedly, adding a scarf to your outfit just might do the trick. Choose a scarf that’s made of comfortable fabric so you’ll be comfortable with the texture too. It will instantly turn your outfit from boring to ready-to-go.

Monochromatic looks are never out of style. This look is perfect for neutral colors like caramel, cream, white, black, and gray. Mixing different textures will add elegance to it. For example, black leather boots, black jeans, black cotton tee, black metallic jacket, and add a black knitted scarf to complete the look. The play on textures and different shades of a single color will do the trick.

A scarf can also be used as a belt, a cover up for a bikini, a head wrap, or twist it and turn it into a headband. Scarf is one of the most versatile accessories, making it a must have in every wardrobe. It doesn’t always have to be a signature brand. There are a lot of affordable scarves that you can even buy online that will not make you shell out much.

Fashion is for everyone, as everybody has their own taste and style. Scarves are great addition to your wardrobe, given its versatility. Indeed, you don’t have to spend much to look good and expensive. All you need is a great taste, and the idea of the flexibility of the different accessories that can make or break your outfit.

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Company Profile: TENVIS Technology

Red — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 18:00:35 +0000

It is often said that good companies are the product of good businessmen but great companies are born as a solution to an equally great problem. TENVIS Technology Co. Ltd. is one of those companies that emerged to fill a gap in the market that needed filling. In today’s Company Profile, we’ll take a closer look at the company’s philosophy and product line, and try to discover why TENVIS is a name you can trust when it comes to inexpensive security surveillance and remote monitoring solutions.

False Alarm

While TENVIS was only formally established as a company in 2005, its story goes all the way back to 2001 when the company’s founder, Mr. Jack Lee, was abroad with his family on holiday and suddenly received notification that the burglar alarm he had installed at home had been triggered. Despite his anxiety to find out what was going on back at his residence, he had no way of watching the events unfold and the notification text message he received didn’t contain any information that could be useful.

Unable to contact his neighbors for help, Mr. Lee was forced to call the police. The police dispatched a unit to visit his home, but while he waited for an update from them Mr. Lee could feel the tension of not knowing the true gravity of the situation building on his shoulders — and it was unbearable! What was happening to his house? Were his possessions safe?

It took the police 45 minutes to get back to Mr. Lee and inform him that they had found nothing wrong, and that fortunately the notification he received was a false alarm. The relief was instant, but the emotional roller coaster he had been through as he helplessly waited for news on the situation stayed with him.

Upon returning home he immediately set out find a surveillance system that he could install that would allow him to monitor the situation even if he was away from home, however, Mr. Lee was disheartened to find out that the available solutions on the market during that time where either too technical or prohibitively expensive. With all the advancements in digital video recording and networking, and increasingly faster internet speeds, Mr. Lee thought to himself that there must be a better idea.

And so the idea behind TENVIS was born. After 4 years of research and development, the TENVIS IP camera was born — a webcam like device that utilized the power of the internet for remote monitoring and that even non-technical users could understand.

Affordable Security Surveillance and Remote Monitoring Solutions

TENVIS manufacturers high-quality security surveillance and remote monitoring equipment with the simple goal of keeping it affordable enough to make it accessible even to home and small business owners. Armed with the unique understanding that not everyone in their target demographic has the technical skills required install more professional systems or afford to have them installed for them, the company designs their equipment with user-friendliness as their top priority.

TENVIS IP cameras are completely wireless and are available in a variety of configurations. Their entire product range comes standard with built-in infrared night vision and motion detection, and can be used to stream live video over the internet. Users can be alerted to anomalous activities via e-mail or mobile phone to ensure quick response times. TENVIS IP cameras are compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux operating systems, and additionally, TENVIS IP cameras are also compatible with the ipCam FC app for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad so you remotely monitor the situation at home even when you don’t have access to a computer.

More Information

TENVIS IP cameras are available at wholesale prices right here on Bigboxsave. Click here to check out our extensive range of security surveillance and remote monitoring equipment.

To find out more about TENVIS and their products, click here to visit their website.

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Product Spotlight: PIPO MAX-M1 9.7″ Android Tablet

Red — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 22:35:23 +0000

Companies like Ainol, ONDA, and RAmos have, historically, led the pack on the Chinese Android tablet scene when it comes to releasing tablets with the latest non-proprietary hardware available. However, late game entrant PiPo Technology, which only recently started producing Android tablets in 2010, is beginning to stir up the markets with it’s newly released PiPo Max-M1 9.7″ Android Tablet.

Built on the new high-speed Rockchip 3066 system-on-a-chip, the PiPo Max-M1 is promising to be a glimpse into the future of Chinese Android tablets. If you think that Chinese manufacturers still have quite a way to go before they can compete against industry leaders like Apple, Samsung, and HTC, then this tablet might actually make you think carefully about revising your projections.

In a world dominated by speed, the Rockchip 3066 is the answer of low cost system-on-a-chip manufacturer, Fuzhou Rockchip Electronics, to the proprietary processing solutions often implemented in high-end devices like the new iPad and the Galaxy Note 10.1. Based on a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.6GHz with a quad-core Mali 400 graphics processing unit, it scores well in most available benchmarking tools and performs comparably close to the ASUS Transformer Prime.

With that kind of hardware on board, the PiPo Max-M1 handles apps of every shape and size flawlessly on the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system it ships with. To improve system performance even further, the manufacturers have also advised that a firmware upgrade will be available for the device within the next few weeks.

To keep costs down, however, you might find this tablet’s screen a little bit of a letdown. With a rather measly 1024 x 768 resolution, it certainly has a lot to make up for to match the head-turning Retina display on Apple’s new iPad, but it isn’t too big of a problem considering that it uses a 10-point multi-touch IPS screen that makes up for in functionality what it doesn’t quite achieve in clarity.

Construction-wise, the PiPo Max-M1 is no pushover. A strong and sturdy alloy rear plate keeps its high-performance innards safe and sound and the unit feels well-built overall. Weighing in at around 520 grams, it’s not the lightest tablet in the world, but that certainly doesn’t detract from its value in any way — if at all, it actually adds to the robustness of the feel and feels more like a reassuring weight rather than an encumerbance.

With both rear-facing and front-facing cameras and a huge 8000mAh battery to complete the picture, you’d easily expect to dish out at least $300 dollars for this baby. But at a price of $205.89 at Bigboxsave, it’s definitely a bargain considering the kind of quality you’ll be getting. Click here to check out the PiPo Max-M1 in more detail or continue below to see the tablet’s unboxing and benchmarking tests performed by YouTube user DotGeekTube.

Product Spotlight: ONDA V971 9.7″ Android Tablet

Red — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:40:07 +0000

With Apple still holding on firmly to its top spot in the “tablet wars,” there seems to be an underlying consensus that when it comes to tablets, if you’re in the market for the best, it’s the new iPad or nothing. Even Samsung’s recently released Galaxy Note 10.1 — despite the emerging acceptance of the overall advantage of a flexible stylus-centric system — has been almost universally panned in favor of the Cupertino giant’s latest entry.

But the tablet wars between industry leaders in recent years has focused so heavily on the technological aspect of tablet design that one particular aspect, which is as important to consumers as a tablet’s overall performance and number of new features, has been rather neglected: retail price. While many trendy techies don’t mind forking out $400 and over for the latest tablets, a large portion of the market still can’t come to grips with why a device with the performance specifications of a 2008 laptop has to be more expensive than your average full-sized, full-featured personal computer. In fact, despite the rapid developments in mobile computing technology in recent years, prices seem to bloat a little more with each new tablet released by the industry’s biggest names.

It is because of this divergence of opinions that companies like ONDA exist. If you’re of the opinion that good tablets can be inexpensive, then the company’s newest mid-priced, high-end 9.7″ Android tablet, the ONDA V971, is nothing short of impressive. The latest model in a line of tablets based on the Amlogic 8726-MX system-on-a-chip, the V971 is basically a revamp of the company’s much talked about Vi40 tablet with several interesting design changes.

Like the Vi40, the V971 is housed in a new iPad-like body with a sturdy brushed aluminum rear plate, but unlike the Vi40, it no longer comes with the volume buttons on the side panel and its front face has also lost the familiar Home button. In their place, however, the V971 comes with two cameras instead of one — a back-facing camera now completes the picture to complement the front-facing camera also found on the Vi40 — and the Home button has been moved to the bottom panel with all the device’s ports and its power button.

Performance-wise, the V971′s benchmark scores put it at around one half the speed of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, about the same as last year’s top of the line models and faster than the dual-core version of the Samsung Galaxy S3, which is respectable by any standard for a tablet that costs just shy of $220 and is even cheaper than the slower, older 16GB Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Check out this review video by YouTube user JB Bates below:

To order an ONDA V971 today and avail of our dirt cheap wholesale discount prices and free shipping, click here to visit our online store.