Jurgen Cautreels Shares Outdated Marketing Practices You Need to Avoid

Chris Turn on December 21, 2021

Marketing is complex and is always evolving. People’s habits and behaviors change with time.

Since the goal of marketing involves persuading people to make a decision in your favor, a good marketer must be aware of these changes. Also, new marketing innovations are being created on a regular basis and if a marketer is to be successful, he must be aware of these new innovations.

Since marketing is an age-long practice, different methods have been used by marketers in the past. Any marketing practice that doesn’t bring good results, might be damaging your brand and should be done away with.

In this article, renowned investor, marketer and NFT expert, Jurgen Cautreels highlights some outdated practices that people trying to sell in today’s market should avoid.

Non-Targeted Direct Mass Mailing

The idea behind mass mailing is to send to as many as possible, with the belief that not all, but some of the mails would convert. In today’s market, this does not work anymore. With the number of businesses making targeted adverts, a general advert is likely to be disregarded. Most often, they turn out to as spams.

Instead of this, you should send mails only to members of your target audience. To take it a step further, where you can, streamline your mailing list across different customer types; then send messages accordingly to the different categories.

Using social media only for promotion

Although the goal of your business is to make sales, your social media accounts shouldn’t be only for promotion. Where your account interacts and enlightens its followers, your content would reach a larger audience. Whereas if your account is only about your business’ sales, it would not perform adequately for your business.

In today’s world, social media has a huge impact on how a business succeeds. Your account should be managed to garner large followership and reach a wide audience.

Blogging without promoting

Your blog is where your customers get to know the most about you. If you’re blogging and people are not being directed to your blog, you’re losing. Direct links from your blog to your social media channels in whatever way you can. 

Also, always make sure your audience is very aware of your blog posts. If you can get people to keep coming to read new updates about your business on your blog, you’re establishing a bond with them.

Using intuition and not facts

Data is available now more than it has ever been before. A good marketer would not assume, he would get his facts and statistics right. I’ve seen many people make mistakes in their marketing because they made wrong assumptions.

If you’re marketing goods or services, there’s no need to stick to old methods that do not produce results anymore. Learn to use new technologies to market your goods for the best conversion results. A while ago, way early marketing career, I learned about non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Years ago, many people were hesitant with the technology but today, NFTs are being considered as the future. And I’m glad that I was able to invest in it early.

The Evolution of Car Tire Technologies

Helper on November 16, 2021

What It Took to Get You in the Driver’s Seat

It’s not a secret that our cars rely on tires to get us where we need to go. However, there’s a lot more to a tire than simply rubber meeting pavement. If you’ve ever wondered where the custom wheels and tires on your car gained their high-tech tread, then check out the evolution of car tire technologies.

Rubber Was the New Leather in 1845

When the concept of tires originally entered the scene in the 1300s, they were made of wood and leather. This made the ride smoother, but the leather wore away easily, which led to more maintenance for the driver. Fortunately, through many trials and errors, rubber replaced leather-bound wheels for a safer, more secure driving experience.

Vulcanized Rubber in 1845 Pushed Tire Tech Into the Future

American inventor, Charles Goodyear, and British inventor, Thomas Hancock, invented vulcanizing rubber in 1845, and turned the tire industry on its head. Not only did this process make tires easier to manufacture, because it made rubber less sticky, it also made tires more durable, too. 

It Took 20 More Years to Tread Our Tires

Believe it or not, tires didn’t always come suited for your lifestyle and the specific vehicle you drive. In 1905, the first treads applied to tires strengthened them and allowed them to handle muddy roads and wet conditions. Treads also protect your tires from blowouts and damage. 

By 1923, Firestone had improved upon the tall and thin tires of the past, and introduced balloon tires, which improved car handling and performance.

Natural Rubber Grows on Trees, but It’s Not Always Available

Did you know almost 90% of the world’s natural rubber is produced in Asia? Rubber comes from a specific tree that is super susceptible to disease, and these trees can only reach their full potential in one small area of Asia. This makes supply chain issues with rubber incredibly common, even today. 

Thankfully, Du Pont Company created a synthetic rubber in 1931 to contend with rubber availability and improve on the overall quality of tires.

Tires Were Taking Us Further by 1946

Radial tires were brought to us in 1946 by Michelin, which increased gas mileage, enhanced steering capabilities, and gave tires a longer life by being particularly more resistant to the wear and tear of older, rougher roads.

Europe and Asia adopted this tire technology without a hitch. However, it took America another twenty years to use the radial tire on its vehicles.

When It Comes to Tires, One Tube Is Better Than Two

Early tires had two parts: an inner air tube and a durable tire to cover it. But this left tires vulnerable to leaks and they would easily become deflated. In 1947, B.F. Goodrich produced the tubeless tire. It was more reliable and durable than other tires. Now, tubeless tires are the standard for all cars.

The Run-Flat Tire Increased Safety for Both the Passenger and Driver

In 1979, the run-flat tire entered the market to increase safety for everyone. This tire tech allows you to drive your car at about 50 miles per hour on a punctured tire. The results were accident prevention and better protection for passengers and drivers in an emergency.

You can find three different run-flat tires: self-supporting tires, self-sealing tires, and auxiliary supported tires. Self-supporting tires were reinforced on the inside to withstand the weight of your car in case of a blowout. They lasted long enough to get you to the gas station. Self-sealing tires permanently seal themselves using a special liner, if the hole isn’t too big.

Auxiliary run-flat tires use a combination of custom rims and tires. In this particular system, the flat tire tread rests on a ring attached to the wheel when your tire loses pressure. This technology places most of the work on your wheel, rather than your tire, and offers a better ride quality. 

Tires for Today and the Future Are Getting Major Upgrades for the Safest Drive Ever

You can expect to see some incredible things coming out of this industry in the future. For example, Japan and the U.S., have been developing the Contact Area Information Sensing System that uses information from a sensor placed inside your tire. It monitors your car’s interaction with the road and promotes safety by telling you about changes to the road surface.

So, the next time you shop for new tires, wheels, or rims, take time to consider all the steps it took to get you rolling. If you don’t see a feature you want for your tires, just wait because this industry is evolving faster than ever.

Innovative Solutions to Reduce Plastic Use

Article Editor on October 29, 2021

Innovative Solutions to Reduce Plastic Use

A contemporary existence without plastic would be unthinkable. Plastic is everywhere: the packaging materials, bottles and cups, and toys; the vehicle parts, ships, trains, satellites, and space stations; or even glasses, watches, and one’s smartphone that employ plastic components.

It’s grown so widespread that some have labeled the present era of human history as the Plastics Age.

Compostable coatings

The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC has created a coating using silicate and biopolymers. It may be utilized in various food packaging applications. They include preserving biopolymer packaging and food from premature deterioration and are biodegradable.

The novel coatings may enhance the performance of bio-based and biodegradable packaging, which alone cannot ensure the requisite minimum shelf life of many food goods.

Edible bottles of water

Plastic water bottles must be one of the most absurd examples of plastic pollution. Not only do the majority of the developed world’s cities now have tap water that is safe to drink, but there is also an increasing number of refill stations and water fountains where reusable bottles may be refilled.

There are several approaches to this issue. First, we must educate people about the consequences and give simple alternatives that allow for water access in public places in towns and cities. Secondly, we must exert pressure on the prominent brands that are responsible for the majority of garbage. Finally, we must seek innovation to develop novel solutions.

Jonathan Osler says that one of these novel ideas is the edible water bottle. As strange as it seems, start-up Skipping Rocks Labs has developed a blob-like container composed of sodium alginate that can store water in a tiny pouch that may be safely eaten.

Technology has begun to make a presence in popular culture. This year, it was employed in the London marathon, when volunteers distributed tiny edible capsules filled with Lucozade energy drinks instead of throwaway water bottles or cups.

While this technology has limitations compared to plastic bottles, it is in applications such as these that make practical sense and can decrease single-use plastic significantly.

Chemical recycling

Suppose the first-best answer to combatting this plastic epidemic is finding natural replacements. In that case, the second stage entails making plastics biodegradable and doing it in a sustainable and cheap method at scale. Mechanical recycling includes sifting, melting, and remodeling polymers into lower-grade plastic items. But this technique is restricted in nature since the performance qualities of plastics diminish with every recycling.

Following the declaration in Davos, eleven top brands, retailers, and packaging firms are aiming towards utilizing one hundred percent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025 or sooner.

Jonathan Osler advises that these ambitious promises, together with the correct regulatory incentives and demonstrations of radical innovation, offer us the most significant possibility of constructing a plastics system that works.

The solutions to curb the world’s plastic issue are many. It will need governments at both the national and subnational levels to address the regulation of single-use plastic items, deciding on the policy measures to take and the sort of legislation that will best support their aims.

Technology, Drones, and the Military

Helper on October 23, 2021

Drones have been around much longer than people realize. The military calls them an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.” The Austrian military used a UAV in the late 1800s and was a hot air balloon used to attack the enemy. 

When airplanes came into the picture in WWI and WWII, pilots operated aircraft during wartime. Today’s technology from places like Applied Systems Engineering to build drones for peacetime and wartime. 

Drones For Peacetime

During peacetime, drones are used for surveillance in places where soldiers are not allowed. A drone can surveil an area without being detected. They are also used to bringing and dropping supplies to soldiers or civilians in specific areas that may be dangerous. The technology installed into the drone can pinpoint the exact location it needs to be. 

Drones For Wartime

The military uses drones to save lives. The technology drones use can pinpoint the exact spot that needs to be attacked, and drones can attack from miles away with pinpoint precision. 

If the drone misses, it is due to human error in the calculations. Whether it makes the target or not, the drone is unmanned and keeps the soldiers in the Air Force safe from being shot down. The aircraft is operated from a remote location, which can be thousands of miles away. 

Boots on the Ground

Since 2001, the US government has been using drones as a lethal weapon. The idea does not eliminate having soldiers go off to war. However, technology and precision lessen the chances of putting US soldiers’ boots on the ground, putting them in harm’s way. 

A drone can destroy many of the targets within a single mission. The creators of this design are noted as heroes as they keep our military and country safe here and abroad.

NFTs and the Future of Ownership: Fintech Beat’s Conversation with Nic Carter and Amy Luo

Article Editor on June 25, 2021

“Any time in which a question about financial technology involves a response relating to Hegelian dialectics you just know this is going to be a truly out-of-this-world conversation,” Dr. Chris Brummer joked, finding his bearings at the start of an episode-length investigation to not only explain the concept of non-fungible tokens or “NFTs,” but to also prepare for a dive deep into the pros and cons of this new blockchain-based collectible resource. Analogies, in short, are inescapable.  What does it even mean for a blockchain-based currency to be non-fungible? What does having a permanent “serial number” on blockchains like Etherium associated with a piece of art, a video, or even a tweet mean for ownership? Brought on the podcast to take on this hot-button topic were Nic Carter, partner of Castle Island Ventures, and Amy Luo of Centre.io, a consortium of industry players designed to help the US Dollar coin (USDC). 

Nic Carter is a partner at Castle Island Ventures and the co-founder and board chairman of blockchain data aggregator Coin Metrics, which was established in 2017. On his own highly popular podcast, “On the Brink,” he and his co-host Matthew Walsh interview leading experts in the industry of cryptocurrency and fintech to explore the political, ethical, and economic impacts of public blockchains. Prior to his time at Castle Island Ventures, Carter was the first crypto asset analyst at Fidelity Investments. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of St. Andrews, and his master’s in finance and investment from the University of Edinburgh.

Amy Luo is the general counsel for Centre.io, which has developed the USD Coin, a stablecoin from Circle and Coinbase that is “issued by regulated and licensed financial institutions that maintain full reserves of the equivalent fiat currency.” Prior to her position as general counsel for Centre, Luo acted as senior counsel for Coinbase, where she was responsible for Institutional Sales/Coverage, Business Development, and Stablecoin legal, regulatory, and policy matters. She attended Yonsei University and the Schulich School of Business, and earned her JD from the Boston University School of Law.

Dr. Chris Brummer, too, has long had an eye on the latest developments in financial technology as a professor in Washington, DC, where he lives with his wife Rachel Loko. He is the faculty director of Georgetown’s Institute of International Economic Law, where his work has centered on innovation and financial regulation.  On his podcast, Fintech Beat, Dr. Brummer expands on his research, and interviews experts and insiders in financial technology to explore the “intersection of policy, finance, and tech” for the benefit of potential investors and enthusiasts alike. He is also the founder and host of the DC Fintech Week Conference, a weekend of panels and discussions in the nation’s capital with the goal of democratizing information about the future of financial technology. His paper, “What Do the Data Reveal About (the absence of Black) Financial Regulators?” was published by Brookings last year and is a testament to his intersectional approach to financial technology and regulation, incorporating race, class, and demographics, and concerns about representation into his body of work. He has had the distinction of serving on transition team for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and has advised regulators, including ESMA on the future of innovation. He was recently added to Fannie Mae’s  in February of 2021.

NFTs are only a term of art, and difficult to pin down even among experts. But the technology defining them is straightforward.  

“It’s a serialized piece of information that exists in a public blockchain context,” Carter says after comparing them to bitcoin, the fungible currency, “It’s a way to take a serial number which uniquely addresses some item, some data, some piece of content, and insert it onto public Blockchain rails[…] so it is innately financialized and can be traded on a peer-to-peer network.” In the short term, as Nic Carter explains, that means that NFTs are currently being used as a way to ensure, if not complete exclusivity, then at least a more controlled way to claim ownership of otherwise eminently fungible digital media such as digital art, game assets, or tweets.

Amy Luo of Centre.io is focused on the long-term as she imagines the future of NFTs: “In the future, almost all data on web free will be in a form of NFTs. Not just in the form of digital goods we see today but shopping lists, medical history. In the future we aren’t going to be talking about what an NFT is or isn’t but whether you’re receiving or transmitting.” While the implications of that may seem scary, the goal, as Luo points out, is freedom of information. The ability for an individual to take ownership of the information they disseminate of social media or through patient portals is galvanizing when you consider how much data is freely given away to brokers through websites like Facebook and Twitter. 

When it comes to the ability of NFTs to create scarcity and value in digital art, Dr. Brummer is quick to observe the values of the analog version. “Ebooks are great and you can search quickly, but if you’re like me, there’s nothing like a real book: the texture, the feel, even the smell.” While Nic Carter argues that the value of a non-fungible token over a piece of physical art is the lack of degradation, he’s also quick to admit that the tokens don’t constitute the same kind of ownership. “You’re not buying the original piece. You don’t have any rights associated with that. You’re just buying a fixed vintage with some association from the artist.” This isn’t to say artists can’t make the deal more enticing by throwing in IP rights as well, but that’s a separate service not included within the promise of an NFT. Knowing all of this and knowing that these are still uncharted waters, Dr. Brummer moves on to investigate what the value of NFTs is.

Amy Luo argues that NFTs can be bought for personal enjoyment and fulfillment but also as a form of investment. Like Bitcoin, the value of the non-fungible tokens is entirely consumer driven, so the question then becomes: what can be done to ensure purchasers’ return on investment? Amy Luo gives the example of a musician creating a song and dividing it into 100 discreet NFTs. It’s entirely dependent on how the song, as a product and investment, is marketed by the artist and how much of an understanding the public has on the value of the song. Both experts in the conversation with Dr. Brummer admit that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on crypto and NFTs just because of the sheer number of people who have taken up trading, collecting, and amateur investment through websites like Coinbase. “It’s the most mainstream corner of the crypto market,” Nic Carter admits when asked about the future viability of NFTs, “I do expect it to be an enduring feature of the market.” Amy Luo brings up the bubble of both crypto and NFTs, but also believes that NFTs are not just here to stay, but haven’t even hit their stride yet. “This is the recipe printing phase of the internet. Once we get over this hump we’re going to see some crazy innovation happen.” 

For financial regulators, the world of crypto continues to be the wild-west of IP and ownership laws, with some early adopters of non-fungible tokens already losing access to what they have bought, tens of thousands of dollars effectively disappearing overnight. According to Dr. Brummer, regulatory questions abound, too, due to the myriad legal and theoretical questions that crypto generates.  Indeed, for Brummer, they’re worth serious thought, and even personal introspection.  The opportunities for ownership of information that Amy Luo espoused seem great, but the risk and volatility of NFTs as investments and even collectables can be considerable too, and deserve a rigorous policy conversation. 

To hear the full episode on NFTs, go to Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  To learn more about Dr. Chris Brummer’s research, click here. 

Different Types of Circuit Breakers & Their Respective Applications

Full Editorial on June 24, 2021

When it comes to circuit breakers, it can be incredibly hard to understand which circuit breaker you can use with which type of circuit breaker goes where and how you’re supposed to use them! It’s also something you can’t experiment with because of how dangerous an error with it can be! Circuit breakers are integral to the safety of the building! Which is why it’s important that you’re fully aware about the different types of circuit breakers there are, and their respective applications so you’re 100% sure that you’re getting the right circuit breaker for the job!

#1: Molded Case Circuit Breakers
These are basically “protection devices” that are used with your main electrical panel. They use a thermal sensitive device paired with a sensitive electromagnetic device which work together to trip the electrical current whenever there’s an inconsistency in the way the electrical current is flowing. The devices come together to trip the circuit whenever there’s a danger detected for the electrical panel as a whole. They do so by ensuring that the mechanism stops the electrical flow anytime the current exceeds the trip value. Protecting the electrical panel from significant damage.

Application: These circuit breakers come in frame sizes measuring from 250 to 2000 amps. These work best in low voltage environments but can also be used in medium voltage ones too!

#2: Insulated Case Circuit Breakers 
The insulated case circuit breaker is kind of like the molded case one, at least at the base, but it has a few extra features that set it apart! These also have a two-step stored energy mechanism, which is made of molded plastic. They can operate both, magnetically and thermo magnetically, depending on the specific model you get. On these, you can even adjust the trip current so it only trips when a certain trip value is exceeded. 

Application: These circuit breakers come in slightly larger frame sizes than the regular molded case circuit breakers, at 800 to 5000 amps. This ensures that the circuit breakers can be more widely used too. However, these are still supposed to be used in low to moderate voltage environments. 

#3: Vacuum Circuit Breakers
A Vacuum circuit breaker functions like the others, but the 2 main differences are that the circuit breaker is usually in a glass or ceramic housing, which makes them a lot safer to use because they don’t pose as much of a fire hazard than most circuit breakers, and the actual “vacuum” section. This is the vacuum chamber that’s used for arc quenching. They’re also fairly low maintenance and easy to use!

Application: These circuit breakers are usually used in medium voltage environments. These would be places like hospitals and commercial buildings like hotels! The models that they usually come in are 6.6 kV, 11 kV, and 33 kV.

#4: Air Circuit Breakers
The “Air” in air circuit breakers refers to the fact that these circuit breakers are not enclosed. They’re meant to work out in the open. They can work on both AC and DC circuits, and are very easy to modify and repair if needed. They’re not very commonly used but their flexibility and ease of use makes them a popular choice for a lot of people!

Application: These circuit breakers are typically used in indoor, low voltage environments. Although, they can be used in medium voltage environments too. However, you might need an electrician to come check if it’s the right fit for the building.

If you can’t figure out which circuit breaker would be right for your needs, almost all Electricians in North Vancouver will be able to help you figure out which one you should go for for the needs of your building! 

5 Reasons a Commercial Locksmith Can Come in Handy

Full Editorial on June 4, 2021

If you’re in charge of running a commercial business, you’d know how important it is to secure the premises. Even though you can get a state-of-the-art security system with cameras and motion detectors everywhere, the only thing that’s going to keep intruders out, and your staff safely, is going to be the right locks. The right locks, also need to be functioning properly for them to secure your commercial business properly. That’s why you need to have the number of a professional locksmith handy at all times!

Below are 5 reasons why having a commercial locksmith like Locksmith Rochester NY on speed dial might come in handy for your business!

Your  Main Locks Are Broken
The main locks of your commercial space are your main line of defense against intruders. If they’re broken, there’s nothing standing in their way and they’ll easily be able to gain access to your space! A locksmith will be able to come and check the extent of damage that your lock has. If it’s not a lot, and the lock seems repairable, they’ll repair it for you right away! If it’s too damaged, you’ll need to get the lock replaced, which the locksmith can easily do too! The quicker you get the lock fixed, the faster you can restore the security of your business!

You’ve Been Locked Out!
If you’ve lost your keys, and have found yourself locked out, there are only two ways you’re going to get back in. You’re either going to have to look really hard to find the keys, or call a locksmith to come and unlock the door for you! Once they have done that, they can also rekey the lock and you’ll be able to get multiple spare keys made. That way, if you ever lose your keys again, you will already have a backup that you can use to get back in without a problem!

Your lock keeps getting jammed
With time and wear and tear, locks tend to malfunction from time to time. This tends to happen a lot sooner in commercial spaces because the doors are constantly being used. Pair that with the fact that dust and debris can make it inside the locks too and it is very likely that you’ll end up with locks that are constantly getting jammed! This is risky because although most of the time you might be able to wiggle the door open, there could come a day where your lock jams with you and your staff inside. This is why it’s better to get a malfunctioning lock checked as soon as it acts up for the first time. A reliable locksmith will be able to clean up the lock and make sure it’s in perfect working order so you never have to worry about getting locked in!

There’s Something Wrong With the Cabinet Locks
One of the most important things in a commercial space or an office is the cabinets. Whether you’re using the cabinets to store files, or other valuable equipment or supplies, you’re going to need the locks to function seamlessly. If you’re having trouble with your cabinet locks, it’s best to leave them alone and have a professional commercial locksmith come and take a look at them to restore them to working order.

You Need to Upgrade Security
If your commercial office is in an area that’s not the safest, or you’ve recently experienced a break-in, you’ll need to upgrade your security, and the best way to do that is by upgrading your locks. Have a commercial locksmith come and take a look at your doors, windows, and existing locks. They’ll be able to tell you if you need a security upgrade and install all the upgrades for you!

3 Tech Upgrades That Will Raise Your Property Value

Web admin on June 4, 2021

If you’re looking to make some good money off of the sale of your home now that the housing market is exploding, you might as well take advantage of this as much as possible by doing what you can to improve your property value above what it already is. One great way to do this is to install some desired tech into the home. But not all tech will bring a great return on your investment.

To help you in figuring this out and getting the most out of your investment, here are three tech upgrades that will raise your property value. 

Build In A Smart Assistant

The team at SafeWise.com shares that one of the most wanted tech upgrades that buyers desire in a house is to have a voice activated assistant.

Because so many people use smart assistants through their phone on a daily basis, having this as part of their home just makes sense. A smart assistant can help you with things like making lists, researching, calling people from your contact list, reminding you of things, and so much more. So if there’s one tech upgrade that will be a huge perk to many people who are currently looking to buy a home, a voice activated smart assistant is it.  

Update Your HVAC With A Smart Thermostat

Tech is arguably put to best use when it makes your life easier and saves you money. And this is just what you can come to expect by installing a smart thermostat to control your HVAC system.

Not only can you tout the savings that any potential buyer might be able to gain from purchasing a home with a smart thermostat, but you can also share how much more energy efficient their home will be by using this system. If you so choose, Valerie Kalfrin, a contributor to HomeLight.com, shares that your smart thermostat can adjust your energy usage based on how prices for energy are changing. With this feature, you can save a lot of energy that would likely cost you more than you may be used to. 

Secure The Property With A Video Doorbell

While buyers can do a lot of research about a neighborhood before they move in, they can’t really be certain about how safe they’ll feel in this new home until they’re living there. 

To help put their minds at ease and sell them on a more convenient lifestyle, RealtyTimes.com suggests installing a video doorbell on your home before putting it on the market. This can serve to make potential buyers feel safer in the home immediately upon buying it and can be a selling point for security whether they’re in the home or away for whatever reason. 

If you’re wanting to update and upgrade your home with some sought-after tech before putting it up for sale, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you choose which tech to include.

3 Pieces Of Tech You Shouldn’t Forgo With Your Next New Car

Web admin on May 13, 2021

While all you really need for your car to run is an engine, having the latest tech in your car can make the whole driving experience more enjoyable and more comfortable. So if you’ve been driving a car that doesn’t have some of the best tech available on the market today, you may want to look into some of these things as you prepare to get a new car in the future.

To help you with this, here are three pieces of tech you shouldn’t forgo with your next new car. 

Improved Safety Features

The safety features available on many newer vehicles can help you feel much more secure when you’re behind the wheel. Things that used to cause accidents due to human error can now drastically be mitigated thanks to the safety features included in more modern vehicles.

According to Matt Bubbers, a contributor to The Globe And Mail, features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control can all give you an extra line of protection when you’re out on the road. And while it might take some time to get used to these features, by having them on and running while you’re driving, you should be able to become a more safe and conscientious driver. 

Larger Screens On The Dashboard

While it’s best not to look away from the road at all when you’re driving, sometimes you have to check things like your speed, your navigation, and any notifications your vehicle might be giving you about its operation. So when something like this happens, it’s good to be able to clearly see the information you need as quickly as possible.

To assist you with this, Keith Barry, a contributor to Consumer Reports, shares that many newer vehicles are adding tech in the form of larger screens on the dashboard. This makes it much easier to check on what’s going on with your car and get your eyes back to the road so that you’re minimally distracted. 

Voice-Activated Assistant

Just as taking your eyes off of the road can be dangerous, taking your hands off the steering wheel can be dangerous, too. Luckily, the new tech of voice-activated assistants make it so you can take care of whatever business you have without lifting a finger.

Eric Griffith and Alex Colon, contributors to PCMag.com, share that while many newer cars are coming equipped with voice-activated assistants, you can also add this to your current vehicle the same way you add a virtual assistant in your home. With this feature, you can take care of things like making calls, listening to texts and emails, creating lists, searching online, and much more. 

If you’re wanting your new car to feel like a big leap forward for you as far as technology goes, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you learn how this can happen for you.

4 Most Commonly Needed Services from an Automotive Locksmith

Full Editorial on December 2, 2020

Do you often ponder what are the four exact reasons why you would ever need an automotive locksmith? Well, if you can’t come up with an answer, we are here to provide you with the right ones.

If you’re skeptical about learning how an automotive locksmith can help you other than resolving your car lockout situation, here are the 4 most commonly needed services from automotive locksmiths. 

Fixing Car Transponders

Do you know that many of the modern cars are now technologically built which means that they don’t have the traditional locks but are manned with a computer based lock. In fact, their ignition switches have chips which are commonly called transponders.

These chips allow keys to communicate with the car. If an owner wants to unlock their vehicle or start up the engine, only the authorized key can transpond to its command. What if your car transponder suddenly stops working or you lose your key somewhere? 

Now you can either take the car back to the dealership which you possibly won’t be able to do because you lost the car keys! However, you can always call your local locksmith in Chicago just in case, if you’re living in Chicago. If you’re located in any other part of the United States, you can contact a local locksmith

Fixing Damaged Door Locks

Locks are sophisticated mechanisms and when you get into a vehicle accident, locks are the first thing which succumbs to failure. Whether your lock stops working just because your vehicle ran into an accident or some burglar tried to break into your vehicle, if it is damaged, it is damaged.

You can’t possibly do much about it rather than calling a locksmith. No matter what wear and tear your vehicle lock’s been through, an automobile locksmith have the perfect tools to fix your damaged vehicle door lock 

A damaged door lock will never operate with the provided key or the remote fob. So either way, an automobile locksmith can ensure that your car door lock gets fixed and starts working. 

Programming Car Key Fob

Car remotes are the absolute best things to unlock/lock a vehicle from a distance. They can also be used to reboot the vehicle from a distance. So just in case, if your car key fob stops working all of a sudden, you may find yourself in a pickle.

If a car key fob suddenly stops working, it’s either because the chipset of your car key remote must’ve fried or your car key battery may have become dead. So when that happens it is more likely that you’re in need of an automotive locksmith who can come to your aid in a phone call. 

Just in case, if you ever break your car key fob or lose it all of a sudden, then a locksmith can help you with that. Locksmiths can replace your existing car key fob with a new one. They can also reprogram your car key fob, change the batteries, replace the chip and do a lot more so your car can work again. 

And Lastly, the Infamous Lockout Situation

Yes, the very last option on my list is the infamous car lockout situation. Perhaps, here is the single most common reason why people all across the United States reach out to an automotive locksmith.

And believe it or not, it is more likely one of the above three situations. Just in case, if you’ve lost your car keys or locked yourself inside the car or you were unable to enter your vehicle, an automotive locksmith is your best bet. All you ever have to do is call the locksmith and they will come to your aid. 

So there you go, here are the 4 most commonly needed services that you may expect from a locksmith. Are you in search of a professional locksmith to help you with your lock problem? Best you make the call.