What To Expect At CES 2014

Happy New Year! By the time you read this, I’ll be in the midst of the massive Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014 crowds. Just from what I’ve seen so far from press releases and conversations with various company representatives, I’m guessing that Samsung will be showing its new Galaxy phones – hopefully the new Galaxy Round (it is round, as its name describes), the Galaxy S5 and more. I think Samsung also may release new tablets and its 4K TVs, as well. In mid-December, reports from Korean media hinted the release of the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4, Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1, Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 and the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite. On top of that, I’m expecting to see a variation of 4K TVs, and the 105-inch curved Ultra HD TV (aka the world’s most-curved TV).

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Lift is a free app that serves as a motivational tool to help you meet any goal

As for Microsoft, based on what was released last year (pre-production Surface Pro), we’ll see new tablets.

With Sony’s recent PS4 release, we’ll most likely see a few smartphones, and there are rumors of a virtual reality headset that was modeled in Oculus Rift. LG announced its G Flex phone that bends when pressure applied (similar to Samsung’s), but the company also will focus on home appliances and TVs. On top of that, Netflix will go 4K on 4K-capable devices.

Of course, it’s way too much to mention in this column. Overall, I think most companies will focus on 4K tech, so it should be interesting. Stay tuned as I gather more from the show itself.


Click Chick’s Mobile App of the Week: Lift

Now that 2014 is here, some of you may have made a resolution (or maybe several) to help you meet a goal. There are so many different apps that cater to specific goals (e.g., weight loss, time management, quit smoking, finances, etc.), but Lift is a unique app that helps you start a new habit and cultivate it over time.

It is a motivational tool that supports any goal, including diet, fitness, happiness, relationships, career and hobbies. It claims to boost success through social support and informational insights, and helps you identify good habits, track performance and make progress.

The idea behind the app is to take a single action you want to do and fit it into your schedule until it becomes your second nature, like brushing your hair or teeth.

To get started, you download and sign up through the app, or you can do it online. You then join a challenge, which is led by a Lift coach. You and other like-minded individuals join the challenge, check in every day, and you all create the new habit together or stop it together once you’re done.

Some simple, feasible examples are being healthier, getting organized or learning a new skill. The key is taking baby steps and doing simple things. For being healthier, you can make it a point to drink a glass of water when you wake up or doing some crunches and pushups before your daily shower. Getting organized or decluttering can include putting your clothes away before the evening ends or organizing your desk before you leave work each day.

The bottom line is Lift (iOS or Android) is free and worth a try to keep yourself on track in the new year!

clickchick@outlook.com