Keep Calm, I’m A Verizon Insider!
April 10th, 2013 by ChristenVerizon Insider Verizon Insider
Verizon Insider
What’s a Verizon Insider, you ask? We are a collective of influencers, bloggers, photographers from the northeast U.S. region selected to share our Verizon Wireless mobile and social media experiences online.
Verizon Insiders hard at work tweeting during the weekly #VZWBuzz Twitter chats.
On March 29th – Verizon Wireless held kickoff event welcoming the group of curated ‘Verizon Voices’ to New York City. During the day-long event, we were introduced to the latest mobile applications, smart accessories and learned more about several social initiatives from Verizon. Did you know that being a Verizon Wireless customer has its’ perks? Check out a few of my favorite Verizon mobile apps and smartphone accessories highlighted during the kickoff event below.
Verizon Insider
Mobile Apps
Redbox Instant: Currently available in open beta, Redbox Instant by Verizon offers unlimited movie streaming for as little as $8 per month. The movies available are streamable on a Mac/PC or though a mobile device such as the iPhone/iPod touch, and iPad.
Verizon Message: Verizon Messages integrated messaging service works with your Android smartphone, PC, or iPad/ Android tablet. Send and receive text and multimedia messages from your phone, tablet or the web using your Verizon Wireless phone number & ensure that you’ll never miss a message again.
Smart Accessories
Samsung Universal Battery Pack
The Samsung Universal Battery Pack is the perfect companion for heavy users of smartphones or tablets who constantly find themselves running out of battery away from an outlet. Capable of charging a tablet or smartphone, this versatile charger can store up to 9000mAh of battery life, providing over 1 full charge for your tablet, 2 to 3 full charges on smartphones and even more on basic cell phones. (Full review coming soon on DivasandDorks.com)
Jawbone UP™ wristband system
Jawbone UP™ is a system that takes a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. The wristband tracks your movement and sleep in the background. The app displays your data, lets you add things like meals and mood, and delivers insights that keep you moving forward. (Full review coming soon on DivasandDorks.com)
In addition to learning about some of the exciting applications and Verizon initiatives, all of the Verizon Insider bloggers were gifted the new Blackberry Z10 from Verizon Wireless! (Full unboxing and review coming soon on DivasandDorks.com)
The New Blackberry Z10 Smartphone…compliments of Verizon Wireless.
Not too long ago, I shared my mobile makeover journey using the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. From mastering multitasking functions on the device to outfitting it in the most fashionable accessories I could find. Now, as a Verizon Insider, I look forward to sharing many more mobile experiences as well as discovering how Verizon Wireless can make my mobile life (and yours) a little bit easier everyday.
Disclosure: Please note that I often tweet using #VZWBuzz – VZWBuzz tweets include a 24/7 conversation and a Friday mobile lifestyle Twitter chat with an emphasis on providing information and education about devices, apps and tools useful to consumers. While the hash tag is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the opinions I express tagged #VZWBuzz are my own.
Spring Cleaning With Electronics: Clean, Sell, Donate Or Recycle
March 20th, 2013 by ChristenSpring Cleaning With Electronics
It’s officially the first day of Spring (even though the weather feels like it’s the first day of winter – Brrrrrr.) expect to see more ‘Spring cleaning’ ads and opportunities bombard your life like never before. If you’re like me, you probably have an oasis of electronics that you’ve been hoarding since 1983 – and it’s time to let go. How else do you expect to keep up with the latest technologies, if you can’t let go of the nostalgic gadgets of the past? There’s no better time to include electronics on your spring cleaning agenda than now. With so many options to clear some space, make some money or do good for the planet, there’s no reason not to try these spring cleaning tips below…
Cleaning:
It’s clear that your new 60″ HDTV or laptop is not on the chopping block (yet) – so there’s no need to consider getting rid of it. But when was the last time you cleaned up your electronics? Consider this:
Be clean: Keep your computer hardware germ-free. The best ways to clean the accumulated dust, grime, and gunk from your keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Don’t clean your HDTV with Windex. The chemicals found in commercial cleaning solutions could damage your flat-panel’s screen. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth dampened with water.
4 tips to speed up your PC. As we said in the fall, regular maintenance will keep your computer humming at a fast clip. Here are four simple steps for getting it back into shape after a gluttonous winter. This would also be a good time to back up your digital data.
Selling:
Take inventory of all unused electronics in your home, and separate them into two piles. Everything that’s two years old and older, place in pile A and all of your newer (unwanted / unused electronics) place in pile B.
Research: Now that you’re ready to sell some of your electronics, you need to know how to price those items and make some money. Take your newer items (Pile B items) and research the retail prices online and on sites like Craigslist and eBay.
List: Based on your preference, you can then list those items on Craigslist, eBay or other sites like Gazelle.com or for a quick fix EcoATM examines your device and offers a price based on its condition. If you decide to sell it, you’ll drop in you device and receive cash right away. You can search for the nearest EcoATM on the company’s website.
Donate:
You might not do much with the hundred or so dollars you get for that used laptop, but a local school or library could benefit greatly from having more working computers. There are many options for donating your old devices, from local charities to larger established programs.
Goodwill and Dell teamed up for the Reconnect program, which accepts donated computers at select Goodwill locations. The official site has a full list of items it will accept and locations near you. The Salvation Army also accepts used computers and electronics. If you’re donating a cell phone, the Verizon’s Hopeline program and the 911 Cell Phone Bank are just some of the many charitable projects that can do good with your old handset.
Recycling:
Now for Pile A. If your device is too old or damaged to sell, don’t just chuck it into the trash can, recycle it. Many electronics manufacturers also have mail-in and drop-off recycling programs for their old devices, including Apple, Samsung and Sony. Wireless carriers will take old flip phones at no cost. Sometimes, recycling older electronics can become costly with processing fees, but I’ve found Best Buy’s Recycling Program to be the best and easiest of them all. Head to the nearest Best Buy and they will take electronics off your hands for free.
Now that you have a few tips to get you started, how do you plan to tackle your spring cleaning projects? If you plan on donating, recycling or selling your electronics in the process, let us know your experience below.
Spring Cleaning With Electronics
Spring Cleaning With Electronics
Spring Cleaning With Electronics
Multitasking On The Samsung Galaxy Note 2
February 28th, 2013 by ChristenAs a woman constantly on the go, time is always a luxury that I wish I had more of – so it’s a priority to make the most of my time everyday. Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a amazing when you take advantage of features like Pop Up Play, Pop Up Note and the Multitask Window. Using the Samsung Galaxy Note II has opened my eyes to what multitasking on a smartphone device should be.
A few weeks ago, I announced my new Verizon Wireless mobile makeover and after a week of use – I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised on how the new Samsung Galaxy Note II has improved my life for the better. Check out a few of my favorite ways to multitask with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 below…
Pop Up Play
How often have you been forced to waste seconds or even minutes waiting for a video on your device to load? Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a breeze with the Pop Up Play feature. Using the Pop Up Play function on my Samsung Galaxy Note II has allowed me to watch some of my favorite videos without sacrificing time to do other things. To activate pop up play, simply select pop up play in button within the player and you can easily multitask and do other things on your device while your video loads and plays. If your video gets in the way of your tasks, you can drag it anywhere out of your way on your screen. You can even resize the video by pinching the video using your index finger and thumb. (See step by step directions here.)
Just yesterday, my sister (yes, that’s my sister) sent me a link to preview her upcoming one-woman show entitled “I’mma Do Me” and I was able to watch her video on my Galaxy Note 2 without missing a beat online.
Pop Up Note
If you’ve been on a phone call and needed to take down an important note, Pop Up Note is a God-Sent app for you! Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is easy with the Pop Up Note feature. While on the phone with my best friend, we decided to make a girl’s night out for dinner. Simply removing the S-pen from my Galaxy Note 2 device, the pop up note function appears on the screen allowing me to take important detailed notes. After I finished my note, I just returned the S-Pen to it’s rightful place and the note is saved automatically (allowing me to resume my conversation without skipping a beat). (See step by step directions here.)
Multi Window
One of the flagship features of Samsung’s Galaxy Note line is Multi-Window, which offers true on-screen multitasking by allowing you to simultaneously open two apps on the screen. Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a super productive with the Multi Window function. Accessing Multi-Window is efficient and easy to do. Simply hold the back button and the multitask bar appears on the right side of the screen. From there you can select multitasking options for email, photo gallery, internet use, messaging and more. (see step by step directions here.)
These are just a few of my favorite features of multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and I can’t wait to discover more. But first, a girl’s gotta locate some stylish accessories for this device asap.
What do you think? Could you use the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for your day to day tasks? How would you use the Pop Up Play, Pop Up Note and the Multitask Window during your everyday activities?
Disclaimer: I am a VZW Ambassador and have received products for use, however opinions expressed are my own.
Verizon’s Day To Connect, Inspire And Heal Summit With Melanie Fiona
February 25th, 2013 by Christen
Melanie Fiona performs at Connect, Inspire & Heal Summit
Last week, hundreds of leaders from domestic violence prevention organizations came together for Verizon’s Day to Connect, Inspire and Heal Summit in NYC. A Day to Connect, Inspire and Heal, hosted by Verizon and leading national organizations, sparked a national conversation about domestic violence prevention and awareness and to drive solutions to this critical issue and featured tons of information and entertainment.
Verizon’s Day to Connect, Inspire and Heal Summit with Twitter
Verizon discussing HopeLine mobile donations program which benefits domestic violence awareness
Verizon’s A Day to Connect, Inspire and Heal Summit attendees
Hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Donald Lawrence the Verizon’s Day to Connect, Inspire and Heal Summit featured panels and discussions with Daniel S. Mead (Verizon Wireless President/CEO), Christi Paul (New Anchor CNN/HLN), William Gay of the Pittsburgh Steelers and an inspiring performance by R&B Grammy Award-winning artist Melanie Fiona.
Melanie Fiona performs
Melanie Fiona performs “Give It To Me Right”
Melanie Fiona performs “Change The Record”
Performing songs like “Give It To Me Right”, “Fool For You” and “Wrong Side Of A Love Song” Melanie Fiona inspired the audience and shared her message of change and healing.
A Day to Connect, Inspire and Heal undoubtedly sparked a national conversation about domestic violence and to drive solutions to this societal issue affecting millions. Conversations ranged from engaging men and boys as part of the solution to working with youth to prevent teen dating violence. For more information on the A Day to Connect, Inspire and Heal Summit visit https://www.verizoninsider.com/DVPsummit
Are You Leading a Borderless Consumer Lifestyle?
December 27th, 2012 by AnalieWhat type of presents did you receive for the holidays? When your family came over did many of them ask you for the password to your Wi-Fi? How many of you or your loved ones received more than one gadget for the holidays?
Back in October Verizon released the results of one of their first surveys. The surveys examine the connected lifestyles we lead. (See 1st image). We learned a lot about who is using tech and how they’re using it lately.
According to Verizon:
“Borderless consumers are an important and rapidly growing segment, almost 40 percent of U.S. adults. These consumers use several devices and require connectivity, flexibility and choice whenever and wherever possible. They are defined as consumers who own a laptop or desktop, own a smartphone or tablet, have an Internet-enabled device at all times, are motivated to make technology and connectivity upgrades and are interested in the benefits of a connected home.”
As you can see technology and connectivity is important to the borderless consumer. Internet bills are one of the important utility bills to be paid. It’s no longer a luxury expense on the budget. Apps such as Dropbox give us access to our files at all times; but we need a mobile device to access the Dropbox app. The gadgets of the borderless consumer serve a purpose and are no longer just for entertainment purposes.
How did borderless consumers do during the holidays? (see the following image). It seems consumers are enjoying shopping from the comfort of their own home office. Check out how all consumers shopped for the holidays.
We are no longer restricted to one way of connecting. There was a time when we had to wait to use the home desktop PC. Now our TV’s are “Smart”. They receive and share data as well. Services such as Redbox Instant by Verizon are great for the borderless consumer. They can choose how to view their content; via DVD/Blu-Ray or streaming it.
Smartphones and tablets open up desktop-like webpages making online shopping easy on the go. Catalogue and phone shopping barely make the list as nearly only half of consumers shop in person. Times have surely changed?
Do you fall into the borderless consumer category? Where do you fall in with all the consumers?
Celebrate Your 2012 In Style With Verizon Wireless #My2012Moment
December 26th, 2012 by ChristenWhat’s the funniest thing that happened to you in 2012? What 2012 moment are you most proud of? What 2012 moment do you wish you could relive forever? Join us this Thursday as we kick off My2012Moment and relive the events that shaped our year!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Thursday, December 27 at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL TWITTER PARTY – Hosted by The Online Mom and Friends
#My2012Moment
Join @VerizonInsider @DivasandDorks @TheOnlineMom and friends this Thursday at 8pm ET as we look back at 2012 and Share Our Favorite Moments!
RSVP and join the party for a chance to win GREAT PRIZES!
(You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP: Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com subject line: My2012Moment | Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://tinyurl.com/y8trhhf | Join us on Tweetchat or Tweetgrid (#My2012Moment) this Thursday between 8 and 9pm ET | Tell your Twitter followers!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Monday, December 31st at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL NYE PARTY IN THE HEART OF TIMES SQUARE
Tag you photos, tweets and more with #My2012Moment and you could appear on MTV’s Video Billboard in Times Square!
#My2012Moment
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Tech The Halls With The Latest Holiday Gadget Trends This Season!
December 11th, 2012 by Christen
Looking for which tech toys will win your family over this holiday season? Verizon polled over 10,000 consumers to see what’s on everyone’s holiday tech wish list. Check out what Verizon discovered and how you can tech the halls with the latest holiday gadget trends this season!
Source: verizonwireless.com via Verizon Wireless on Pinterest
This Season’s Holiday Shopping “Appvice” from Verizon Wireless
November 21st, 2012 by ChristenThere’s no better time to challenge the power of your smartphone to make your life a little easier this season. Black Friday chaos, Small Business Saturday shopping and Cyber Monday is right around the corner to kick off the holiday shopping season, and this year you have the power to control your entire shopping experience. Verizon is here to help! Tis the season to shop stress free this year and enjoy your holiday weekend with the help of these helpful apps, tips and Verizon’s 4G LTE Network:
Take Control of Your Commute with VZ Navigator
- Map out where you want to go and what route you want to take. Use VZNavigator for turn-by-turn directions, your location, and live traffic conditions to avoid the crowds. Use real-time, turn-by-turn spoken directions with street names and true-to-life images of highway and exit signs, many in 3D. Advanced navigation instructions include landmarks such as traffic lights and number of streets. Discover millions of destinations and businesses that are constantly updated for accuracy, including the nearest ATMs and low gas prices. Search by name or category: restaurants, shopping, airports, museums and more.
- If you’re interested in searching for deals by store, product categories, or most recent offers, download the TGI Black Friday App . This app lets you view Black Friday ads from all major retail stores, create a personal shopping list, and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal. TGI Black Friday is currently the highest rated Black Friday app for the Apple iPhone in 2011. The free app allows you to search thousands of Black Friday deals for every major retail store. You can create a personal shopping list and use your iPhone to shop smarter and faster on Black Friday.
- Worried about your favorite team rather than a shopping deal? Don’t! With the Verizon NFL Mobile you get 24/7 access to everything NFL. Check out scores, latest news, and highlights.
- Ready for Small Business Saturday? Make sure you stay fueled so your shopping experience is a marathon not a sprint. Small Business Saturday, is Saturday, November 24th! Support local business and download the Yelp app so you know where to get the closest cup of joe or sandwich to keep you going. Find and read reviews about great local businesses near you. Looking for a burrito joint open now? An Irish pub nearby? A gas station you can drive to before your tank hits empty? Yelp for Android is here to help. Use us to search for places to eat, shop, drink, relax and play then read reviews from an active community of locals in the know.
- Cyber Monday is important and on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network you’ll be able to search and shop faster. With the Amazon.com app you can use that power to compare prices, read reviews, and buy all the latest gear and gadgets. Browse, search & buy millions of products right from your Android device. The Amazon Mobile App allows Android users to browse and “Shop by Department”, quickly search, compare prices, read reviews, share products with friends, access Gold Box Deals, and make purchases on Amazon.com.
Verizon And HTC Partners For NYC Launch Event
November 7th, 2012 by Tech Staff
Could HTC’s answer to the Samsung Galaxy Note II be unveiled next week in NYC? According to GottaBeMobile.com
Verizon will likely launch a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 competitor in the form of the HTC Droid DNA, a device that was once called the Droid Incredible X and whose codename is HTC DLX. The device, which looks like a smartphone of the phablet variety, will aim to take on the LG Intuition and the Galaxy Note 2 this holiday season. Here is everything that we know so far about the device.
While Verizon already has one phablet, a name for a device that marries the features of a smartphone and tablet, out on the market in the LG Intuition, it seems as though it will be offering two other choices to consumers in the weeks ahead.
We’ll have to wait to discover what Verizon and HTC has up it’s sleeves for next week……
#Celebr8UrStory With Verizon Wireless and Power Your Network!
July 10th, 2012 by ChristenDuring the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA over the holiday weekend – Verizon Wireless kept busy hosting several events celebrating life’s journeys ending with a celebration of your story.
In honor of Verizon’s “Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network” campaign Verizon Wireless held a media brunch at the legendary New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase. The campaign, launched earlier this year in and effort to celebrate black history month beyond February, spotlights seven influential African-American leaders, including the 3 Doctors, Pastor Marvin Sapp, actor Laz Alonso, trailblazers in sports Tia Norfleet and Malcolm Jenkins, Dr. Steve Perry & DJ Beverly Bond. Throughout the dinner, Laz Alonso shared his story on how he’s constantly building his life brick by brick from BET to becoming an acclaimed actor in ‘Avatar’ and details on his upcoming NBC show.
During an afternoon of empowering conversation, candid stories of strength, tenacity and the will to build, grow and continue on the road to success – both Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp shared words of wisdom and memorable moments.
Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp speak during the Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
Guest media enjoyed intimate conversations with Laz Alonso, Marvin Sapp, Verizon executives and more over an authentic New Orleans buffet-style brunch consisting of Gumbo, Mac & Cheese, Fried Fish, Shrimp, Grits and more! The afternoon concluded with a surprise Verizon gift which included a Verizon Pantech Breakout 4G LTE smartphone. (Find out how you can win your very own Pantech Breakout 4G LTE below…)
Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon’s Celebrating Your Story
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- Verizon Brunch at the legendary Dooky Chase Restaurant
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- Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp prepare to speak during the Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon shares the inspiration behind the “Celebrate Your Story” campaign
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- Verizon Brunch is served at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Marvin Sapp
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Laz Alonso
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Roland Martin, Marvin Sapp, Laz Alonso & owner Leah Chase
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- Verizon Brunch Media guests at Dooky Chase
{Photo Credit: Chris Mitchell}
How would you like to win your very own Pantech Breakout 4G LTE smartphone (Valued at $359.99). It’s EASY!
Simply comment below and share your accomplishment or story that you’d like to celebrate and you’re entered to win. IT’S THAT EASY! We will select the best story on July 27th 2012.
****UPDATED****
CONGRATULATIONS APRIL! YOU’RE THE WINNER OF THE #Celebr8UrStory With Verizon Wireless PRIZE PACK!
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