Comau reveals MATE the wearable exoskeleton

Can you remember the day when you watched Aliens? The exoskeleton in the movie that kicked the alien’s ass was rather crude in design, but it got the job done. Fast forward to today, and we have all kinds of technology that has enabled humans to work better and more efficiently, and Comau intends to jump aboard that bandwagon. Being a global leader in advanced industrial automation solutions, Comau has launched what it calls the MATE: its first innovative wearable exoskeleton. MATE has been specially designed to improve work quality without reducing any degree of efficiency, but rather, increase it, and doing so in a highly ergonomic manner by offering consistent and advanced movement assistance be it during repetitive or daily tasks.

The MATE Fit for Workers exoskeleton will rely on an advanced spring-based passive structure in order to get the job done. It arrives as a lightweight, breathable and highly effective postural support, getting the job done without the need for batteries, motors or other kinds of failure-prone devices. This is certainly a leap forward, as most other exoskeletons do require some kinds of mechanical movement that will certainly reduce its shelf life since anything with moving parts will require a greater degree of maintenance.

Not only that, the MATE is also compact and ergonomically designed, being able to fully able to replicate any movement of the shoulder while adhering to the body like a “second skin”. Some of its benefits include a reduction of shoulder muscle activity for some muscles by as much as up to 50%, enabling users to perform similar tasks with less fatigue in the process. The degree of consistent, ergonomically-assisted movement support will also in turn increase the quality and precision of repetitive tasks.

There is no word on pricing as at press time where the MATE is concerned.

Press Release
[ Comau reveals MATE the wearable exoskeleton copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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SteelSeries takes the limited edition route with mouse and mousepad

Remember how Counter-Strike used to be all the rage those years ago when the Half-Life mod grew to be a global phenomenon? Well, it is still a very popular game today, although there are other attractive alternatives around. SteelSeries has worked with Valve to churn out a limited-edition line of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) branded peripherals, where this new mouse and mousepad will boast of a design that is based on CS:GO’s most legendary gun skin, the M4A4 Howl.

Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO, shared, “Valve has been a valued partner for a long time, first with the creation of the Rival 300 Fade and Rival 300 Hyper Beast, and CS:GO integration in SteelSeries Engine. The Rival 310 and QcK+ Limited Howl Editions are the next chapter in our partnership to help CS:GO players be as accurate as possible while sporting an iconic look.”

Firstly, the SteelSeries Rival 310 mouse was specially developed to deliver an unparalleled degree of accuracy courtesy of the exclusive SteelSeries TrueMove3 sensor. The Rival 310 Howl Edition would feature the legendary design of CS:GO’s most infamous gun skin, boasting of a split-trigger button design and multi-color Prism RGB illumination that is compatible with SteelSeries Engine software. Expect to fork out $69.99 for the Rival 310 Howl Edition.

As for the QcK+ Limited Howl Edition mousepad, this 450mm x 400mm x 3mm gaming peripheral is made of a micro-woven cloth that has been specially engineered to improve mouse glide and product minimal friction. Sporting a high thread count as well as surface variation, tracking accuracy is optimized for both optical and laser sensors. Expect the QcK+ Limited Howl Edition to retail for $29.99. Either way, you will be able to own a gaming mouse and mousepad combo that is guaranteed to earn you kudos and compliments from those who know their Counter-Strike and would love to give it a go.

Press Release
[ SteelSeries takes the limited edition route with mouse and mousepad copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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TETRA SOAP Ergonomic Soap Bar

Gone are the days of dropping the soap thanks to the TETRA SOAP Ergonomic Soap Bar. This uniquely designed bar of soap looks anything but. Taking the place of the ugly off-white brick currently by your sink, the TETRA SOAP takes on a tetrahedron shape. Looking like a jack, this bar of soap is wonderfully ergonomic. It fits perfectly in your hand with its four points. In addition, this shape ensures that the soap won’t slip from your hands no... Continue Reading

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Natural Bamboo Laptop Stand for MacBook

Control your MacBook or iMac from the comfort of your bed, couch, or anywhere with the Tray Desk with Mouse Pad. Designed to lay comfortable on your lap, the Tray Desk with Mouse Pad is made of natural, hand-finished bamboo. The keyboard area perfectly nestles the Apple Keyboard with a slight cut-out which is lined with a slip resistant material. Space is left between the keyboard slot and the edge which can be used to comfortably rest your hands while... Continue Reading

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AIRLOK Secure Bike Hanger

Store your bike with peace of mind when you use the Hiplok AIRLOK Secure Bike Hanger. This revolutionary device mounts easily to your wall to keep your wheels off the ground. However, unlike other simple hangers, the AIRLOK gives you total security. In addition to a shelving unit, the device is complete with an integrated hardened steel lock. It’s effortless to use and highly practical. Access is granted to only those with a physical key. Additionally, the AIRLOK secures directly... Continue Reading

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Best Running Shoe Brands

Although the winner of the best running shoes for any given year might always come down to subjective opinion, what’s a bit easier to determine is which company in the game continues to shine as one of the top producers of quality shoes year in and year out.

Sale

1 Reviews

Our #1 Pick is Brooks Running

Brooks exemplifies everything that a running shoe company should be

from $102.05

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With a solid track record for consistently making it to the top of dozens of annual roundups with some of the best shoes in the sport, as well as their continued dedication to giving back to their local community both in donations and sustainability, it’s no wonder why Brooks Running took our #1 spot for the best running shoe brands in 2018!

Table of Contents

• The Best Running Shoe Brands
  • Brooks – #1
  • Saucony – #2
  • ASICS #3
  • Salomon – #4
  • Nike – #5
• Best Running Shoe Brands Buyers Guide

Best Running Shoe Brands

#1  Brooks

Sale

1 Reviews

Our #1 Pick is Brooks

Brooks exemplifies everything that a running shoe company should be

from $102.05

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Stellar ratings across dozens of domains
• 90-day full refund guarantee
• Community-focused
• Sustainable shoe production
• 365-day new condition return policy

Cons:

• Shoes might be on the heavier side for some

During our research, we found that across the board, Brooks Running holds more top spots in the best running shoes of 2018 lists than any other contender. This is mainly due to the fact that the company produces amazing running shoes for almost every type of foot you can imagine, but as a company also they’re dedicated to giving back to the community through efforts like their Running Responsibly program and their Run B’Cause community grants.

Similarly, the company has a great program called the Brooks True Blue Guarantee, which lets you try out any of their shoes for up to 90-days and return them with a 100% refund if they’re not the right choice for you. This is especially good if you’re buying online, because even reading all the reviews in the world (posted other runners that don’t have your specific feet) may not always net you the best result. With this program you can try as many pairs as you like before you land on the right fit.

#2  Saucony

Sale

299 Reviews

Our #2 Pick is Saucony

Saucony has the history and reputation to back up their top place finish

from $75.00

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Pros:

• Run For Good donation campaign
• Strong results across dozens of lists
• Unlimited time return policy (free of defects)

Cons:

• No exchange program

Saucony is the oldest brand in this roundup, dating all the way back to 1898, just two years after the first Olympic marathon was held in Athens, Greece. And if their results on the many roundup lists posted this year are any indication, that long-standing (no pun intended) dedication to all things running shoes continues to pay off even to this day.

The company has a strong sustainability record as well as a great community donation program, but what really sets them apart from the pack are the dozens of shoe lines that have topped professional runner’s must-have wish lists year in and year out. The Saucony brand ranks tip-top among amateur and professional runners in the sport, which is why we gave this company the #2 slot on our list.

#3  ASICS

Sale

5,756 Reviews

Our #3 Pick is ASICS

ASICS scores among some of the best running shoes in the business

from $47.90

View on Amazon

Pros:

• 60-day return policy
• Girls on the Run donation program
• Solid results in annual roundup lists

Cons:

• Returns only allowed in new condition

ASICS is one of the oldest companies on this list, and that heritage shows in their stellar placements on dozens of the best running shoe lists for 2018. Both Amazon customers and professional runners alike seem to be more than satisfied with the quality of product that ASICS is producing year in and year out, and the brand continues to innovate in the space unlike any other company in the space (except for Nike maybe, but more on that later).

ASICS is also dedicated to sustainability and giving back to their community through programs like Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run has donated over 50,000 pairs of shoes to local charities since 2016 to encourage underprivileged girls to find confidence and motivation through the sport of running. Add this to a solid sustainability track record and you’ve got one of the best running shoe brands operating in the space today.

#4  Salomon

Sale

1,726 Reviews

Our #4 Pick is Salomon

Salomon backs up all its products with a great warranty

from $97.99

View on Amazon

Pros:

• 30-day no questions asked return policy
• 3-year defect warranty
• Strong ratings on most running-centric lists
• Strong focus on sustainability

Cons:

• Shoes didn’t always hit the top of every list we considered

Aside from producing some of the best running shoes in the business, Salomon is also one of the most committed companies we found when it came to reducing their carbon footprint by the year 2025 (again, no pun intended). The company has a whole list of goals to become of the most sustainable shoe producers in the world in around seven years time, and many of their achievements have already set them well and above the curve in this department when compared to competing brands.

#5  Nike

120 Reviews

Our #5 Pick is Nike

Nike's running shoe technology is top of its class

$86.83

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Still one of the best running shoe producers, period
• Different options available for every segment of the market

Cons:

• No refunds or exchanges due to fit problems
• No community programs

Nike doesn’t necessarily qualify on this list for their great (actually non-existent) return program or their dedication to giving back to their local communities. But what they lack in any sort of commitment to being a better company on those metrics, they make up for in pure production quality across the board.

Nike has always been (and continues to be) one of the top shoemakers in the world, and according to dozens of annual roundup lists  — as well as thousands of positive Amazon reviews — the company looks to be firing on all cylinders when it comes to their running shoe division. The Flyknit line, in particular, has proven to be a massive hit among serious runners, providing the cushioning and firmness that runners crave while simultaneously weighing out to being one of the lightest shoes ever produced in the history of the sport. Nike may not ever go down as the friendliest company in the history books, but their contributions to innovation and design in running shoes simply can’t be ignored.

Other Running Shoe Brands to Consider

• Adidas: Adidas has both the history and the pedigree to make this list, though during our research we found that on the “bang for your buck” scale they measured up just short of the mark we set for our top 5. Adidas is better known for its women’s running shoes as of late, so if you’re looking to fill out your socks on that side of the market they would still be a decent pick regardless of rankings here.
• Inov-8: Inov-8 is a more recent entry into the running shoe game, but what the brand lacks in pedigree it more than makes up for in, wait for it…innovation. That’s right, the company lives up to its brand name by producing some of the most interesting and innovative running shoes we’ve seen in the past few decades, combining aggressive design elements with new research and development that continue to push the running shoe community forward with every annual release.
• Tesla: Like Inov-8, Tesla (no, not that Tesla) is a relatively new competitor in the race to the top of the running shoe heap. The brand is known for producing budget running shoes for your every day runner, and scores consistently high reviews on Amazon with thousands of satisfied buyers. The cost of most of Tesla’s shoes are almost suspiciously low, but according to a lot of runners with first-hand experience they seem to provide the same level of cushion you’d get from shoes twice or even three times the cost, and don’t fall apart even after hundreds of miles are logged.

Running Shoe Brands to Avoid and the Worst Running Shoe Brands

• New Balance: Although there’s not much necessarily wrong with New Balance shoes, overall there are just better options available for the same price. If you’re shopping on a budget (a part of the market New Balance is known for), Tesla can fulfill your needs there, while the higher end of the New Balance line is outpaced by the likes of Nike and Brooks.

Best Running Shoes Buying Guide

Feel free to shop around for shoes before you make up your mind. But in the process, don’t forget to focus on the most important features for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

• Shoe Quality
  
  • Of course the #1 reason any brand even made it near this list is the quality of the shoes they produce.
  • We determined this metric through hundreds of reviews by professionals and amateurs alike, as well as aggregating the general consensus through verified buyers on Amazon.
• Warranty/Return Policy
  
  • Almost as important as the quality of a shoe is the fit, and finding the right fit while shopping online can be an admittedly frustrating process.
  • In general we would recommend that you hit your local mall or shoe store to ultimately find the shoe that fits perfectly for you, but if that’s not a viable option than the only other choice is to buy online and hope for the best when the shoes finally arrive.
  • That’s why it’s vital that a running shoe company offers at least some kind of return policy, so even if you only try on the shoes once and give them a walk around your home, you can know pretty close to immediately whether they’ll need to be returned or not.
  • Almost all the companies on this list offer some kind of return program, with Brooks beating out the rest thanks to their no-questions-asked 90-day “if it doesn’t work out just send ’em back” policy. Salomon also has a similar 30-day policy in the same vein.
• Best List Placements/Amazon Reviews
  
  • As non-experts ourselves, we deferred most of the heavy lifting to about a dozen other annual roundups of the best running shoes of the year, as determined by experts in their relevant fields.
  • Amazon was also a great resource in this regard, because although the people adding reviews to that site may not necessarily be experts, the sheer number of purchases and the aggregate scoring gave us a great baseline on which to go off of when deciding which brands had the most purchases by amateur runners, which had the best scores from those runners, and which lasted the longest thanks to updated reviews posted long after the initial purchase.
• Community Donation Programs/Sustainability Efforts
  
  • Finally, we took a deep dive into many of these company’s policies on sustainability as well as how much they give back to their communities or donate to programs designed to get children and adults alike involved in the growing sport of running.
  • Almost every company we reviewed (aside from the biggest of them all, Nike), had pages which outlined community programs they were involved in or sustainability efforts they were actively participating in.
  • The more they donated or the bigger their promises on sustainability, the higher of a score they achieved on our list!

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Feher Helmets ACH-1 Air Conditioned Motorcycle Helmet

Ride in comfort with the Feher Helmets ACH-1 Air Conditioned Motorcycle Helmet. This wearable cools and protects your head for a safer and more enjoyable riding experience. Featuring a patented full-face design, the ACH-1 helmet evenly circulates filtered, cooled air across the top of your head. Likewise, it cools your head up to 15 degrees from the outside temperature for a more comfortable ride in warm weather. Weighing just over three pounds, the helmet doesn’t add any more weight than... Continue Reading

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Sphero Bolt Educational Robotic Ball

Have fun while programming with the Sphero Bolt Educational Robotic Ball. Featuring advanced sensors and a LED matrix, this app-enabled bot offers endless chances to enjoy learning and be creative. Likewise, the programmable 8×8 light matrix provides an infinite array of gaming and coding capabilities. You can also use the advanced sensors to track acceleration, direction, and speed. Thanks to its compass, you can drive Bolt without needing to aim your robotic ball. Furthermore, you can use the Sphero Edu... Continue Reading

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MEZMOGLOBE Kinetic Desk Toy

Experience a mind-bending optical illusion with the Mezmoglobe Kinetic Desk Toy. When spun, this revolving sphere produces a unique 360-degree optical illusion of a continuously flowing helix. Presenting an entire 360-degree view, Mezmoglobe produces different visual effects at different angles. Made out of aerospace grade aluminum, Mezmoglobe is a precision machined globe and piece of kinetic art in one. Designed to spin on any flat surface or work desk, Mezmoglobe features a smooth and solid spherical body that makes it... Continue Reading

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Coral One Handheld and Robot Vacuum

Clean your home your way with the Coral One Handheld and Robot Vacuum. This 2-in-1 device works as a vacuum robot for daily cleaning. Additionally, you can use it as a handheld vacuum whenever you need to. Complete with nozzle accessories and a handheld component, the Coral One cleans more than just your floors. In fact, you can use the Coral One to clean many different surfaces, including countertops, sofas, mattresses, and curtains. Using an internal computer, the vacuum robot... Continue Reading

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Mystery Ranch Street Zen EDC Laptop Backpack

Easily carry your everyday items with the Mystery Ranch Street Zen EDC Laptop Backpack. This versatile pack offers quick access to your EDC essentials. Built for modern commuters, the Street Zen backpack features a front compartment with a Velcro and dual zipper closure. Likewise, you can grab items in this compartment without even taking off the bag. In addition, the large main compartment provides a buckled handle closure and Speedzip zipper for security and additional carrying options. The backpack wicks... Continue Reading

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Hamilton Watch Khaki Field Auto Chrono Watch

Wear a watch that is made for adventure with the Hamilton Watch Khaki Field Auto Chrono Watch. Inspired by the military, this multifunctional timepiece is suitable for many occasions. The 42mm Khaki Field Auto Chrono features a rugged appearance. It comes with an exclusive H-21 automatic caliber and is water resistant to 100 meters. In addition, the Khaki Field Auto Chrono features two counters and a day-date display. Available in black PVD, the watch also offers a 60-hour power reserve.... Continue Reading

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simplehuman Sensor Vanity Mirror

Apply your makeup in optimal lighting with the simplehuman Sensor Vanity Mirror. Using a tru-lux light system, this beauty device makes it easy to see subtle variations in the color of your makeup. Likewise, its 800 lux and 95 color rendering index closely simulates natural sunlight. The light also helps you know when your makeup has the correct color and is flawless all around. Eight inches round, the Sensor Mirror provides five times magnification so that nothing goes unnoticed. It... Continue Reading

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Tittle Light Innovative LED Light Cube

Enhance your living space with the Tittle Light Innovative LED Light Cube. Complete with mood lighting, music visualizer and lamp features, this device seamlessly integrates light, sound and space inside your home. Using the EMOJI feature, Tittle Light enables you to send 3D emojis straight to the lamp. If you’re feeling creative, simply use the PAINT feature to create your own animated emojis and send them to people in your network. Additionally, Tittle Light provides Clock and Timer features, allowing... Continue Reading

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Ekster Luxury Leather iPhone Case

Keep your phone slim and minimal with the Ekster Luxury Leather iPhone Case. Compatible with the iPhone 6, 7 and 8, this case is ideal for those who want to protect their phone without adding any bulk. In addition, the leather iPhone case provides room for one scanner card. It also offers enough space to hide some emergency cash. Featuring integrated slots, the Ekster iPhone case can hold an extra sim card and a reset pin as well. Hand-crafted from... Continue Reading

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Fellow Stagg Pour Over Kettle

Transform your java experience with the Fellow Stagg Pour Over Kettle. This stunning kettle brings sophistication to your coffee routine. Complete with a 1-liter boiling capacity, the Stagg Kettle has a modern and unique shape. The body of the kettle features stainless steel so it’s durable and versatile. You can use it on gas, electric and even induction ranges. In addition, it comes with a stainless steel lid to keep in all the heat. Additionally, the Stagg Kettle features a... Continue Reading

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Bose SoundWear Wearable Companion Speaker

Seamlessly integrate audio into your life with the Bose SoundWear Wearable Companion Speaker. This device gives you all-around audio yet the freedom to hear your environment. The SoundWear Companion Speaker is compact and comes in a wearable neckband. The system is comfortable to wear and adjust as you need. With the audio quality from Bose, this SoundWear Companion Speaker brings together form and function. Inside are two 11-inch waveguides. This allows the audio to extend around you for a surround... Continue Reading

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Instant Print Camera for iPhone

For many of us these days, the smartphone is our ultimate photo shooter. Everywhere we go, from holidays to weekly outings at a favorite coffee joint, will often yield Insta-worthy photos that look great on those notched displays. However, sorting out all those photos can be quite a chore, and to print them out? Who does that anyway? Lifeprint Products wants to bring together both the old and the new with the launch of its Instant Print Camera for iPhone. The Instant Print Camera is actually a printer case that attaches itself to an iPhone, transforming it into an instant printing, photo-making marvel.

Many social settings such as product launch events and especially weddings, do feature a photobooth. There is a photographer stationed there normally, with a portable photo printer in place so that guests can bring home that evening’s memory. However, why waste a perfectly good camera that will capture far more detail than what the portable photo printer is able to print out? A smartphone is good enough for the job, and this is where the Instant Print Camera makes itself useful in such situations.

Bringing together a unique blend of digital and analog technology, the Instant Print Camera will be accompanied by Augmented Reality Hyperphoto Technology that makes photo prints come to life while featuring the likes of Social Sharing, AR Facial Filters, Social Network Integration and a complete Photo Editing Suite. This makes the Instant Print Camera from Lifeprint the most fully featured iPhone printer to date.

As a piece of hardware, it is certainly an engineering marvel. Sporting a spring-loaded cradle, the iPhone remains secure and in place, leaving you without any worry that it might pop out of the printer. In addition, the printer’s slim design makes sure it does not get in the way of the iPhone’s clean and sleek form factor. To cap it all off, the Instant Print Camera is even case-compatible, so that users need not to remove their existing case in order to use it. All photos are printed on 2×3 inch “sticky backed” paper, and the $149.99 asking price is definitely worth checking out.

Press Release
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Landline vs VoIP: Which Works Better for Your Business and Why

If you can’t reach out to potential customers, and if they can’t reach out to you, how can you expect to grow? Communicating with customers and coworkers is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. When it comes to the way you communicate, you’ll need to decide between landline vs VoIP.

While there are a variety of different ways to deliver information to external parties, real-time communication is typically available in either a landline phone service or a VoIP service.

Both of these technologies are prevalent in today’s business world, but which one is better for you?

Maybe you have a landline and you want to switch to VoIP, or vice versa. Maybe you’re just starting your business and you want to know which option is better for companies in their infancy. Whatever the case, it’s important that you know the differences between these two options. That way, you can make the best decision for your company, employees and customers.

What is a Landline?

Landlines use older technology, but they are still reliable.

When you think about a traditional phone system, what you’re seeing in your head is more likely than not a landline. This technology hasn’t changed much since the 19th Century, when it was first introduced.

Landline phones use a hardwired setup, which involves a copper wire plugged into a wall jack that eventually connects directly to a physical switchboard. That switchboard then connects two different phones to initiate the phone call. Sounds ancient, right?

As you might imagine, landlines are quickly going obsolete when compared to digital and mobile phone technology. However, that’s not to say that they don’t have their benefits

What is VoIP?

VoIP phones connect directly to the internet and offer more versatility.

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. VoIP was first introduced in the late 80s and early 90s, and while that sounds old, it continues to evolve just as the internet does.

Instead of connecting two phones physically through copper wires and switchboards, VoIP phones use the internet to initiate the connection. These phones are connected directly to computers or modems. As such, the success of any VoIP system relies solely on the quality of the internet service you have in your business.

Read Next: RingCentral Review – The Good and the Bad

This reliance on good internet can bring on its own host of problems, but it gets rid of complicated phone closets and physical exchanges that were once so prevalent.

Landline vs VoIP: VoIP Wins (almost) Every Time

So, can landlines even compete against VoIP phones? Does the new technology outpace the old, or does the reliability of hardwired systems trump virtual connections? Many businesses still use traditional landline setups while even more are starting to use VoIP services.

Let’s take a look at some of the major considerations and how each type of phone system stacks up:

Cost

VoIP tends to be cheaper than landline services.

Cost is always a deciding factor when it comes to choosing between two different sections. And while providers in both technologies vary widely in the types of plans they offer, VoIP services are cheaper than landlines on average. Cost savings come into the picture for one main reason.

Because landlines are hardwired, businesses are required to install and maintain a central hub that manages all the phone lines, called a Private Branch Exchange (PBX). These PBXs often cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the number of phones you need.

VoIP services run off a virtual PBX, without the need for any kind of extra hardware.

Both services require you to purchase actual phones, and there’s usually no difference between the two there.

Reliability

Reliability is one area where landlines still have somewhat of an edge over VoIP services. Because landlines are hardwired, and because of the way the system as a whole is set up, it’s very rare that landlines go down.

As mentioned above, VoIP phones rely on a stable internet connection to work well. If your internet goes out or if your ISP is having troubles, you’ll likely be without phone service. However, as internet technology continues to evolve, VoIP services will soon surpass landline phones in reliability.

Versatility and Customization

VoIP plans offer a ton more functionality than landline phones.

When it comes to flexibility, versatility and customization, VoIP phones win hands down. Due to limitations in technology and hardware, landlines are simple but lack any kind of extra functionality.

With VoIP services, you have the option of adding almost limitless features to your plan, ranging from virtual receptionists to comprehensive call monitoring and reporting functionality. If you want customization, the only option is to purchase VoIP.

Read Next: RingCentral vs Vonage: RingCentral

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Zoom vs Skype: Zoom Wins in Video Conferencing

Having a reliable and versatile means of communication is vital in today’s world, in both the consumer and business sides. For businesses, there are many battles between different software, and one of those is Zoom vs Skype.

Read Next: Best Business VoIP Services to Consider

These two communication tools are immensely popular and widely used by businesses all over the world. Zoom was founded in 2011 and aims to bring “teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done.” Skype has been around a little longer—since 2003—and aims to “enable the world’s conversations.”

So, what are the differences between the two, and which one is better for your business? We’ve identified several key factors you should consider when deciding between the two when making your purchasing decision.

Cost: Skype Offers Better Pricing

Zoom offers a variety of different plans and pricing.

Zoom – Zoom offers a wide variety of different plans and price points. If you want to keep things on a budget, you can sign up for Zoom’s free plan, which allows you to host up to 100 participants in a video call, along with other basic communication features.

The next tier up costs $14.99 per user per month. This tier allows you to host up to 100 participants and includes m0re administrative features to manage user settings and reporting.

The highest tier costs $19.99 per user per month. Like the other tiers, it allows you to host up to 100 participants and it includes all the features in lower tiers. It also provides many more customization options and recording functionality.

Skype – You can download two different versions of Skype: the free version and Skype for Business. The free version of Skype is incredibly comprehensive for a free product, but if you want more control over your video conferencing solution, you’ll definitely want to purchase Skype for Business.

Skype for Business costs either $2 per user per month with the Online Plan 1 or $5.50 per user per month with the Online Plan 2. The Online Plan 1 focuses on the basics, while the Online Plan 2 focuses on more advanced features like HD video conferencing and desktop sharing.

Jive Review: Read Before You Invest

The good news is that if you already pay for Microsoft Office 365, you already have a subscription to Skype for Business.

Ease of Use: Both Are Easy to Use

When it comes to using the software, both Zoom and Skype are simple and user-friendly. Setting up calls, creating new contacts, and getting set up are all easy to do. The user interfaces for both solutions are crisp and clean, making it easy on the eyes. They’re also not frustrating for the users who interact with the software on a daily basis.

Feature Availability: Both Excel in Different Applications

While both Zoom and Skype offer the same basic communication features, they vary greatly in the details. Zoom focuses more on providing a comprehensive video conferencing solution. Skype focuses more on creating a more versatile communication and collaboration software.

Zoom – If you’re looking for a fully functional and in-depth video conference tool, Zoom beats Skype every time. With features like breakout sessions and individual meeting URLs, you can truly customize your video conference experience. Zoom also allows you to create more interaction between presenter and participants through features like virtual hand raising.

Read Next: www.gadgetreview.com/benefits-voip-system

Skype – If you’re looking for a solution that meets the daily communication needs of your employees, look no further than Skype. With simple file sharing and great one-on-one video chatting and IM, Skype is effective and hard to beat.

Customer Support: Zoom Offers More Personalized Support

Skype for Business offers support through community and company reps.

Both Zoom and Skype offer excellent support teams. However, since Skype is officially part of Microsoft, you might find more power behind its support team, but longer wait times.

Zoom – You can get support from Zoom’s team through a variety of different means. The company provides a comprehensive online support page that includes video tutorials, FAQs and comprehensive help articles.

If you prefer live help, you can call the support team directly, initiate a live online chat or submit a ticket online.

Zoom vs GoToMeeting: Zoom Offers More Bang for Your Buck

Skype – Skype offers a searchable online help system that allows you to find answers on your own. There is also a robust community behind all Microsoft products, and you can get support from a number of community experts through online forums.

If you want live support for Skype, you can go as far as using their AI bot (which is still “in training”). You can also reach out via live chat. Unfortunately, you won’t receive any kind of live phone support with Skype.

The post Zoom vs Skype: Zoom Wins in Video Conferencing appeared first on Gadget Review.

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Razer Ouroboros Customizable Ambidextrous Gaming Mouse

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Mahi Leather Drake Large Brown Leather Holdall

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LG 360 CAM Compact 360 Camera

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TAG Heuer Autavia Watches of Switzerland Edition

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Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Mic

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Berluti Leather Motorcycle Helmet

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Tissuville Stark Vintage Braid Leather Bracelet

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Mahabis Classic Everyday Backpack

Comfortably carry your daily essentials with the Mahabis Classic Everyday Backpack. This incredibly comfortable pack comes with heavily padded shoulder straps, making it easy to wear regardless of what’s inside. Similarly, you can adjust the straps to your liking. The Mahabis Classic Backpack also comes with a dedicated laptop compartment. Suitable for laptops up to 15 inches, the backpack offers only two compartments to separate work and play. Featuring a minimalist design, the Mahabis Classic Backpack features subtle branding and... Continue Reading

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