What Apple fans should expect from the brand this 2019

Apple purists are set to experience an exciting ride this 2019. The future only looks bright for the brand, after receiving much praise from the tech world for releasing cheaper variations for the iPhone X.

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Apple fans might see a few additions to the iPhone line this year. There have been reports that Apple will be employing a much newer technology for its processors, to bulk up the phone’s power, memory, and overall performance. Mystery has always been a part of what makes Apple a beloved tech brand. Being secretive is a strong purchasing factor that—according to Kati Volitich—drives consumers to keep buying from the brand.

Image source: macworld.com

In 2019, the iPhone line might include an iPhone 11 and a newer and better version of the SE, both equipped with iOS 13. Another product that is well received by fans across the globe is the AirPods. The world is likely to see an updated version of the pods, probably with better connectivity and a more ergonomic fit for the ears. The iPad seems to be a complete gadget already. However, there can be additions to the product line by the end of the year.

New MacBooks and the next MacOS are set to be released this year, notes Kati Volitich. While Apple’s computers are highly dependent on Intel’s processor strategies, the brand can definitely lead the product line to carry a better OS. The new Mac Pro will be hitting the stores this year, and it obviously possesses more muscle than its predecessor.

Hi there! My name is Kati Volitch, and I’m a computer engineering major at UC Berkeley. I’m a fan of all things tech. Subscribe to my blog for regular updates.

Top laptops for your 2019 upgrade

If your old laptop is already conking out or you simply want to get a more powerful device for your work and personal needs this 2019, we’ve made a list of some of the best to choose from in the market right now. The prices vary, depending mainly on brand popularity and features, but we’ve got you covered.

Image source: razer.com

 Razer Blade
Simply put, if you want an attention-grabbing beast of a laptop that doubles as the obvious alternative to the MacBook Pro, last year’s version of the Razer Blade is the top choice. It’s best for high-end gaming and creatives looking for a slim laptop with a large screen, smaller bezels, and powerful graphics (it comes with either a Nvidia 1060 or 1070). LED lighting on the keyboards adds to the eye-candy appeal. The Razer Blade starts at $1,710.

2018 Apple MacBook Air
Probably the most user-friendly laptop out there, it is a definite upgrade from the previous year’s version: lighter, smaller, a wider touchpad, and high-resolution screen. It has great battery life too and fast processors (even though Apple decided to keep the dual-core setup).

Lenovo Yoga C930

Image source: wired.com

This Lenovo model is being hailed as the best two-in-one laptop you can get at the moment, unique in having rotating 360-degree hinges (hence the name Yoga) that work as a speaker system. It comes with an active pen that is conveniently placed in the laptop’s body, as well as a webcam that can be tucked away when not needed. This is one of the most stylish options out there, and the price is not bad at $1,170.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6
The Surface Pro 6 is arguably the top mainstream laptop choice for any non-Apple user. Microsoft’s sojourn into laptop manufacturing continues to lead to great success with this two-in-one tablet PC. It’s a top-tier machine deserving of its $1,689 price tag, thanks to the all-new quad processor system that offer significant, easily noticeable gains in performance when compared to other options in its price range.

Kati Volitich here, a Computer Engineering student at UC Berkeley. Computers have touched our lives in more ways than we can imagine. As a future computer engineer, I aspire to become a part of a company that strives to improve technology in all manners for all industries. More on me and my interests on this site.

Should you upgrade your graphics card to start the new year?

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First off, the big issues involving the ridiculous pricing of graphics cards or GPUs in the past couple of years are a result of the rise of cryptocurrencies and the so-called “Bitcoin-mining.” The process of mining digital money involves the use of the fastest graphics hardware on the planet.


However, finally, things are looking brighter. It’s safe to say that this month leading to July will be a great time to consider finally upgrading your aging GPU. This is because prices are now stabilizing as cryptocurrency values begin to dip. Digitimes was even quoted as saying, based on a comprehensive study of the market, that prices will drop by an average of 20 percent in the first half of 2019.

Image source: eteknix.com

More and more smaller companies are considering leaving the crypto-mining industry due to the steady drop in the price of Bitcoin. Nvidia itself, which has benefited most from the mining revolution, reported that it expected GPU sales to crypto-miners to go down by as much as two-thirds during the last quarter of 2018.


All in all, these next few months may just be the window we’ve been waiting for if we are to commit to upgrading our graphics cards. After all, cryptocurrency is not going anywhere and should rise again soon. We should take this current and most-likely temporary drop in price to grab that shiny and powerful new GPU.


Kati Volitich here, a student at the University of California, Berkeley currently studying Computer Engineering. My field of study specializes in areas such as digital systems, operating systems, computer networks, software, and more. Click this link for more computer-related posts.

Four bugs people have experienced with their iPhone X

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There had been so much hype from everyone everywhere when Apple announced the iPhone X. And even with the incredibly steep price tag, people were keen on purchasing the model and not allow anything or anyone to stand in their way. However, it was quickly discovered that though impressive for several reasons, the iPhone X was far from perfect.


On that note, let’s take a brief look at some of the bugs of the iPhone X.

Screen lag

The OLED screen of the iPhone X is what sets it apart from the competition. However, this state-of-the-art, much-talked-about piece of tech was plagued with problems. Owners all around the globe have reported the screen’s lack of responsiveness and even a problem with the panel as exhibited by a green line on the screen.


Face ID problem

The Face ID program was a great way to make Apple products more secure. However, iPhone X users quickly discovered that Face ID for the device had bugs and at times could not recognize the faces of owners.

Image source: digitaltrends.com

Bad speakers

A number of iPhone X users have also noted that turning the volume of the device way up will cause the speakers to crackle. While this is more of a hardware flaw than a bug, it is still very disconcerting given these are brand-new devices.


Kati Volitich is a computer engineering major at UC Berkeley. Since she was a kid, she has always been curious about technology, and these days, the fascination hasn’t waned, as she can’t wait to get my hands on the latest gadgets in the market. For similar reads, visit this page.

How the management of mobile devices affects smaller companies

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It’s hard to imagine a company today that doesn’t use mobile devices. The demand for mobile phones, tablets, and laptops has increased, especially in business operations. This is why it’s important for business owners to be adept at managing the use of these devices in their companies.


Hundreds, if not thousands of companies nowadays, have a budget for acquiring mobile devices for their employees to use. But it doesn’t end there. Mobile device management, or MDM, has become a discipline and a part of operations in itself.


Allowing employees access to a company’s mobile devices entails a whole lot of responsibility. Not only do managers need to make sure the devices are being used to their maximum capacity, managers also need to ensure the safety of sensitive information.

Image source: solutionsreview.com

MDM utilizes technological tools that connect and protect the devices of a company and its operating systems and security apps. Normally, the business’ IT professionals are the ones responsible in setting up these systems and overseeing their use.


There are also plans and policies in case a device is either lost or stolen. MDM regulates the installation of programs as well as internet access for employees, to make sure the programs used and the websites visited are all beneficial to the company.


While mobile devices can bring a host of benefits for a business, owners also need to be vigilant and employees need to be aware of the responsibilities that come along with having such tools.


Hey there! Kati Volitich here. I’ve long acknowledged the fact that there will always be room for improvement in every area of our lives. Technology has become a crucial part of today ’s world, and we can’t afford to be separated from it. Learn more about me and the stuff I’m passionate about here.

Science-backed tips for a better night’s sleep

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It’s common knowledge that getting at least 8 hours of sleep is a must. However, it’s easier said than done. Stress, anxiety, work-related endeavors, and nighttime activities are common factors that keep you up at night. Here are some tips to help you get a satisfying round of sleep.


Dim your lights: Turning your lights down low is one of the most effective things you can do if you are trying to fall asleep, especially if you are irritated by bright lights. Minimize your screen time after 8 in the evening to signal the body that it’s time to rest, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time in front of the computer or TV.

Image source: mensjournal.com

Set an alarm for bed: While it is a common task to set the alarm to wake up, setting a specific time to go to bed can also help you to prepare yourself for rest. Resist the urge to snooze, and avoid constantly changing your rest time for later.


Don’t drink coffee in the afternoon: An afternoon coffee fix will certainly keep you up at night, as it stays in your body longer than you think. Keep the caffeine limited and consumed early in the day.


Set an ideal temperature in your room: A room that’s too cold or too hot can mess up your sleeping patterns. Set the temperature between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, as advised by doctors.


Katina Volitich received her degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. While she maintained her 4.0 average, she took part in school activities and societies such as the Society of Women Engineer and Biomedical Engineering Society. To read more articles like this, visit this page.

The ABCs of securing an external USB hard drive

External hard drives offer the benefit of portability, especially when one works with huge or time-sensitive files for school or in business. They can be brought home or anywhere without having to bring the whole laptop or computer with it. The potential downside is its security can be comprised, making it important to go the extra mile to secure and protect it from intrusion.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Password-protect it

Download and install an encryption program, such as True Crypt or Ax Crypt. Plug in the external hard drive to the computer and wait for the computer to detect it. Save data because the encryption process involves formatting the drive and wiping all data from it. Choose the password you want for access to the drive.


Afterwards, proceed with the formatting and encryption, and then select the drive letter you want to mount the external hard drive in. Type in the password one more time to access the drive and then move all files back. Know that when assigning a letter to a hard drive, it applies only to the computer that assigns the letter. When the hard drive is plugged into another computer, it will use whatever letter is appropriate for the slot, as determined by the hardware on each computer.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Put physical precautions in place

Connect the encrypted external hard drive carefully, and do not leave the computer and the hard drive unattended. Lock the external hard drive in a secure location, such as a safe or a file cabinet. Store these gadgets, including the computer, in a private, lockable room accessible to authorized persons only.


Kati Volitich is a lover of all things tech. She is a computer engineering major at UC Berkeley, and a fan of tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, and Google. Learn more on this page.