Giving Thanks, Techie Style!

For the last several years, we have annually asked the members of our team what they were grateful for. It doesn’t have to be a major thing, just some way that technology has improved our everyday lives. After a few silly answers, like memory foam (which is great) and forks (also important technology), they ended up coming up a few great technologies that they are thankful for. Here’s a few stand out items that we wanted to highlight:

Amazon Prime: Especially since we’re located in a relatively remote part of New York State, several of our team members are thankful for Amazon Prime. Considering that going to a large shopping center requires a significant amount of travel and the long, brutal New York winters, being able to select what you want from millions of items listed on Amazon and and have it delivered right to your doorstep saves both time and money. Oh, of course, it doesn’t hurt that Prime memberships come with free two day shipping - even during the holiday season. 

AmazonSmile: Did you know that Amazon.com has a program called AmazonSmile that allows its users to select a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to support with donations based on their purchases? By using the URL smile.amazon.com to complete purchases, Amazon donates part of their proceeds to the non-profit selected  - at no additional cost to the user! Amazon keeps track of your donations and updates users periodically how much they have contributed on their behalf. For Prime members, AmazonSmile doesn't affect any of the perks and privileges that come with Prime membership. 

Honey: Honey is an app that can be downloaded on your mobile device or added as a chrome extension that will help your inner-bargain hunter save money whenever they shop online. The program automatically finds and tests active coupon codes from an online store - instantly finding and scanning all the promos, coupons and sales available for that store. It doesn’t work every time, on every site - but it has earned our team 20% off or free shipping on more than one occasion.

Ergonomic Mouse: As a person who spends the majority of the workday in front of a computer, it’s safe to assume you also spend a lot of time using a mouse. Studies have shown that repetitive motions, such as clicking and scrolling, can lead to medical issues when performed over a long period of time. An ergonomic mouse can reduce the chance of injury while increasing comfort and ease of use. Looking for an affordable, ergonomic mouse? Consider the 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse. For less than $15.00, it will change the way you use a mouse forever!

Technology and Mother Nature: A few of our team members who spend a lot of time doing outdoor recreation are thankful for the technology available that allows them to safely enjoy the wilderness. GPS, of course, has made navigating your way through the outdoors easier than ever. Building off GPS technology, the AllTrails app allows you to find trails in your area, learn about what you might see along the way, and of course, map it out so everyone can safely return to camp. For the horse enthusiasts in our office, there is an application called ClockIt that allows riders to track their horse’s response to exercise and make sure that they are training safely and effectively.

Pet Microchip Technology: Everyone who follows our social media knows that we are a very pet-friendly environment. With so many of us who feel that our dogs and cats are a part of our family, we’re thankful for the microchip technology that helps to identify the owners of lost animals. This technology has helped to reunite thousands of pets with their owners - and we are happy knowing that even if something were to happen, our pets will be home for the holidays! If you haven’t already, consider giving your four-legged family members the gift of finding their way home.

Internet of Things: Of course, the Internet of Things popped up in a few responses. Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant, has changed a few lives over the past year. She is right there to add a new item to your ‘To-Do’ list or set an alarm to let you know when it’s time to wake up. For slightly-less “Terminator-like” example, there are some cool improvements to every-day technology - like toasters that recognize the difference between a bagel and a slice of bread and can adjust themselves accordingly.

This is just a few of the many ways that technology has impacted our lives over the past year. In the end, we couldn’t fit them all into a single blog. So, the last - but definitely not least - thing that we’re thankful for is another year of growth and success - and we owe it all to you!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!