The Real Estate Weekly Vol. 25 Vol. 25 Issue 28 | Page 34

34 VOL. 25, NO. 28 JULY 10, 2014 REAL ESTATE WEEKLY™ Essential tech for summer travel (StatePoint) Vacation is supposed to be relaxing. But travelers frequently let the details get the best of them. This summer, travel smart by stocking up on new technologies and accessories that can make the experience the breeze it was meant to be. Managing Photos Your vacation photos are priceless, so protect them by storing them in the cloud where they will be safe from computer crashes and accidental deletion. For $35 a year, photo sharing and storage service SmugMug (www.smugmug.com) allows for unlimited storage, letting users easily organize their travel moments and share them via Twitter, Facebook, Google+ , email or directly from the service. Protect Devices Keep smartphones, tablets and laptops safe from Disney World sidewalks and European cobblestone streets with affordable cases and screen protectors from Tech 21 (www.tech21.com). The Impact Mesh case features a patented D3O polymer that locks up on impact, and the Impact Shield with Anti-Glare offers screen protection with an anti-glare filter that makes it easy to read poolside in the blazing sunlight. Both are $34.99. Secure Home Is everything secure back at home? Use a smart home solution, so you can feel at–ease when leaving town. For example, Iris from Lowe’s (www.lowes.com/iris) allows you to wirelessly monitor your home so you feel confident that it`s safe and secure. Through a mobile app, the system will alert you if anything goes wrong while you’re gone. If the alarm is triggered, a water leak is detected or you forget to turn off the lights, the system will let you know. Kits start at $179. Keep in Touch If you’re travelling internationally, calling home doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With a new app called Ringo, you can place high quality calls at a fraction of the cost of traditional long distance calling and VoIP services, with certain international calling apps. Download the app for iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices at www.Ringo.co. Travel-Friendly Gear A good place to start in the search for functional travel gear is Kensington, which makes the Contour Overnight Backpack that allows you to pass through security without having to remove your backpack. Additionally, they create the pool, beach or water park EVAP Wet Electronics Rescue Pouch that contains a drying agent that safely removes moisture from sensitive electronics to prevent damage and quickly restore use.