Staying in touch with family and friends has never been easier with all the conveniences of the online world. Even if you’re on the other side of the globe, you can look your loved ones straight in the eye with the purchase of an inexpensive webcam and the right software. For tips and tricks to video chat like a pro, read what blogger Amber Mac has to say.
Cell phones are increasingly becoming so much more – cameras, video recording devices, web browsers, tiny computers. Invest in a smart phone to keep your family in the know – not only can you update your Facebook status or Twitter account, but you can take snap shots and instantly email them to your loved ones. For more on the wonders of smart phones, click here.
Perhaps no product has done so much for keeping far away family and friends connected as Skype. It’s one of Oprah’s favourite things, and is now a verb (similar to ‘I’ll Facebook you, people now say ‘Let’s Skype tonight?’) Millions of people (including this Yahoo! Editor) go to Skype to talk to loved ones, through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. Learn how to get the most from Skype with blogger Amber Mac’s little secrets.
When you can’t be with your family, digital photo frames are a great way to keep them close. They’re simple to use and many double as DVD players. Just upload your photos, and you can have the photos switch as often as you like. Many come with wireless internet capabilities, so you can upload photos (and other fun accessories, like MP3s) without a cable. Find the best digital frame for you.
Facebook isn’t just for university kids anymore. In fact, parents and grandparents are slowly taking over the wildly popular site. If Facebook is too much (its policies of privacy and photo-ownership have some users hesitant)check out Kinzin – a Facebook-like site, but with invite-only groups for families and other social circles, like teammates and classrooms.
Video cameras can capture special moments, but they used to be heavy and large – making it a chore for the person behind the camera. Those days are long gone, with convenient, light and shockingly small pocket cams. Learn to capture special moments, upload them quickly and easily to your computer and fire them to your family and friends.
If you’re on the go and don’t have time for a sit down face-to-face video chat, having at least one instant messaging account is crucial for keeping in touch with family and friends. Yahoo, Microsoft and Skype all have similar, easy-to-use chat programs tnat can be really handy for sending a quick ‘good morning!’ to far away family members. Learn more about great computer accessories.
New tech gadgets and services can really connect you with the people who matter most. That said, there’s still something special about sending and receiving cards and letters in the mail. With a digital photo printer, you can include great-quality hard copies of your digital photos. This one, the HP Phototosmart A636 Compact Photo printer lets you dress up your snapshots with borders and clip art using the colour touch screen. HP also has a free iPhone application that lets you print your favourite cameraphone pics with the touch of a button. For the latest on printers, click here.