Amazon Dot was first launched back in the year 2014 and has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. It has numerous loyal consumers today. After Alexa garnered rave reviews, Amazon finally introduced us to Echo Dot, which is a one-of-its-kind product. This device is shaped like a hockey puck and serves as a compact virtual assistant. It can fit into all corners of your house. Here’s all that you need to know about the Amazon Echo Dot.
The setup and the design
The Amazon Echo Dot comes with a distinct and stylish design. While the circumference of the Echo Dot matches that of the Amazon Echo, the appearance differs when it comes to the volume rings. Users can listen to music without any disturbance because of the two additional buttons situated on the top of the device. It also has “listen” and “mute” buttons built into its enviable form.
The Amazon Echo Dot has one light ring, which is the same as the Amazon Echo. It is essential to indicate that the inbuilt virtual assistant, Alexa, is listening to what you are saying. Alexa can hear your instructions with the help of an array of seven microphones. This light ring also indicates whether the mute function is active or not. If the mute function is not turned on, random snatches of conversation might trigger Alexa to get activated.
The height is what sets the Amazon Echo Dot apart. It is around 32 mm tall, and the device is 20 cm shorter than its full-sized version. The size makes it quite compact, and you can keep it anywhere. Another thing to remember is that you should not place the Amazon Echo Dot too close to any hardware, or else it may not be able to pick up commands efficiently.
The final verdict
The biggest advantage of the Amazon Echo Dot has to be its compact size. It packs quite a lot of features into one small package. For a lesser price, you get a device whose voice recognition technology matches that of the full-sized Amazon Echo. Imagine waking up in the morning, listening to lovely tunes from something so small that it is not even in your way! Therefore, we would rate the Amazon Echo Dot a 10 out of 10 for its size, and give it an 8 out of 10 for its upgraded external speakers.
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3 common types of tarps to know about
Read moreAlso knows as tarpaulins, tarps have a wide range of applications, which include constructing camping tents, wedding canopies, floor coverings, and other industrial and commercial applications. Most of these tarps are water resistant, and some are even fire resistant. Although most tarps are manufactured based on specific requirements (such as truck tarps, lumber tarps, and boat tarps), there are a few types of tarps that have a general purpose use. Here are three common types of tarps available in the market.
- Canvas tarps
These are one of the most popular types of tarps that are versatile as well as affordable. Canvas is a closely woven plain weave fabric, which is usually made of synthetic or natural fiber. It is commonly used to make soft luggage, awnings, and tarpaulins. Due to the material’s ability to withstand strong wind, canvas tarpaulins or canvas tarps are used in the trucking industry as well as by painters. It is preferred by painters since the material is not 100% waterproof, and therefore, the paint will be absorbed without leaking through while the other side of the canvas will still be dry and soft. Canvas tarps can also be used to protect floors made of hardwood from weather elements or to let people walk over the floor without damaging the wood. - Poly tarps
These tarps are made from the highly durable polyethylene material. The tarp has nylon tarp threading on the inside. There is a rope reinforcement constructed around the poly tarp material. Poly tarps are resistant to UV rays. Furthermore, they can withstand strong gusts of wind and are resistant to mildew and rot. These properties make poly tarps perfect for commercial as well as industrial use. However, these tarps are not flame retardant. Hence, they should not be used in areas where there are open flames or other sources of heat. - Mesh tarps
These tarps are made from nylon tarp threading. This gives the tarp a screen-like appearance. Nylon mesh tarps are useful for keeping off water and for protection against wind. These tarps are commonly used to build shade screen tents; especially if the sides are built with mesh tarps, it will weaken the wind that hit the tent. Hard winds usually enter through one side of the mesh tarp and slowly go through the other side as the mesh material absorbs the strength of the wind. Whether building a tent or canopy, mesh tarp sidewalls are a great way to secure these structures against strong gusts of wind. Another common use of mesh tarp is on golf courses and tennis courts. Green mesh tarps are usually used here.
- Canvas tarps
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Tips And Suggestions To Buy The Best Mattress For Back Pain
Read moreThere are endless options in the market if you decide to buy a mattress. However, it is not as easy as you may think to buy one. It is very important to choose a mattress that best suits your needs and does not induce back pain. A wrong pick would make you unable to get a good night’s sleep and negatively impact your physical and mental health. If you suffer from back pain, then it becomes all the more important for you to buy the best mattress. A proper mattress would give you back pain relief, whereas a wrong one would aggravate the problem further and for longer. Here are certain tips to help you buy the best mattress for back pain:
Research Online
It is extremely important to research before making the purchase. Check out information on the kind of mattress you should buy if you have back pain. Accordingly, find the brands and types that sell the kind of mattress you are looking for.Talk to Your Physician
Talk your healthcare provider or physical therapist and ask for their recommendations. Depend on their expert advice as they would suggest treatments on the basis of your symptoms and medical conditions.Do Not Fall for Marketing Gimmicks
It is difficult to not to fall into the traps of marketing gimmicks. There are manufacturers who claim their products to be “medically approved” or “orthopedic” or the “best mattress for back pain.” While they may be orthopedic friendly, but there is hardly any real “medically approved” mattress available.Test the Mattress
When you go shopping for a mattress, lie on it for at least 10-15 minutes to understand the feel of the mattress. Do not get self-conscious or let the salesperson hurry you up. To make an important decision and big purchase like this, you must at least have 10 minutes of experience lying on it. In case you have a partner, always go for the testing with him or her. You must buy a mattress that best suits you both and your partner, and avoids back pain for both of you.Mattress Firmness
When you are suffering from back pain you want to consider the best mattress for its firmness. Studies show that a medium firm mattress are best suited for relieving back pain. A soft mattress, on the other hand, is not so good for the ailment. Note that a firm feel is different from firm support. What you need is firm support and a comfortable feel. The comfort level depends on your preference.Pillow Tops Not Meant for Everybody
People who are light in weight don’t need a thick pillow top mattress as their weight is insufficient for compressing the foam and touching the underlying support coils. However, people on the heavier side would find a mattress with an extra cushion more comfortable an option.Adjustable Beds
You can also buy adjustable beds if you are more comfortable being seated in a recliner instead of lying down. This bed will let you elevate your knees and neck slightly to mitigate pressure on the lower back.Trial Period and Comfort Guarantee
There are retailers and manufacturers that guarantee comfort or give your money back. Most mattresses come with a free trial period as well. It means if you do not like the product after using for a certain period of time, you can send it back to the seller. Check these facilities with the retailer before buying a mattress.Check for Warranty
A proper mattress would come with a 10-year, non-prorated, or full-replacement warranty.Use Protection for Your Mattress
Never use a mattress without waterproof mattress protector as stains will nullify the warranty.Shop from a Specialized Mattress Dealer
It is always advisable to make your purchase from a store that deals with mattresses only and a specialized seller as well. They would guide to buy the exact mattress you are looking for.Brands
Best mattresses for back pain support include the following brands:- The Amerisleep AS2
- The Saatva Mattress
- The Helix Mattress
- The Bear Mattress
All these mattresses are priced between $800-1200.
It is always suggested to buy a mattress after proper inspection and testing. You do not want your back pain to hurt more.