The New Year is almost upon us, and for many people that means it’s time to make resolutions. These promises to yourself are a chance to turn over a new leaf and work towards forming better habits. Some goals are very general, like cutting back on junk food or getting more exercise, but here at Bayshore Interactive we think you may be able to make your New Year’s Resolutions a little more tech-specific.

This year we’ve come up with four resolutions that should help you be healthier and happier in the new year, all while using your Android smartphone or tablet along the way. They’re pretty easy to do, and they don’t require any major sacrifices on your end. Let’s get started!

Protect Your Data

Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, you have a lot of sensitive information on your smartphone. Make sure that it stays safe by protecting all the files and credentials on the device. If possible, only connect to trusted networks. You can also turn off automatic connections to open Wi-Fi networks so that only those you choose to connect to will be able to find your device.

If your phone or laptop ever breaks, takes a swim, or falls victim to an errant cup of coffee, you’ll be grateful if you’ve diligently backed up your data. Not only will this save time and effort in rebuilding files that can be retrieved from the cloud, but it also provides a sense of security knowing you won’t lose irreplaceable memories should anything unfortunate happen to your devices.

Always backup your files to an external hard drive or solid-state disk before traveling, and then upload those files to cloud storage as soon as you have access to the internet. In addition, consider splitting up sensitive documents onto multiple storage devices, so that if one fails or is lost, the others remain intact.

Invest In Infrastructure

With the growing number of people in the world who rely on technology, it’s no surprise that hackers are getting more and more creative with their methods.

According to a survey by Metric Stream, only 27% of organizations believe they have good or high visibility into security operations. This puts businesses at risk for data breaches and other harmful cyberattacks.

In order to truly protect your company, you must invest in a good digital infrastructure as well as servers. A foolproof way to do this is by working with a managed security services provider (MSSP).

These companies specialize in data protection and can help give you peace of mind knowing that all bases are covered by a team of experienced professionals. A managed security service will also keep track of all software and hardware within your organization, which means no more worrying about licensing issues or outages due to lack of maintenance.

You may think that your old router is just fine, but if you’re still relying on the one that came with your internet package, you could be blocking yourself from some of the benefits of more advanced technology. Routers will typically last at least three years, so it’s time to get rid of the antiquated ones and put in a request for the newest model.

Time management is important in order to accomplish tasks. Faulty router connections, missed notifications and notifications that do not notify are all examples of wasted time. Luckily, it can be easy to improve time management while living a tech life.

Do Your Research

With the myriad of devices competing for your attention, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Start by reading reviews on popular tech websites like CNET and Gizmodo. Find out which technology has received accolades from other sources, including trusted friends who are iPhone users, or those who have tried Android phones. Once you narrow down your options to a couple of options, look them up on sites like Amazon and Best Buy to see what customer reviews have said.

Customer reviews can give you a better idea of how the tech works in real life situations. Another aspect to consider is the price point. Of course there are going to be devices that offer more for people willing to pay more (e.g. 4K TVs, the latest iPhone), but you might be able to save some money by opting for a lower priced option on certain items (like smartphones).

One last thing you can do is read up on future product releases that are rumored or that will debut in the coming year. Doing this will prevent you from making an impulse buy on a technology that isn’t going to be released for months or has been canceled altogether.

Remember, it’s always good to do your research before purchasing new tech!

Look For Discounts

For most people, new technology is always exciting. However, new devices, such as cell phones and laptops, do not usually come cheap. This year, try to get great deals on discount tech products by looking online for coupons and discounts available from your service provider or manufacturer. Being frugal will help you save money and it will also help you to remain loyal to a brand.

If you want a new phone but cannot afford a contract, consider buying the device without one and signing up for a prepaid plan instead. This is an excellent way to receive all of the perks of an expensive phone without paying for it in high monthly installments. If you need a laptop, check online for price adjustments offered by retailers to see if you can get a better deal.

If you decide to purchase an item with a contract, make sure that you review your monthly statements carefully and contact your service provider immediately if anything suspicious appears on the bill. There have been many cases in which thieves hacked into customers’ accounts in order to purchase expensive devices that will later be re-sold. If this happens to you, do not panic. Stay calm and speak with your service provider immediately so they can help you resolve the issue before it gets out of hand.

As we welcome 2022, there are plenty of things to look forward to in the coming year. We can expect new trends in technology, fashion, and politics—and every day is bound to be just a little more convenient than the last thanks to our growing list of smart devices. However, there is one aspect of our lives that may be slipping through the cracks: our own personal health and wellness. Living in a digital world has its benefits, but it also comes with consequences and if we’re not careful, we could find ourselves absorbed by social media or video games instead of focusing on living a fulfilling life. Stay tuned into Bayshore Interactive’s website to learn more about technology related news.