Three External Storage Solutions
The importance of reliable and fast external storage solutions in this day and age cannot be overstated. Whether for professional workflows, robust data backup, or simply extending the storage capabilities of one’s personal devices, the choice of an external USB-C drive can significantly impact efficiency and data security. Here are three external SSD suggestions for you to consider:
Samsung T7 Portable SSD: This drive has a compact design that doesn't compromise on speed. Encryption software complements its durable build for added security but lacks ruggedisation for harsh outdoor environments. The T7 is for anyone seeking a blend of portability and performance in their external storage solution.
Pro: Compact and portable, excellent speed performance, comes with encryption software
Con: Not rugged for outdoor use
(Affiliate link: Samsung T7)
SanDisk Extreme Pro: Designed with the adventurous user in mind, the SanDisk Extreme Pro offers a perfect balance between portability and durability. It's rugged to withstand reasonably harsh conditions and features a convenient notch for carrying. While it excels in speed and reliability, higher capacity models can become costly. This drive is best suited for those needing something that can withstand the wild outdoors!
Pros: Rugged and portable with a handy notch for hooks and loops
Con: High storage capacities can be expensive
(Affiliate link: SanDisk 1TB SSD)
Western Digital My Passport Ultra: This HDD drive stands out for its slim design and comes with helpful backup software, offering a solid storage solution at an affordable price. It doesn’t require external power, which enhances its portability. However, it falls behind SSDs in terms of speed and durability. The My Passport Ultra best suits users seeking a budget-friendly option for large storage needs without requiring rapid data transfer speeds.
Pros: Solid HDD option with free backup software and slim design
Con: HDDs are generally slower and less durable than SSDs
(Affiliate link: Western Digital 2TB SSD)
Be SMART!
The SMART criteria framework is a powerful tool for enhancing productivity by setting practical and realistic goals. Each letter in "SMART" stands for a different aspect of goal setting:
Specific
Goals should be clear and specific to provide direction and focus. A specific goal answers the questions: What do I want to accomplish? Why is it important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Which resources or limits are involved?
Measurable
A goal should be measurable so that you can track your progress and stay motivated. Assessing progress helps you stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the excitement of achieving your goal. A measurable goal should address questions such as: How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?
Achievable
Your goal also needs to be realistic and attainable to be successful. In other words, it should stretch your abilities but still remain possible. When you set an achievable goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer to it.
Relevant (some use Realistic)
This step ensures your goal is meaningful and coincides with other pertinent objectives. It's crucial that the goal holds significance for you and complements your other efforts and strategies. A goal that supports or is in harmony with other objectives will offer improved focus and greater motivation.
Time-bound
Every goal needs a target date so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals. A time-bound goal will usually answer the question: When?
Implementation
To effectively implement SMART goals, start by writing down your objectives. Make sure they meet all the SMART criteria. Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, and review your goals regularly to adjust them as needed. Periodically reviewing your goals allows you to assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.
Setting SMART goals helps achieve specific achievements and boosts overall productivity by making your objectives clear, attainable, and within a set timeframe. This method can be applied to personal life, education, and the workplace, enhancing motivation and focus wherever it's used.
Tech News
eBay Reveals “shop the look” Feature
eBay has unveiled an AI-powered "shop the look" feature within its iOS app, aiming to transform how fashion aficionados find their next wardrobe addition. This feature personalises recommendations based on the user's shopping habits and evolves with continued use. Developed with eBay's Responsible AI team, it leverages eBay.ai to blend innovation with ethical AI practices. Available to users in the U.S. and U.K. who have shown interest in fashion items, it promises a novel shopping experience that not only highlights eBay's vast inventory in a new light but also ventures into enhancing fashion discovery. (LINK)
Mighty Messenger
Meta has introduced new features to Messenger, including the creation of shared albums in chats, the ability to send photos in high-definition (HD), and the option to share larger files up to 100MB. This update targets users who frequently share photos and files, positioning Messenger as an alternative to services like Google Drive for creating shared albums and sharing HD images. (LINK)
Google Tries Again With AI and Images
Google's foray into image-generating AI has seen its ups and downs, notably with its Gemini chatbot's generator producing controversial images due to unintended diversity inclusions. Google has now introduced Imagen 2 within its Vertex AI platform, a more enterprise-focused image and video generation tool unveiled at its Cloud Next conference. Imagen 2, a suite of models capable of creating and editing images and videos from text prompts, is designed for professional use, offering features like text, emblem, and logo rendering in multiple languages and the ability to modify existing images for business applications. Additionally, it introduces inpainting and outpainting for editing images and a novel "text-to-live images" feature for generating short videos, albeit currently at a low resolution. Aimed at Google Cloud customers, Imagen 2 marks Google's continued investment in AI-driven image creation, with a particular eye towards marketing and creative industries.(LINK)
“All of the biggest technological inventions created by man - the airplane, the automobile, the computer - says little about his intelligence, but speaks volumes about his laziness.” - Mark Kennedy (Author)
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