Why and How to Store Photos in the Cloud

It’s so easy to take photos and videos these days, but all of those files can occupy a ton of space on your computer or mobile device.

Do you have a ton of photos on your device? While it might seem like storage space is unlimited, it can fill up, slowing your system down, and leaving you with no more room for additional files.

Thankfully, if you’re not ready to delete a bunch of photos, there is a great solution—cloud storage. This essentially means that instead of your photos sitting on your device, they will be stored on external servers operated by cloud storage providers.

Even if space is no issue, you may wish to create backups (duplicates) of your media files in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Depending on which cloud provider you choose to go with, you’ll be able to easily access the images and videos from a web browser or desktop application.

In this post, we will discuss the benefits of cloud storage and walk you through the steps of getting started, including which provider to choose.

Why Store Photos in the Cloud?

There are two main reasons you might want to keep your photos in cloud storage: to free up space on your device and to create backups. Here are some of the key benefits of storing your media in the cloud:

• Space: Cloud storage providers typically offer space to hold lots more photos than would fit on your device. By regularly moving pictures over to the cloud, you can keep taking as many photos as you like without having to delete any.

• Security: Cloud storage is generally considered more secure than device storage. Your computer or phone could be damaged, destroyed, stolen, or lost, rendering your images irretrievable. In the cloud, photos are safe and secure, and cannot be accessed by anyone but you.

• Access: Want to show off your family photos to friends? With cloud storage, you can access your photos from any device, anywhere in the world.

Bear in mind that although cloud providers offer lots of storage space, this will fill up too, and you’ll be charged an additional fee for more space. As such, it is a good idea to sort through photos before uploading them to the cloud.

How to Store Photos in the Cloud

While the mere idea of cloud storage can seem overwhelming, getting set up with a cloud storage provider is really very simple. Here are the basic steps:

1. Select the most suitable provider for your needs. We go into detail about these below but some of the top players in this space are Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive.

2. Sign up for an account. Most people start with a free plan and upgrade to a paid one later if needed. Security tip: When setting up an account, choose a strong password and opt in to two-factor authentication if it’s an option.

3. Upload your photos. This process is very simple but might vary slightly depending on your provider. On desktop, this usually involves dragging and dropping your photos into the designated folder, or using an upload function provided by the cloud storage service.

4. Adjust your settings. Explore the features that your provider offers and adjust the settings to your preferences. For example, some will enable you to automatically back up your photos at regularly scheduled intervals.

That's it! Your photos are now safely stored in the cloud!

What are Some of the Best Cloud Storage Providers?

The provider you go with will depend on several factors including which device you usually use and the type of software you’re most comfortable with. There’s also the question of how much space you need and the corresponding costs. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cloud storage providers.

1. Google Drive

Google Drive is a great tool for those familiar with Google products such as Google Search and Gmail. It offers the best no-cost version in terms of storage, offering a whopping 15GB for free. You can bump this up to 100GB for $2.79 (CAD) per month.

Google Drive makes it easy to access your photos from any device and sharing files and folders with others is a breeze, whether you want to just send them a link or invite them to collaborate on a photo album. Security features include two-factor authentication and remote device signout.

2. Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular cloud storage provider that offers a free account with 2GB of storage space. If you need more space or would like to add more users, you can upgrade to a paid account starting at $12.99 (CAD).

Dropbox has a user-friendly interface and is available as both a web and desktop application. Plans include 30-day file recovery and version history, and come with security features such as remote device wipe (paid plans only) and two-factor authentication.

3. OneDrive

OneDrive is a Microsoft product, so if you’re a Windows user, you may already be using it. With OneDrive, you can store up to 5GB of photos for free. Paid plans start at $2 (CAD) per month for 100GB of storage. However, you’ll have to go for one of the higher tier plans if you want some of the key features such as ransomware detection and 30-day file restoration.

4. iCloud

iOS and Mac users will likely already be familiar with iCloud. Or it may already be storing all of your photos without you even realizing. iCloud gives you 5GB of storage for free, with paid plans starting at $1.29 (CAD) per month for 50GB and up to five users. You can set up iCloud such that it automatically backs up your photos on a regular basis, and if you have multiple Apple devices, it’s easy to sync between them.

How to Choose the Right Cloud Storage Provider for You

When choosing a cloud storage provider, a few key considerations will factor in your decision. First, you’ll need to go with a solution that works with your everyday device use. For iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, it makes sense to use iCloud as the primary cloud storage provider. However, you also need to consider the space and pricing options. To avoid paying for extra space, you may want to move your images to Google Drive and take advantage of this provider’s generous free plan.

Finally, you may decide to use multiple solutions, for example, iCloud for personal and Google for work. Just remember to sort and label everything clearly so you’re not left scrambling looking for precious photos.

Digital Wallets—the End of Cash, Coins, and Cards

Cash, coins, and cards are disappearing. Yes, they're still around but more and more of us are using digital wallets online and in-store for everyday purchases.

Digital wallets have many advantages including offering convenience and improved security.

Does this mean we'll never have to carry around a wallet or purse again? While many enjoy the ability to just tap and go, other consumers prefer using real bills and coins or at least a credit or debit card. That said, while it can seem hard to believe for some, in the not so distant future, cash will likely be obsolete. As such, it's a good idea to become acquainted with digital wallets and how to use them.

In this post, we explain exactly what digital wallets are and discuss their advantages and drawbacks. We also provide tips for choosing the right digital wallet and using it properly.

What Is a Digital Wallet and How Does It Work?

A digital wallet (also called an electronic wallet or e-wallet) can take on various forms, but broadly, it’s a software-based system that stores payment information and passwords. You can think of it as a virtual account that holds your money. A digital wallet can be used to buy goods or services at local or online stores.

There are several different types of digital wallet you may come across:

Closed Wallet

These are online payment systems that are typically developed by individual companies to enable users to make payments for goods or services through a website or application. These wallets only allow for payments to the wallet issuer and cannot be used for payments to other parties. Many e-commerce websites (online stores) use these types of systems.

Semi-Closed Wallet

This is what we traditionally think of when we discuss an e-wallet. A semi-closed wallet allows users to perform transactions at certain local or online merchants that have agreed to accept payment from the specific wallet. Payment can involve entering a password online or using your phone (or other device) instead of a card at an in-store payment terminal. Google Pay and Apple Pay are two popular examples of a semi-closed wallet. 

You can use ApplePay on various devices including an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Open Wallet

Open wallets are similar to semi-closed but have extra functionality. They are usually offered by banks and can be used in any transaction in which a card would be accepted, including ATM and bank withdrawals.

Pros And Cons Of Using A Digital Wallet

There are many advantages to using digital wallets, including:

• They are more convenient than using cards or cash.

• You can pay for things online without having to enter your card details each time.

• They offer improved security over using a credit card or cash as a thief would need to unlock your device or hack your online account.

• They are easy to use and can save time.

While there are many advantages to using digital wallets, they may not be right for everyone all the time. Some potential drawbacks include:

• You may not be able to use them everywhere as some businesses still don't accept digital wallets.

• If you tend not to lock your phone, anyone with physical possession of your device can use your e-wallet to make purchases.

• They can be hacked, a particular risk if you don't keep your phone updated with the latest security features.

• If your phone runs out of battery or doesn't have a signal, you won't be able to complete transactions.

That said, most users find that these disadvantages can be easily mitigated, and the benefits of convenience and security make the switch worthwhile.

Using A Digital Wallet

Now that you know what a digital wallet is, let’s discuss how to choose the right one and use it properly. If you plan on using your e-wallet for in-person transactions, you’ll need to set up a wallet that’s compatible with your device, for example, Apple Pay for iOS users or Google Pay for Android users. Setting up a digital wallet is very straightforward and both Apple Pay and Google Pay offer easy-to-follow instructions.

Once your wallet is set up, to make in-person transactions, you can essentially treat your phone as you would a credit or debit card and use the tap feature at in-store terminals. You will just have to unlock your phone before tapping. On that note, to ensure security, always make sure you set up a lock on your phone, so that it can only be accessed with a passcode, a pattern, or a biometric identification method such as your fingerprint.

When making purchases online, in many cases, you will automatically be referred to the online merchant’s own closed wallet payment system. You may already have a card on file with the merchant, in which case, you often won’t be asked to re-enter your details. Some merchants enable you to enter the details of multiple payment methods and choose which one you want to use each time you check out. For example, Amazon Pay enables you to store the details of multiple cards.

Many online merchants will also offer the alternative of paying using a semi-closed digital wallet such as Google Pay or Apple Pay. This makes things more convenient and secure as you don’t have to share credit card details with multiple third parties.

Digital wallets are the future of money. They offer advantages over traditional methods such as cash, coins, and cards, including convenience, safety, and ease of use. Indeed, many consumers have used digital wallets on a regular basis without even realizing. While paying with your phone can sound intimidating, it’s really pretty straightforward once you get used to it. Of course, if you don’t always have your phone handy, it doesn’t hurt to carry a little cash as back up.

Have you made the switch to a digital wallet? Or do you have concerns about these payment systems? Let us know your comments or questions below!

Best Tablets for Older Adults (Plus Accessories)

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, choosing a tablet suitable for older adults can be a daunting task.

There are many models and features to choose from, and it's difficult to know which one will work best or how much you should spend on the device.

To help you choose, we've created this handy list of the top tablets that are perfect for an aging population! We also discuss key features to look out for and reveal which tablet accessories are ideal for older adults.

Let’s jump in!

Best Tablet for Older Adults

While this list is by no means exhaustive, we’ve selected some of the most popular models with the older generation.

1. Apple iPad or iPad Mini

2. Kindle Fire

3. GrandPad

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab

Check out some of the pros and cons of each of these options below.

1. Apple iPad or iPad Mini

Apple’s iPad tends to be the go-to tablet for many older adults, particularly those already familiar with Apple’s intuitive iOS operating system. These powerful machines offer fast speeds, machine-learning-based features, and all-day battery life.

All of this does come with a pretty hefty price tag, although if you’re willing to forgo some of the newer bells and whistles, you may be able to pick up a used or refurbished iPad at a relatively low cost. Just avoid buying a model that’s more than a couple of years old as you may find that it can’t handle future operating system updates.

If you love Apple products but are looking for something a bit more compact and portable, then an iPad Mini might be the perfect solution. Just bear in mind that the small screen size (8.2-inch compared to 10.2-inch) may not be suitable for some older adults, particularly those who struggle with eyesight or navigating smaller touchscreen elements.

2. Kindle Fire

If you’re on a budget, then Amazon’s Kindle Fire could be a perfect fit. While you may associate a Kindle with reading, the newer versions offer far more than just eBooks and enable users to browse the internet, stream shows, listen to music, and more. You won’t find the same selection of apps as you would on an iOS or Android device, but many users would consider the options more than ample.

This tablet runs on the Fire OS operating system and includes Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant which many seniors will find extremely useful. It’s far more budget-friendly than alternatives such as Apple devices and Samsung tablets.

3. GrandPad

The GrandPad is built specifically with seniors and other older adults in mind, so it's no surprise that it’s packed with features that make it ideal for older users, including easy-to-use apps and extra security features.

This tablet only includes apps that are deemed essential for members of the aging population so you won’t have to worry about an abundance of tools causing clutter and distraction. That said, there’s still plenty of functionality with apps covering video and phone calls, internet browsing, games, email, camera, music, and more. There’s even a help app that connects the user with a specialist who can answer any questions.

Note that the GrandPad involves a different setup to an iOS or Android device and is tied to a monthly membership program.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 or S7+

Samsung devices tend to be favorites among Android users as they are quality-built and offer modern features such as high-resolution cameras and powerful processors. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 version is slightly larger than an iPad at 11 inches. However, if you opt for the S7+ you get a much larger screen size of 12.1 inches diagonal. This extra inch can be significant in terms of user friendliness for older adults.

The Android operating system is intuitive and has almost as many loyal users as iOS. With Android, you have access to the Google Play Store which houses a vast selection of apps, similar to the Apple App Store’s offerings.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tablet

While all of the tablets above are worthy of consideration, it’s important to bear in mind several key factors when determining which is the right fit:

• Operating system

• Screen size and brightness

• Practicality

Let’s look at each of these in a bit more detail.

Operating System

When it comes to tablet choice, a key consideration will be the operating system, with the most popular option being Apple’s iOS operating system and Google’s Android system. This decision really comes down to preference and familiarity. For example, if the user already has an iPhone, then an iPad will be intuitive for them to use.

It’s also worth considering whether or not someone will need to provide assistance and support in setting up and using the device, and if so, that person's familiarity level with the different operating systems. For example, if you will be supporting the user and you are only comfortable with the Android system, then that will likely be the best way to go.

Screen Size and Brightness

Another key factor to consider when choosing the ideal tablet is the screen size. This is of particular concern for older adults who are more likely to have deteriorating eyesight. In this case, opt for a larger screen and check that it’s simple for users to zoom in on content or increase the font size and other elements.

Along the same vein, a feature that’s often overlooked is screen brightness. Sometimes tablet screens aren’t bright enough for users to be able to see the screen clearly under certain lighting conditions. Consider if this will be an issue, particularly if the user tends to sit in natural sunlight often or will be using the tablet outdoors.

Accessories Options

We discussed size and operating system, but there are other practical issues that may sway your decision one way or another.

For example, many older adults prefer to use a keyboard instead of a touchscreen while others might benefit from the use of a special tablet pen.

Some tablets come with select accessories rolled into the price, but you’ll have to buy most separately. When shopping for a tablet, it’s worth considering the accessory options available and pricing these out beforehand.

Bonus: Best Tablet Accessories for Older Adults

Does your loved one already own a tablet? Or do you want to make sure their new tablet is as user-friendly as possible. Perhaps an accessory would make a great gift. There are a ton of accessories available for tablets, many of which can greatly improve user experience for older adults. Here are some top recommendations:

• Case: A case is considered a must-have accessory for tablet users, but there’s no one-size-fits-all. When choosing a case, consider what features will make life easier for the user, such as a high-grip surface or a built-in stand or keyboard.

• Pen: Some users who have trouble with touchscreens find that a special pen (often called a stylus) can be helpful. These have a rubber tip which replaces the fingertip when using touchscreen and can be especially helpful for writing tasks and improving accuracy when tapping buttons, links, and other elements.

• USB adaptor: Most tablets don’t come with the USB ports you find on desktops and laptops. A USB adaptor can be super handy for connecting flash drives, mice, and more to your tablet.

• Battery pack: Some tablet batteries last longer than others, but regardless, it’s always good to have a backup in case of emergency. Battery packs can be kept close at hand and taken on the go so you’re never left without juice.

Need more advice on choosing the best tablet and accessories? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Tech Coaches Digital Literacy Club for CABHI’s Leap Community

The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest is renowned for carrying out incredible work in the healthcare field.

CABHI works with and funds innovators who develop products, services, and programs to support aging and brain health, improving quality of life for older adults. To date, it has directed over $127 million toward healthcare innovations and engaged more than 78,000 older adults and caregivers with its exciting projects.

One of CABHI's latest initiatives is Leap, a virtual community that brings the lived experience and insights of older adults and caregivers to innovators who design technology solutions for the aging population. Tech Coaches is excited to be working with Leap to facilitate technology processes within the community through our Digital Literacy Clubs.

Below, we reveal more about CABHI and Leap, and how Digital Literacy Clubs are helping to bridge the technology divide.

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About the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI)

CABHI is an organization powered by Toronto-based Baycrest, a leader in global healthcare, research, and innovation. Baycrest has a century-long history and boasts one of the top cognitive neuroscience research institutes in the world—the Rotman Research Institute.

CABHI’s focus is on developing solutions that drive innovation in the area of aging and brain health.

Within the organization, there is collaboration between partners from a range of sectors including research, healthcare, not-for-profit, industry, and government. The overall aim is to optimize quality of life for older generations, facilitating choices such as aging in place or residential living. Goals include maintaining cognitive health and boosting emotional and physical well-being.

As part of this focus, CABHI promotes partnerships between innovators of new technologies and relevant stakeholders, including healthcare providers, governments, and consumers. This offers a unique path for innovators to develop, test, and validate their ideas and ultimately bring the best products to market.

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The Leap Community

The Leap virtual innovation community is a key CABHI initiative that forges these valuable connections. Leap connects older adults, as well as caregivers, with innovators of technology solutions designed for the aging population. The diverse community engages members online (and in the future in-person once safe to do so), providing older adults with the opportunity to learn about new technology and share their experiences and insights with others.

This unique process results in products that are heavily influenced by the people who really need them, with Leap serving innovators and end users alike.

Innovators have the opportunity to gain feedback and insight on their products or research areas, ensuring that their solutions are relevant, speeding up the product development and refinement process, and supporting faster adoption in market. This can save a significant amount of time and money for companies bringing products to market.

And those providing feedback get a huge amount in return. They learn about new technologies, form social connections, and feel a sense of pride and purpose in helping develop innovations that enhance quality of life for their peers.

While some similar organizations are selective about members, CABHI embraces diversity in its Leap community and welcomes people from all backgrounds, age groups, and levels of digital literacy. It acknowledges that digital literacy is paramount to participation and is taking action to level the playing field. According to CABHI:

“We embrace the reality that digital literacy is essential for older adults to stay engaged and have equitable access to innovative solutions that will make their own aging experience better and more on their own terms.”

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How Tech Coaches Digital Literacy Clubs Are Helping

At Tech Coaches, our mission is to educate, inform, and enable the aging population through a variety of technological literacy programs. We have many years of experience in adult education and are passionate about empowering lifelong learners with the confidence to participate fully in today’s digital world.

Tech Coaches works with a wide range of organizations interested in delivering technology literacy to older adults, including senior centres, healthcare organizations, community centres, veteran associations, libraries, and more.

Our Digital Literacy Clubs are conducted via Zoom and provide an informal, interactive environment for older adults to learn technology basics.

Because the needs of each audience vary widely based on factors such as the experience level of group members, we customize our sessions to cover a variety of topics that suit an organization’s unique vision for the program. Topics may include emailing, texting, Windows, online safety, and more.

Digital Literacy Clubs have helped bridge the digital divide for older adults, boosting confidence among participants and initiating connection and conversation around technology use. Sessions are designed for positive learning and include a question and answer component to ensure participants are comfortable with the teachings. 

Tech Coaches is proudly working with CABHI to provide Digital Literacy Clubs to LEAP members. 

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How to Be a Part of Leap

Are you interested in joining the Leap community? Or do you know someone who could benefit from this initiative? 

Companies, innovators, and researchers can get involved by contacting CABHI directly via email (info@cabhi.com).

If you’re an older adult or caregiver who wants to participate, joining the program is simple. Visit the Leap webpage and complete the registration form. It’s completely free.

The best part? All Leap members are eligible to join the Tech Coaches Digital Literacy Club. Once you’ve signed up to the community, you will have access to our weekly sessions as well as other programs and events hosted by Leap.

Looking for more information about CABHI, Leap, or Digital Literacy Clubs? Contact us to find out more.

How QR Codes Work and Why They Create Value for Users

QR codes have been gradually trickling into use over the past decade or so. But it’s really in the last year, during the pandemic, that we’ve seen a surge in their everyday use.

While in the past, QR codes were commonly used in marketing campaigns and product tracking systems, more recently, they have been broadly used for everyday actions such as “checking in” at certain venues and viewing menus at restaurants. They are also a key component of many vaccine passport systems being adopted by certain regions.

QR codes work similar to a bar code and can be scanned using a smartphone or tablet, as well as other specialized scanning devices. While its use is increasing, QR code technology can seem intimidating to many users, particularly those who are relatively new to smartphone or tablet use.

In this article, we explain exactly what QR codes are, how they work, and the value they offer. We also reveal how to use your device to scan or present a QR code.

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What Is a QR Code?

QR stands for quick response, which gives a clue as to the purpose of the QR code. Essentially an evolved barcode, the QR code was originally developed in 1994 by a car parts manufacturer to help with inventory tracking. The codes are designed specifically to be scanned from any angle and to be read as fast as possible.

New technology means that most people now carry around a QR code scanner integrated into their smartphones. There are also apps available for users whose devices don’t come with a built-in scanner. These include Kaspersky's QR Scanner and NeoReader, and QRbot.

At first glance, a QR code looks almost like a pixelated image of a standard barcode. Its unique pattern contains a set of key features designed to optimize readability and information-sharing. For example, the positioning detection markers (highlighted in red below) help a scanner recognize and read the code. Other features may include alignment markings that allow curved QR codes to be read and a timing pattern that indicates the size of the code’s data grid.

There are two main types of QR codes: static and dynamic. Static codes contain fixed information that can’t be edited. Example uses include business cards, employee IDs, Wi-Fi connection details, and product information.

Dynamic codes provide information that may be updated. These are the codes you’ll see most often utilized by businesses for things like marketing campaigns or event management. They can direct the person scanning the code to something like a business page, an app, a PDF, a coupon, or a social media page. Dynamic codes can be used to track information such as when and where a code was scanned.

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The Benefits of Using QR Codes 

QR codes have gained most of their popularity in the age of the smartphone. They are very versatile and a single scan can provide users with a ton of information. When used for marketing, businesses can utilize QR codes to engage with customers, share information, and gather feedback. You’ll often see codes on billboards, in magazines, and even on TV.

For users, the key functions of QR codes are accessing information or providing information.

Accessing Information

Users can utilize their device to scan a QR code to access information, such as on a company website or social media page. For example, QR codes are becoming widely used in restaurants for providing guests with menus and ordering systems. This practice has seen a surge in popularity during the pandemic as businesses try to limit face-to-face interactions and the handling of items by multiple people. QR codes can also be found on many signs and posters, enabling users to easily access information about events, initiatives, and more.

Many restaurant QR codes enable you to pull up menus and order and pay for your food, all using your mobile device.

Providing information

In other cases, QR codes can offer effective mobile solutions for providing information. For example, a QR code stored on your phone can be used in place of a boarding pass or event ticket. Most recently, we are seeing QR codes being used as vaccine passports to provide proof of vaccination when entering certain establishments. In Canada, this practice is already in place in BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and is set to be rolled out in Ontario in mid-October. QR codes have also been widely used to quickly “check in” to venues as part of COVID-19 tracking and notification systems.

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How to Use a QR Code

We’ve discussed what QR codes are and why they’re useful, but how exactly do you use them in everyday life? As discussed, QR codes can either be used to access information or provide information. In the former case, you need to scan a provided code. In the latter, you’ll need to present a code. Let’s look at each of these in turn.

Scanning a QR Code

Scanning a QR code can sound intimidating, but it’s as simple as taking a picture. That said, you will need a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) that has QR code scanning capability.

To scan a code, access your device’s camera as though you’re about to take a picture. Hold the device up to the code so that the entire code is in view. Once your device recognizes the code, you may see small borders show up on the screen around the corners of the QR code. You should also see a popup that contains a descriptor for the code. Tap the popup to access the webpage or other item that the code is linked to.

Want to give it a try? Use the QR code below to access the Tech Coaches homepage.

Providing a QR Code

It’s rare that presenting a QR code is mandatory and there are usually alternative options for things like travel and event access such as presenting a paper boarding card or ticket. That said, utilizing QR code options where available can make things simpler. And there’s a good chance that in the near future, they will be mandatory for certain activities. Thankfully, providing a QR code is relatively simple.

If QR codes are in use for an activity, you will usually receive yours through a method of digital communication, for example, in an email or text message. To retrieve the QR code when required to present it, all you need to do is locate that email or text message and present the code.

However, if that sounds like a lot of hassle, there are other options. We find that the simplest solution is to take a screenshot of the QR code you need to present and save that image on your device. This way, it’s accessible even if you don’t have access to the internet. When you need to present the QR code, locate the screenshot you took.

If a person is scanning the code, simply present the image on your device for them to scan.

In some cases, you’ll need to scan the QR code using a machine. In this case, pull up your QR code and hold your phone with the screen pointing toward the scanning tool.

QR code technology is everywhere and it can seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. But the practice of scanning and presenting these codes is likely going to continue ramping up for the near future at least. And once you get used to using QR codes, they really can make some everyday activities a lot simpler. For example, as long as you have your device with you, you won’t have to worry about printing your boarding pass or remembering those tickets.

Do you have any questions about QR code use? Let us know in the comments section below.