Technology

SkyView Just open and point to the sky (indoors or out) and this app identifies constellations, planets, random space debris (satellites) and the International Space Station. It even has cool space music.

Pinterest Whenever I’m at a thrift store and see interesting items, I use this app to figure out what I can do with them.

Health If you don’t feel like dropping cash on a Fitbit, this app comes with newer iPhones. It keeps track of your steps and monitors other health information. You can download similar versions in the App Store if you have an older phone.

Venmo This is a great way to easily de-cash yourself. The app allows you to send money from your bank account to a friend’s. It’s great for splitting checks at dinner or sending grocery money to a needy college student you know.

TuneIn Radio Listen to any radio station in the country, live, any time of day. I love listening to sports talk radio. This makes it easy.

History Here Ever wonder what cool thing happened somewhere you’re passing through? The app pops up and tells you what you’re missing and why you should stop. The Sky’s the Limit From Stars to Sushi, Favorite Apps Point the Way Who doesn’t love a good cell phone app? Below are a few of the editor’s free favorites for iPhone.

Podcasts It’s the app for insomniacs, from the TED Radio Hour to America’s Test Kitchen Radio to The Moth storytelling podcast. I’ve spent hours (really) from 1 to 4 a.m. listening to smart people talk about interesting things.

Twitter By following local and national news sources (Washington Post, Fox 8 News, CNN, etc.), I get lots of news from my Twitter feed. And I’m just nerdy enough to love the Earthquake Alerts feed (@QuakesToday), with its real-time earthquake reports.

With technology changing, and new devices quickly becoming must-haves rather than luxuries, the following are some things to consider when making your next technology purchase.

TABLETS

Many people feel lost when they’re not in front of their computer. If you want the convenience of a laptop without carrying one, a tablet is for you. A user-friendly, lightweight device allows users to access email, catch up on current events, search the Internet, make purchases and do almost everything that a computer does.

“My wife and I can also shoot photos, and even videos, to (send) our grand-kids who live out of state, whether it’s to their iPads or phones. And they do the same to us,” says 71-year-old Dan Fonte, president of the board of directors of the Mayfield Senior Center in Canton. “My iPad’s tethered to my wife’s iPhone so if our grand-kids call her phone I can answer the call on my iPad. That kind of communication allows us to keep up with the kids’ activities when we’re not visiting them.”

A tablet is easy to carry and store and accommodates those with arthritis or similar issues because using it is as simple as swiping a finger across the screen. Another convenient feature is the ability to zoom in on text, helping users with low vision. Prices can range from just over $200 to more than $800, depending on the model.

LISTEN THE WAY YOU WANT

Do you want to listen to music and simultaneously take phone calls? Then Qmadix Qi-wear Stereo Bluetooth Eye-ware/Headset is an option. These “shades” allow users to communicate with others using Bluetooth devices. If you are looking to increase the volume on your smart devices, consider portable speakers or docks. You can attach your smart devices or use Bluetooth technology. Excellent Bluetooth (wireless) speakers like Bose SoundLink start at just over $100.

Imagine taking your family to learn about the world-renown Asian collections at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Or having them chat with a curator at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History to discuss trends in the area’s birding community? How about watching a live concert with students from The Cleveland Institute of Music?

Seeing, learning and listening — it happens in real-time each week through University Circle’s cultural offerings throughout Northeast Ohio.

University Circle Inc., (UCI) a development, service and advocacy organization, provides community education for students of all ages by creating unique learning opportunities through online connections to the institutions in Cleveland’s rich and vibrant cultural neighborhood.

The interactive programming allows lively dialogue with experts, educators and students up close and personal from the comfort of local community centers, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

University Circle Inc. works closely with community sites to customize programs. Active adults who attend programs at senior community centers typically participate in a monthly videoconference, then go on a guided, follow-up field trip to an exhibit, concert or play.

Videoconferencing technology has been around for 20 years, but as equipment becomes more affordable, streamlined and easier to use, retirement communities have embraced the technology.

In 2001, UCI began developing a sophisticated program for schools and then began to adapt these programs for adult audiences in 2011. After a successful pilot program with Laurel Lake in Hudson, UCI offered the Senior Connections program regionally.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Cleveland Institute of Music have videoconferencing studios, and the Western Reserve Historical Society has a shared studio. Hundreds of programs are offered with topics as varied as history, current events, nature and cultural trends. The programs might include a single museum, or some events connect several sites simultaneously.