4 Significant Improvements In The iPhone 13 Series

For the Apple enthusiasts, the long wait is over! Apple announced the new iPhone models in its annual conference, which is ahead of the holiday shopping season. This year’s virtual conference included the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, and two Pro models with premium features that you will not find in the regular iPhone 13.

The iPhone 13 will retail from S$1,299 and the iPhone 13 Pro starts from S$1,649. As always, the Pro models are more expensive. These phones will be available in Singapore from September 24.

1. LONGER BATTERY LIFE

In a 2019 poll by SurveyMonkey, 76% of iPhone owners said longer battery life would get them excited about a phone upgrade. Let us see how that pans out because the iPhone 13 series comes with major batter life improvements.

The longer battery life is made possible by A15 Bionic, larger battery, more efficient components, and power optimizations from a deep integration of both hardware and software. In fact, iPhone 13 offers up to two and a half more hours in a day than iPhone 12. iPhone 13 mini, on the other hand, provides up to an hour and a half more power in a day than the iPhone 12 mini.

2. ELEVATED PRO LINEUP

Mr. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, said:

“iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max make up our most Pro iPhone lineup ever with the biggest advancement for our camera system, the best battery life ever in an iPhone, and the fastest performance of any smartphone. (It is) setting a new standard for iPhone and enabling incredible experiences never before possible…”

The new Pro models were redesigned inside and out. Both models introduce an all-new Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion featuring an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. Your touch experience will be faster and more responsive. What’s more? The Pro camera systems has the new Ultra-Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras to help you capture stunning photos and video. All these are powered by the A15 Bionic.

3. IMPRESSIVE CINEMATIC MODE

Apple followed an extensive study of cinematography to create the Cinematic mode for its newly introduced iPhone series. You will be able to capture cinema-style moments without the training of a professional filmmaker. The focus can be changed during and after capturing pictures for creative control. Users can also adjust the level of bokeh in the Photos app and iMovie for iOS.

Cinematic mode records in Dolby Vision HDR and is enabled by A15 Bionic.

4. DIFFERENT CAMERA ARRAY

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini represent a leap in camera design with its advancements in hardware and computational photography to deliver stunning photos and videos. The camera array is arranged in a diagonal manner. You would be happy to know that the new Wide camera comes with the biggest sensor in the history of iPhone’s dual-camera system. Moreover, its camera system can gather 47% more light for less noise and brighter results!

We officially welcome you to the iPhone 13 series! Do you consider their longer battery life and cinematic camera mode as minor or major improvements? Write your thoughts on the comment section below.

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Common Financial Problems In Long-Term Partnerships

Arguments about finances hamper many marriages and professional partnerships. It is no wonder that financial problems are the leading cause of divorce.

A committed couple who suffers from serious monetary problems typically face loads of stress and tension, which often translates to heated quarrels. Prevent a fueled fight by fully disclosing your financial circumstance to your partner. From time to time, check if your financial goals are still in sync.

#1: STUCK IN DEBT

From school loans to gambling addiction, many people come to the altar bearing their financial baggage. If a partner has an outstanding pile of debt and the other does not, this situation can ignite a conflict.

In such situations, people often take solace in knowing that debts are not carried over through the marriage. However, it is understandable to share the responsibilities over childcare and housing debts.

Acknowledging what you are getting yourself into can help you employ various strategies to pay off debt. Both partners must be non-judgmental and honest when discussing about their financial habits and debts. Use several tools and strategies soon after. Seek professional help when necessary.

#2: DIFFERENCES IN MONEY PERSONALITIES

Tension brought by money can be due to the opposing personalities and beliefs of two people. Personality towards money plays an important role in a couple’s marital bliss or lack thereof.

Imagine living in a home with a hoarder when you are a spender yourself. Or, living with someone who is risk-avoidant while you are a risk-taker. These opposing personalities can be mediated by empathy and compassion. Walk in the other person’s shoes to understand where he or she is coming from. Paying attention to your partner’s financial habits before and during matrimony can be beneficial too. Discuss about your financial views and habits to reach a level of understanding.

#3: LEVELS OF COMMITMENT

Whether the spotlight is on a romantic or a professional partnership, the commitment levels of each individual can be an issue. You need to clearly discuss what each partner is looking for. Let us take a business partnership as an example. Partner A wants to keep his full-time job and invest some funds to the business, while Partner B wants to fully dedicate his time and resources towards the business. Can you see the gap between these two?

When it comes to romantic relationships, two people may not be on the same page when it comes to commitment. Partner A wants to start a family, while Partner B is not yet ready. It is important to discuss the commitment levels before it is too late.

#4: DIFFERENCES IN FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The nature of partnership is a struggle that many partnerships face. After all, not every partnership is split 50/50. The differences in financial contributions can yield many questions such as how the profits will be divided (i.e., professional partnership) or how clear these financial responsibilities are (i.e., romantic partnership).

These questions must be addressed at the end of the courting period. Thus, both parties will aim to eliminate lingering tensions as they move forward.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Creative Ways To Teach Your Child How To Count

Educators usually begin teaching counting and basic numerical concepts to children in Kindergarten. However, you can begin to teach your child these concepts earlier on. The skills you teach your child can search as a foundation that your little one can draw upon when teachers introduce numerical concepts in Kindergarten. Moreover, counting is the foundation of money management.

Teaching children to count can be easy and fun! Use these simple strategies to develop your child’s fondness for numbers.

1: BLOCKS SORTING

Sorting, the application of logical thinking, is a natural part of counting objects. Sorting, classifying, comparing, and organizing information are the pillars of complex mathematical decision-making and thinking skills.

Keep things engaging by asking your child to recognize his or her set of blocks. The process of sorting is the process of grouping objects that share the same attributes. Ask your child to arrange the blocks by shape or color. Then, count each category.

2: MODELING ROLE-PLAY

For children aged 3 to 4, you can practice counting by using common toys. Stuffed animals and stacking rings can be useful for your role-play. Let your child play with your while you are counting the objects together. Sneak the learning in playtime rather than focusing on academics. You can also teach the color names as you count these types of toys.

3: COUNT AND EAT

If your child is motivated by snacks, you can use this technique to work on his or her counting skills. Use your child’s favorite snacks and have them count how many you are giving them. You can let your child eat the snacks with every correct answer.

4: STAMP ON

Use your child’s artistic side to your advantage by having your toddler place stamps on a piece of paper. State the number you want them to show and let them stamp the corresponding object. Make sure they are using their index finger to point to each stamp as they assign it a number.

5: DOTTED CARDS

Dotted cards are made with paper and colored dot stickers. You can print this template for your convenience. Children can count aloud as they place each numerical counter on the dots. Alternatively, you can count and match the number of dots on the dominoes.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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7 Benefits Of Having An Accountant For Your Business

Accounting is a highly technical matter. The laws governing accounting changes from time to time. Furthermore, the accountants have specialized knowledge about areas that you cannot compete with. Hiring a third-party accountant for your business has its advantages.

On that note, here are the top advantages of putting up a budget for a good accountant to assist your business.

#1: SAVES YOU TIME

Every ounce of time is precious when you intend to grow your business. However, keeping up with the fast-paced economy can cause a lack in time. Choosing a trusted accountant can help you save valuable time. Thus, you can focus on the core competencies of the business.

#2: REDUCES THE RISK OF INTERNAL FRAUD

The absence of robust internal control may lead to the increasing numbers of fraudulent businesses. Due to internal fraud, your company may lose money. Engaging in a third-party accounting firm can help you keep tabs with the financial trail. Experts of these accounting firms are highly capable of identifying the discrepancies.

#3: MINIMIZES ADDITIONAL COSTS

When you outsource the accounting services, you will be able to save the costs of having an in-house employee. You do not need to pay monthly salary, benefits, and so on. You do not need to worry about the issues related to hiring, maintaining, or firing employees.

#4: GIVES SOUND ADVICE

By hiring the services of a good accountant, you are assured that the advice you are getting are both informed and authentic. You will be able to get sound advice that ensures your business is on the right track. Experts follow professional development standards to ensure that their skills and knowledge are up-to-date.

Image credits: unsplash.com

#5: HELPS WITH BOOKKEEPING

For small businesses, bookkeeping is essential. An accountant can help you record regular expenses, bank balances, sales, and other financial matters related to your business. It would be difficult for you to anticipate future gains and losses without accurate bookkeeping.

#6: REDUCES TAX LIABILITY

Accountants are knowledgeable when it comes to helping you save your taxes and avail tax deductions. They look at your monetary capacity and financial transactions. A good accountant can give you advice on the most tax efficient way of running your business.

#7: EXPANDS YOUR NETWORK

An accountant can grant you access to other industries related to your business. This gives you greater chances of meeting new people who can be a part of your network. Who knows? These people can help you with other aspects of your business.

Sources: 1 & 2

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