Which Music Streaming Service Reigns Supreme: Apple Music vs Spotify?

When it comes to the best music streaming services, Apple Music and Spotify immediately pop into our minds! After all, these two music streaming providers are leading the charts in paid subscribers. Carrying distinctive features that cater to specific users, it can be hard to choose between the two.

So, let us dig a little deeper into their traits to see which is the ideal music streaming service for you!

AUDIOPHILE-GRADE STREAMING EXPERIENCE: APPLE MUSIC

In February 2021, Spotify announced that it will be releasing its Spotify HiFi tier. This is an upgraded level of streaming that aims to deliver lossless CD-quality music. Upon its release, it will only be available in selected regions. However, Spotify users have yet to see any signs of HiFi anywhere. By default, Spotify sets its streaming quality to automatic. This setting depends on your connection strength – whether you are using Wi-Fi or cellular data.

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On the other hand, Apple Music recently released its high-resolution streaming options at no extra cost. Apple has developed its own lossless audio compression technology called Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). With it, you can experience 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/48kHz, and 24-bit/192kHz streaming and Spatial Audio through Dolby Atmos.

POCKET-FRIENDLY PLANS: APPLE MUSIC

Both Spotify and Apple Music offer three-month free trials for their premium versions. When comparing the prices of the plans, Apple Music is minutely cheaper than Spotify Premium.

Here is a comparative list:

Apple Music Spotify Premium
Free Trial 3 months 3 months
Student Plan S$4.98/month S$4.99/month
Standard Plan S$9.98/month S$9.99/month
Family Plan S$14.98/month S$14.98/month

FREE VERSION: SPOTIFY

If you are not willing to spend money on a music streaming service, you can download Spotify and use its free version. There is a catch! Spotify Free is supported by advertisers, so expect to listen to these ads.

You also cannot download your favorite songs or access the offline mode. This free version will either use your cellular data or connect to your Wi-Fi whenever you stream.

MOST FLEXIBLE STREAMING SERVICE: SPOTIFY

Choosing Apple Music is a no brainer if you are stuck in the Apple ecosystem and are blessed with a wealth of iTunes music. In contrast, Spotify welcomes both its Apple and Android users.

You can also stream your Spotify playlist across various devices from smart speakers to game consoles and smartphones. There is also a robust range of podcasts and concerts.

WHICH MUSIC STREAMING SERVICES SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

As a personal preference, I prefer using Spotify Premium on my Android and Apple devices due to its superior song recommendation algorithm. If Spotify suddenly stopped its services and I had to switch to Apple Music, it would not be so bad.

You need to choose a service that suits your personal and financial preferences. Save money on your subscription by getting the Family Plan. Spotify and Apple Music offer Family Plans at S$14.98/month. You can share your subscription with five other people. Thus, your contribution will amount to about S$2.50/month/person.

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Are there only three members in your family? Do not worry about sharing your plan with your actual family members! You can form a group of friends or co-workers instead.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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6 Money Lessons To Avoid Being Broke

Nobody ever wakes up one morning and thinks, “I want to be broke.” A hefty loan here, a bad investment there, and a long credit card statement later – you have no idea how you landed in this state. You are living paycheck to paycheck without savings intact.

What can you do to turn the tide? Start by reading this article and applying these lessons into your life.

#1: THE POWER OF SETTING CLEAR FINANCIAL GOALS

Goals mark your direction in life. If you do not have a clear destination to work towards, it can be difficult to find the passion or motivation to save. Whether you are eyeing on purchasing a flat or figuring out how to pay off your debts, crafting a plan can get you there.

As you set your financial goals, consider making them SMART. Financial goals need to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. Creating goals using the SMART method can help you ensure that you are working on an achievable goal within the timeline that you set. Stay on course!

#2: DON’T BUY WHAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD

Spending less than you make and buying what you can afford seem like simple personal finance rules. However, these are easier said than done. You can get distracted with the consumer-driven society that tempts you to live beyond your means. When this happens, a good rule of thumb is to save at least 15% of your income.

If you find it hard to save money, try paying for groceries and clothes with cash instead of a credit card. Take it one step further by using a budget per month. Withdrawing a fixed amount every month can help you to become more aware of your spending choices.

#3: EMBRACE THE FINANCIAL WORLD

The majority of personal finance lessons do not center around financial education, but on financial behavior. If you can modify your behavior with money, you can alter your financial future. Remember that you do not need to be a financial expert to prepare an emergency fund or to save for retirement. Start by building a solid financial plan and committing to it.

#4: THE IMPORTANCE OF INCREASING YOUR INCOME

Search for part-time jobs such as freelancing or dog walking to grow your income. You can take on other positions in the same company too. If you feel like you have reached the glass ceiling in your field, consider looking for new career paths to generate more income. Increasing your income can help your financial future.

#5: INVEST SMARTLY, AND NOT IMPULSIVELY

Investing is a good way to protect and grow your assets. However, the talent of wise investing does not come to us all. You may be succumbing to emotions and invest impulsively, hence you win big or lose big.

As a precaution, have an advisor who is trustworthy and credible. Research on your part is vital as well. It will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to make smart investments.

#6: BUDGET YOUR MONEY

It is understood that budgeting plays an essential role in controlling your spending, paying off debts, and staying on track with your financial goals. Creating a budget starts with adding up all your expenses for the month and subtracting that amount from your total income.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Set monthly and daily spending limits to adjust and make up for any oversights. You can create a budget using a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a budgeting app. Use a tool with which you are most comfortable.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Try these lesser-known co-working spaces for a change of environment

The Great Room co-working space

Though the authorities announced the easing of the work-from-home arrangement in December last year and up to 50% of employees who can work from home will be allowed to return to the office, the other half of us are still stuck with the default.

It’s not a bad idea to wake up late, not having to squeeze with a bunch of people on buses and trains, and drawing up reports in one’s favorite PJs. But too much of something is never too good. If you agree and need a change of environment, try these lesser-known co-working spaces that are ever-ready to welcome you to their premises.

Mox

Mox at Oxley

Location: *SCAPE, The Rise @ Oxley, and Assemblage @ 362 Holland

Mox is a collaborative workspace and network for creative people to meet, engage, exchange, and invent. The diversity of events, work areas, social spaces, and folks in Mox help creatives develop and produce excellent works, whether they are enthusiasts, creative-preneurs, or established businesses.

The name derives from the word “moxie,” which denotes bravery, boldness, and audaciousness. It was created by the same folks that developed Artbox Singapore. The team thinks that their community demonstrates the guts to be unconventional and their shared spaces can physically connect people and allow individuals to produce extraordinary results via immersive experiences. Want to learn more about Mox and how having a creative workstation can help you succeed? They would be delighted to tour you around.

The Co.

The Co.

Location: 99 Duxton Road, #02-00, Singapore 089543

The Co. is a community-run facility for the public. It’s a refreshing take on the neighborhood community center, and its mission is to bring people from all walks of life together in a welcoming and supportive environment while instilling new viewpoints via art, wellbeing, food, and beverages.

The community, which is housed in a heritage shophouse in the core of the culturally fascinating Duxton neighborhood, creates, curates, and hosts contextual, betterment, and social programs. They provide individual workplaces and a friendly and suitable shared work atmosphere with passionate hearts and brilliant minds, as well as being a communal area for your unique functions.

Found8

 

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Location: Amoy, Tanjong Pagar, and High Street Centre

Found8’s private offices are completely customizable, allowing you and your staff to work in an environment that satisfactorily suits you. Simply submit a request, and the team will do all the necessary to make your dream office a reality to the best of their abilities.

There are also choices for hot desks and dedicated workstations that are versatile and tailored to your working style. It provides opportunities to chat with fellow entrepreneurs across all of their center areas. Who knows you might find yourself sitting next to a prospective business partner or valuable investor the next time you’re clocking in at Found8? You can also engage with the community by attending periodic member-only events, which feature fascinating topics that are conducted on a rotating basis across their co-working spaces.

Trehaus

 

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Location: Trehaus @ City Hall, 109 North Bridge Road, #07-21 to #07-33, Singapore 179097 (via Lift Lobby A)

In this contemporary village, you won’t ever have to face a dilemma between work and family. Whether it’s a seat you can readily plug into a few afternoons a week or a room to get work meetings done, Trehaus Business Club could very well be the ideal space for you. It was founded by working parents who desire to concentrate on their careers without forsaking their families.

The brand is Singapore’s first flexible office with an adjacent preschool operated by kind and supportive caretakers, allowing you to work in peace while your child is tended to only steps away. And when your infant is ready for kindergarten, Trehaus School, which is located next door, will provide them with an elite education syllabus you can trust.​

Gather Cowork

Gather Cowork

Location: 22 Martin Road, Level 3, Singapore 239058

Gather Cowork is a present-day coworking site that provides a variety of workplace alternatives, from S$750/month fixed desks with a view to S$900/month customizable and fully-furnished private offices, and meeting spaces for seminars, networking opportunities, and community engagements. There are also a variety of business services available.

The team strives to develop a tribe of like-minded folks that bring continual enthusiasm to their work tasks every day. They are located near the Central Business District (CBD) and are surrounded by a variety of fitness and lifestyle enterprises. Time to gather if you want to flourish together as a community at Gather Cowork. Did we mention that they are pet-friendly too?

The Great Room

The Great Room Singapore

Location: Afro Asia, Raffles Arcade, Ngee Ann City, Centennial Tower, and One George Street

The Great Room was founded in 2016 to revolutionize the way people want to work, socialize, and exchange ideas. It’s a space that’s perfect for serious conversations, deep reflection, and thorough research, but it’s also great for mingling and socializing. Trust us when we say it’s a fantastic place for both work and pleasure.

The team recognizes that a diverse workforce has a wide variety of demands and that meeting those needs necessitates flexibility. Their dedicated office solution is ideal for both established businesses and startup companies looking for a place to call home for the short or long term. The new age self-starters will be able to swiftly link up with the finest and brightest thanks to their well-structured common spaces. Each venue is sited in a bustling neighborhood in the heart of the city for the convenience you need.

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6 Tips for Making the Most of Your Air Purifier in 2021

The health of you and your family is greatly influenced by the quality of air in your home. We no longer need simple indicators that the air in our homes is contaminated – the fact that our nation is among those with the most polluted air in the world is more than enough to convince us that clean and fresh air is more than a luxury.

Most air purifiers are simple to use. On the most basic level, you may just switch it on and forget about it. However, by following these easy air purifier guidelines, you can maximize your air purifier’s usage and effectiveness. Learn how to operate an air purifier successfully in the video below.

Don’t Obstruct The Flow Of Air.

If this is your first time purchasing an air purifier, you’re probably wondering where the ideal area to install the air purifier is. You should be aware that the position of your air purifier is really important.

Horizontal air intakes and vertical air exits are common features of air purifiers. Any items should not obstruct the air movement of the air purifiers. Maintain a distance of at least 15 cm from the drapes or walls.

It is critical that the purifier be placed on a level surface, such as the floor, nightstand, or table. A flat platform, whether it has a stand or caster wheels, provides stability and assures superior performance.

Lift the air purifier with a stool to collect the smoke more effectively. Place it in the center of the room if possible. HEPA air purifiers should not be used in humid areas, such as the bathroom, since the fibrous media filters will get dampened.

Avoid using the air purifier outside.

The purifier must bed Windows.

Air purifiers perform best in confined spaces. When the air purifier is turned on, keep the windows and doors closed. Otherwise, cleaning the air in your room would take an eternity.

All of the fresh air will vanish if you leave a window open! In restricted settings, air purifiers perform better. Having said that, we do urge that you open doors and windows to air out your house regularly. Simply switch off your air purifier before avoiding wasting power. However, ventilation is required for clean interior air. Open the windows from time to time to allow fresh air into the room.

Keep The Purifier Running 24/7

Keep your air purifier running at all times. If you’re concerned about energy consumption, reduce the fan speed. (Fortunately, most air purifiers use approximately the same amount of electricity as your computer.)

This helps to save money in the long term while still preserving cleaner, purer air. Because the air quality in your house is always changing, air purification is a continual process. You can’t expect your air to stay pure if you operate an air purifier for a couple of hours. We also advocate leaving your air purifier on when you leave town; otherwise, you’ll come home to contaminated air.

Regularly Clean The Filters

Filters fitted with molecular sieve 13X should be replaced regularly to ensure optimal efficiency. Air purifier filters decrease effectiveness as time passes and more contaminants are collected. To keep your air purifier running smoothly, follow the filter replacement instructions in your owner’s handbook.

You may wash your air purifier’s washable fabric pre-filter in the washing machine. Clean a washable mesh pre-filter with lukewarm water. Some liquid detergents can be used. Before reinstalling the pre-filters, make sure they are completely dry. Cleaning the pre-filter should be done at least twice a month.

If the pre-filters cannot be washed, vacuum with a gentle brush head.

Clear The Dust From The Dust Sensor Lens (If Any)

Some air purifiers have laser dust sensors. They use complex algorithms to count the particles in the laser beam.

The sensor’s lens becomes clogged with dust and dirt as a result of its sensitivity. Clean the glass lens at least once a month to ensure accurate sensor data.

Clean the dust sensor twice a month during pollination seasons or wildfire outbreaks.

Use Numerous Air Purifiers Or Booster Fans.

Every air purifier has a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) score, which you may use to determine the best room coverage depending on your desired air exchange rate. However, there are certain system losses in the real world.

It is difficult for an air purifier, no matter how powerful the airflow, to capture contaminants from every part of the room. This is especially true at corners that are obstructed by things like flower glass jars and dressers.

You may remedy this problem by using a fan to properly circulate the air in the room. You can also use two or more air purifiers, especially if your space is large.

Place the fan in regions where the purifier may be found.

Conclusion

An air purifier aids in the removal of impurities from the air in your home or business. When used correctly, it may keep you and your family safe by effectively removing contaminants. They can also help you sleep better. Overall, it will boost your productivity and quality of life.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using or maintaining an air purifier.

 

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Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners in Singapore, Under S$230

From robot vacuums to cordless vacuum cleaners, modern technology redefined how we achieve spotless floors! Cleaning your home became less of a chore with innovations such as these.

Let’s put a spotlight on cordless vacuum cleaners in Singapore. You do not have to worry about pulling a cord throughout the house because these are convenient and portable. It also operates with rechargeable batteries.

Cordless vacuum cleaners come in different shapes and sizes, but some of the best models in Singapore include the ones listed below.

#1: ELECTROLUX ALLERGY ERGORAPIDO BRUSH ROLL CLEAN CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER

Price: S$225 at Lazada Singapore
(Sale Price: S$204.47)

Electrolux Allergy Ergorapido’s name may be mouthful, but it is efficient. People with dust allergies can find this model beneficial as it comes with a filter that gets about 99.99% of micro dust. It claims that its “HEPA grade five-fold high filtration system effectively blocks secondary pollution”.

Image Credits: lazada.sg

Lastly, its charging time is four hours.

#2: AIRBOT SUPERSONICS PLUS CORDLESS PORTABLE VACUUM CLEANER

Price: S$149.90 at Airbot

Do not be fooled by its inexpensive price as Airbot Supersonics Plus is a portable handheld cordless vacuum cleaner that comes with several modes. It has an OLED display screen for clearer and easier monitoring of battery levels and vacuum modes. As a bonus, it looks aesthetically pleasing in deep red!

Image Credits: airbot.sg

Use its LED light for easier visibility under sofas and beds. In terms of power, Airbot Supersonics Plus is an upgraded 25 kPa model with a charging time of about 4 to 5 hours.

#3: ELUXGO LIGHTWEIGHT CORDLESS VACUUM EC19C

Price: S$68 at Lazada Singapore
(Sale Price: S$64)

Weighing in at only 0.84 kg, the Eluxgo EC19C is lighter than many laptops in today’s market. If you are always on-the-go and intend to use this vacuum cleaner while you travel, this extremely light tool is a lifesaver.

Image Credits: lazada.sg

As a friendly warning, Eluxgo has a weaker suction power and a shorter battery life compared to the other models on this list. It is sufficient for a university student that is looking for a device to clean his or her dormitory room.

4. DIBEA D18 CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER

Price: S$135 at FairPrice

Dibea D18 is a powerful mid-range model that empowers up to 40 minutes of cleaning with 12,000 pa suction power. It comes with two cleaning modes to suit your needs. You can also access hard-to-reach corners with its wide floor brush and LED lights.

Image Credits: fairprice.com.sg

Take advantage of its 2-in-1 soft brush function that can clean floors as well as office carpets. Lastly, it is supported by HEPA multi-stage filtration system. Simply put, it is practical and flexible!

Sources: 1 & 2

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