The metaverse is a digital universe that exists online, where users can interact with each other in virtual spaces. Although the concept of the metaverse is by no means a new one, it has become part of the mainstream conversation thanks to advances in technology that allow more users to have and share immersive experiences.

The metaverse is still new, and there are many hurdles to overcome. Two of the biggest  involve how we protect user privacy and how users secure their personal information. What steps are being taken to help make the metaverse safe for everyone

As with all online activity, privacy and security issues arise in the metaverse. Here are some examples:

• Identity theft: In the metaverse, identity theft might arise from hackers stealing avatars' personal information, such as their names, addresses, and credit card numbers. This can lead to financial loss and identity fraud.

• Large and extensive data accumulation: Metaverse technology may be used to collect large amounts of data about users, whether they realize it or not. Permission to accumulate this data may even be buried in the terms of service, meaning users agree to data collection simply through use of the platform. This data could be used, for example, for marketing purposes or sold to third parties.

• Social engineering attacks: These types of schemes use psychological manipulation tactics like making promises or demands to gain access to personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers. In the metaverse, social engineering attacks could be used to trick users into revealing their personal information or performing other actions that lead to financial loss.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize these concerns.

There are several steps that users can take to make the metaverse a more secure place for themselves. This includes adhering to general safety standards, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, learning about phishing attempts and other scams, and regularly updating your devices’ software.

It’s important to remember that, though many platforms offer some degree of protection to users, your security is your responsibility. This means doing your own due diligence and educating yourself on relevant laws, standards and common cyberthreats to ensure your metaverse activities are as secure as possible.

Know about data protection laws and policies

No matter what platform you’re using, you should always read the terms of service (ToS) and privacy policies that govern your use. It’s always important to try to learn about what you’re agreeing to before using a new online platform, whether it involves the metaverse or not.

Further, be sure to familiarize yourself with any local privacy laws that may apply to you. For instance, if you live in California or Virginia, you may have additional protections under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) or Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), respectively. This knowledge will allow you to make better-informed decisions about your use of the metaverse.

Use metaverse platforms with strong identity and validation standards

It’s important to understand the identity and validation standards of any metaverse platform before using it.

Stronger standards in a metaverse platform include:

• A robust system for verifying user identity.
• A clear and transparent policy for handling user data.
• Strict standards for content moderation. 

Educate yourself about cyberthreats

The metaverse is constantly evolving, and with that comes new cyberthreats. It's important to get accurate information about the most current safety and security threats so you can stay safe in the metaverse.

One of the best ways to stay safe in the metaverse is to educate yourself about the most common cyberthreats. Ultimately, education is key. Knowing what to look for means you can be more vigilant about protecting yourself against potential attacks.

The internet is great for keeping connected with friends and family. This section covers some helpful tips to help keep your family safe while enjoying the metaverse.

Make sure your child is old enough  

It's important for parents not to allow children to use metaverse platforms that are not designed for children. Here are a few reasons why:

    
• Kids may be more likely to be taken advantage of by predators.
    
• They may be more likely to engage in unintentional risky behavior, such as sharing personal information or meeting strangers in person.
    
• They may be exposed to inappropriate content.
    
• They may be exposed to cyberbullying.
    
• They are more likely to be victims of identity theft or cyberstalking.

Educate your family about reporting and blocking tools

There are blocking and reporting tools available on most platforms.

Blocking tools allow you to block other users from contacting you or viewing your profile or avatar. This can be helpful if another user is harassing you or you just don't want to be contacted by someone.

Reporting tools allow you to flag content or users that are inappropriate or that violate the terms of service of a platform. This can help ensure that platforms are aware of problematic content and can take action to remove it.

These tools can help keep you and your family safe on the internet. It's also important to teach your family members how to use them so that they can be as proactive as possible about their own safety.

Commemorating someone's accomplishments with a gift is a great way to demonstrate how much you care about them. For new drivers, earning their first license is a major milestone that brings about numerous life changes. Whether it’s your child, friend, cousin or anyone important in your life, they will benefit greatly from knowing you support their new adventures on the road. If you know someone who is a new driver, getting them the right gift can make them feel valued and help them navigate the challenges they may face on the road.

Safety is one of the most prominent concerns for many families with new drivers. There are significant hazards that come with driving, and the CDC reports that drivers aged 16 to 19 have a higher  risk of motor vehicle crashes than any other age group. Fortunately, there are a variety of apps and gifts that can help increase driver safety and help newer motorists get more comfortable on the road.

Dashcam

A dashboard camera, or “dashcam,” is a gift that’s both fun and practical for new drivers. As the name implies, dashcams are mounted to a car’s dashboard and used to continually record the view through the front windshield. Many modern dashcams have built-in Wi-Fi that enables them to connect directly to a smartphone, making it much easier to view and share the footage. This can be helpful for concerned parents of new drivers and exciting for young drivers that want to record their time on the road without being distracted.

Dashcams can be used to record accidents, create scenic videos and retroactively analyze one’s behavior on the road. In addition to providing entertainment and helping promote good driving habits, the footage from a dashcam can be used to disprove fault in the case of an accident. This is particularly useful for families with new motorists, as inexperienced drivers may be perceived as being more likely to cause collisions.

Backup cam

A rearview camera, or “backup cam,” is used to record the view from the back of a car rather than the front. Similar to dashcams, they can be used to help resolve accident-related disputes and save young drivers from receiving undue blame. Moreover, backup cams can help reduce the risk of accidents occurring in the first place by eliminating blindspots in the rear of the car. This can be especially advantageous for new drivers as they become familiar with multi-step maneuvers, like parallel parking and K-turns.

Since 2018, rear visibility technology has been required in all new vehicles sold in the United States, in accordance with a 2014 rule proposed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency. Many cars with built-in backup cameras also come equipped with object detection features that automatically alert the driver if something is in their path.

Drivers with older cars can purchase aftermarket backup cams separately and mount them to their vehicles. While it’s not as convenient as having a built-in camera, buying an aftermarket camera gives you the ability to choose the specific type of camera and display system that you want to use.

Driving safety apps

In addition to hardware, there are also a variety of safe driving apps available that can help reduce accident risk and give families of new drivers peace of mind. There are several notable types of driver safety apps that you can consider.  Verizon Smart Family Premium allows you to see when your family members are on the move and get trip details like phone use, speeding, hard braking, and crash detection.  

Vehicle tracking apps

These apps can track your vehicle directly from a smartphone or computer. Many modern car tracking systems, such as Verizon’s Hum app, include a variety of additional features such as In-Vehicle Wi-Fi, maintenance reminders and diagnostic programs. Hum also includes a safety-scoring feature that analyzes driving, helping young drivers learn to identify and correct bad road habits through first-hand experience. 

Distraction-free apps

Crashes involving a distracted driver leads to the deaths of about 3,000 Americans each year and is an especially prominent concern for families of younger drivers. Fortunately, there are a number of different apps that can stop people from texting while driving. When installed on a smartphone, these apps can silence any notifications that the phone’s owner receives while they’re driving. Some distraction-free apps, such as LifeSaver, can automatically detect when you’re driving and activate themselves, while others must be turned on manually. In addition to reducing the risk of a distracted-driving accident, using one of these apps can help reinforce responsible road behaviors in younger motorists. 

Roadside assistance apps

There are many different variables to account for when you’re driving, and car problems sometimes happen unpredictably. For new drivers, dealing with an issue like a stalled engine or flat tire alone may be too much to ask. Sudden car trouble can leave drivers stranded and in danger, particularly if they’re stuck on a major highway. Roadside assistance apps can provide new drivers with the means to request service instantly from their phones, without having to know their exact location. These apps can help save new drivers time and money in the event of unexpected car trouble, as well as provide them and their families with valuable peace of mind. 

Each of these apps has its own specific features and functions, and many new drivers may benefit from using more than one. It's important to research your options in order to determine the best safe driving apps for the new motorist in your life.

Monitoring and maintaining proper tire pressure is an important part of owning a car. Driving around with low pressure can cause tires to wear down more quickly and increase the risk of a blowout on the road. This can create a significant safety hazard and increase your expenses over time by forcing you to replace your tires more frequently. Equipping new drivers with a tire pressure gauge can help them reduce the risk of blowout-related accidents and teach them the value of responsible auto care.

While modern cars are required to have built-in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), these systems are only required to detect when pressure falls at least 25% percent below the manufacturer's recommendation, which many advocates argue is not soon enough to provide sufficiently early warning. Utilizing a handheld gauge in addition to a car’s built-in TPMS can improve the accuracy of readings and help prevent sudden malfunctions by enabling earlier detection of problems.

While monitoring tire pressure can help reduce the risk of sudden flats and blowouts, it cannot prevent them with 100% certainty. Drivers should always be prepared to deal with unexpected tire deflation. For this reason, a portable air compressor is an extremely practical gift for new drivers.

Portable air compressors are essentially more-compact versions of the stationary air compressors used by contractors and mechanics. In emergency situations, portable compressors can be used to refill tires with relative ease, which can save drivers the trouble and cost of calling a tow truck. They are also highly useful for maintenance purposes, as they can eliminate the need to visit a tire pump station for routine refilling.

An in-car first aid kit is another very practical gift that can help new drivers stay prepared for a wide range of emergency situations. In the event of an auto accident or medical emergency on the road, it’s important to act quickly. Early care can lead to improved outcomes and faster recovery times for victims. Having a well-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle can enable you to provide initial care for victims of accidents and other emergencies, which can help prevent their injuries from worsening before first responders arrive.

There are a variety of items that can be included in a first aid kit, and you may want to customize your kit according to the needs of the recipient. However, some types of basic supplies should be always included, such as adhesive bandages, gauze, medical tape, hand sanitizer, antiseptic cream and pain relief medication like ibuprofen. Consumers also have the option to buy pre-made first aid kids that come equipped with the essentials.

While many new drivers might be more interested in fun gifts, like hood ornaments and steering wheel covers, safety-focused gifts can provide much more substantial long-term benefits. These apps and gift ideas can reduce the risk of accidents, increase emergency preparedness and reinforce responsible driving habits in young drivers. Additionally, some safety-related gifts, such as dashcams, can be both practical and entertaining.

As its name suggests, telematics combines telecommunications and informatics. Though it is a cutting-edge technology, it is becoming more common for both business and personal use, with the global telematics market for vehicles alone expected to be worth around $103 billion in 2022. 

Telematics devices use GPS tracking and other sensors to harvest information. The systems also have transmission capabilities that can send the data over long distances.

Telematics has become essential in specific industries. Logistics and shipping companies use devices to track the movement of packages and containers. Manufacturing companies rely on real-time data from embedded sensors to assess performance and maintenance needs for factory equipment, and companies use location transmissions to track valuable machinery or vehicles.

Telematics can also play an important role in individual safety. Devices can capture and transmit information to help motorists adopt safer driving practices, and smart home systems can rely on sensors to detect unsafe conditions and send immediate warnings. Here is a closer look at how this technology enhances safety on the road and at home.

Tracking abilities of telematics devices can also be used to collect data about a driver’s habits on the road. Insurance companies can rely on telematic devices to assess a driver’s speed, aggressiveness, and adherence to traffic rules. They can adjust rates according to safety performance.

The effectiveness of this telematics software is a primary reason the global commercial telematics market is projected to enjoy a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.6% between 2021 and 2028.

Another reason for telematics growth is the use of devices in smart appliances and smart home systems. In addition to measuring appliance efficiency and sending maintenance warnings, these systems use sensors to detect hazards like gas leaks, carbon monoxide levels, and fires.

Here is a closer look at how telematics are helping to improve the performance, control, and accuracy of smart home appliances.

Telematics smart home apps

Smart home systems typically have mobile applications that receive data and alerts from devices and sensors in the house. As with auto telematics, these smart home setups are useful for insurers who can assess risks based on the collected and transmitted data.

Homeowners can also use smart home apps to help increase safety of their dwellings. Here are the most common examples of how these systems can limit dangers and provide early warnings about potential problems.

• Motion and sound detectors attached to the security system can provide alerts about a potential break-in. The noise or movement can also trigger an alarm or start CCTV cameras to collect visual evidence of the crime.
• Homes often have carbon monoxide, natural gas, and smoke detectors. With telematics, these devices connect directly to a smart home app, providing early warnings of a leak or fire even if the owner is not at home.
• Smart thermostats allow homeowners to adjust temperatures and receive alerts when the HVAC system is not working correctly. This helps with safety for pets when no one is at home and also avoids issues like frozen pipes.

Telematics also has applications in home health care, with devices able to help ensure the correct operation of important medical equipment and even allow physicians to collect data on patients and receive alerts about medical emergencies directly from devices, such as heart monitors.

In addition to insurance companies collecting driving data to tweak policy terms and coverages, motorists themselves can benefit from the insights and warnings that car-based telematics systems offer.

Here are four ways that this technology can enhance driver safety.

Bringing attention to unsafe driving behavior

Auto telematics devices have GPS trackers, accelerometers to track acceleration and braking, and the ability to read onboard diagnostics via the OBD II connection.

The data collected gets sent to a mobile app so that the driver can get information about their behind-the-wheel performance. For example, they may see how fast they drive in different road sections, and how abruptly they apply brakes.

With this feedback, drivers may realize they have certain unsafe habits that they were completely unaware of before using telematics. They can then adjust their driving style to improve overall safety.

Helping to stay mindful during drives 

Telematics can help drivers stay mindful during drives by providing real-time feedback regarding their driving performance. Once they are aware that their performance is being tracked, they may become more conscious of their driving style and pay more attention to speed, braking, acceleration, following distance, and signaling.

If they use a telematics device connected to their auto insurance, drivers also have a financial incentive to remain mindful of their habits on the road. Some insurers offer up to 40% off premiums for drivers who demonstrate safe driving habits.

Monitoring younger drivers

Younger drivers are often inexperienced behind the wheel and unaware of the consequences of making mistakes at high speed. Parents can use telemetry devices to monitor their children's driving behavior. They will receive alerts that can identify unsafe driving behaviors, use data to help their young drivers correct any bad driving habits, and have the ability to tie vehicle privileges to safe driving performance.

Telematics driving apps

Drivers can receive feedback on their performance via mobile apps connected to the telematic devices in their car.

These applications use data from the connected device to provide feedback related to safe driving performance that can promote safe vehicle operation in other ways.

Here is a look at two Verizon solutions that promote safe driving and offer additional information that can help drivers avoid dangers and receive alerts about potential problems with their vehicles.

Hum by Verizon 

Hum uses both an app and a piece of equipment that easily connects to your OBD port under the dash. It has GPS and other data collection components that can assess driving performance and offer insights to motorists via a mobile app. Hum uses variables like speed, braking, cornering, and acceleration to provide a driving score, setting a benchmark that drivers can attempt to improve by changing habits.

Hum also offers speed and location warnings, a connection to roadside assistance and emergency services, and alerts about vehicle maintenance needs.

Smart Family App

The Smart Family App uses motion sensors in smartphones to detect movements and assess driving performance. This application is designed for parents who want to monitor the safety and activity of their driving-age children.

Like Hum, this tool offers speed and location reporting for parents that can identify unsafe driving behaviors. The app also monitors phone use so children are discouraged from talking or texting when on the road. Crash alert and response features are also a part of this application.

Whether at home or on the road, telematics provides data and alerts that can improve the safety of drivers, homeowners, and their families. All projections suggest that this technology will become even more common over the next few years, bringing more safety tools to vehicles and homes.

Since the early days of the internet, much thought and imagination have gone into how this technology could change the ways people interact. As online interactions become more complex and interactive, the line between the virtual world and the real world could very well blur. Immersive environments that offer a shared online space with potentially meaningful interactions have begun to emerge, and these spaces are referred to as the metaverse.

As the concept of the metaverse continues to evolve, so does its potential importance. Understanding the different approaches to the metaverse can help you appreciate their applications and stay abreast of new technological advances.

The metaverse is in its infancy and its possibilities are still being explored. However, two models for the core framework of the metaverse have emerged, each with its own pros and cons: the centralized and decentralized metaverse.

Centralized model 

In the centralized model of the metaverse, experiences are hosted on a controlled platform. Though users may have a fair degree of freedom in what they do and create, the overall experience is curated by a central entity. This host acts as a governing body that has full control over its particular metaverse platform as a whole. As such, it can access all of the data that passes through its servers, as well as determine who is allowed to access its infrastructure.

The centralized model is currently the basis for many online persistent world video games, such as World of Warcraft and Roblox. 

Pros and cons of the centralized model

Metaverse experiences that use the centralized model are controlled by a governing entity, which has an incentive to offer a secure, stable experience to encourage users to participate. But because the governing entity controls access to its metaverse, questions as to who owns data, how such data is used, and the security of such data generally depend on the preferences and sophistication of the governing entity. 

Another metaverse approach is the decentralized model. In this approach, rather than the experience being hosted from a central server, users share information between nodes, which is similar to how a blockchain operates using a peer-to-peer network. Communities that want to offer a more transparent platform than the centralized model typically use the decentralized model.

The decentralized model also offers a more customizable experience for those who use it, since the code is often open-source. This lets users see how the core program works and enables them to make their own content and engage with the virtual world on their own terms. Linux is a good example of a legacy decentralized platform. The original codebase is protected, but it can be freely modified by users to create entirely new operating systems.

Pros and cons of the decentralized model

Because users send encrypted information through a decentralized blockchain, all nodes in the network carry a consistent record of activity. Since this data is encrypted and distributed, information is relatively secure and difficult for hackers to access or modify. This also helps avoid data breaches through user error, because private info isn’t stored on a central server.

Still, users need to be vigilant of private information loss through social engineering attacks. Without a single governing entity, users may not have the security of an admin attempting to prevent this type of activity.

Major businesses such as Meta, Epic Games, and VRChat employ a centralized model for their excursions into the metaverse. This gives them complete control of their platforms and ensures they can offer the services they want. This also offers advantages to the company running the metaverse platform since they can make money through additional services and advertisements.

Because of its openness and freedom, the decentralized model appeals more to certain communities. Developers who argue that the decentralized model is a more secure approach have set out to create standards that an ideal metaverse should meet.

Microsoft’s Minecraft represents an application of the decentralized metaverse model. Users are free to host their own servers and modify the game as they like, all while engaging with others in an interactive virtual world. Though Microsoft maintains and sells Minecraft, they don’t control what users do in the game.

The needs of a metaverse application vary quite a bit by what it aims to provide for customers. Since both approaches offer different attributes, the goals of the specific metaverse platform will dictate which model is the stronger choice.

Additionally, as the metaverse is still in its early stages with an uncertain future, many of the implications of these two approaches are still to be discovered. It’s possible that an even better alternative exists that is yet to be invented.

Since each metaverse model presents distinct strengths and weaknesses, users often have their own opinions on which approach they prefer. Some users may find they enjoy the qualities of one model, while others may not have a strong opinion either way. 

Some users may not understand the differences enough to have a preference. Furthermore, the concerns of commercial users and personal users may be different due to their interests in the platform.

Commercial users

Since the centralized model offers more control for the host, a commercial user may find it more profitable to partner with a metaverse service that uses that approach. Additionally, the centralized experience makes it easier to reach a user base since the host has more control over how the space is used. This makes it easier for brands to hold promotions, such as virtual concerts in Fortnite.

However, the centralized model may face greater challenges in protecting user privacy, which commercial users may see as an unnecessary risk that the decentralized model could alleviate.

Personal users

Some personal users may prefer the increased freedom offered by a decentralized model. Tinkerers and creative types may enjoy the ability to customize their experiences and have more control. Other users, however, may find value in the centralized model, since it offers more security through increased host accountability and the potential for a less fractured user base.

Many industry leaders believe that the metaverse will revolutionize how we interact with each other and the world around us. It could change how we socialize, entertain ourselves, and even work.

Still, in its early stage, the metaverse has already begun to impact the way we work. Companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are already using virtual reality to train their employees. Even the U.S. military is using VR to help soldiers prepare for combat. These all suggest that jobs may eventually operate in some form in the metaverse in the future. 

The metaverse is a digital parallel universe that exists within the internet. It is a virtual world where users will be able to interact with each other and digital objects realistically. The metaverse uses virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology to change the way we work, play and interact with one another.

This concept is not new — the name has been around since 1992 when the metaverse term was first mentioned in the science fiction novel Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. Metaverse technology is now starting to catch up with the science fiction writer's vision, making it easier to enter this new digital world.

Though the metaverse is still in the early development stage, there are already a few examples of its use in the workplace. Some of these applications are internal operations and some are customer-facing. 

• Internal operations: These operations, like IBM's Virtual Reality Garage, include VR training program applications that allow employees to learn about new technologies in a virtual setting. In addition, programs like Microsoft's HoloLens allow users to see and interact with digital objects in the real world, which can be useful when designing and building products.
• Customer-facing programs: VR tools like Lowe's Holoroom allow customers to design their dream kitchens and learn home improvement skills. The customer can then walk through their kitchen in VR and see how it would look in real life. The tool helps employees better serve customers, thereby increasing sales.

Other companies have also continued to adapt technology to create a more metaverse-compatible workplace, including: 

• Meta Horizon Workrooms: Meta and Oculus have created a new product called Meta Horizon Workrooms. It is a VR tool that allows people to work together in a virtual space.
• Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is a new tool that allows people to collaborate quickly and virtually. It is for businesses, but anyone can use it.

Of course, this technology is still new and many applications for the workplace metaverse are still in development. Keep your eyes peeled for the latest advancements in metaverse-compatible workplaces.

In recent years, the IT industry has been increasingly embracing remote work. According to a McKinsey survey, nearly 77% of computer and IT professionals reported being able to work from home in some capacity. Luckily, the metaverse can make IT professionals work from home capabilities even more efficient. 

For example, the metaverse can be employed for training employees on new systems. This would be particularly beneficial for complex systems that are difficult to understand without hands-on experience, such as jet engines. Digital twins are used to create such models and allow anybody with a digital copy of an object to learn how it is engineered, destroyed, or repaired.

Entertainment

The metaverse can be applied to more than just work since it has the potential to change the way sports and entertainment are experienced. 

For example, musicians could use the metaverse (as well as other quickly-advancing technologies, like 5G) to create virtual concerts. The Foo Fighters used multiple 180-degree cameras, positioned all around the stage, to present and fully-immersive concert experience in VR.

What’s more, the metaverse could provide new work opportunities for game developers since they would be able to create virtual worlds for companies to explore.

Telecommunication

It's no secret that the telecommunications industry is rapidly changing. And the metaverse has the potential to change the way we communicate, work with each other, and even find jobs in telecommunication.

The metaverse can build a virtual office that would permit employees to work together in a digital space.

Fashion

The metaverse has the potential to change fashion and even how we purchase clothes.

A designer could introduce virtual fashion shows and allow people to see the latest trends in a new way. Another possibility would be virtual dressing rooms, permitting people to try on clothes without leaving their homes.

A retailer could also use the metaverse to create virtual stores and provide businesses with opportunities to sell and have their products purchased anywhere in the world.

Real estate

The metaverse can potentially enhance the real estate world by changing how we build, buy and even design a property.

It could be used to create a digital property model and allow builders to get feedback from potential buyers and make changes before the building is even built. A real estate agent could show a potential buyer around a property without ever stepping foot on it.

The metaverse has the potential to change a lot of industries, and we are only just beginning to see the possibilities of this technology. As it continues to develop, we can expect to see even more ways in which the metaverse could change the world.

In the most general sense, the metaverse represents all of the shared virtual environments that people access via the internet. Metaverse platforms combine technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and social media to create immersive digital worlds where users can interact with their environment, and each other, in new ways.

While “the metaverse” is often used as a singular term, there are many different platforms that allow you to access entirely different virtual environments. Many major companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Nike, have invested in the development of their own metaverse platforms.

These investments reflect the increased interest in the metaverse.  Indeed, the market for metaverse technology is growing and is projected to grow exponentially over the next decade. But the metaverse is much more complex than the internet we’re used to, and significant improvements to technology and infrastructure will need to occur to make it available for everyone.

Due to the size and complexity of most metaverse platforms, accessing their full functionality typically requires specialized equipment, high levels of processing power, and a large amount of bandwidth. The exact types of hardware and software you’ll need can vary depending on the platform you’re using. Still, there are several important pieces of equipment that you should familiarize yourself with before you start exploring the metaverse:  

• Mobile phone for AR experiences:  The most available way to enjoy the metaverse right now might just be with a mobile phone. Mobile apps like Pokemon Go, Snap Chat, and Google Sky all use augmented reality to alter the way we see reality. Even though you might not see it in real life, a mobile device running Pokemon Go will allow you to catch your favorite pocket monsters wherever you are, alongside other users.
   
• VR headset: Unlike AR glasses, which blend digital elements with real life, virtual reality (VR) headsets allow you to enter and explore completely simulated environments. Because of this full immersion, VR headsets allow you to enjoy a wider range of metaverse functionalities than AR glasses. 

However, they can also be unsafe to wear in certain settings or for extended periods, as they completely block out all your real-world surroundings and can cause side effects like motion sickness. 

Some VR headsets require pairing with a smartphone, computer or gaming console, while others can be used as standalone devices. It’s critical to ensure that the headset you choose is compatible with your smartphone or computer, as not all headsets can be paired with all devices. 

• VR controllers: When used in conjunction with a VR headset, VR controllers can enhance your metaverse experience by allowing you to experience real-time tactile feedback with your hands as you interact with the virtual environment. These devices use built-in actuators and motors to replicate the resistance you feel when gripping and moving objects.
   
• Tablet for immersive 2D and 3D experiences: While some might defend Second Life (2003) or even Habbo Hotel (2000) as the first forms of the metaverse, others still will point to the 2D immersive experience and MMORPG, Habitat, developed by LucasArts. Nowadays, Roblox and Minecraft serve as platforms on the metaverse and can be accessed via mobile devices like tablets.

Currently, using specialized devices like these is the best way to enjoy a fully immersive experience in the metaverse. In some cases, you can access the metaverse using only a computer or smartphone. However, this will significantly compromise the performance and functionality of most platforms.

Several notable challenges are standing in the way of easy, widespread metaverse access:

Processing power  

Metaverse environments are massive and full of animated 3D elements that are constantly being rendered in real-time based on sensor data and user actions. They are far more complex to operate and maintain than any traditional internet platforms, especially as they accumulate more users.  

Because of this, computing industry leaders like Intel believe that supporting full metaverse functionality on a large scale requires a higher level of processing power than most peoples’ smartphones and computers can deliver. 

Internet speed and bandwidth   

To enable real-time interactions and synchrony between many users, metaverse platforms need to process and transmit massive amounts of data constantly. As a result, enjoying the full functionality of most metaverse environments requires a mobile network with a high level of bandwidth. 

Unfortunately, the current internet was not built with the metaverse in mind, and most existing mobile networks don’t provide the necessary bandwidth to support full metaverse access for all mobile device users. As metaverse platforms continue to grow, they will likely increase collective bandwidth consumption at a very high rate, placing tremendous strain on data centers and internet infrastructure.

While large-scale metaverse use can seem like a prospect for the distant future, it may be more feasible than many people think. To truly make the metaverse easily available and fully functional for everyone, several upgrades must be made to cellular networks and the computing devices people use.

Internet infrastructure  

To allow for widespread metaverse access without compromising performance, significant infrastructure advancements must be made to improve network speed, latency and symmetrical bandwidth.

One major advancement that is already underway is the expansion of 5G networks, which can reduce latency and increase bandwidth for many people. Additionally, tech giants like Meta and Google have begun investing in the creation of more subsea fiber optic cable networks, which are intended to help provide more people with faster internet speeds. 

Computer systems  

Because most smartphones and personal computers aren’t capable of supporting full metaverse platforms by themselves, manufacturers must significantly improve the processing power of these devices to make the metaverse available for everyone.  

Higher capacity memory cards and graphics processors are already being developed for smartphones and computers, and would likely help to optimize the performance of metaverse platforms on these devices. However, more powerful hardware like this must become the new standard for phones and computers before large-scale metaverse use can become feasible.

Edge computing 

Virtual worlds require a lot of computational power to render and maintain the assets and rules that comprise them. This means the potential for latency among users is high and that quality of service (QoS) will be affected. 

Fortunately, edge computing, or the use of cloud-based computing services closer to the user (rather than processing data on servers that are farther away from the user), is making a quality metaverse more available to everyone. So if you raise your hand in Montana, but you’re connected to a data center in Oregon, edge computing strategies will help keep you in sync with the rest of the metaverse and be able to experience a low-latency and highly responsive virtual reality.

If you’d like to enjoy an immersive metaverse experience in your home, it’s important to make sure you have the necessary internet access and computing power. To achieve optimal metaverse performance, you will likely need a connection with a minimum speed of 100Mb/s (megabits per second) for basic VR functionality. 225Mb/s allows HD VR streaming with no lag or latency.

If your current connection doesn’t adequately support the metaverse platform you’re using, you’ll likely experience limited functionality and unacceptably high lag. If it’s available in your area, switching to 5G Home Internet or Verizon Fios can provide a high-speed internet connection for your home.

Additionally, it’s critical to make sure the computing device you’re using has enough memory and processing power to support the metaverse. If it doesn’t, you may need to upgrade to a new computer or incorporate specialized equipment like a VR headset.

In recent years, remote work has grown in popularity and for many companies, remote employees are now a reality they must face. Remote work is trending "permanent," with nine in ten full-time employees hoping to maintain remote hours post-pandemic.

But this new way of working brings new challenges. A global study found that “breaches cost over $1 million more on average when remote work was indicated as a factor in the event”, which emphasizes the point that it's even more important to maintain data security. Although there are plenty of cybersecurity precautions companies need to take initiative on, employees can take additional steps to support and bolster those efforts. There are plenty of ways you can take cybersecurity action as a remote employee to keep both your and your company’s data safe. Here are some tips to help protect your company and yourself from cyber threats.

Many employees working remotely rely on their home wireless network or cellphone plan to connect to the internet. These connections could be subject to intrusion, providing hackers access to your network, exposing your personal information and allowing criminals to steal your identity.

The average home router has a default password. Hackers and other malicious users know this and use that information to their advantage. Your network may be compromised because of this default password. Changing the password provides extra security to your home network and helps guard against unsecured devices that may attempt to connect wirelessly.

If you've never been prompted, you will need to disable Universal Plug-n-Play (UPnP) to protect your home network from unsecured devices.

A password manager is a software application that helps you keep track of passwords and login information for all the apps, websites and accounts you use for work. It stores this information in an encrypted database so you don't have to memorize them all.

Using a password manager can be a good idea if you're working remotely because it can help prevent you from forgetting all your login information. For example, if you're traveling and need to access your email account, but don't have access to your computer at the time, then having access to the login information for your email account will be incredibly helpful.

Another benefit of using a password manager is that it makes it easier for remote employers to manage their passwords across multiple devices. If they want to change their password on one device but leave it unchanged on another, they can do so with just a few clicks using the same application that stores all their login information.

Of course, you may need to check with your company beforehand to see if password managers are permissible. Many companies don’t allow the use of password managers — or may only allow specific ones — for security purposes.

Even though there are only so many security actions you can personally take as a remote employee, there are actions you can advocate for — including actions that your company can take and benefit from. One of those is bringing in company-owned devices. 

As opposed to a Bring Your Own Device policy, company-owned devices are more secure since they minimize the risk of human error that increases susceptibility to a security breach. Plus, these devices are also a lot more cost-effective for remote employees. For example, based on data about company-owned devices from Frost and Sullivan, companies with more than 500 employees spend $2,240 per employee for a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy. This includes expenses such as BYOD-specific software, IT teams for troubleshooting and security solutions, which far exceeds the $1,637 per employee costs for company-owned devices.

According to Frost and Sullivan, “Corporate-Liable (CL) devices costs seem higher when viewed in a vacuum, but because of the support costs incorporated into BYOD, the total CL cost of ownership is lower.” If your company opposes the idea of company-owned devices because this initial bill is too large, it’s important to remember and consider the costs associated with the entire life cycle of a device. If an employee’s device breaks, they’ll be responsible for paying for it, which can increase stress and even result in dissatisfaction with the company. Paying the initial cost for a device now is better than paying a much grander price later — especially if company data is compromised in the process.

To advocate for these devices, it’s best to discuss the benefits with your company leaders and the actionable steps they can take to bring company-owned devices to fruition. From there, you’ll also have to sign an agreement to adhere to your company’s security terms. This may include a variety of actions including complying with a remote wiping if you do encounter a breach and keeping your personal digital activity off of your company-owned device to minimize the risk of a breach.

If you're a remote employee, you know it's important to separate your work and personal lives. That means not using your work phone or computer to send personal emails or vice versa.

Using a work device for something that's not work-related, like sending a personal email or checking social media accounts, puts your company at risk. A hacker can gain access to your email account or phone through phishing scams or vulnerabilities, after which they'll be able to see all personal information stored there. That includes data related to your work, such as sensitive details about the company's operations, which would be valuable for competitors.

On the flip side, when you use a personal device for work purposes — such as checking the company's email from home — you're putting yourself at risk by giving hackers access to your private information. Their goal is usually financial gain: if they can get into your bank accounts and steal money, they'll be able to make off with thousands of dollars in seconds.

A zero trust model assumes a “never trust, always verify” approach and that no users or devices are to be trusted without continuous verification. This system, as opposed to a VPN, is great for any company utilizing cloud or remote technology, as it doesn’t inherently trust one user and also assumes that all traffic is untrustworthy unless directed otherwise. This means that remote employees can access their company network without worrying about being compromised, whether they’re working from home or accessing public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop.

Zero trust systems can also gather information or context that may indicate a breach. For example, if someone is trying to access the network from a different location or a different time of day, it’ll flag the occurrence.

Using a zero trust model for work can benefit remote employees by reducing the risk of cyberattacks and making it more difficult for third parties to infiltrate a network, especially through a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack. It also makes it more difficult for you to accidentally compromise company data by continuously authenticating users whenever a protected transaction occurs.

If your company doesn’t opt for company-owned devices as previously mentioned, it’s especially important to look into a zero trust system. Most BYOD policies inherently come with more risk. If hackers get into your network, they could gain access to all kinds of sensitive information and company data. A zero trust framework can help protect against this attack by making it more difficult for them to access employee or company data  — all while flagging suspicious activity.

These days, remote users require smartphones to perform jobs from anywhere and at any time. However, a company-issued phone could be the key to accessing confidential information and sensitive data, particularly if it falls into the wrong hands.

Cybercriminals often target devices as opposed to digital networks. As a result, attackers can easily steal sensitive data, including credentials, personal identity information and intellectual property data such as trade secrets.

To ensure control over your and your company's data, you must effectively secure your digital devices, including any company-issued smartphones and computers. To do this, ensure your device locks automatically after a certain amount of time. You will have to create a password to log back in, which should include a variety of capitalized letters, numbers and symbols. The more characters and complex, the better.

In addition, avoid creating a password for your device that you’ve used elsewhere. If this password is compromised at any point, hackers will be able to use it for other log-ins.

Generally speaking, it’s the responsibility of companies to ensure their remote employees’ internet access is safe and secure. However, as an employee, it’s your responsibility to ensure this process is completed and done effectively. One such way you can do this is to supply information to your employer about what internet service provider you use. 

From there, your company can research the ISP’s account security, consumer safety and privacy policies before allowing you to work from home. This can help them proactively identify and address potential risks, and allow you to take advantage of additional safety features.

For example, some internet providers have a feature that allows users to change their password every 30 days, so if someone has stolen a password, bad actors will only have access for a short period. Another way that monitoring internet services can help is by letting you know if someone has tried to access your account from another device or location. While this doesn’t stop hackers from getting into your account, it does serve as an added layer of protection and allows you to respond to an intrusion more quickly.

And even though relying on your ISP at home does come with extra steps, it’s safer than many other alternatives when it comes to working remotely. For instance, public Wi-Fi is notoriously risky for cybersecurity, as most networks are insecure and can be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.

“OK Google, what is a smart home?” You might have heard about home automation in the news. Or maybe friends and neighbors have talked about how they’ve taken steps to make their houses “smart.”

From convenience to safety to fun, there are a lot of benefits to home automation. But you may not know how or where to begin. For instance, what should you do first, choose a smart hub or pick your devices? Do you start with lighting or temperature controls? What’s the best smart home setup?

Without a little background, it can be hard to dive in. That’s why Verizon put together this guide to the basics. As an expert in wireless and fiber-optic networking, Verizon knows a bit about connecting people and devices. So we’ve come up with a few tips and ideas to help you create your own smart home.

As with any new technology, there can be some confusion about what’s behind the buzzword. So before we start talking about device compatibility and network technology, let’s try to define “smart home” as simply as we can.

By taking advantage of improvements in networking technologies and innovations in both connected devices and voice recognition, it’s now possible to bring many aspects of your home online – lighting, heating, entryways, entertainment systems and more. Lights that once had to be flipped on and off at the switch can now be commanded by the sound of your voice. And thermostats that had to be adjusted by hand can now be controlled remotely from your smartphone. It’s automation like this – spread throughout an entire house – that makes a home smart. To put it another way, it’s the internet of things in the home.

The best smart home setups include an entire network of intelligent devices, allowing you to effortlessly monitor and control any aspect of your house whether you’re home or away. These intelligent devices – from doorbells to motion sensors to appliances – can be linked via Wi-Fi or a similar cellular frequency to your smartphone or a single wireless hub. And each device can be controlled from your phone or by the sound of your voice through a smart speaker.

But there’s no single smart home concept. Your home can contain as many or as few devices as you want to connect – it’s up to you how complex you want your setup to be.

Now that you have a general idea of what a smart home is, let’s dig into some basics.

A connected home adds convenience and efficiency to your life by helping to automate minor tasks and chores. In other words, it will help you put some of your daily routine on autopilot so you have more time to do the things you love.

How can this technology be applied to your home? You might already be familiar with some common smart home devices – such as smart lights and thermostats. But there’s a whole plethora of devices coming online. Here are some examples of smart home components and what they can do:

• Lighting – Interior and exterior lights can be commanded by voice, programmed to turn on when you arrive home, or scheduled to come on at dusk and switch off just before sunrise.

• Entryways – Doors can be locked and unlocked using voice commands. Video doorbells let you see who’s approaching your home. Garage doors can open automatically when you pull into the driveway.

• Kitchen – Coffee makers can be scheduled to start brewing as you wake up. Dishwashers and washing machines can send you an alert once the cycle is complete.

• Entertainment – TVs can be controlled with your voice. Stereo systems can be programmed to turn on when you enter a room.

• Family & pets – Smart indoor cameras can let you know the kids have arrived safely home from school. Intelligent baby monitors allow you to keep an eye on your newborn from the next room. Smart pet feeders let you refill the dog’s bowl when you're away from home.

• Landscaping – Robotic lawn mowers can mow the lawn for you. (Yes, really.) Sprinkler systems can adjust watering based on the weather.

Almost all of these devices can be controlled from your smartphone, and many of them can be controlled with voice commands through a smart speaker. You’ll need to do some setting up, but once you have everything in place, it works almost like magic.

Here are just two examples of home automation using intelligent devices:

• Let’s say the hallway to the kids’ room is dark and you can’t reach the light switch since your hands are full with a bunch of their toys. Instead of dropping everything to the floor and fumbling around for the switch in the dark, you could simply tell your smart speaker, “Hey Google, turn on the hallway lights.” And, presto – the lights in your hallway will turn on at your command.

• Or, imagine you're home with the kids, preparing dinner and waiting for a load of laundry to finish in your smart dryer. With the proper smart-device setup, you can tell Google Assistant to tune to your children’s favorite Netflix show using Google Chromecast Ultra, walk you through a five-star recipe for Chicken Paprikash, and re-run the dryer cycle so your clothes won’t wrinkle while you work on dinner – all without lifting a finger.

To see some concepts come to life, visit the Fios Smart Home page.

A single smart device in your home can do some pretty neat things. But when you start stringing together lists of actions through a smart hub, that’s when it gets really interesting. For instance, you can create an advanced setup where as soon as you pull up to the house after a hard day’s work, the garage door opens, the lights come up and your favorite Spotify station starts playing on your stereo system, all while the thermostat adjusts your home to the perfect temperature for your arrival.

The possibilities are almost endless. Just keep in mind that features vary depending on brand and model of device.

Let’s face it, having a “home of the future” where things instantly respond to your every command is just kind of awesome. But beyond the obvious cool factor, home automation can make your life more convenient, more secure and more enjoyable. As you begin to create your smart home system, you can focus on just one of these goals or all three.

But, as with any home improvement, there are costs involved. So let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of smart homes.

First, here are some advantages you’ll get to enjoy with a smart house:

• Convenience – Imagine not having to walk back and forth to flip on a light switch 10, 20, or even 30 times a day. Or trudging up and down stairs to turn the thermostat up, and then down, and then up again. These may sound like minor time-savers, but you’ll quickly get used to the ease of controlling appliances and other devices from your phone or – even more easily – with your voice.

• Security – Whether you’re home or away, smart devices can bring a sense of security to you and your family. Wireless outdoor security cameras and smart doorbells can tell you when someone is approaching your home. Intelligent smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will alert your mobile device if something’s wrong. When you’re away, control your lighting remotely and monitor indoor security cameras from your phone.

• Savings – With automated heating, air conditioning and lighting controls, you can save on your electric bill. Schedule the thermostat to use less energy when you’re away and then adjust your home to the perfect temp right before you return. Set exterior lights so that they turn on and off by themselves, without ever worrying if you’ve left something on overnight.

• Entertainment – Syncing your entertainment system with your streaming libraries lets you enjoy music and video on demand. A song pops into your head and – ta da! – you can command your smart assistant to start streaming it to your stereo system: “Hey Google, play The Safety Dance.”

• For new parents – Families with a newborn in the house might appreciate having another pair of eyes on the baby. You can add a smart camera in the nursery to let you know when your infant wakes up. There are also smart baby monitors that can send you an alert whenever your little one is crying.

As with any home improvement, it’s important to weigh your costs against your budget before you get started.

On the flip side, here are some of the disadvantages to making your home smart:

• Time and effort – Even with our tips, creating a setup to your liking and then getting everything to play nicely together can take some time. Luckily, this upfront investment is usually a one-time cost. Once you have things working the way you want, minor tweaks – such as adjusting schedules or times – should be easy to make.

• Reliance on Wi-Fi – If you’ve ever experienced a slow internet connection caused by devices eating up your bandwidth, imagine how you might feel once your lights and appliances rely upon your home network too. Some internet providers offer gig-speed internet, a service with enough bandwidth to power all of your digital connections. But availability depends on each provider’s technology and coverage area.

• Technology creep – Smart devices and voice recognition are two rapidly advancing technologies. So the hardware you purchase today may not support the next set of great features that are just about to hit the market. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re the type of person who always needs the latest and greatest devices.

But, for many people, these hurdles are no big deal compared to the idea of having a tricked out home-of-the-future that even Captain Picard would be jealous of.

Typical smart home setups include lighting, thermostats and speakers, all connected by a dedicated smart hub or a smart speaker. But again, it’s really up to you. Your smart home should include components that you will use and enjoy.

Here are some smart devices that you can consider adding to your home:

• Lights and light switches

• Outlets and electrical plugs

• Smart thermostats

• Speakers and sound systems

• Media streaming devices

• Door locks

• Video doorbells

• Security cameras

• Garage door openers

• Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Coffee makers

• Washers and dryers

As we’ve discussed, a smart home is basically a network of connected devices. These devices communicate with each other by transmitting information along a specific, predetermined radio frequency. Wi-Fi is one such frequency, available to anyone who has internet service and a Wi-Fi router.

Other wireless network standards – with names like ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread and WeMo – have popped up to help smart homes work. These standards are billed as being more efficient and less likely to interfere with your existing Wi-Fi connections. But unless you have an advanced setup with lots of battery operated devices, Wi-Fi should be fine for your smart home network. (Many smart devices can operate on Wi-Fi but some do not, so check the specs before you make a purchase.)

An important shopping tip: Before buying a smart device, make sure it’s compatible with your smart hub.

Here’s one smart home challenge you may run into: Not all smart hubs are compatible with each of these wireless standards. So check which standards your smart hub or smart speaker supports and then shop for components accordingly.

Okay, we hope you’re excited at the concept of a smart home and that your mind is already racing with fun and timesaving automations you can add to your house. If so, great! Now, where to begin?

This is one of those home improvement projects where setting aside a few minutes to plan things at the beginning can wind up paying big dividends down the road, saving you time, money and frustration. Let us guide you through that part and then we’ll get to the fun stuff: adding devices and switching on your smart house.

There are two ways to go about automating your house: You can add one or two devices at a time, piecing things together as you go along, or you can grab a smart hub and a bunch of devices and add them all at once. It’s the difference between dipping your toe into the pool and diving in head first.

For some people, budget might determine how you go about it. Buying a few smart light bulbs and a smart speaker so you can control them with your voice can cost as little as one hundred dollars. Add a video doorbell, a smart thermostat and a garage door opener, and you’re looking at several hundreds of dollars. Start shopping for new appliances, and – not surprisingly – you’re into the thousands. Other people may just want to see how they like the benefits of automation before spending the time and money to go with a full setup.

No matter which category you fit into, this is a choice you should make before you start buying components since it determines how you’ll control your smart home.

And here’s a word of caution when it comes to buying devices: Let’s face it, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to buy the latest and greatest gadgets. But smart homes can be an expensive luxury if not planned out properly beforehand. To prevent overspending, why not take a few moments to come up with a budget and think about the devices you really need or want, those that will actually improve your quality of life or save you some money. (On the one hand, a smart thermostat may help reduce your energy bill. On the other, does Lola really need her own automated dog bowl?)

To prevent overspending, take a few minutes to come up with a budget based on the devices you really want.

You can browse different smart home devices and get an idea of their prices at Verizon’s Smart Home Accessories page. That leads into our next decision…

Before you start spending money on devices, it’s important to ask yourself what your goals are. That is: What do you want your smart home to do for you? Will you be happy with a few basic automations and voice commands to make life easier? Or are you looking to do a full smart home conversion, one where you’ll have the most high-tech home on the block? Each of those takes time and effort, but one more so than the other.

By starting with the end goal in mind, you can build your setup around your needs rather than confining yourself to the capabilities of the devices you purchase along the way. Plus, as we’ll discuss later on, this lets you plan your smart home system so that devices pair together easily, something that may not be possible if you buy things piecemeal.

Okay, now that you have your budget and smart home setup in mind, it’s time to start adding devices. At this point you need to decide whether or not you need a smart hub – such as Google Home, Amazon Echo or Samsung SmartThings.

To hub or not to hub?

If you’re going with just one or two devices, say a thermostat and a video doorbell, you can control them using your just smartphone without much hassle. But if you’ll be adding lots of components from different manufacturers, a smart hub is the way to go.

Why? Having a smart hub allows you to control all your components through one single device, rather than switching back and forth between different apps on your phone, which can become a nuisance when you’re dealing with multiple apps.

A smart hub allows you to control all your components with a single device, rather than switching between apps on your phone.

Take the Chicken Paprikash example we discussed earlier. With the proper smart devices you can find a great recipe from the web, stream a Netflix show for the kids in the den and start the dryer using just your voice – all while standing at your kitchen counter. Sounds great, right? But without a smart hub, you’ll need to juggle four or five different apps on your phone to make it all happen: Google for the recipe, Netflix and Chromecast for the kids’ program, the app to turn on the TV and the app that controls the dishwasher. That’s a lot of swiping back and forth.

Without a smart hub, all this app switching can defeat the purpose of setting up a smart home. The right hub will let you command all of these devices by voice, so it can be a sanity-saving investment: “Hey Google, play Dora on the family room TV.”

For basic setups, a smart speaker – like Google Home or Amazon Echo – can serve as your hub. For more advanced setups, those involving location-based automations (actions triggered as you pull up to the house, for example) you’ll need a dedicated smart hub like Samsung SmartThings or Wink.

Here are some of the questions we see asked most often about these devices:

Is Google Home a smart hub?

Google Home is a smart speaker that you can operate with simple voice commands. Among other things, it lets you enjoy your music, manage everyday tasks, and get answers to things you want to know – all hands free. But Google Home can also serve as a smart hub since it’s powered by the Google Assistant. That means you can control your compatible smart devices through Google Home. For example, simply ask Google Home to stream videos to your TV with Chromecast or to turn up your Nest thermostat. For customers who already own one or more Google devices, choosing Google Home as your hub may be a no-brainer.

Is Amazon Echo a smart hub?

Echo is Amazon’s line of smart speakers. These devices, such as the Amazon Echo Show, can act as smart hubs thanks to the Alexa voice assistant that comes built in. Alexa is compatible with many types of smart home devices, including smart plugs, home theater systems, door locks and more, making an Amazon Echo another good choice as a smart hub.

What products work with Google Home?

Over 1,000 smart devices from 150+ popular brands work with Google Home, including the Nest thermostat and the Canary home security system. With so much flexibility built in, Google Home is an excellent choice for your smart hub. Google Home lets you control compatible devices with your voice – lights, security cameras, TVs and others. Plus, it serves as a smart assistant, letting you get your calendar, reminders, information about your commute and more.

Which smart hub is best?

There’s no single best smart hub. It really depends on what products you have in your home. Google Home and Amazon Echo are two popular choices. But if you’re looking to go a step further with home automation, you might want to consider dedicated smart hubs like Samsung SmartThings or the Wink Hub. These can provide even more options for customization.

Of course, some people are more comfortable with certain brands. If you’re a Google fan, let’s say, you may want to stick with Google Assistant and Google Home-enabled products.

If you’re on the fence, here’s a simple way to help you choose: Consider all the devices you want to add to your home and then make sure that the smart hub you’re looking at will support them all. You can find a list of compatible devices on the hub manufacturer’s website. The good news is, if you want to add a new component down the road, products with the same general capabilities are usually available for the major smart home hubs.

Once you’ve made the decision about a smart hub, it’s time to buy your devices.

The number of products available can make your choices seem a bit overwhelming. If you need to narrow things down, limit your search to devices that will sync easily with your smart assistant. For example, if you go with Google Assistant, you may want to stick with Google and Nest devices. (Nest is a part of Google.) Whether you’re using a smart hub or not, this will save you some time and hassle.

Here are just a few components you can add to your home:

• Smart assistants – Google Home, Google Home Mini and Google Home Max.

• Smart switches for lighting and small appliances – Belkin Wemo Mini Smart Plug.

• Thermostats – Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E.

• Video doorbells – Nest Hello and Ring Video Doorbell 2.

• Security devices – Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera and Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera.

• Smart speakers – JBL Link 10, JBL Link 20, JBL Link 300 and Bose Solo 5 TV Sound System.

• Smart streaming – Google Chromecast Ultra.

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Google Nest Protect.

And of course, refer back to the smart home concept you’ve drawn up and keep your budget in mind.

Now we’re ready to get into the nuts and bolts of getting your DIY smart house up and running.

Before you begin

To make this setup process go as smoothly as possible, take a moment to make sure you have what you need to get started:         

1. Free space to open packages and work with the devices;

2. Time set aside to sync things to your phone or hub;

3. A Wi-Fi network that covers your entire house;

4. Most importantly of all, a fast, reliable internet connection with enough bandwidth to handle the demands of all these devices.

For the best smart home experience, make sure you have ample bandwidth and a powerful connection like gigabit internet. That’s because each device in your home will be communicating with the internet, drawing a small share of your home’s bandwidth. And you don’t want your smart assistant slowing down your streaming experience just because it’s updating tomorrow’s weather forecast.

To power your smart home, choose a powerful, reliable internet service like Fios Gigabit Connection. 

Just as importantly, your internet connection needs to be reliable. That’s to prevent the one big drawback that can come with having a connected home: If your internet connection goes down, your entire smart home setup can go down with it. Fortunately for Verizon Fios internet customers, Fios is an incredibly reliable all-fiber network.

Lastly, if there are any spots in your home where Wi-Fi doesn’t reach, consider adding a network extender to expand your Wi-Fi network. That will prevent your devices from zonking out because they’ve lost the Wi-Fi signal from your home network.

Now that you’ve got your smart hub (if you chose to add one) and your devices picked out, it’s time to link everything together and get it working.

Even with hundreds of types of devices made by myriad manufacturers, when it comes to adding them to your home many smart devices tend to follow the same basic setup process:

• Step 1: Download the manufacturer’s app to your phone.

• Step 2: Turn on the device and link it to your smartphone using the app. Then, if you’re using a smart hub…

• Step 3: Open the hub’s assistant on your phone and add the new device.

That’s about it. Sounds simple, but as you’ve probably experienced before, linking wireless devices together doesn’t always work without a hitch. If you run into trouble, visit the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting help or search for how-to’s on YouTube.

Enjoying your smarter home

Once you’ve got everything running through your smart hub – or your phone – it’s time to start enjoying your smarter home.

Now you can do things like:

• Save yourself from stumbling across a darkened room as you turn on the lights using your voice.

• Stay comfy as you turn up the thermostat without having to crawl out from under the covers.

• Smile as you rack up the savings on your heating and air conditioning bill each month.

• Sleep more soundly knowing you have smart devices monitoring your home and family.

Little smart home advantages like this that can add up to make your life a lot more enjoyable.

If you’d like to go even deeper, look to examples of advanced smart home setups online for inspiration. With smart devices and a location-aware automation system like IFTTT (If This Then That), you can do some pretty amazing things.

And with that, we wish you good luck creating your smart home. Hopefully we’ve demystified some of the jargon around this topic and helped you come up with some concepts of your own. By combining our tips with your imagination, we hope you’ll be able to design a smarter home that you and your family will be able to use and enjoy!

Cord cutting has become a popular alternative to cable as streaming TV options have proliferated on the web and consumers turn to smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices to watch their favorite shows.

Many streaming services let consumers tailor content according to their interests and preferences. And paying for a la carte programming like this can result in significant savings compared to cable – once you’ve cut the cable cord, that is.

But no matter why you’re considering streaming instead of cable – be it content, convenience, or cost savings – you’ll need to find the best internet for cord cutters. And that’s just the type of service that Verizon Fios Internet provides to millions of customers every day.

Whether you’re considering the jump to streaming TV or you’re one of those veteran cord cutters who ditched your cable provider a long time ago, Fios Internet is the broadband connection you need.

Fios Internet gives you the speed and reliability you need to cut the cord.

Why? Because Fios runs on a 100% fiber-optic network, giving you the speed and reliability to stream all the shows you want with fewer signal interruptions and less buffering.

And fiber optics are perfect for streaming 4K Ultra High Definition video. So you can stream 4K films and TV shows in sharp, amazing detail.

No matter how many streamers you have in your cord-cutting household, Verizon has you covered with the bandwidth you need – from a 100 Mbps plan perfect for smaller homes to the Fios Gigabit Connection, which is tailor-made for those households with multiple family members streaming, surfing and gaming all at once.

Whichever plan you choose, you’ll be getting the very best internet for your cord cutting experience with Verizon Fios Internet, a better way of enjoying the internet with superfast speed and amazing reliability.

Want to start streaming TV over the internet? Make sure you have the essentials.

If you’re looking to become a cord cutter, there are a few streaming essentials – such as networking and Wi-Fi devices – you’ll need to have on hand before you can get rid of cable.

To cut the cord and start streaming TV over the internet you’ll need:

• A modem and WiFi router;

• A WiFi extender (for larger homes);

• A streaming video service;

• A streaming device for your TV;

• And, most importantly of all, an incredible internet service to deliver all that streaming content to the multiple screens in your household.

A modem connects your home to Verizon’s Fios network and a WiFi router transmits the signal to multiple devices. Having a powerful router is important for surfing the internet and streaming media at top speeds from your wireless devices.

If you don’t have a WiFi router or if you want to upgrade your current router to give your WiFi signal a boost, get a high-performance router like the Fios Quantum Gateway, one of the fastest WiFi routers available.

The Fios Quantum Gateway will provide a broader range for WiFi coverage in and around your home. It also includes an integrated modem, which means there will be one less device taking up space.

An essential accessory for cord cutters with larger homes, a range extender expands the reach and potential of your WiFi network by taking the signal from your router and extending it so that it reaches devices that are located far from the router.

If you’ve experienced WiFi dead zones in your home before, consider adding the Fios Network Extender to your network. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the most from your Fios Internet connection throughout your entire living space.

A WiFi mesh network – which you can create with a device like the NETGEAR Orbi™ Tri-Band WiFi System – is another option to extend the range of your WiFi signal. Featuring two access points for improved coverage throughout your home, the Orbi WiFi router covers up to 5,000 square feet with your very own secure, reliable WiFi network. And it’s easy to set up right out of the box.

Your home WiFi network supports your broadband connection. Choose the right devices for your household.

A smart device – also known as a media streaming device or media streamer – is a must-have accessory for most cord cutters*. It gives you access to streaming TV options and lets you control the content you’re streaming to your TV from your wireless device. (*Some newer TVs have software built in that connects directly to streaming services through your WiFi network. So check your TV’s specs before you buy a streaming device.)

Verizon offers the Google Chromecast Ultra, which features a powerful processor for smooth playback with fewer dropped frames. It supports over 1,000 Cast-enabled apps, including Netflix, YouTube and Spotify.

This media streaming device couldn’t be simpler to use. It plugs right into your TV’s HDMI port and connects wirelessly to your home’s WiFi network.

Search for content, navigate, play and pause – all from your smartphone. Chromecast works with your iPhone, iPad, Android–powered phone or tablet, or your laptop, allowing you to stream TV, movies and music, and even browse the web right on your TV.

Plus, for those with 4K-enabled televisions, Chromecast Ultra lets you stream 4K content in Ultra-HD resolution.

After your internet provider, a streaming video service is the next most important element in your cord cutting setup. That’s because these services provide the content you’ll enjoy streaming over the internet – whether it’s shows, sports, news, concerts or movies.

Popular streaming services include Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, among others. Many of these services offer monthly subscriptions for a reasonable price and often cost less per month than a typical cable TV package.

No matter where you get your streaming content, make sure you have the fastest internet for the best experience.

But chances are no one provider will offer every program, movie or series you want to watch. So it’s worth it to do some research and choose the service – or services – offering the most content you like.

One thing you may want to keep in mind as you choose your streaming service: Verizon Fios TV customers with a compatible set top box can watch Netflix on Fios TV. To do so, you’ll need a subscription to Netflix and Fios Internet service with Fios TV Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium Service

If you’ve considered cutting the cord but worry that you might have to give up some of your favorite channels, something known as “cord shaving” may be an alternative to consider.

What is cord shaving? Cord shaving is when you strip out all the “extra” channels and add-ons from your cable service, leaving you with a bundle of basic channels that may cost a lot less per month than a typical cable TV package.

Cord shaving is another option for people looking to save on their cable bill by streaming.

Once you’ve chosen a slimmed down cable package, you may choose to add streaming services as described above to supplement the content available to you. Even with the added cost of a streaming service or two, you may be able to lower your cable bill enough to make cord shaving a money-saving option.

Cord shaving may be a good option for news junkies and sports lovers who are cutting the cord, as those two types of content can be especially hard to find through streaming services.

Looking for a way to watch premium channels while enjoying cost savings? Take advantage of free preview weekends with Free View on Fios TV.

Free View gives Fios TV customers the opportunity to preview premium networks they don't currently subscribe to for 48 hours – for free. Premium networks available through Free View include HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz and Epix.

Plus, Free View includes premium on-demand content and the ability to watch these premium channels on-the-go through the Fios TV app. (The Fios TV app is included with a Fios TV subscription and lets you watch TV virtually anywhere using your iPad, iPhone, Android or Kindle Fire.) So you can choose where and when to enjoy premium content from HBO and Showtime during your free trial.

So, there you have it – a basic cord cutting guide.

But before you make the leap to internet TV, here’s one really important thing to keep in mind...

No matter which internet TV service you choose, and whether you’re streaming sports, news, comedy or the latest episode of your favorite drama, the speed of your connection will determine the quality of your stream. 

So if you’re itching to cut the cord and get rid of cable, make sure you power your streaming experience with Fios Internet from Verizon. With superfast speeds on a 100% fiber-optic network, Fios gives you the speed and reliability you need to cut the cord and enjoy streaming TV on your terms.

Learn more about Fios Internet

Check Fios Internet availability in your area

Distracted driving is when a driver attempts to do a distracting activity while operating a vehicle. Not only is being distracted dangerous for the driver, but it’s also dangerous for passengers and everyone else on the road. 

According to a transportation safety page by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3,000 people were killed and over 400,000 were injured in wrecks involving a distracted driver in 2019. The CDC also reports that young adults and teens are more at risk of distracted driving. 

Thankfully, there are multiple things to do on your own to educate yourself and those around you on what distracted driving is and how to avoid it. Throughout this article, we’ll discuss the different types of distracted driving, why it happens and how to avoid them.

Distracted driving is categorized in three ways:  

• Cognitive: Cognitive distracted driving happens when your focus is removed from driving. Common examples of cognitive driving distractions include, but aren’t limited to, talking on the phone or talking to other passengers. 
• Manual: Manual driving distractions occur when a driver's hands are removed from the wheel. This could happen if they’re reaching for something in another seat or attempting to eat while driving. 
• Visual: Visual distracted driving is the act of taking your eyes off the road while operating a vehicle. This happens when the driver looks away to text or to check their GPS. 

Part of driving safety 101 is clearly avoiding the three types of driving distractions before they happen, which means being aware of their common causes as well.

Even the most disciplined drivers feel like they can safely remove their attention from the road. When the reality of it is, there’s no such thing as safely taking your attention away from driving. 

Sometimes all it takes is a little extra help remembering the common causes of distracted driving and how to avoid them. Remember, even small distractions can have big consequences. It’s better to remove them all instead of putting yourself (and others) at risk of danger for something small. Let’s take a closer look at a few common driving distractions.  

Texting while driving

Despite cell phone laws, texting or using the phone for any reason while operating a vehicle, is common among drivers nationwide. In fact, according to a survey conducted by The Zebra on texting and driving, more than 16% of drivers in 2021 admitted to texting  while driving,  a decrease in comparison to the 18% of drivers surveyed in 2020.   

For some, all it takes is putting their phone in the center console to avoid this common distraction. However, if you find yourself easily tempted to use the phone and drive, then it may be best to keep your phone out of reach, yet still near to your person in case of an emergency. Turning off your phone entirely may not be the best idea, either, for this may cause further issues in case of an emergency. 

You may consider alternative methods to avoid using your phone. For instance, there are apps like Verizon Smart Family Premium and Hum you can download that help those in an emergency who are unable to reach their phone. Additionally, there are apps available to block texts from coming through while you’re driving to help fight the distraction. 

Eating in the car

As convenient as it is, eating on the go comes with its consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving while eating increases the likelihood of crashing by up to 1.8 times. This is because consuming foods of any kind or taking a drink from a beverage requires a great deal of coordination and mental attention, thus distracting the driver from the road. 

Eating while driving is a perfect example of a manual distraction — it’s an activity that involves the driver removing their hands from the wheel to eat while driving.  

If able, eat before you leave or after you arrive at your destination. However, if you need a pick-me-up along the way, then find a safe place to park to enjoy a quick bite. That way, you’re not risking going hungry, but not risking putting yourself or others in danger, either. 

Passengers

Driving with passengers can be another source of distraction. Even when unintentional, passengers sometimes forget or overlook how their behavior can be distracting to the driver. 

This is especially true for younger drivers. Teens and young adults should be especially vigilant about those they drive around, for carpooling with too rowdy of passengers could be dangerous for everyone involved. 

Of course, not everyone can remove passengers from their vehicles to help them focus. However, you can inform your passengers of the importance of their calmness on the road with a friendly reminder. Kindly explain to them how distracted you are by their actions and encourage them to save their excitement for the final destination. 

Understandably, asking children to kindly settle down is a lot easier said than done. While keeping children occupied in the car isn’t always guaranteed, you can do your best to distract them with the help of books or other quiet activities. 

Lack of cognizant attention

Unfortunately, alcohol-impaired driving can have deadly consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, about 37 people die every day in the U.S. from drunk-driving related crashes, which are preventable. 

There are also other activities that could impair sober or cognizant attention — such as driving under the influence of certain prescription medications or falling asleep behind the wheel. These are all considered distracted driving. 

While distracted driving isn’t against the law, per se, many states have laws restricting activities that can create distracted driving. For instance, a nationwide text ban restricts drivers from texting while driving. 

However, states like Arizona, Idaho and many more have a complete ban on any handheld cellphone use while driving, including texting and taking handheld phone calls. 

When you find yourself getting distracted on the road, remember the value of the lives in the car and those around you — they’re worth more than a text. Take a moment to learn about the distracted driving laws in your area, for doing so could be the next step you take toward protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community.