Just Mobile Gum++ is the redesigned backup battery for smartphones, tablets and USB-powered devices. You can refill the Gum++ from USB using the supplied cable, and its five LED indicators help you keep track of remaining charge so you’ll never be caught without power again.

As the poet said: “There’s an app for that!” Sure there are LOTS of apps out there but which one should you choose? Since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend is a big weekend for getting out on the slopes, I’ve decided to focus on some of the most popular ski and snow apps out there. I can’t take all the credit as we have quite a few outdoor pups here at Small Dog headquarters. Keep an eye out if you’re at Sugarbush this weekend as that is where we like to go play. If you’re planning on staying right here in Vermont “*Ski Vermont*”:http://skivermont.com has highlighted some fun events as well as deals in their latest blog post “*here*”:http://skivermont.com/skivt-blog/2015/01/06/vermont-ski-resorts-prepare-for-an-event-filled-martin-luther-king-weekend/ and I thought it was worth sharing.

“*Find My Friends*”:https://www.apple.com/apps/find-my-friends/

No matter how hard groups try to stay together on the mountain, inevitably, at some point during the day, somebody’s going to get lost. After all, it can be hard to keep up with quick friends who fancy themselves racers (I’m looking at you, Will), foggy conditions make it hard to see, and sometimes, people just want to ski different trails or get inside for a quick -beer- break. This app uses GPS tracking so you can locate friends and family on a user-friendly map.

“*Instagram*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252?mt=8

Although this app doesn’t necessarily offer ski-specific features, it sure is a great way to daydream about the slopes and keep your followers updated about all the great tracks you’re making. Explore hashtages like #skiing, #powder, or even find pictures of your favorite mountain. It’s a fun way to see awesome pictures of the slopes, document your own travels, and even meet other skiers and riders. Be sure to follow us “*@hellosmalldog!*”:http://instagram.com/hellosmalldog/

“*VSCO*”:https://itunes.apple.com/app/vsco-cam/id588013838?ls=1&mt=8

VSCO Cam has quickly emerged as the premier mobile photography app for iPhone photography, and hasn’t dropped out of the top 15 in the App Store’s Photography and Video category since it launched. If you are looking for a way to make your photos come to life before posting on other social media sites this is the app for you. VSCO Cam is the best way to shoot, edit, and share your photographs. As one app reviews states: “it provides a more thorough photo editing and filter options than photo sharing apps.”

“*SkiTracks*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ski-tracks-gps-track-recorder/id365724094?mt=8

Using your phone’s map and GPS tracking abilities, this 99-cent app shows you exactly where you’ve skied on a satellite map, while also tracking distance, speed, altitude, duration, and more. Plus, its uses a minimal amount of battery life, so you can keep it running and still attend to your texts and calls, without worrying about running out of juice.

*Resort Specific Apps*

Many larger ski resorts have developed their own free apps. These usually offer a lot of the same tracking and snow report features as the general apps. However an app such as the Sugarbush app can help you navigate your way around the slopes, lodges, activities, weather reports, live camera feeds, and much more.
Example: I always check the “*Sugarbush VT app*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sugarbush-vt/id502363474?mt=8 before heading to the mountain so I can see which trails have been groomed, lift statuses, the lines, as well as weather and most importantly the wind chill so I can layer accordingly.

“*Maprika*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gps-on-ski-map-by-maprika/id404686699?mt=8

Maprika lets you see where you are on real maps, like the ones that say “you are here” at the top of the lift. Easily locate your friends and family, and stay informed about the places you’re going. The coolest part about this app is that Maprika maps are saved to the phone’s memory, allowing for use in out-of-service areas. This app also allows you to find nearby businesses. As Dean says “it’s kind of like Yelp! for ski resorts, great when you are trying to get to know a new resort’s trail map.”

“*Liftopia*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/liftopia-ski-reports-snow/id485587348?mt=8

Purchase your lift tickets and or rentals in advance and save. Select from more than 150 resorts. This free app, “Liftopia Ski Reports, Snow Conditions and Ultimate Lift Ticket Deal Engine for iPhone and iPod touch,” though hard to remember provides an easy tool for showing a receipt at the ticket window, rather than having to deal with printing out a paper voucher (welcome to the 21st century!). Be sure you read the fine print for blackout dates before you show up at the mountain to redeem your deal. With deals like these, why not try a new mountain out!

“*Spotify*”:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spotify-music/id324684580?mt=8

If you are one of those people that like to listen to tunes in the background while safely carving some edges I guarantee Spotify has a playlist for you! You can browse playlists for every mood and genre. The discover page will constantly suggest new music for you based on what you’re listening to and it’s all free! With playlists like “Ski” with over 500 songs, how could you go wrong?

bq. __Editors note : Your iPhone is just like you, it really hates the bitter cold. When the temperature drops below freezing, iPhones can start malfunctioning: Your smartphone might not sense your touch, the battery dies faster and, if it’s cold enough, it will simply shut off. On its “website,”:http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201678 Apple suggests that you only use your (4th generation or later) iPhone in environments between 32º and 95º F, since “low- or high-temperature conditions might temporarily shorten battery life or cause the device to alter its behavior to regulate its temperature.”__

Cuddle up with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or whatever you fancy and get lost in your first book of 2015! Don’s deal is just too good to pass up this week. Purchase an iPad mini (2012 edition) with 16GB of storage and WiFi connection for only $245 and get a free Hammerhead Capo case!

You may be the only person that uses your Mac and if so, you probably do not need to learn much about Users & Groups but if you share your Mac from time to time with friends or family, knowing how to set up Users and Groups can be handy.

When you open the *User & Groups* panel in *System Preferences* you can add or delete new users. When you do this you will be confronted with a pop-up box that will ask you to choose a user type. Here’s a run-down of the various types of user:

*Administrator*
An administrator user can add and manage other users, install apps, and change settings. The new user you create when you first set up your Mac is an administrator. Your Mac can have multiple administrators. You can create new ones, and convert standard users to administrators. Don’t set up automatic login for an administrator. If you do, someone could simply restart your Mac and gain access with administrator privileges. To keep your Mac secure, don’t share administrator names and passwords.

*Standard User*
Standard users are set up by an administrator. A standard user can install apps and change settings for his or her OWN use. Standard users can’t add other users or change other users’ settings.

*Managed User*
Users who are managed with parental controls can access only the apps and content specified by the administrator managing the user. The administrator can restrict the user’s contacts and website access, and place time limits on computer use.

*Sharing Only User*
Sharing-only users can access shared files remotely, but can’t log in to or change settings on the computer. To give the user permission to access your shared files or screen, you may need to change settings in the File Sharing, Screen Sharing, or Remote Management panes of Sharing preferences.

*Group*
A “group” allows multiple users to have the same access privileges. For example, you can grant a group specific access privileges for a folder or a file, and all members of the group have access. You can also assign a group specific access privileges for each of your shared folders.You control a group’s access to your shared folders by setting access permissions in the File Sharing section of Sharing preferences.

*Guest User*
Guest users can use your computer temporarily without you having to add them as individual users. You can set restrictions and guests can access only the items you want to share. Files created by a guest are stored in a temporary folder, but this folder and its contents are deleted when the guest logs out. The guest account works with the Find My Mac feature of iCloud, which can help you find your Mac if you lose it. You can locate your Mac if someone finds it, logs in as a guest, then uses Safari to access the Internet. Guests don’t need a password to log in, can’t change user or computer settings and can’t log in remotely when remote login is turned on in Sharing preferences. I use the guest user when giving a presentation in Keynote so that my email and Messages apps don’t constantly interrupt my presentation.

This year, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday and national holiday, Small Dog Electronics is focusing attention on diversity. Small Dog Electronics celebrates diversity as part of the intrinsic values of our company. We believe we are all equal members of one human family and that our company and our community are strengthened by inclusion. Our community is stronger when we do not judge others on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Being different makes us better and enriches our lives. We fundamentally believe that equality and human rights are essential ingredients of humanity.

I think that Dr. King’s national holiday is often overlooked rather than celebrated. I think it is fantastic that our country celebrates a national holiday in honor of the ideals of equality, diversity, non-violence and peace that Dr. King devoted his life to espousing. Diversity still seems to evoke some controversy and I was pretty surprised at some of the push-back I got regarding our marketing with the Celebrate Diversity message. I do not see how that is different from “Peace on Earth” during the Christmas holiday, “Love” during Valentine’s Day, “we love moms during” Mother’s Day, or “give thanks” during Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, we feel it is an important message (a message we have used in our advertising for over a decade) and that it is particularly meaningful now.

Learn more at: “*smalldog.com/celebratediversity*”:http://www.smalldog.com/celebratediversity/celebrate-diversity

Won’t you join us in the celebration?

Concerti cases provide 360-degree protection with its hybrid silicone inner case. The inner case also has a unique soft ledge design that provides dozens of adjustable viewing angles. The front cover supports iPad’s auto-wake/sleep function and includes an elastic strap to keep the front cover securely in place when closed.