Martin Dell’Arciprete introduced SmartPlate in the 721^st episode of Shark Tank. SmartPlate was described by Martin as one of the latest thing in nutritional technology. It is specifically designed to help people diet. SmartPlate is an amazing product that can calculate and weight the nutritional value of any kind of food that is put on the SmartPlate.

The amazing features of SmartPlate are possible due to the presence of cameras and scales in each plate. The plate can take a picture of the food and calculate its nutritional value according to what is written on the USDA database. All of the information generated by the SmartPlate can be synced with the smart phone app. Through the app, you can easily track your food intake for the whole day. Moreover, the shape and size of the SmartPlate is one of a kind, the design and size of the portion compartments of the plate can prevent you from overeating. It is also equipped with an indicator that will go off if you will eat too fast. Hence, you will be reminded by SmartPlate whenever you eat too much or too fast.

It was in May 2015 that the SmartPlate has been introduced through a successful kick starter campaign. Through its campaign, SmartPlate has raised $110,000 which was used to start manufacturing. Phones which have Fitbit can also be used to sync their data with SmartPlate for them to have a better view of their food expenditure and calorie intake.

Smartplate on Shark Tank

Martin entered with a goal of having $1 million in exchange for 15% of his business. He began his speech by saying that many people do try to become healthy but they have a hard time counting their calorie intake. Through the weight and food sensors of SmartPlate, people will now know the nutritional information of the foods on their plate instantly.

He handed several samples of his SmartPlates to the Sharks. Mr. Wonderful asked Martin how his product can differentiate between oils. Martin’s reply was “It can’t.” However, SmartPlate can indicate the different ingredients the oils contain. Mr. Wonderful added that there are still a lot of things that are needed to be done in order for the SmartPlate to work. He also added that the price of $199 just for an app is crazy. People will not waste their money on an app that is so expensive, Mr. Wonderful got out early. Daymond said that he didn’t like the pitch so he’s out. Kevin stated that not all people eat all the food in their plates so there’s really no merit that can be given to the product which made him decide to be out. Mark wasn’t satisfied with the technology presented and he bet that the SmartPlate is from a third-party design company so he’s out. While Sacca said that the SmartPlate is such a crutch. He also thought that it is the camera that does all the work and there is a very high chance that this business will fail. With four of the Sharks out already, Martin tried to pitch Barbara. However, Barbara said that Martin’s pitch was confusing and terrible so she’s also out.

Even after being rejected by all the Sharks, Martin said that he still believes in the effectiveness of his product.

SmartPlate Now In 2026 – After Shark Tank Update

Not only after the episode aired, the company fired Martin Dell’Arciprete, who had presented the product to the sharks. In need of funds, the SmartPlate’s creators launched an Indiegogo campaign, which successfully raised more than $158,000. With that, they were able to move forward with its production.

Over the next two years, they worked non-stop on both the SmartPlate hardware and app. They also announced in an update that they will be discontinuing the free standalone app as they needed to “focus on [their] device and app together” for the best user experience.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, however, their production was halted indefinitely at the beginning of 2020. They were, however, able to produce a pilot run of 150 units, which was a success. Their manufacturing operations later resumed in the middle of April. Due to the small number of products, however, they remained in the queue for a while, which ultimately led to another delay.

In the end, the estimated shipping date for North American backers was December 2020 while international customers were told they could expect the product in March 2021. Around that same time, the company announced that they had partnered up with entrepreneur Tony Robbins.

As of 2026, SmartPlate is still up and running and selling the product as a subscription. For $199 + $30/a month, you’ll get two sets of SmartPlate Trays, the SmartPlate Premium App, and the Food Portion Smart Scale, which is capable of scanning more than 1.5 million barcodes. Not only that but it’ll also come with macro + micronutrient trackers, a bonus 30-day Keto Fat Loss Guide, and a 30-day Plant-based Fat Loss Guide.

They’re also still in the process of shipping orders to their US and Canada backers, however, only those who are using iPhones as their camera recognition feature is still being developed for Android devices. They’ve also stated that international orders will ship out around the same time as they still need to meet international app requirements.

Those who’ve already received the product, however, seem happy with how it works. For one thing, the SmartPlate app is highly rated on the iOS app store. It currently has a 4.3-star rating with many calling it a “game changer.” Not only that but many have also praised the company for its great customer service. More than one user even received a call from the CEO himself when they experienced issues with the app.

The post SmartPlate 2026 Update – What Happened After Shark Tank appeared first on Gazette Review.

Success Before The Tank

Before Katherine brought her invention to the Shark Tank, she first brought her product to Kickstarter with a $12,500 goal. 16,500 people backed the idea , and she was the first solo woman to sell over $1 million worth of product off a successful Kickstarter. Katherine did it in a little over a month. The remarkable progress ultimately gave her the courage to take her product to the Shark Tank.

What is BetterBack?

BetterBack is a device that corrects your posture by slipping the brace around your back and wrapping the straps around your knees. The simple device is both ergonomic and functional. It is light-weight, portable, and can make your seated posture perfect. Its design makes it easy to put on and take off without hassle, and works by training your back muscles. All it takes is wearing the BetterBack device 15 minutes a day, every day.

Let’s Make A Deal on Shark Tank

Katherine Krug pitches her product to the Sharks with her new fiance, showing how fast their posture could be corrected with BetterBack. She brought samples for each of the Sharks to try, and after briefly instructing them on how to wear the device, all of the Sharks noted how well it worked. She had them on the hook, the Sharks seem to like the product. She was full of passion and looked as though she felt very confident with her presentation and pitch.

She was looking for a Shark to “have her back” with a $750K investment for a 7.5% stake in her company,  a $10 million valuation. The cost to make the product was $8.05. She sold them on Kickstarter for $49. After having 16,500 backers and having raised over $1.65 million, she stated her case that BetterBack was worth that $10 million.

After asking several questions about the product amongst the five Sharks, Barbara Corcoran backed out first. She did not feel confident that she would be good fit for the product, and there were too many unanswered questions for her to invest that much money. The customer had not tried the product, and that was too big of a risk. She felt Katherine was asking for too much money. Even though Katherine had shipped 10K products with 10K in production, Barbara felt she was still to large a risk.

Mark Cuban was concerned about her core competency and thought she had pigeon-holed herself a bit with her valuation. Which pushes Robert to make BetterBack an offer of $750K for 20% of the company. Next Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O’Leary, jumps in with a 25% stake in the company for the $750K that Katherine was asking for. This put their valuation of her company at about $3.75 million rather than the $10 million she originally valued her company at.

Lori Greiner hopped into the running with enthusiasm, she felt that BetterBack would work well with her QVC sales format. She liked that Katherine’s invention was demonstrable. She offers a 20% stake for the $750K investment. Which triggers Mr. Wonderful into making a counter-offer of a two year loan of the original $750K at 7.5% interest rate and a 5% equity.

This is where things got interesting. Lori counters Kevin’s offer with another deal for Katherine to consider. She offers a three year loan of $750K at a 7.5% interest rate and, after she is paid back, wants 8% of the company. With both of those offers, Katherine wants to phone a friend, which throws the Sharks into shock.

Robert said it was “Business 101” to walk away and call someone at that point. Nothing is guaranteed in the tank until the deal is made. That would have been a horrible thing for her to do because Lori, Kevin, and Robert could withdrawal any offer they had on the table. It’s the kind of offer that has you hanging at the edge of your seat pulling your hair out wanting to tell the inventor, “Take the offer!” Thank goodness that she comes to her senses fast and accepts Lori’s offer. She walked out of the tank with some amazing support from Lori Greiner.

BetterBack Now In 2026 – The After Shark Tank Update

Unfortunately, the deal with Lori never closed. However, that hasn’t stopped Katherine from continuing to build the business. For one thing, they started selling the product on Amazon, where it received great feedback. In fact, it was so popular that it was sold out for a period.

Fast forward to 2026 and BetterBack is still in business. Currently, the posture correction device has a four-star rating on Amazon. Looking at some of the reviews, most people seem to agree it works—that it’s effective at preventing pain and discomfort while sitting at a desk. Not only that but people have also written that it helps with tailbone pain. One user even said that it’s “better than a chiropractor.”

However, not all reviews are positive. For example, some people have found the device to be hard to use (ie. difficult to get into the right position). Others wrote that it didn’t help with their posture in a noticeable way.

Regardless, the business seems to be thriving as of 2026 with an annual revenue of approximately $5 million. If anything, that goes to show that it is possible to succeed even without a shark’s investment.

Not only is the BetterBack available on Amazon, but you can also get it from their official website. If you want, you can even upgrade the device to NASA memory foam for $59.99. You can also add a Healing Pearl Therapy Pack, which can be used for heat or ice treatment, for $9.99. Shipping is also free across the United States.

Aside from the original BetterBack, they’ve also added additional products such as the SuperStraps Luxe. Basically, they’re backpack straps that are designed to relieve back, neck, and shoulder tension. For those who are interested, they’re currently sold for $59.99 on their website.

That’s not all, they’ve also started to sell a “deluxe” version of the Betterback, which comes with deluxe comfort knee pads. Not only that but it can also be zipped into a portable case so you can take it with you on the go. And it’s just a little more expensive at $65.

At one point, they also had a Betterback “Plus” but as far as we can tell it’s no longer available (it’s currently listed as “sold out” on their website).

For more information, you can visit their website at getbetterback.com. They also have an official Facebook page (@getBetterBack) that’s updated on a regular basis. If you want, you can even send them a message there. Their Twitter account, however, hasn’t been updated since 2019.

The post BetterBack 2026 Update – What Happened After Shark Tank appeared first on Gazette Review.

What is Trunkster?

Trunkster is more than a suitcase. It is a piece of luggage that features a self-contained handle with digital scale, roll-top design, GPS, and it’s own charging station. They have two designs to choose from. The Carry On Trunkster and the Checked Trunkster. One is to board the plane with, and the other is for checking in at the counter. The build is rigid and tough enough to withstand the hard blows of traveling. It keeps your precious cargo safe and unharmed with its hard case exterior. The built-in digital scale allows you to never be beyond the weight limit when checking your luggage at the counter. The GPS (Trunkster tracker module) allows you to track your suitcase and the removable power bank  features two USB ports and a charging cable to charge your phone or tablet from the comfort of your seat. No more dead cell phones will plague you when you get to your destination.

The Carry On Trunkster weighs a little under eight pounds with 43L capacity, and the Checked Trunkster weighs right at ten pounds with 86L capacity. Note that the Checked Trunkster does not feature the roll-top, power bank, charging cable, or USB ports. It does carry the tracker module and the digital scale.

Trunkster Before Entering the Shark Tank

Trunkster had a successful Kickstarter Campaign before entering the tank. After that campaign ended, they opened up orders on Indiegogo. They also had a solid win on the Shopify Build-A-Business Competition in 2015, where Daymond John was on the panel of investors. Before the December 2015 episode 714 of the Shark Tank, the two businessmen had raised almost $1.5 million towards their future product. Their first shipments were to ship out in January of 2016.

Trunkster on Shark Tank

Gaston and Jesse enter the Tank with two assistants dressed as stewardesses, with some cool shades to complete their ensemble. They start their presentation strong, and are very knowledgeable on their product. Right off the bat, the Sharks wanted to try out the demonstration model they brought in. Robert Herjavec, Mr. Wonderful, Lori Greiner, and Barbara Corcoran were the first to try out the prototypes of their luggage, checking out the durability of the material and the different ways to approach opening the Trunkster.
While the pair seemed to be on fire, they hit a snag in negotiations when they revealed that although many people had preordered the case, no one had received a product yet. With no real world feedback on the the Trunkster yet the Sharks seemed a little trepidatious regarding the companies future prospects. They had 5000 units being produced at the time of the episode airing. Gaston and Jesse had to convince the Sharks that their valuation of the company was truly $28 million, to which the failed spectacularly. with Mr. Wonderful telling them they were out of their mind.

Barbara had concerns about actual consumers having not tried the product, along with the masculine design. She dropped out. Robert gave them an offer first of $1.4M for a 30% stake putting the company value at $5-8 million. Mr. Wonderful hones in on Robert’s offer stating they could share the risk, which is denied by Robert. Kevin then puts his own offer on the table for a 37% stake on the $1.4 million investment. Jesse and Gaston look to the other two sharks, Lori and Mark, for an offer before they make their decision. Lori offers the $1.4 million to fund purchase orders for a 15% equity stake. Mark Cuban opens himself up to negotiations of going into business with them and Lori.

Best friends, Jesse and Gaston, needed to step away a few moments and talk about the offers, and they come back with a counter-offer of $1.4M investment with a 5% stake for both Mark and Lori with the stipulation that they would pay back that money within two years. If the money hadn’t been paid back in that time frame, their equity in the company would double to 10% each. Both Mark and Lori accepted that offer, and they were in business of making Trunkster a big success.

Trunkster Now in 2026 – After Shark Tank Update

The company did not make it through the due diligence phase following their appearance on Shark Tank. As a result, their deal with Lori and Mark never went through.

That’s not the only issue that they had either. As far as we can tell, they never fulfilled their orders—that is, many of those who had pre-ordered the product never received them. And those who were lucky enough to actually get the product was not happy with the quality. Given that, it’s not surprising to know that many have been demanding refunds on their Kickstarter page. Not only that but there has also been talk amongst some individuals of starting a class-action lawsuit against the company.

What’s worse, is that the founder, Jesse Potash, seems to have gone up and disappeared. Co-founder Gaston Blanchet has also left the company to work on a new project called Humanity.TV, a mobile app for explorers, travelers, and adventurers.

Their website has gone dark as well and all of their social media accounts have been deleted. In fact, there’s no way to reach the business at all. If anything, all of this has gotten many to believe that Trunkster was in fact, a big scam.

The post Trunkster Update 2026 – After The Shark Tank Episode appeared first on Gazette Review.

What Are SockTABs?

SockTABs are small plastic discs with flaps on the other side that attach to your sock pairs to keep them together at laundry time. They come in different colors and decorations. The flaps would remind you of a plastic version of the clasps on manila envelopes. They are a dual purpose accessory for your socks because it can be worn like a cufflink to decorate your socks and keep the “solemates” together in the wash without damaging socks at all. The soft plastic wing tucks nicely without fraying the material.

To keep your laundered socks together, you push the socktab through one side of the sock, and you connect the other sock by pushing the tab through the other side. The tab lays flat against the fabric and holds them together. You can keep the tab on while you wear your socks as well. “You can keep tabs on your solemate” is one of the benefits of these products. They do not rub up against your skin, and you can hardly tell they are attached while you wear them. Tab in or tab out, this is what makes them a great accessory for your socks.

Swimming with the Sharks

They start off with a touching story of Sal and Sally Tubesock being in so much love until laundry day. Sal is the only one that made it out of the wash. Socktabs was the answer to all the lost socks. The “sock monster” could no longer keep a sock hostage with this brand new idea from the Burress’s called SockTABs. It was a very cute presentation, and all of the Sharks got a nice laugh from the sock puppet story. Tracey and Glen’s performance with their decorated socks brought a nice fun feel to the presentation, and one thing that you could not take away is Tracey’s drive to get her voice heard. This product saves money and saves time because you aren’t always looking for that matching sock or having to buy your favorite socks over and over again because they lost their mate by the sock monster known as our washers and dryers.

Tracey’s personality reached out to each of the Sharks, but for some of them, it seemed to be too feisty. Robert and Lori were the first few to bow out of the deal. Daymond follows suit soon after, concerned that this product could counteract the sale of socks. Even with $20K revenue in the first six months of their business, they fail to convince Mark Cuban or Mr. Wonderful into locking in an investment for their socktabs. All the Sharks were out. The couple thought they had struck out. Then something wonderful happened.

Daymond John stood up while fastening a button of his suit jacket, and he said, “Tracey…” as Glen and Tracey turn around together after heading out of the tank. At that moment in time, their hearts were sure to flutter with adrenaline. Daymond offers their $50K investment for 30% equity in SockTABs, and the Burress’s accepted the offer. With John’s affiliation already with Bombas Athletic Socks, these socktabs would marry well with that company. A few hugs seal the deal with a handshake at the end. They walk out of The Tank with their dream investor to start making their dreams come true.

After Surviving The Tank

Since their Season 6 episode, Tracey and Glen Burress have been working with Daymond to get more exposure to their business and maximize their profit margin. Their business is booming since they were on the Shark Tank. They have appeared on shows like The Home Shopping Network and The View. The exposure that the Shark Tank gave them boosted up their business, and they are still in the driving seat selling these funky little sock-sessories.

SockTABS Now in 2018 – After Shark Tank Updates

Tracey Burress is such an amazing role model for the business woman. After being on Shark Tank, she was nominated and won the InnovateHER challenge in 2015. The challenge was organized by Women’s Business Development Center to motivate women in the workforce to be innovative. This program is backed by the Small Business Association and is currently looking for more women like Tracey to win the 2016 challenge. The criteria for entering the challenge is being age 18 or older, be a U.S. citizen, and meet the requirement of the challenge rules. The prize for first place is $40K. Second place is $20K, and third place is $10K. This is a terrific opportunity for women to strive in the economy and be recognized for it.

After surviving an aneurysm and making SockTABs a successful business, it is no wonder that Mrs. Burress won this challenge.

The Burress’s went from being dead in the water to swimming to new depths in the retail world. Keeping up-to-date with these efficient, little life-savers has been a great experience. Don’t forget to head over to check out the love story between Sal and Sally Tubesock on SockTABs website.

The post SockTABs Update – The Company Now in 2018 appeared first on Gazette Review.

Two of the most popular devices on the market in 2016 are the Amazon Fire TV and Google Chromecast. Both devices are similarly priced, $35 for Chromecast and $39.99 for the basic Amazon Fire TV Stick setup. The prices are very close, so we’ll need to delve a little deeper into each device’s user experience, performance, and streaming library.

Chromecast vs. Amazon Fire TV Stick

Google markets Chromecast as the cheaper, more user-friendly streaming stick option. You simply plug the Chromecast device into your television set, and go on using your smartphone as normal. When you come across content you want to watch on your television, press the Cast button on your phone and your video will start playing on your TV. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

The Chromecast environment is extremely open, and is compatible with a huge library of apps produced by various developers. It’ll cast your favorite podcast app just as intuitively as it casts YouTube. This is really the plug-in-and-go option of the streaming stick choices.

In comparison, the Fire TV Stick is only minimally compatible with your mobile device as a remote. Users need to download the Fire TV Remote app to control the device from their smartphone. Otherwise, they can get a physical remote for Fire TV, which will do the same thing. This creates a slightly different set of steps for streaming on each device:

If you were streaming YouTube on your phone, you would plug Chromecast into your television, open up YouTube on your phone, and press the Cast button to stream the video through your television. Now you can use your phone for other tasks while the video continues to play.

On a Fire TV Stick, first install the device in your set’s HDMI port. Then open up the Fire TV app and navigate to the built-in YouTube screen, or navigate to YouTube on the physical remote. Both will bring you to an adapted YouTube interface to begin your search. Users can also purchase a physical remote with voice control for $10 more. At $49, the Fire TV Stick with voice remote is considerably more expensive than Chromecast.

Amazon markets the Fire TV as the best performing streaming stick on the market. The Fire TV boasts a VideoCore4 graphics-processing unit and 8GB of storage. This is twice as much memory as Google’s Chromecast, and four times the storage capacity.

This allows the Fire TV Stick to make use of ASAP (Advanced Streaming and Prediction) software. ASAP looks at the user’s viewing history to learn what movies and shows they like the most. The Fire TV Stick can then store them in memory so that they can be played instantly when the user s ready. Once your Fire TV Stick gets to know you, you’ll never have to wait for it to buffer again

In terms of wireless performance, the Fire Stick TV can operate on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi bandwidths. This means that the Fire TV stick might perform better in high-density areas where a particular band is crowded. Chromecast is limited to the 2.4Ghz band only. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is head and shoulders above Chromecast in terms of performance.

With Chromecast, users have access to over hundreds of thousands of movies and shows, and millions of songs. Content can be streamed from popular apps like Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Now. Users also have access to all of Google’s apps such as Play Music and YouTube.

Chromecast does not have easy access to Amazon Prime video apps, but users have learned to tweak some settings to make the device operational with its competitor’s apps. If you want to cast a video from Prime through your Chromecast, you should change the Prime Video settings in your computer/laptop web browser to use Adobe Flash Player instead of Microsoft Silverlight.

Afterwards, your Chromecast will be able to mirror your device’s screen on the television as you watch Prime. This will drain your battery much faster than simple casting, and of course any changes you make o the phone screen will show up on the television. It also means you’ll initially need at least two devices to make Chromecast work with Amazon streaming services, but at least it is possible.

The Fire TV Stick has privileged access to Amazon’s massive library of Prime videos and media from the outset. This makes the device an easy choice for anyone who uses Prime for most of his or her streaming content. The Fire TV will instantly link to Prime, as well as most of the other popular apps that work on Chromecast.

Both Google’s Chromecast and Amazon’s Fire TV Stick offer great alternatives to paying for traditional cable providers. They offer easy an easy solution for users who stream content on the web to enjoy it on a bigger screen. In that way, $30-50 for either device might be well worth the price of just a few months’ cable bills.

Still, neither device is a full replacement of television. Both limit the content that their users have access to. Google has been criticized for blocking third party apps from being cast, though their restrictions have eased in recent months. Amazon is similarly accused of placing the Fire TV Stick in a ‘walled-garden.’ Neither provides the full capability to stream any and all media from your smartphone onto your television screen.

Ultimately, both are hindered by their approach to the market, and also their openness to developers. Chromecast positions itself as a simple streaming solution with a very easy to use system. The cast button is so inconspicuous, Chromecast can barely be said to have a user interface. The device is slim, but can be slow. Some users complain of buffering problems.

The Fire TV Stick positions itself as the superior performer with incredible technical specifications. With the addition of ASAP, buffering is hardly an issue with established users. The UX leaves much to be desired though. The remote app is clunky to use, especially when competitors like Chromecast allow users to stream directly from the source app. The physical remote is also a step backwards, adding another tool/device to the living room. While the voice remote is a cool feature, the extra cost makes it a liability for some buyers.

Chromecast vs. Amazon Fire TV Stick Conclusion

For those looking to break into the streaming stick market, Chromecast might be a good place to start. It is a cheaper option and provides access to the widest variety of apps (sans Prime). Once you plug it in, you can start streaming in seconds. It is extremely easy to use, even for the technically inept. It would make a great gift to someone who didn’t know there were better options than cable out there.

For buyers who use Prime for the majority of their streaming, the Fire TV Stick might be a better choice. With no additional setup necessary, users can quickly start streaming from Amazon services to their sets. If price isn’t a problem, the voice remote can ease some of the clumsiness of the Fire TV Stick’s UI.

Overall, both devices will give users access to similar apps and content. The difference lies in the user experience. Chromecast users have an easy time accessing most apps and videos they want to stream. They have to do a little more work to use Amazon branded services, and also have to deal with relatively slower speeds overall. This could be a frustrating situation for some users, especially those who live in high-density areas with shared Wi-Fi like urban apartments. It could be worthwhile for these users to choose a faster device to avoid the frustrations of waiting.

Amazon Fire TV Stick users have a less than optimal interface, but they can still access the same content as Chromecast users. They will also have an easier time using Prime. This is one of the most popular streaming services around, and for many users might be the place they do the bulk of their streaming anyway. A Fire TV Stick would be an excellent companion to a frequently used Prime account. Finally, since the Fire TV Stick has superior hardware and ASAP technology, users will also have a generally better time with loading and buffering speeds. This agility in loading content might make up for some of the unwieldiness of the device’s controls.

In short, Chromecast is a good fit for a broad base of users, while the Fire TV Stick is optimized for those wanting fast performance, a device that’s more “futureproof”, and compatibility with Prime Instant Video. These are rough distinctions. Ultimately, the decision of which device to buy will depend on your specific needs in a streaming stick.

Also we’ve taken the guess work out of the equation for you and tracked down the best prices online for both the Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick.

Click here to get the Amazon Fire Stick with all available coupons and discounts automatically applied.

Click here to get the Chromecast for the best price online. 

The post Chromecast vs. Amazon Fire TV Stick – Which is Better appeared first on Gazette Review.

Very soon, external drives were introduced that allowed people to store files outside their computers, as well as transfer files from one computer to another with these external drives.

USB became a very versatile component of all computers, and many computers now come with a minimum 4 USB drives.

On the other hand, TV transmission also underwent massive changes. From analog signals and antennae to catch TV signals, the current format that is being used is digital. Digital formats allowed companies to directly stream TV content to homes.

What is the Roku 3500R Streaming Stick?

The Roku 3500R Streaming Stick is an HDMI device that can stream videos into your TV or computer without the need for a dish and set-top box.

Each channel has become an app and you can choose the apps (or channels) that you want to view and enjoy. So, forget about set-top boxes and dishes. Your new streaming and viewing experience is here. Competing directly with Google’s Chromecast, Roku will define the future of streaming video into your living room.

At $50, Roku Streaming Stick is $15 more than Chromecast, but the Roku Streaming Stick really packs a punch when it comes to its features. A remote, two battery cells and an onscreen interface makes this the cheapest streaming stick available in the market. While Chromecast has made significant strides since it was launched, Roku is definitely a more mature platform, especially when it has been developed keeping in view the drawbacks of Chromecast.

With over 1200 apps, Roku Streaming Stick is pretty versatile. Apps include the likes of Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, MLB.TV, Amazon Cloud Player, and many others you will be pampered for content. You have access to over 3000 channels and 300,000 movies and TV episodes.

It also provides a platform for you to search and view your favorite TV and movie content and services.

Roku started off with its set-top boxes and has continued to innovate, shrinking its boxes and the culmination is with the HDMI streaming stick.

The flipside of the streaming stick is that YouTube takes quite a long time to boot up. At the same time, if you are connecting it to your TV’s HDMI / USB Port, it will have to be booted every time you turn on your TV. Booting the streaming stick will be a full 1½ minutes, especially if you are booting the stick from your TV’s USB port. If you are keen to ensure that your streaming stick is kept booted, it will require additional wiring behind your TV, making it a little messy.

In spite of these minor drawbacks, the Roku streaming stick is the best bet for you because of is compact design.

What’s more, you can carry it anywhere you want, and operate it with your mobile, if you do not have a remote. It packs more power than Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast. What you will also need to remember is that you will need to make a payment for a subscription for certain channels. Channels are however, subject to variations and from country to country.

When you carry the streaming stick with you, you may need to register for Hotel and Dorm Connect Support, so that you can connect to another TV or device, other than your registered TV or device. You will need access through a wireless-based browser. Use your mobile to connect the stick to your laptop, computer using a browser and enjoy streaming videos. Your mobile acts as a remote, and you don’t need a separate remote when you have a smart phone.

The stick allows you to search content – from actors, to shows, to directors, price, free shows or cheapest shows. You can also use a voice based search using Roku’s free mobile app that is available on iOS and Android.

If you seek privacy to enjoy your shows, you have the option of including a headphone to your mobile to listen to your shows in private. You will need to connect your Roku streaming stick to your mobile app, and enjoy your videos and shows privately.

Let us quickly have a look at the features of the product.

Compact design:

The stick plugs discreetly into the USB / HDMI Port of your TV, that is generally present at the reverse of it. If the TV happens to be wall mounted, it is an excellent option for you.

3000+ entertainment channels:

By far the most, as compared to Amazon Fire TV and Google Chromecast, you can enjoy TV Episodes, sports, news, movies, kids’ shows and free channels.

Remote Control Included:

The streaming stick comes with a remote control, and two AAA battery cells. The stick comes with RF technology, so you need not point the remote in the direction of the TV.

Control the stick with your mobile or tablet:Download the Roku app on your iOS or Android device and convert your mobile or tablet to the remote or play your shows in your device.

Send your shows from mobile to TV:

You can stream your Netflix or YouTube videos from your mobile to TV using Roku’s streaming stick.

Display your personal media:

Your personal media, like videos, photos, and music that are stored in your mobile / tablet can be streamed to your TV through the App.

Find what you want:

You can search your favorite movies, shows, sports, programs, and others on Netflix, YouTube, etc. You can also compare the price and decide on the shows you want to enjoy.

Comparing with Chromecast

Chromecast was one of the first streaming sticks to be introduced, and it is natural to compare Roku 3500R Stream Stick with Chromecast.

First, they are completely different beasts. The streaming stick is a fully functional media hub that is used to access streaming media services with or without a remote. The streaming stick is developed around an on-screen menu Roku’s own channel. This provides the user complete control over the content he / she watches, with the mobile device control being an add-on control feature.

On the other hand, Chromecast is a smartphone and tablet accessory, requiring the PC or device with Chromecast software preinstalled, so that you can connect to the same Wi-Fi network. Chromecast allows users to send whatever they are watching on their mobile to the Chromecast, without having any direct control over the Chromecast on your laptop or PC itself.

The only issue with Chromecast is that it works only on supported apps and services, and thus, has only very limited selection of content, even though it provides access to content on Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu Plus, and others.

Google has now released the Chromecast SDK and opened it for development, but the Roku’s ecosystem is more powerful when compared to Chromecast; Roku’s system is also less hackable in comparison with Chromecast.

As pointed out earlier, at $15 more, as a consumer, you can do much more with the Roku’s 3500R Streaming Stick as compared to Chromecast, and it is worth the extra price tag.

Final Decision

Should you buy the Roku 3500R Streaming Stick? Yes, you should. A cheap, streaming stick with loads of apps and ability to fully control what you want to watch, listen and enjoy, the stick provides you freedom to do what you want. Do not worry about the price, for it is within your budget, and provides you with features that none of the competitors are able to provide.

Apple TV is $100, but does not work with non-Apple products. There are other Roku products too, like Roku 3 and Roku 2. While you get the Roku 3 at $100, it comes with a headphone jack for private listening and playing Angry Birds. Roku Streaming Stick also has the ability to plug in a headphone jack for private listening, though you will need to purchase the headphone to enjoy private listening.

If you are price sensitive and not worried about limited experience, Google Chromecast would be good, but if you are keen on enjoying viewing and listening experience, while giving you the freedom to carry the stick wherever you go, opt the Roku 3500R Streaming Stick, and take your TV with you wherever you go.

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More than 50 million people around the world are currently suffering from this agonizing condition. What is surprising is the fact that even children have succumbed to this disease. Arthritis is a medical condition which is commonly associated with acute joint pain and its associated diseases. The most common symptom associated with arthritis would be general immobility, acute inflammation and pain in the joint areas with general stiffness. All these symptoms would prevent a person from undertaking daily activities like climbing stairs and walking around the house. Today, the management of arthritis can be undertaken effectively by using few of the best supplements for arthritis.

Basic facts that you should keep in mind

When you are looking for supplements which would help you to manage your arthritis, you have to understand a few facts. Nathan Wei, a prominent rheumatologist, states that if you take these supplements regularly it will greatly alleviate arthritic pain. However, you should take the opinion of your medical practitioner before you start taking these supplements. This simple decision should stop you from suffering from any side effects which might occur. The best option here would be to do in-depth research over the internet and then discuss the supplement with your doctor. It is essential that you understand that these supplements are not regulated under the United States FDA.

9 Amazing supplements to manage your arthritis

1. Green Tea

Green Tea grown in India and China has become something of a magic cure to lots of medical issues. Daily consumption of green tea helps you to maintain your weight, regulates your digestion and keeps your heart healthy. University of Maryland Medical-Center had undertaken extensive studies which revealed that green tea is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols. Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory features which would help to treat arthritis considerably. Therefore , drinking a cup of green tea every morning is a simple way to combat your arthritis condition effectively.

2. Ginger

The usage of ginger roots to treat arthritis can be traced to ancient times. Back then, the ginger root can be dried or consumed freshly. Regular use of ginger would considerably minimize the inflammation around your joints and decrease your joint pain. If you cannot get fresh ginger, then you can try capsules which contain around 100 mg of ginger and this can be taken for a minimum four weeks. However, if you are taking any blood thinning medicines like warfarin, you should abstain from using ginger.

3. Devil’s Claw

The origin of Devil’s Claw can be traced back to South Africa. Harpagoside is a prominent ingredient in Devil’s Claw and it has the power to reduce acute joint pain and inflammation. Another therapeutic feature in Devil’s Claw is that it reduces levels of uric acid among people suffering from gout. It also acts as a stimulant for appetite. After you have consulted your doctor, you can take up to 1000 mg of Devil’s Claw powder capsules three times a day. Phytomedicine in 2002 has undertaken a research where it studied Devil’s Claw and how it can be used to treat lower back pain and knee osteoarthritis. In this study, around 227 volunteers were given 60 mg capsules which contained extracts of Devil’s claw for eight weeks. After eight weeks, nearly 70% of the volunteers reported that the pain had diminished and that they had become more flexible.

4. Vitamin C

Regular intake of freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast can help you say goodbye to joint pain. A study undertaken in the UK revealed that people who have low levels of Vitamin C are more prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis in the near future. This study showed that a healthy intake of Vitamin C can reduce the development of inflamed joints and help maintain healthy joints among people suffering from osteoarthritis. Experts say that Vitamin C has antioxidants which can help your body build healthy connective tissues. Therefore, you can include natural foods like fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges and grapes into your diet in order to effectively manage your arthritis condition.

5. Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM

MSM is known to develop the connective tissue in the body and also reduce joint pains. Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM is a sulfur compound which is organic in nature. MSM is abundantly available in grains, vegetables and fruits. MSM supplements are available in the market and are found in capsule, powder and liquid form. Under the guidance of a medical expert, you can consume up to 3,000 mg of MSM during meals. A study undertaken in 2006 indicated that after 50 volunteers consumed 6,000 mg of MSM, they showed amazing improvements in their osteoarthritis condition and did not suffer from any side effects.

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The fish oil extracted from cod, herring, mackerel and salmon is commonly known as Omega-3-Fatty Acids. Omega-3 Fatty Acids has been considered by many medical experts to be one of the best supplements for treating arthritis. Studies have indicated that when you consume fish oil, the oil gets converted into powerful anti-inflammatory substance which is known as resolvins. The presence of resolvins in the blood reduces high blood pressure and protects the person from developing any complicated heart conditions. Omega-3 Fatty Acids also considerably remove the presence of morning stiffness from the joints and this offers great relief to people suffering from severe joint inflammation and pain due to arthritis.
You can introduce Omega-3 Fatty Acids into your diet by consuming them in the form of capsules, soft-gels and liquid. A natural way would be including fresh fish like tuna, mackerel and herrings in your daily diet at least three times a week. However, if you cannot get fresh fish nearby you can just use fish oil capsules which have 30% of DHA or EPA in them. If you have advanced level of arthritis condition, then you can consume 2.6 mg of fish oil capsule twice every day. Within a few weeks you would notice the change in your condition and this would also include diminished presence of tenderness in the joint area.

7. SAM-e

S-adenosyl-L-methionine is the other name for SAM-e, which is a chemical found in the human body. This actively helps to treat arthritis. S-adenosyl-L-methionine has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which helps in removing stiffness and pain from the joints, improves mobility and effectively rebuilds cartilage. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, you can take 1200 mg of SAM-e three times a day. It is mandatory that before you start taking these capsules you first consult your doctor. Also, it is essential that you understand that SAM-e works more effectively when it is consumed along with Vitamin B-6 and B-12. Various studies have been undertaken in recent years to show the effects of SAM-e consumption to treat various medical conditions. A research undertaken in 2002 revealed that regular consumption of SAM-e capsules can help you get rid of your osteoarthritis.

8. Chondroitin Sulfate

The substance which can help retain water in cartilage is Chondroitin. It is naturally created in the body. Chondroitin is manufactured and sold in the market as Chondroitin Sulfate. Chondroitin Sulfate is extensively used in Europe to treat conditions of osteoarthritis. Patients suffering from hand and knee osteoarthritis can use Chondroitin Sulfate and get immense relief after nine weeks. This fact has been documented in a research undertaken in 2011. During the study, volunteers were given supplements of 800 mg daily, for a period of six months. After six months, most volunteers noticed reduction in morning stiffness. Since there are no side effects, Chondroitin Sulfate supplements can be used in place of NSAD or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, these supplements are very effective for the elderly people.

9. Glucosamine

In USA, Glucosamine is combined with Chondroitin Sulfate supplements to treat conditions of arthritis. Glucosamine protects the degeneration of the cartilage, improves flexibility and reduces pain. It is very effective for people suffering from moderate levels of arthritis condition.

In the end, you can take any of these supplements for you to treat your arthritis. You have to make certain changes in your life, along with the regular intake of supplements explained above. You would need to invest in a diet which would help you to build a strong immune system, reduce your inflammation tendency and also strengthen your bones. It is also essential that you start exercising and this should be developed on the basis of your current medical condition. Initially, things might look challenging. However, when you take the supplements, enjoy a healthy meal and exercise well, you will soon enjoy the benefits immensely. You are then free to do things that you love and enjoy a life that was once a dream for you.

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Adrenal fatigue is a relatively new condition in medical discourse. It is not fully understood by medical science, and some even question whether such a condition even exists. It is believed that physical, mental, or emotional stress can overload an already poorly working adrenal gland.

Since the adrenal glands create the stress-reduction hormone cortisol, a poorly functioning adrenal gland can lead to a vicious cycle of fatigue. In patients with adrenal fatigue, the adrenal gland cannot create enough cortisol to manage existing levels of stress. When more stressors are added, the gland’s performance continued to deteriorates. This further inhibits the person’s ability to deal with the added stress.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

In the early stages of adrenal fatigue, cortisol levels may be elevated at night. Adrenal fatigue may begin with symptoms of restlessness, hyperactivity, or insomnia at night.

As the condition progresses, cortisol levels continue to be high at night causing sleep issues. They also begin to plunge by midday, causing a feeling commonly described by sufferers as brain fog. In the final stage, cortisol levels have completely flat lined. The patient will feel chronic exhaustion, regardless of rest or activity.

Suffers report feeling irritable, depression, body aches, and decreased sex drive. They maintain chronically high stress levels, have reduced memory and concentration, and have difficulties both falling asleep and waking up.

Despite the well-defined signals of adrenal fatigue, doctors and medical professionals have little evidence-based advice to offer their patients. Unsurprisingly, this is a frustrating issue for patients and many are seeking answers elsewhere.

Some have turned to the web, joining social networks of people trying to cure their symptoms of fatigue. In these discussions, various supplements have been proposed to treat a struggling adrenal gland. These include anything from vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, omega-3, and probiotics.

In this article, we will go over some of the best supplements for adrenal fatigue available in 2016.

Adrenal Fatigue Vitamins

Like many conditions that present symptoms of fatigue, adrenal fatigue may be linked to deficiencies in nutrition. Several vitamins play key roles in the healthy workings of the adrenal gland. Most important are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and B-complex vitamins like B5, B6, and B12.

WebMD lists poor diet as a potential cause of fatigue. If you feel fatigued and believe it might be linked to your adrenal gland, diet is a good first place to begin investigating. Make sure you are eating foods rich in B and C in particular.

Papayas, bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and strawberries are packed with Vitamin C. B-complex vitamins come from a range of sources like mushrooms, cheese, and oily fish like trout. An excellent recipe for your adrenal gland is bone broth. Bone broth, especially the marrow, is rich in the essential vitamins implicated in adrenal fatigue.

A varied diet of fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables is the best way to supplement your vitamin intake. You might also consider incorporating a vitamin supplement into the mix. Many supplements offer a complete daily serving of each essential vitamin and mineral you should need.

Adrenal Fatigue Magnesium

Magnesium is believed to be involved in adrenal fatigue, partly because magnesium is plays such a key role in setting stress thresholds. Many Americans are magnesium deficient already, simply from not getting enough of the mineral in their regular diets.

When magnesium levels are low, your body’s ability to manage stress is diminished. Cortisol is released at lower stress thresholds. These frequent releases also last longer, since it takes more time for stress to return to levels below those thresholds. To compound issues, magnesium can also be lost through the kidneys in urine. This is especially true for patients taking anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, or cancer treatment drugs.

Magnesium deficiency creates a cycle of fatigue very similar to the symptoms of adrenal fatigue sufferers. This has led some to believe that their adrenal glands might be overworked due to low magnesium levels.

Like vitamin deficiencies, a magnesium deficiency can be treated with diet changes. Spinach, yogurt, almonds and avocados are all rich in magnesium. You can also get magnesium from bone broth too, making it an adrenal fatigue super food.

Magnesium supplements are available over-the-counter, so you can also purchase those if working the mineral into your regular diet is difficult. The recommended daily value of magnesium is 400mg for an adult, so make sure your supplement provides at least that much.

Adrenal Fatigue Licorice Root

Cortisol release and absorption is a major factor in adrenal fatigue, and other stress related conditions. Thus, supplements that target cortisol can help in alleviating the symptoms of an overworked adrenal gland.

A 2011 study in journal of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology found that licorice might actually have root actually helps mediate the cortisol release and absorption process. Adding licorice to your diet may actually help your body manage its existing cortisol levels more efficiently. This might relieve the workload of the adrenal gland, and improve symptoms of fatigue.

Licorice root can be purchased in supplement form in popular stores or online.

Adrenal Gland-specific Supplements

In recent years, complex adrenal fatigue supplements have been developed to treat the specific causes of the condition. These supplements tend to combine a variety of treatment sources such as vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies. If you have already monitored your diet and are certain that there are no nutrient deficiencies, an adrenal-specific supplement may be able to help you.

They can be found for sale on private individual’s websites, as well as on large marketplaces like Amazon. These formulations vary by manufacturer. It is important to check the listed ingredients carefully, and purchase from a trusted producer.

Gaia Herbs, for instance, combines holy basil, ashwagandha, schisandra, and rhodiola into a daily supplement. These are adaptogenic herbs. When administered, they have been found to help the body adapt to stressors by stabilizing physiological processes. In other words, these herbs help to maintain homeostasis.

Individual adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha have been suggested as cures for adrenal fatigue. Supplements like the one produced by Gaia Herb hope to enhance the curative properties of these plants by administering them together.

If you shop for supplements in a marketplace like Amazon, you can also see reviews and testimonials from other people who have used the product. Gaia Herbs’ product has received several hundred customer reviews, over 80% of which are positive reviews. Reading these can help you determine if it is worthwhile for you to try a targeted supplement.

Patients are often advised to choose the least invasive method to treat their symptoms. Thus, if you suspect that you have adrenal fatigue caused by a nutrient deficiency, the best way to supplement it is with natural foods. The risks of supplementing are reduced if you start by adding real foods rich in the desired nutrient.

If you move on to formulated supplements, start by purchasing the most common vitamins and minerals from trusted brands. A well-balanced multivitamin is easy to find in stores, and tested for health and safety outcomes.

You should only move on to buying specific herbs and targeted herbal supplement combinations after trying the first two options. While these treatments provide hope, most remain unverified in research and unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Adrenal fatigue is still little understood in the medical community, which can be frustrating for sufferers. Many people have added one, two, or many supplements to their diets without seeing the results they desire. Others have tried products that have been ineffective or harmful.

While over 80% of the reviews for Gaia Herbs’ supplement are positive, but 8% of the products reviews are 1-star. Complaints range from the ineffectiveness of the product, to claims that it resulted in hospitalization and medical bills. It is difficult to verify which claims can be attributed to the product.

See a Doctor

Since the best treatment for adrenal fatigue is still being discovered, it is important to keep regular contact with a physician about the supplements you are taking. You doctor will be able to ensure that they do not interact negatively with any conditions you have or medications you are taking.

Your doctor will also be able to monitor the levels of supplements you are taking to make sure you take a safe amount. It might be wise to undergo periodic toxicity screenings when beginning a new supplement. Blood tests, for example, can highlight changes in chemical levels and alert you to adverse reactions.

With this approach, you should be able to safely try a variety of options. The best supplement for adrenal fatigue seems to vary by individual. It is almost inevitable that you will try multiple supplements before you find one (or a combination) that brings you the results you seek.

Check out the health articles posted in http://healthyleo.com so that you will also be able to know more about the other effective ways in making your body healthier.

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