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Woo Hoo! Summer is here!

No matter where you live in this great land of ours, the kickoff to summer has arrived. Any day now, the school doors will burst open with screaming kids dashing into the sun. The pool will be packed with splashing happy faces, and hopefully you’ll be able to find a slice of paradise to enjoy. With all this time outside, there seems to be a focus on getting away from it all (technology included), but there is definitely a place for some really cool gadgets this time of year. Here are a few to keep by your side this summer season:

Bluetooth Speakers- What’s summer without great tunes? Whether its Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, or classic rock, a summer soundtrack with great speakers is a key element to that backyard BBQ. Bluetooth technology is standard in almost every smartphone or tablet, and many laptop computers. If you’ve never used it before, now is the time to start. The speakers built into your favorite device is good enough if you are by yourself in a quiet room, but there’s no way it will be good enough for that summertime bash. Bluetooth allows devices to wireless connect, and a wireless speaker is essential to boost the sounds of summer. In order for both devices to communicate with Bluetooth they need to be within 30 of each other. So keep your phone in your pocket, play DJ, and keep the party alive with your summer favorites.

To view our full assortment of Bluetooth speakers click here!

Tablets & e-Readers- You probably know by now that I am a huge fan of the iPad and it can be a great travel companion. However,  if you want to read outside by the pool, sometimes I prefer to pull out my e-Reader. I love reading books on my iPad, but in direct sunlight, the LED screen can be a challenge to see clearly. Many e-Readers have what is called an e-ink screen that doesn't have any back-light. It gives the reader a book-like experience without a 500 page thud of weight on your lap. Keep in mind, if you do choose an e-Reader like the Kindle, you can always download the Kindle app on your iPad or Android tablet and enjoy the book in both places. Of course, you only have to pay for the book once, even if you are reading the books on multiple devices. I will often start a book on my reader while lounging in the backyard and continue reading on my iPad during those rainy indoor days.

To shop for a tablet or e-Reader to take with you on your next adventure or stay at home vacation, click here!

Staying charged – Portable power is the final must-have of the season. I am always on the go in the summer with swim meets for the kids, long bike rides down quiet country roads, or just strolling along the shore. The point is, I am nowhere near a place to plug in my stuff. Thankfully, something as simple as a Halo means I don’t have to be. The more mAhs the better when it comes to these on the go chargers. Many smartphones have a battery of about 1500 mAhs, and a charger of 5000 mAhs is about the same size of that phone. Having that extra juice in your pocket could mean the difference between getting a picture of that perfect sunset or just trying to remember what it looked like.

Click here to make sure that you stay powered up on your next trip. 

Of course, unplugging is ideal from time to time during the dog days of summer, but don’t be shy about letting tech make those summer time memories even greater. Happy summer to all, and don’t forget your sunscreen

Don't forget to tune in every Thursday at 9pm eastern, while I take a look back at some of the great moments from the week before with Program Host Kerstin Lindquist on our new show called Q- Review! If you think you missed it, don’t worry because we’ll have it. The greatest products, the funny moments, the cool behind the scenes stories that you won’t find anywhere else is what this show is all about. If you are new to QVC Plus, it is a 2^nd channel QVC launched with the goal of getting us to better connect with you. Not every cable system has picked it yet, so check the list below to see if you can watch in your area. If not, don’t worry. You can always see cool stuff like Q Review on qvc.com.

If you have any questions check me out on facebook at Craig Smith for QVC! See ya Thursday 

- Craig Smith