Mario Armstrong stopped by TODAY on Sunday to share three of the most important new tech items and apps to simplify your life. From Mario's inspirational online community, the #NeverSettleClub, to an app that donates to a charity of your choice while you shop, here are his recommendations:
#NeverSettleClub
The #NeverSettleClub is a new, online, positive community I started to join together like-minded people who are focused on making the most of their lives. No matter the age or circumstance, everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life of purpose and passion. Many of us have goals and desires but may feel trapped by life responsibilities, lack of resources, feel lonely trying to pursue them or are surrounded by other people who stifle personal growth. That's why I wanted to use my tech expertise to create a free online club that could push, support and inspire people to not settle. The club offers video lessons, advice, homework exercises, technology tools and action plans that will help you succeed. It's a great group of people who are genuinely interested in helping you thrive and win, no matter how you define winning. Take a look at how some members used the club to help them with their passion projects.
Goodshop
You're going to do some shopping this holiday, so why not do it in a way that gives back to others? Goodshop is a free app that will donate a percentage of every purchase you make on the app to a charity of your choice. There are more than 100,000 charities to choose from, with everything from The American Cancer Society to local animal shelters and schools. For example, if you support the ASPCA, one sweater would raise enough to get two dogs adopted into loving homes. If you support UNICEF, your purchase of an Xbox would donate enough to provide therapeutic milk to fourteen malnourished children. To date, Goodshop has raised more than $11 million for causes around the world. The app also provides you with great coupons and deals at some of your favorite stores like Macy’s, Amazon, Target and more!
Martian Notifier Smartwatch
If you are looking for a cool and affordable gift for someone who has everything, you might want to check out the Martian Notifier Smartwatch. This watch does a lot more than tell time. It alerts you with caller ID, text messages, email, sports scores, news headlines and any other alert you normally receive on your phone. I love how I don't have to reach for my phone every time it rings to see who's calling, instead I just look at my watch face to see the caller and decide whether it's a call I need to take. It can even remotely control your smartphone’s camera for those holiday pics you want to be in. It has a variety of colorful watchbands and I found it on Amazon.com on sale for $79. Regularly, it's closer to $120.
Follow Mario Armstrong on Twitter @marioarmstrong and on Facebook.