Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• I've been using the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 ($190) for two years as my go-to luggage for domestic and international trips.
• It's a hybrid backpack-duffel carry-on that's tough, comfortable, and a seemingly bottomless pit for belongings.
• Recently, it held two weeks' worth of clothes for a European trip — and cost me zero in checked-bag fees.

Since joining the Insider Picks team in 2017, I've tested thousands of products. This means that in the last two years, I've replaced my own skin care, robes, exercise leggings, hot tools, and credit cards with the superior options I've discovered along the way. But, in the last two years, I've had one remaining constant: my carry-on travel bag.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35 ($190) has been my reigning champion of luggage for two years of product testing. It's tough, comfortable, and seemingly bottomless — like the magic handbag Hermione Granger stuffs outdoor tents and spellbooks into. And it's perfectly sized for a carry-on, which means I can save on checked-luggage airline fees, lost bags, and tedious carousel lines without needing to pack fewer outfits. It's easily the best travel accessory I've found in years.

Capacity

The biggest perk to the Allpa 35 is spaciousness. The 35 in its name alludes to 35 liters, a nod to its capacity. It's fit enough gear for a nearly two-week-long European vacation as well as both legs of a trip that started with snowstorms in Minnesota and ended beach-hopping in Belize — and I've never had a problem fitting it into the overhead compartment. I'm also not a particularly lean packer. 

You still have to be selective when relying solely on a carry-on bag, but there are some easy ways to optimize. I typically use PackPoint, an app which analyzes the weather at your destination and planned activities, to spit out a first draft packing list — mostly so I don't forget adapters abroad or go unchallenged when bringing three sweaters but zero jackets. Once I have my list, I roll my clothes to fit more than folding.

Since it's a soft shell, the Allpa 35 is more malleable than most suitcases; I've definitely pushed it beyond its promised limits before. And since it's a carry-on, I've been able to fit overflow or bulk items like shoes or a winter coat in a larger "personal item" for no additional cost. 

Organization 

This thing is well-designed. It has just enough pockets — one for everything you need, and none that make you despise them for simply taking up space. The front of the bag has a roomy top pocket you can get into without unzipping the main compartment that's great for travel accessories like headphones, a passport, and a wallet. 

Inside are two deep compartments, a shallow hidden pocket at the joint of the two, and two subdivided pockets for essentials like makeup, passports, and any other small accessory at the top. There's also a collapsible mesh laundry bag and a nylon shoe bag included.

The Allpa 35 opens like a suitcase so you don't have to shove your arm down to the bottom as you do with a backpacking pack. It also has an external zipper that leads inside the bag like a slit on one side, and a separate laptop and tablet compartment on the other. 

For safety, all external zippers have theft-proof webbing sewn across the openings.

Comfortability

Since Cotopaxi is an outdoor brand, the Allpa 35 uses the same tech that makes heavy backpacking packs comfortable for miles, like a low-profile harness which helps distribute weight efficiently. I've found my Allpa heavy, but I've never found it uncomfortable. It has contoured, cushioned shoulder straps, a padded hip belt, and a breathable air-mesh back panel to keep you from feeling hot or sweaty. Since the straps can be tucked away, you can also use the bag as a duffel, or ignore the (semi-dorky but very helpful) padded hip belt — as I do. 

Durability

I've been using the Allpa 35 for two years of frequent travel, and it looks no worse for wear. It performs the same way it did when it was new. The blend of tough, TPU-coated polyester and ballistic nylon paneling mean this thing should happily endure years of battering.

The bottom line

All in all, I'm just as impressed with it now as I was when I first tested it. It looks the same as it did on day one. It's comfortable enough for long airport trips, and its cavernous compartments mean I never pay for checked bags anymore because I can fit enough gear to suffice for a two-week-long trip in a carry-on alone.

If you're looking for a durable, exceptionally well-designed bag that you can use for years to come, I highly recommend checking this one out.

Buy the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 at Cotopaxi, REI, and Backcountry for $190

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Warren Buffett — arguably the most skilled investor of our time — said reading 500 pages a day was the key to success, because, "That's how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest."

This is likely why so many important businessmen and women make reading a daily part of their lives. It's why Bill Gates reads 50 books every year (roughly one a week) and Mark Zuckerberg kicked off 2015 with the goal of reading one every other week.

If you want exposure to new ideas, modes of thinking, and a compounded aggregate of diverse knowledge, then reading is important. And it's going to help you in business, be it by a mixture of accounts on other corporate successes or failures and lessons on lean startups, or a 2,500-year-old military tome that works just as well in boardrooms as war.

Below are the 25 most influential business books of all time, if you're looking to start with those most worth your time:

Descriptions provided by Amazon and edited for length.

READ THIS: Here are 15 books that will help you succeed in the tech world

"Business Adventures" by John Brooks

What do the $350 million Ford Motor Company disaster known as the Edsel, the fast and incredible rise of Xerox, and the unbelievable scandals at General Electric and Texas Gulf Sulphur have in common? Each is an example of how an iconic company was defined by a particular moment of fame or notoriety; these notable and fascinating accounts are as relevant today to understanding the intricacies of corporate life as they were when the events happened.

Note: Bill Gates wrote in his blog, gatesnotes, that Warren Buffett not only recommended this as his favorite book about business, but actually sent Gates his own personal copy to read. Gates writes that more than four decades after it was first published, "Business Adventures" remains the best business book he's ever read. 

Buy it here >>

"The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham

"The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business" by Clayton M. Christensen

Offering both successes and failures from leading companies as a guide, "The Innovator’s Dilemma" gives you a set of rules for capitalizing on the phenomenon of disruptive innovation.

Note: Steve Jobs used this book as an explanation for one reason Apple needed to embrace cloud computing and is frequently associated with both Jobs and Jeff Bezos.

Buy it here >>

• Changing your Google username is quick and easy to do, if you know where to go within your settings.
• It doesn't change your Gmail address — for that you'd have to create a new Gmail account.
• You can only change your name in your Google account settings on a desktop computer, as mobile does not currently support this function.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Your Google username is what pops up whenever you send someone an email. It's how people identify you, and how they know that it's okay to open those messages, even if your email address doesn't include your full name or another way of identifying who you are.

And if you decide you need to change that name for any reason, you can.

Keep in mind that changing your username isn't the same as changing your email address — you'd need to create a new account for that. (In that case, it would be a good idea to set up automatic forwarding to your new account so you don't miss anything.)

Changing your username, on the other hand, is less involved than all that. And it can be done within a minute, if you know your way around your Gmail settings.

Before diving in, keep in mind that this action is not yet supported on mobile. So you'll have to have your computer handy, and you have to be logged into your Gmail account to get started.

Here's what else you need to know:

How to change your Google username in Gmail

1. Go to mail.google.com.

2. In the top right of the screen, click the gear icon and then click "Settings."

3. Toggle over to the "Accounts" or "Accounts and Import" tab.

4. Within the "Send Mail As" section, click "edit info" (located on the right) — This will prompt a new window to pop up.

5. Enter the name you want to appear as your username in the blank text box (this will automatically shift the selection dot to your new name).

6. Click "Save Changes."

From that new popup window, you can also select a different "reply-to" address. That would mean any responses you get would automatically filter to that specified reply-to address, rather than the one you're using to send email.

And while you're at it, you can go back into your settings to change your signature to reflect your new chosen name, if it isn't already a match. That's located in the general settings tab, close to the bottom of the screen.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your Google password, or recover it if you've forgotten it

• How to change your default Google account

• I just cleared out my Gmail using a simple trick that took only a few minutes — here's how to do it

• How to set up and customize Google Alerts to stay updated on the topics that matter most to you

SEE ALSO: 'How does Google Photos work?': Everything you need to know about Google's photo storage app

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We unboxed the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold — here's what comes inside

• I've taken more than 30 flights in 20 countries since March 2018.
• Traveling for so long has led to lots of mistakes and realizations about how to make every flight better.
• Some of my most important tips include carrying petroleum jelly to mitigate dry plane air, choosing flag carrier airlines whenever possible, and using Skyscanner's "Everywhere" feature to get cheap flights.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Over the past year, I have flown a lot: I've taken more than 30 flights in 20 countries since March 2018.

That's a lot of time in security lines, in airport lounges, and cramped plane seats, and then breathing stale, recycled air and watching movies I never would in "real" life.

Still, with every flight I take, I feel that flutter of excitement and anticipation as we get ready to take off. And, yes, it may be weird, but I get excited about finding out how above or below the mediocre baseline an airline's food is.

I've made more than a few rookie mistakes, even after visiting dozens of countries. Last August, I got fleeced for over $100 in fees on a flight with a budget airline. You never stop learning.

1. Before you book a flight with a budget airline, make sure you know any and all extra fees you may have to pay.

Last August, I booked a cheap flight from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Lisbon, Portugal, for what I thought was the bargain price of $89 on WizzAir, the budget Hungarian airline.

But, after booking, I found that I was charged fee after fee that ended up costing more than my flight ticket, including fees for baggage, administration, airport check-in, and an in-flight meal.

Read more: I've been traveling the world for 6 months, and I still made an expensive budget-airline mistake that should serve as a warning to anyone

All in all, I ended up spending $126.50 on fees for an $89 flight. My cheap airfare didn't end up being so cheap after all. 

2. When in doubt, book with a flag carrier.

Usually, when looking for airlines, I search the consumer-aviation website Skytrax's list of the world's top airlines and cross-reference that with the best deals.

These days, that list is dominated by international flag carriers — airlines owned or previously owned by a government — like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, among others.

Read more: I flew 6 hours in EgyptAir economy class and it showed me even the most basic flag carrier can be better than most American airlines

The main reason I like to fly flag carriers is that the airlines tend to have a motivation to create a good experience beyond just making a profit. In recent years, many flag carriers, like Singapore Airlines and Emirates Airlines, have had huge successes using top-notch flight experiences to draw positive attention (and tourists) to their countries.

Even with smaller flag carriers like EgyptAir and Air Astana, I've had excellent experiences.

3. Emirates Airlines is, by far, the best airline I've flown on.

After a year of flying, I've found that my favorite airline has been Emirates Airlines, thanks to its roomy planes, excellent service and entertainment options, and good food.

It tends to be slightly more expensive than other options, but I've found that the comfort is worth it.

Read more: I've taken more than 30 flights over the past year as I've traveled the world, and one airline has the best entertainment system, the friendliest staff, and the best service

This comes with one big caveat: I have yet to use Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and ANA All Nippon Airways, the three airlines that rank ahead of Emirates, according to Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening today to save you time, with savings on Dell computers, State bags, and Menlo Club clothing subscriptions. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

1. Save an extra 15% sitewide at Dell

Right now, you can save an extra 15% on laptops, PCs, monitors, and other accessories by using promo code "SAVE15" at checkout. Whether you're shopping for a new home office set up, a great laptop to gift a new grad, or a few small accessories, this sale is full of great deals. For more deals and savings at Dell, visit Business Insider Coupons here. 

Shop the Dell sale now. 

2. Save $35 on your first subscription and get free shoes and socks when you sign up for Menlo Club

Menlo Club is an affordable men's clothing subscription that creates stylish boxes with clothes, shoes, and accessories from its own vertically integrated brands. In celebration of the brand's anniversary, the savings are even greater. For a limited time, you can get your first subscription box for $25, along with a free pair of shoes and socks by using the promo code "MENLOFFDAY" at checkout. 

Sign up for the Menlo Club subscription box now. 

3. Save 20% on State Bags

State Bags makes a wide range of backpacks and handbags for a good cause. For every purchase, one bag is filled with supplies and donated to a child in need. Right now, you can save 20% on your order in celebration of Mother's Day, and you'll feel particularly good knowing your gift to Mom also did something special for a kid in need. Simply use the promo code "STATEMAMAS" at checkout to receive the discount.

Shop the State Bags sale now.

4. Save up to 40% on select Withings watches

With elegant designs and tech features like smartphone notifications, alarms, sleep tracking, and heart-rate monitoring, Withings' watches are some of the best hybrid smartwatches for fashion-forward women. For a limited time, you can save up to 40% on hybrid smartwatches during the brand's Mother's Day sale. Popular styles like the Steel and Steel HR are included in the sale. 

Shop the Withings sale now.

5. Save an extra 20% on clearance items at Moosejaw

If you're shopping for outdoor gear and apparel of any kind, you'll want to head to Moosejaw. Now through May 5, you can save an extra 20% on already reduced clearance items by using the promo code "HURRYUP" at checkout. The sale includes gear from top brands like The North Face, Moosejaw, Mountain Hardwear, PrAna, Marmot, Columbia, and Arctery'x. To potentially save more at Moosejaw, visit Business Insider Coupons here. 

Shop the Moose Jaw clearance sale now. 

6. Save 15% and get free shipping as a new customer at The Bouqs Co.

Mother's Day is coming up and The Bouqs Co. has an offer on its beautiful flower bouquets that make gifting Mom something special a little more affordable. Through the month of May, new customers can save 15% and get free shipping on orders with the promo code "MOMSDAY15" at checkout. The fresh assortments of flowers are available in a variety of sizes and starting at $36. For more deals and savings at The Bouqs Co, visit Business Insider Coupons here. 

Shop The Bouqs Co.'s sale now. 

7. Save up to 60% on Bluetooth speakers and headphones at JBL

In celebration of Mother's Day, JBL is having a big sale with up to 60% off a wide variety of Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones. Whether you're looking for over-ear, noise-canceling headphones to make Mom's commute better, sporty earbuds for when she's working out, a larger speaker for when she's entertaining outdoors, or even something for yourself, you'll find it here.

Shop the JBL sale now. 

8.Save $100 on the Eight Sleep Smart Bed

Eight Sleep is arguably the most forward-thinking mattress online startup on the market right now. In addition to using premium foams for comfort (like most other brands), they use sleep-track sensors to help you understand your sleeping habits and use that information to achieve the best sleep possible. Right now, Eight Sleep's best-selling Smart Bed is $100 off and ships for free. Discounts are taken off automatically at checkout, so you won't need a promo code.

Shop the Eight Sleep sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Tesla has a mini Model S for kids that costs $600, and this family bought it to teach their child about driving electric

• The Flintstone House is an eccentric house in Hillsborough, California.
• It was designed in 1976 by William Nicholson and most recently purchased by Florence Fang in 2017 for $2.8 million.
• Large dinosaur statues and other Flintstone-themed artwork cover the front and back yards.
• Town officials from Hillsborough sued Florence Fang, stating that her property doesn't comply with the community's code.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Following is a transcript of the video.

Narrator: This is the Flintstone House. If you're ever driving down Berryessa Way in Hillsborough, California, you can't miss it. The house stands out among its neighbors with its smooth purple-and-orange domes, not to mention the huge dinosaur sculptures in the yard. When William Nicholson designed the house in 1976, he didn't have "The Flintstones" in mind. That designation came later.

William Nicholson: When it first was nicknamed the Flintstone House, I was really taken aback because, I mean, this was my baby, this was my creation, and, you know, you had a pride of authorship come in there.

Narrator: Nicholson was actually inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. He had visited the mosque, and the interior domed ceiling made him want to design a home from the inside out. So even though the house gets a lot of attention for its funky exterior, the inside is also a sight to behold.

Colorful stained-glass windows are built into the walls. Round built-in shelves line the walls of the kitchen along with fun details like these swirling designs in the ceiling. Inside the tallest orange dome is a sitting area called the conversation pit. An orange upholstered couch curves around the front of the fireplace, and a big window looks out onto a succulent garden and patio.

The house has three bedrooms and two baths. One of the bathrooms has a stone bathtub and shower. Upstairs is the smallest bedroom that could also be used as a painting studio or just a lounge space. The house is filled with artwork and sculptures added by the owner, Florence Fang.

Florence Fang: Everything to me is a piece of art. Even the light is a piece of art. And all the windows, and the shape.

Narrator: Fang bought the house for $2.8 million in 2017. She says she's loved the house since the first time she came inside. The conversation pit is her favorite part.

Fang: Every time I walk in this room, and there's a high ceiling, and you're sitting here, you just feel like yourself, kind of small. And you feel like so peaceful, but when you're looking outside, and you see the cars on the bridge, and then suddenly you realize you still belong to the world, still belong to the community. That's a very nice feeling.

Narrator: The house was already painted orange and purple when Fang bought it, but she took the "Flintstones" theme to a whole new level. Along with "Flintstones" sculptures, colorful mushrooms dot the yard. Aliens, dinosaurs, and other funky objects cover the property. But not everyone appreciates the eccentric decorations.

Town officials in Hillsborough filed a lawsuit against Fang, calling the house an eyesore that doesn't comply with the community standards. But Fang is defending her vision. She says her house represents the idea of the American dream with all different kinds of creatures living together in harmony. And Nicholson agrees.

Nicholson: Why shouldn't the house be fun? Why shouldn't environments that we do be fun? Why shouldn't architecture that we do be fun? This is fantastic, and this is what Florence has caused to happen.

Join the conversation about this story »

• Obvious Ventures, founded by ex-Twitter CEO Ev Williams in 2014, is one of the largest shareholders in Beyond Meat, the creator of a popular plant-based meat substitute that just had its IPO.
• Obvious Ventures' stake in Beyond Meat is worth more than $100 million.
• This appears to be Williams' first public exit with Obvious. Portfolio company Workpop was acquired by Cornerstone OnDemand for an undisclosed amount in September, according to Crunchbase.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Twitter cofounder Ev Williams' vegetarian diet may turn out to be one of his best bets yet.

Williams' venture capital firm Obvious Ventures owned a little over 9% of plant-based meat maker Beyond Meat ahead of its public offering Thursday, a stake that is worth roughly $111 million, according to regulatory filings.

Beyond Meat raised $241 million in its IPO by selling 9.6 million shares at $25 each, the top end of its planned pricing range.

Williams is best known for his role as ex-CEO at Twitter, but he's also the founder of blogging sites Blogger and Medium. He founded Obvious Ventures in 2014 to invest in "world positive" companies that combine "profit and purpose." The VC firm currently has 49 startups that it has backed in its portfolio, including augmented reality firm Magic Leap, and food deliver service Good Eggs. 

In September, one of Obvious' portfolio companies, Workpop, was acquired by Cornerstone OnDemand for an undisclosed amount. 

It's not clear if Williams intends to sell his Beyond Meat stake as part of the IPO, but the veggie burger maker appears to be the first Obvious portfolio company to have such a major exit. 

Ev Williams did not respond to Business Insider's request to comment.

Read More:This VC is working with Stanford on a new $30 million AI fund. Here's why he's explicitly not looking for college dropouts like Mark Zuckerberg

Beyond Meat's plant-based meat alternatives have gained popularity as more consumers have looked to ditch meat-based diets in favor of environmentally friendly options. The company recently signed a deal to offer its plant-based products at national burger-chain Carl's Jr.

Ahead of its IPO, the company raised $142 million from Kleiner Perkins, Obvious Ventures, Cleveland Avenue, Union Grove Partners, Bill Gates and Leonardo DiCaprio, according to its S-1 filing.

The company will begin trading on the Nasdaq on Thursday under the "BYND" ticker.

SEE ALSO: Juul, the San Francisco e-cigarette startup that city officials want to kick out, is trying to buy a 29-floor office tower in the heart of the city

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 14 problems that can make touch screen laptops infuriating

• To clean up your Google Calendars, you can either delete, hide, or unsubscribe from them.
• Any of these processes can be done in a few quick steps. 
• Once you delete a Google Calendar, it's gone for good. So make sure that's what you really want — you can always opt to temporarily hide it from view instead.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

No one likes digital clutter. And if you have a Google Calendar that just isn't necessary anymore, like an old subletter search that you used to coordinate schedules with your other roommates, deleting it from your life is a great way to clean your digital house.

You can only delete a Google Calendar, however, if you're the owner (or creator). Otherwise, you'll have to unsubscribe from the calendar. Either way, the process is quick and easy. It should only take a minute or so to accomplish — and will get the job done.

Here's what you need to know to either delete or unsubscribe from a Google Calendar:

How to delete a Google Calendar

1. Go to calendar.google.com.

2. In the left sidebar, scroll down (if necessary) to the "My Calendars" section.

3. Tap on the three vertical dots next to the calendar you want to delete.

4. Click "Settings and Sharing" — this will bring you to a new page.

5. Scroll to the bottom of the page and, under the "Remove Calendar" section, click "Delete."

6. Google will then ask you to verify that you want to delete the calendar, to do so, click "Permanently Delete."

How to unsubscribe from a Google Calendar

If you didn't create the calendar, then you can't delete it — but you can unsubscribe from it. That means you will no longer have access to that calendar and won't see it pop up within your Google calendars. (Though it is very similar to the calendar deletion process outlined above.)

Here's how to get it done:

1. Go to calendar.google.com

2. Scroll down in the left sidebar until you see "Other Calendars."

3. Tap the three vertical dots next to the calendar you want to unsubscribe from.

4. Click "Settings."

5. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click "Unsubscribe" (located under the "Remove calendar" subhead).

If you aren't seeing your calendars when you scroll the bottom of the sidebar in the main calendar page, you may have to click on the down-carrot button to expose them.

And keep in mind that, if there's a chance you may need that calendar again someday, you can always opt to hide it by unchecking the box next to the calendar name (also located in the sidebar on that main calendar page). That way, when you need it, you'll always have access to it.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your default Google account

• How to write a Google review, and become a 'Local Guide' for your area

• How to create and share a Google Drive folder with customized sharing settings

• How to create and customize a Google Form for polls and questionnaires

SEE ALSO: How to reverse search an image on Google with your phone, tablet, or computer

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Anime could give Netflix a major advantage against Disney in the streaming war

• You can set up a new Amazon Echo in just a few minutes using the Alexa app on your mobile device.
• The trickiest part of the setup process is changing your mobile device's Wi-Fi network to the Echo's own network.
• After the initial setup, there are many settings you should explore to get the most out of your Echo.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For many people, an Amazon Echo (or one of its variations, like a Dot) is an essential part of any modern smart home. Once configured, you can play music, get the news, control devices, and much more, all using voice commands. And thankfully, setup is quite simple.

Here's what you need to know.

How to set up an Amazon Echo

1. Start by installing the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile device — there is a version of Alexa for the iPhone and Alexa for Android. You may not use this app often, but it's essential for the initial setup.

2. Plug in your Amazon Echo. Wait a few moments for the illuminated ring at the top of the device to turn orange. This indicates it's ready to be set up. If the ring turns purple, press and hold the Action button (the button with a dot in the center) for several seconds until the ring turns orange again.

3. Open the Alexa app on your mobile device and tap the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner of the screen (the "hamburger menu").

4. Tap "Add Device."

5. On the Setup screen, tap "Amazon Echo."

6. Tap the kind of Echo device you are setting up — Echo, Echo Dot, Echo, and so on.

7. Follow the directions on the setup screens. You will need to tap "Continue" and then, to confirm that you see the orange glow on the Echo, tap "Continue" again.

8. You will be directed to connect your phone to the Echo's network. To do this, return to your phone's Home screen and go to Settings. Tap "Wi-Fi," and choose the network that starts with "Amazon-."

9. Go back to the Home screen and start the Alexa app again. Follow the final instruction to complete setup, including choosing your Wi-Fi network for the Echo to connect to. Your mobile device will automatically reconnect to your Wi-Fi network when it's done.

How to talk to your Echo

Now that the basic setup is complete, you can start to use your Amazon Echo. While most Echo models have some control buttons on top (such as mute, volume, and an Action button to give commands), most of the time you will interact with your Echo entirely via voice.

To give a command, always start with the wake word "Alexa," as in "Alexa, what time is it?" If you prefer, you can configure your Echo to respond to another word, like "Echo," "Amazon," or "Computer" instead. To do that:

1. Start the Alexa app, tap the hamburger menu at the top left, and tap "Settings."

2. Tap "Device Settings" and then tap the Echo you want to configure.

3. Tap "Wake Word" and tap the word you want this Echo to respond to.

How to customize your Echo's settings

Your Echo is now ready to respond to your commands and questions. There are a lot of settings you might want to configure, though, to make Alexa more helpful. You can find these settings in the Alexa app by tapping the hamburger menu and then "Settings." Be sure to explore these settings. Here are some settings you should be sure to look at:

• The Echo's location. Your Echo will work best when it knows where in the world it's located, such as for weather reports. You can set the location by tapping Settings, Device Settings, and the name of your Echo. Then tap "Device Location."
• Your locations. If you ask your Echo about traffic conditions, it's helpful if it knows the address of places like home and work. You can find these by tapping Settings, and then "Your Locations."
• Link music services. If you want to play music through your Echo, be sure to configure it with your favorite music services, like Pandora and Spotify. You can find this by tapping Settings and then Music.
• Set up your news. Echo offers a "flash briefing" when you ask it to tell you then news. You can specify which news services it should pull your news summary from by tapping Settings and then Flash Briefing.

There are a lot of other settings you can configure, so be sure to explore the Settings menu on the Alexa app.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'What can the Amazon Echo do?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's smart speakers

• 'What is the Amazon Echo Dot?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's compact smart speaker

• 'What is Amazon Fire TV?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's media streaming devices

• All the ways you can watch Amazon Prime Video on your TV

SEE ALSO: How to get free stuff on Amazon without an Amazon Prime membership

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 14 problems that can make touch screen laptops infuriating

• The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent about $59 million on two adjacent properties in Lake Tahoe, a popular vacation destination for Northern Californians.
• According to the report, Zuckerberg purchased the properties through a limited-liability company and high-end wealth manager to keep the deals private. Real estate agents signed non-disclosure agreements and removed photos of the properties from their websites, per the Wall Street Journal report.
• Zuckerberg has received criticism for past real estate purchases in Hawaii and Palo Alto that included purchasing surrounding lots to ensure his privacy.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Mark Zuckerberg's future vacations will be private if his recent real estate purchases are any indication.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent about $59 million on two adjacent properties in Lake Tahoe, a popular vacation destination for Northern Californians. The estates are on Lake Tahoe's west shore outside Tahoe City, an area known for "old, understated money—less flash, more hunker in the woods," according to the Wall Street Journal report.

Read More:A newcomer VC firm founded by ex-Twitter CEO Ev Williams is one of the biggest winners in the Beyond Meat IPO

The report said Zuckerberg purchased the properties through a limited-liability company called Golden Range and with his high-end wealth manager Iconiq Capital to keep the deals private. Real estate agents signed non-disclosure agreements and removed photos of the properties from their websites, per the Wall Street Journal report.

Between the two properties, Zuckerberg now owns 600 feet of private waterfront on Lake Tahoe. The area also counts the family of late Hewlett-Packard founder Bill Hewlett and the family of the late publishing icon Charles McClatchy as neighbors, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Zuckerberg has received criticism for past real estate purchases in Hawaii, Palo Alto, and San Francisco that included acquiring additional neighboring properties to ensure his privacy. Critics point out that, as Zuckerberg's company is in the spotlight for playing fast and loose with users' privacy, he has always valued his own right to privacy in the physical world. According to Facebook documentation, the company spent $20 million on a security detail for its founder.

It is not clear whether Zuckerberg will keep the housing on the two properties or will opt to tear it down and start fresh. The Wall Street Journal reported that he is in talks to acquire a third property across the street, ensuring his future quiet trips to the woods will remain undisturbed.

SEE ALSO: Hundreds of Facebook employees partied at a luxury hotel after announcing a big new redesign of the social network

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NOW WATCH: 14 problems that can make touch screen laptops infuriating

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• There are lots of gifts you can give Mom this Mother's Day — we've even been making lists of them. 
• One of the best gifts you can give Mom is simple and totally free: some quality time spent together.
• That's why we're outlining some activities that make great shared experiences for you and Mom, and happen to make special Mother's Day gifts too. 
• If you're looking for more inspiration, you can find all of our Mother's Day 2019 gift ideas here.

There are so many ways to show Mom how much you appreciate her this Mother's Day. Whether it's a nice piece of jewelry to add to her collection or a new smart speaker to keep her connected, there are a lot of great gifts out there. But, there's one gift that you can always count on to make Mom happy — time spent with you.

This Mother's Day, get Mom something that doesn't need wrapping paper. Instead, treat her to an experience that you can share. It doesn't need to be an expensive or extravagant plan, but you can be sure it'll be one of the most memorable gifts she gets. 

Here are 7 experiences you and Mom can share, making them perfect Mother's Day gifts:

A cooking class

Browse and book unique cooking classes in your area with Cozymeal

A cooking class is a fun and educational activity you can enjoy together. Cozymeal offers a large range of cooking classes taught by professional chefs in cities across the US. Learn how to sharpen your knife skills, whip up classic Indian cuisine, or make your favorite shapes of pasta from scratch. The best part is that when you're done, you get to taste the fruits of your labor and you can both go home with some new cooking skills to bring to the kitchen. 

Find a full review of Cozymeal here. 

A movie night

Buy movie tickets at Fandango

Netflix, Hulu, and an abundance of streaming services have made it easier than ever to watch films from home. That's what makes a night out to the movies feel even more like a special occasion. Treat Mom to a classic movie night on you — popcorn and candy included. Head to Fandango to buy the tickets in advance so you don't have to wait in any long lines, expect maybe at the concession stand. 

A staycation

Book a unique home experience at Airbnb

You don't have to take Mom across the world to make her feel like she's on vacation. Book an Airbnb in your hometown — or a short drive away — for the weekend. Make an itinerary of fun activities you don't usually do, restaurants you've never tried before, and spots you've still yet to check out to fill your time. It's a fun way to experience your area in a whole new light, and who better to share that with than your mom?

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• If you love to hike and go off the grid, you need a great compass.
• The Suunto M-3 Leader is our top pick for your go-to compass because it has a practical Finnish design, a durable baseplate protractor, a quick and highly accurate steel needle, and good price tag.

You've probably used your smartphone's GPS to find your way around on more than one occasion. Many phones today even have built-in magnetometers that allow the phone to effectively function as a compass by pointing you toward magnetic north. When you're in the wilderness far away from civilization, however, your electronics can run out of juice, get wet, lose their signal, or fail in other ways, and getting lost in the great outdoors can be a serious hazard.

Even if it's not a matter of life and death, being unable to find your way around can quickly ruin an otherwise enjoyable camping or hiking trip. It, therefore, behooves the modern scout to invest in a good analog compass and to learn how to use it. Aside from practical safety concerns about not getting disoriented in the wild,  land navigation can offer a lot of plain old fun for those who enjoy practicing and mastering old-fashioned skills.

Modern compasses used for land navigation fall into two general categories: Baseplate compasses and lensatic or prismatic compasses. Baseplate compasses feature a needle suspended in a liquid-filled housing on top of a flat see-through protractor marked with various measurements for calculating distance and plotting a course when placed on top of a map. Some also feature mirrored lids for added sighting and signaling functionality.

The lensatic/prismatic compass is a slightly more old-school design: Favored by a number of military forces including the US Army, lensatics use a rotating disc instead of a floating needle and feature a lid with a sighting notch. This allows the navigator to align the sight with a distant landmark while establishing a bearing (or azimuth) using the dial. No matter which design you favor, any well-made compass will be durable, accurate, and feature precise gradations to help you plot a good course.

The biggest compass brands today are Suunto, Brunton, and Cammenga. Another name you may see is Silva, but the US-based maker is completely different than the original Swedish-made Silva compasses, and so we don't recommend these. You're good to go with any of the "big three" compass makers, but which type you need depends on your intended use and budget.

We've rounded up the top five compasses you can buy, from a basic budget-friendly baseplate to a military-grade lensatic.

Here are the best compasses you can buy:

• Best compass overall: Suunto M-3 Leader compass
• Best budget compass: Brunton TruArc 3 baseplate compass
• Best mirrored compass: Suunto MC-2 mirrored compass
• Best compact compass: Brunton Tag Along Zip compact compass
• Best military-grade lensatic compass: Cammenga 3H tritium lensatic compass

Updated on 05/02/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices. Added related outdoors guides.

Keep scrolling to read more details about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best tents you can buy

The best compass overall

The Suunto M-3 Leader sets the standard for modern baseplate compasses with its quick and accurate steel needle, metric or imperial protractor measurements, and declination adjustment.

When choosing your first compass, you might be tempted to buy a high-end model with all the latest bells and whistles. But unless you intend to actually use all of these features, it's generally a good rule to keep things simple. When researching compasses, Suunto is a name you're going to see a lot, and our top recommendation for most people is this historic Finnish company's excellent M-3 Leader Compass.

Its baseplate design features a steel needle with a jewel bearing suspended in liquid for quick and stable readings. The clear baseplate has a handy magnifying lens along with scaled distance measurements in both kilometers and miles. The rotating bezel, or azimuth ring, is also marked in 360 degrees with two-degree increments to help you set a precise bearing.

Luminescent dial markings allow for use in low-light conditions, although you should still keep a good flashlight handy for using your map in the dark.

Made in Finland, the M-3 Leader boasts an ever-important declination adjustment as well. This allows you to correct for the difference between true north (the northernmost geographic point on the globe) and magnetic north (the magnetic pole towards which the metal compass needle is drawn). Built-in declination correction is nice to have, as the exact location of magnetic north shifts around and is relative to your location.

You can always manually correct for declination while making your calculations, but the M-3 Leader's built-in adjustment makes this easier and gives you one less thing to worry about on the trail.

Like many Suunto compasses, the M-3 is available with two needle options: One for the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and one for global use. The global model is a bit expensive at around $50, but if you're a globetrotter, that's the one you should get as the standard needle will not read properly when you're south of the Equator. The NH M-3 is highly affordable at roughly $30, however, making the Leader compass a solid value given its build quality, great design, and excellent suite of features.

Pros: Quick and accurate steel needle, metric and imperial distance measurements, 360-degree rotating azimuth ring with precise increments, a declination adjustment, and it's available with both NH and global needles

Cons: Global needle model is relatively expensive

Buy the Suunto M-3 Leader compass on Amazon for $30.22 (NH) or the global version from REI for $80

The best budget compass

The US-made Brunton TruArc 3 offers a full range of features typically found on baseplate compasses that cost two or three times as much.

If you're on a tight budget, or if you just want a basic compass that's well-made and has the modern features a 21st-century navigator needs, don't settle for some cheap generic thing you found on Amazon. American maker Brunton has your back with its TruArc 3 compass, a no-nonsense baseplate design that offers an impressive suite of tools for its size and cost.

The fact that it's made in the United States is surprising enough at this price, but the value of the Brunton TruArc 3 really becomes apparent when you look at its many features. The rotating azimuth rings features 360-degree markings in two-degree increments, the compass has a tool-free declination adjustment, and the global needle is responsive, accurate, and good to go in either of Earth's hemispheres.

The only things this compass really lacks, at least when compared to other popular baseplate models like the Suunto Leader, are luminous markings and distance measurements. Although the TruArc 3 has rulers in inches and centimeters, they aren't scaled for map grids, so you'll have to do these calculations manually. This is hardly a deal breaker. Just be prepared to do a little basic math when figuring out the distance and plotting a course with your map.

Less than $20, you're simply not going to find a better value for a global compass than the Brunton TruArc 3. This baseplate model would be a great choice for a beginner or perhaps a young scout you know, but it's also perfect for any navigator looking for a good American-made compass that's easy on the wallet.

Pros: Metric and imperial baseplate measurements, accurate global needle, tool-free declination adjustment, an incredible value for its features and build quality

Cons: Non-luminous markings, baseplate measurements are basic inches/centimeters rather than scaled distance markers

Buy the Brunton TruArc 3 compass from REI for $15.95

The best mirrored compass

The Suunto MC-2 has a complete set of measurement tools along with a sighting mirror that makes quick land navigation a breeze.

Standard baseplate designs dominate the field of land compasses, but more advanced mirrored models are another popular choice, especially for experienced scouts with more demanding tastes and for those who need a compass built for quick navigation. A mirrored compass is essentially just a regular baseplate design with a mirrored lid that allows you to get a precise bearing and make quick course corrections using your natural surroundings.

A mirrored compass is used in like a lensatic, in that you are aligning the compass itself with a landmark and then using this reference point to set your bearing. Instead of a lensatic sight, a mirrored compass features a simple notch on the lid for alignment with your chosen objective.

Our pick, the Suunto MC-2, also has an additional sighting hole at the base of the mirror for use at high elevations, such as when you're referencing a low-lying landmark while standing atop a hill.

When you've aligned the compass with your target, hold it at eye-level with the lid tilted so you can see the dial in the mirror and rotate the bezel until the north marker is lined up with the needle. The straight vertical line running through the center of the mirror should at this point be lined up with your objective. Take note of the position of the mirror's sighting line relative to your azimuth ring and bingo — you've got your bearing.

Along with the sighted mirror, the Suunto MC-2 offers all of the tools you'd expect to find in a modern well-made compass: A steel global needle, a jewel bearing for smooth and stable needle movement, a 360-degree rotating azimuth ring marked in two-degree gradations for precise calculations, a declination adjustment, and Imperial and metric distance measurements on the clear baseplate protractor for plotting an accurate course with your map.

The MC-2 baseplate also features a clinometer for determining the incline or decline of a slope you're navigating. Like all Suunto compasses, the MC-2 is sturdily built in Finland and made to last. Although the mirrored lid is a potential weak point, it's far less likely to break with regular use.

Pros: Declination adjustment, global steel needle with a smooth-moving jewel bearing, metric and imperial distance measurements, clinometer for calculating inclines, durable Finnish construction, mirror with two sighting notches for quick and easy navigation

Cons: Mirrored lid is a potential breakage point

Buy the Suunto MC-2 mirrored compass on Amazon starting at $41.90

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• One of the best cash-back AmEx cards is getting a facelift — making it even better at earning rewards for millennials.
• Starting May 9, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will begin offering 6% back on US streaming services, and 3% back on all transit.
• That's in addition to 6% back at US supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year — 1% after that), 3% at US gas stations, and 1% on everything else.
• Also on May 9: The welcome bonus on the card will increase from $200 to $250 when you spend $1,000 in the first three months. You'll get the lower bonus if you apply before then — but in exchange, you'll get 3% back on an older category, department stores, until the end of July.

American Express announced big changes to one of its most successful cash-back cards.

Starting May 9, the Blue Cash Preferred Card will add two new bonus categories: US streaming services, which earns 6% back, and transit, which earns 3% back.

Those categories are in addition to US supermarkets (6% back on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and US gas stations (3%). Select US department stores, at which the Blue Cash Preferred currently offers 3% back, will only offer 1% back, along with all other non-bonus-category purchases.

The streaming services category is exceptionally broad, and includes less-obvious providers like Amazon Prime and YouTube, as well as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Apple Music and Spotify, Amazon Kindle Unlimited, and Audible.

Liz Bergman, AmEx's VP of US lending product, told Business Insider that the transit category will cover virtually every form of ground in the US transportation, including subways, buses, taxis and rideshares (like Uber and Lyft), tolls, parking, commuter and long-distance rail, and parking.

According to Bergman, the changes come as AmEx refocuses its products to target millennials who are "growing up."

"'Everyday' spending is different today than it was in 2011, when the card launched," she said. "It's the card for cord cutters."

Additionally on May 9, the card's welcome bonus will be increasing. Currently, it offers a $200 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first three months. When someone applies after the changes take effect, they can earn a $250 statement credit for the same amount of spend in the first three months.

Anyone who currently has the card, or who applies before May 9, will automatically start earning cash back at the new rates — the 3% rate at US department stores will continue for those members until July 31.

The card is also getting a redesign — current cardholders will receive the new version when their current cards expire, or they can call the number on the back of their cards to request the new version. Alongside the design changes, the new card features contactless payment.

The Blue Cash Preferred has a $95 annual fee, which can be offset by the amount of cash back earned depending on your spending habits.

Click here to learn more about the Blue Cash Preferred at Business Insider's partner: The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

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• Michal Katz is the global co-head of technology investment banking at RBC Capital Markets.
• In this op-ed, she describes some of the challenges, detours, and cultivating experiences that have shaped her career in the male-dominated world of Wall Street.
• She also shares her best tips for professional longevity, including to listen as much as — if not more than — you speak. It's the ideal way to learn and gain insights about your clients' objectives and opponents' vulnerabilities.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Recent graduates and up-and-comers I meet often show a keen interest in the steps and paths I have taken to achieve what is, by most standards, a successful career. The road to a Wall Street leadership role in an industry that remains male-dominated is paved with challenges, detours, and cultivating experiences that have shaped my career and leadership style. I hope that by sharing a glimpse into my journey, I can perhaps illuminate a path for others.

The path to Wall Street

Growing up in Israel, I was given the gift of reading by my parents who sought to continually improve our collective lives. Whether immersing in the adventures of Jules Verne, exploring history or acquiring knowledge, I learned to develop points of views and advocacy for causes, planting the seeds of a career in law.

It was in high school after we immigrated to the US that those seeds took root. Reading "Compulsion," a story about the legal defense by the renowned civil liberties lawyer, Clarence Darrow, of the Leopold and Loeb murder case, encouraged me to enter law school with the dream of making my mark on the jurisprudence system. While interning in a corporate law firm, I was also drawn to the world of finance.

This shift in interest was not embraced by my parents, who as small-business owners, encouraged us to pursue a more stable profession, such as law, medicine or accounting. Yet, my career in law was short-lived, as I joined Lehman Brothers, an investment bank newly spun out of American Express, to get closer to the business side. Under the mantra of "success begets success," Lehman rose through the league tables and I was fortunate to learn the craft from the industry's best practitioners. And while Lehman did not make its stated goal of reaching $150 per share, I loved the firm and the profession. I was and still am passionate about my clients.

Read more: When my spouse got the job of a lifetime, my world crashed. This is how I fought my way out of it and reinvented my career

Facing an existential professional question

A career in Wall Street, while rewarding intellectually and financially, also comes with sacrifices and challenges. Last year I grappled with an existential professional question: Is my passion still there?

My current role as the global head of technology investment banking group is exhilarating. Technology is foundational to the digital transformation underpinning every modern organization. Whether shepherding next gen leaders into the public markets, or advising on mergers and acquisitions that reshape the landscape, the sector's dynamism mandates continued agility and creativity. My role also allows me to imbue in my team the art of the trade, and pass on my fervor for the business.

These experiences also presented me with the opportunity to join a public board, where I leverage the knowledge I have garnered to be a trusted advocate to our shareholders.

It takes a village

While pursuing a career, I also raised a family. Or more accurately, we raised a family. As well as a loving support system, my husband has always advocated for me and offered his hand, shoulder, and so much more when I stumbled or felt defeated and unappreciated.

So how did I become a not-so-accidental feminist? Well, it first depends on how you define one. I come from a line of strong women. My maternal grandmother fled her home at age 14 to escape the Nazis, and my paternal grandmother immigrated to a budding nation occupied by the Brits, not the start-up nation of today. My mother and sister are my rock, just like rock-star girlfriends, who did not view vulnerabilities as weaknesses. Together, we channeled our ambitions, frustrations, and disappointments to charge ahead and reach new highs.

I also married a man who supported my passion as well as dedicated his career to women's health. I am proud, too, to work with confident, smart, forward-thinking men that serve as partners, mentors, champions and friends.

My generation of women burned the candle on both ends, which didn't allow for time to think about feminism. But we believed that we could have it all, and in fact, were practicing feminism. Only when my kids went off to college did I find the time to nurture the next generation of women, pay it forward and pray they find the journey easier, learn from our mistakes and define the world they want to live in.

Read more: This is what happens to a woman's body when she's raising kids, working, and trying to have it all, according to a hormone doctor who warns it's easy to miss the signs of impending burnout

Rediscovering my voice

I grew up thinking that if you develop a skill set, work hard and keep your head down, you will be recognized and rewarded. But I've learned that you must fervently advocate for yourself. Touting my successes is something that I'm still not comfortable with.But as I turned 50, I found my voice again, the same voice that advocated for causes when in law school.

So, what's next for me? The tech industry is vibrant and I have so much more to do in my current role. However, a more thoughtful response will require answering a question that I've been pondering: what am I solving for?

For me, it's intellectual engagement, passion for the cause, and more flexibility.  These may open the door to new opportunities.

What are you solving for? I would love to hear from you.

Michal's formula for success and professional longevity

• There is no quick or simple route to success. Make sure you gain knowledge, skills and experience to be the one people turn to.
• There is no substitute for requisite hard work and commitment, though perseverance and sheer strength of will are critical for trying, failing and trying again.
• Listen as much as — if not more than — you speak. It's the ideal way to learn and gain insights about your clients' objectives and opponents' vulnerabilities.
• Building a business is a team sport. Assemble a strong, diverse team around you and empower them to execute and excel. Similarly, it is critical to build a network of support professionally and personally.
• Doing the right thing, always. It underpins the craft of being a trusted advisor, especially when making tough judgment calls, thereby earning credibility, trust and respect from clients, colleagues and adversaries alike.
• Have passion and fun. This is crucial to staying driven, engaged and motivated.

Michal Katz is a business leader, strategic advisor, and philanthropic advocate. She is Global Co-Head of Technology Investment Banking at RBC Capital Markets, and sits on the management committee of the US investment bank. She serves on the board of publicly traded Nuance Communications (NUAN) and is a trustee and treasurer of the GRAMMY Museum. Michal lives in New York with her husband, and has sophomore twins in college.

SEE ALSO: Richard Branson on the 'million-dollar lesson they don’t teach in business school' — plus 12 more secrets from highly successful people

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• Facebook said it is banning several prominent conspiracy theorists from its social network.
• The company said the move was in line with its rules prohibiting organizations or individuals that promote violence or hate.
• The move follows criticism that Facebook's platform has allowed the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Facebook is taking action against a number of far-right figures and conspiracy theorists, responding to longstanding criticism that its social network has helped spread misinformation and hate speech.

On Thursday, Facebook announced that it was banning Alex Jones, Milo Yiannopoulos, Paul Joseph Watson, and Laura Loomer, as well as Louis Farrakhan, and conspiracy theory website Infowars. (Disclosure: In 2014, this author wrote some freelance articles for The Kernel, a website owned by Milo Yiannopoulos at the time.)

In a statement, a Facebook spokesperson said: "We've always banned individuals or organizations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology. The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today."

An hour after the announcement, some of these accounts remained available on the website. Facebook has been criticized over the proliferation of hate speech and misinformation on its platform for years. 

Do you work at Facebook? Got a tip? Contact this reporter via encrypted messaging app Signal at +1 (650) 636-6268 using a non-work phone, email at rprice@businessinsider.com, Telegram or WeChat at robaeprice, or Twitter DM at @robaeprice. (PR pitches by email only, please.) You can also contact Business Insider securely via SecureDrop.

SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg is facing a historic threat to his power as part of a $3 billion Facebook privacy settlement

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NOW WATCH: We unboxed the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold — here's what comes inside

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• A high-quality smart light switch should be easy for even a novice to install, have an auto shut-off function, and feature an intuitive app that helps you automate your home.
• The ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch (currently $79.99 on Amazon) turns off my kitchen lights a minute after someone leaves the room and has Alexa so I can voice-operate the connected devices around my house and set timers while cooking.
• Though it's more expensive than most other smart light switches (currently $79.99 on Amazon), the Switch+ is backed by the user-friendly ecobee app and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Ever since Hanna-Barbera gave us The Jetsons in the early '60s, we've had an idea of what the perfect automated home of the future could be like. Thanks to the many smart home devices on the market, home automation has never been more attainable. But I don't think even Hanna-Barbera could've imagined that we'd be able to talk to light switches to access a virtually limitless database of information and controls.

Yet, this is exactly what the ecobee Switch+ can do.

It's a smart light switch made by ecobee, a Canadian home automation company founded in 2007. The company is best known for its smart thermostats found in residences and businesses alike. Since my ancient home's wiring isn't compatible with its smart thermostat, I decided to test out the ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch with Alexa built in (currently $79.99 on Amazon) instead and see how it holds up.

Read more: The best smart outlets you can buy

Specs

The Switch+ works with any lights that are controlled by a single switch and have a neutral (usually white) wire. To check compatibility, turn off power to your current switch at the breaker, remove the wall plate, and check for a neutral wire before buying the Switch+.

The smart light switch works with Alexa-enabled devices (since it has the system already built in), Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, as well as a mobile app for iOS and Android. The light switch can be used for interior and exterior lights, and the app has separate settings and features for each set.

The Switch+ has several buttons that control Alexa (putting it on Do Not Disturb mode, turning it off, and more) as well as indicator lights that let you know Alexa is responding. There's also a speaker, occupancy sensor, old-fashioned on/off button for the light, and an optional night light at the base that makes finding the Switch+ easy at night.

In terms of set-up tools, the Switch+ comes with a wall plate, four wire nuts, and two mounting screws.

Set-up process

I had the smart light switch for a few weeks before I got around to installing it. I kept procrastinating because ecobee advertises that installation only takes 45 minutes, so I assumed that with my novice skills, I could expect an hour and a half of struggling. It didn't help that the installation guide is covered with scary warnings about electrocution hazards. But, in the end, my apprehensions were unfounded. The whole process took me 30 minutes and I felt like a capable handyman afterward.

For installation, you need both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. Pliers aren't necessary, but I found they helped for straightening out the wires. But before you do anything, you must, must turn off the breaker that supplies power to the light switch you're replacing. For this reason, you might want to install the Switch+ during the day when you have natural light to help you see or have a good flashlight (and holder) or buddy nearby.

Next, you remove the old switch and identify the wires you'll be using. You then connect the wires to the Switch+ using the included wire nuts. Then, you fit the wire nuts into the wall, mount the Switch+, turn the power back on, and test it out.

There's no need to memorize the above steps, I'm just trying to be helpful here. Thankfully, Ecobee provides incredibly easy-to-follow steps and videos to guide you through the process. There's even a lesson on how to work with wire nuts, which I needed. Overall, the process was painless.

Read more: The best smart light bulbs you can buy

What makes the smart light switch stand out

At first, I had a long list of negative adjectives in my head to describe the Switch+ —  ridiculous, extravagant, bougie, and so on. Why would I need a light that's connected to Alexa? It just seemed like another smart gadget that my five-year-old would be able to use to drive me nuts. But over time, I learned to use the light switch to my advantage.

My favorite use of the Switch+'s Alexa capability was cooking. When following recipes or making several dishes at once, it's helpful to have a timer. Previously, I would set an alarm on my phone, but that requires the use of my busy hands. But with the Switch+ nearby, I was able to set the timer without skipping a beat.

The ultimate dad move is walking around and turning off lights to shave pennies off the electric bill — which I am not ashamed to admit doing. But now I don't have to because I can set the light to turn off when no one is in the room. Through the app, you can choose to have the light turn off automatically one to 60 minutes after someone leaves the room. If I had a nickel every time it worked like a charm...

The Switch+ uses built-in motion detection sensor to turn the light on when someone enters the room. You can choose to have the light turn on whenever motion is detected; with daylight detection, it will only turn on when there isn't natural light so the lights don't come on at 3 p.m. when someone gets home. I chose to only have the light on when the room was dark.

I also like that the app offers a vacation mode. With this feature, you enter the dates and times you'll be on vacation, and the app makes it so each of your connected ecobee products gives the appearance that someone is home while you're away. For example, when vacation mode is engaged, my kitchen light turns on and off randomly to make it look like I'm there.

Read more: This $80 light strip adds accent lighting wherever you need it — here's how I use it around my home

Cons to consider

The "Smart On" function worked well, but I wish I could adjust the level of sensitivity to ambient daylight. There were times when it was overcast outside and I wasn't getting as much light as I wanted. Overall though, I'd prefer that the switch err on the side of not turning on because I kind of like the environment and would rather not overuse resources.

If you're buying the Switch+ for its bumping speaker, you'll be disappointed. The sound quality is not impressive, which is to be expected from such a small speaker. However, it does get up to 90 decibels from a foot away. I found the speaker to be good for alarms and information, but not music.

The bottom line

Overall, the Switch+ is a fun addition to my household. My favorite part is not having to worry about turning the kitchen light off. And I've slowly found ways to use Alexa to my advantage, like setting timers and telling my robotic vacuum to get to work. I'd recommend the ecobee smart light switch to anyone interested in integrating smart lighting into their overall Jetsons-like arrangement.

Pros: Eco-friendly because it can turn off lights, works with Alexa and other popular smart home systems, vacation mode makes potential intruders think someone is home, smart capabilities adjust the amount of light depending on weather, easy to install

Cons: Expensive for the category, non-adjustable sensor sensitivity, speaker isn't ideal for music

Buy the ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch on Amazon for $79.99

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• There are millions of apps on your smartphone's app store.
• Only a handful of them are worth your time.
• We rounded up the essential apps every smartphone owner should have.
• Visit Business Insider's home page for more stories.

Most people spend the vast majority of their time in just a handful of apps. I'm no exception.

While I keep over 200 apps on my phone for minor things, there are only 14 apps that I regularly turn to. These are my go-to apps that make my life easier, more productive and more enjoyable.  If you want to get the most out of your phone, I recommend having these essential apps. 

Check them out:

SEE ALSO: 13 apps for your iPhone that are better than the ones Apple made

DON'T MISS: Everything we know about Apple's rumored smart glasses

Spotify

For listening to as much music as possible, however you like to listen to it.

App Store | Google Play

Yelp

For restaurant recommendations and reviews of businesses.

App Store | Google Play

Slack

For getting work done, and collaborating with others.

App Store | Google Play

• James Holzhauer, the current reigning "Jeopardy!" champion, is on a 21-day streak, the second-longest in the show's history, with $1.6 million in winnings.
• Holzhauer has broken nearly every "Jeopardy!" record, including the most money a player has ever won in a single game on the show.
• Here's what we know about Holzhauer, from his professional gambling background to his lifelong preparation for his run on "Jeopardy!"
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Current reigning "Jeopardy!" champion James Holzhauer knows how to play the odds. The 34-year-old professional sports gambler is on a 21-day winning streak, the second longest in the show's history.

He's broken nearly every "Jeopardy!" record and raked in $1.6 million so far.

Holzhauer sits in second place for all-time regular-season earnings to Ken Jennings, who won 74 games in a row to take home $2.5 million in 2004, Business Insider's Aylin Woodward reported. Holzhauer won $850,000 of his "Jeopardy!" earnings in just over a dozen episodes. At that rate, he'll earn $2.5 million in less than half the time Jennings did, according to The Atlantic's Joe Pinsker.

Slate dubbed Holzhauer the Serena Williams of "Jeopardy!" Tonight, he'll take to the buzzer for the 22nd time.

Here's what we know about Holzhauer and his plan of attack.

SEE ALSO: A 'Jeopardy!' contestant has taken home more than $1.3 million in an 18-day winning streak. Here are the tricks he's using to stay on top.

DON'T MISS: 'Jeopardy!' contestant James Holzhauer broke his own single-game record with a perfect game

James Holzhauer, 34, is a professional sports gambler.

"As a gambler, I know you can do everything right and still have to wait a long time to see positive results if luck is not on your side," Holzhauer told The Ringer.

He told The New York Times that his sports betting used to be focused primarily on baseball, but that he has started to focus more on basketball and football.

Holzhauer hails from Naperville, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.

Holzhauer now lives in Las Vegas with his daughter and wife, Melissa, who is a tutor and linguistics expert.

According to Heavy, she was also a game-show contestant, winning $28,800 on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

Holzhauer has used family birthdays and anniversaries as "Jeopardy!" wagers several times. According to The Washington Post, his winnings of exactly $110,914 on one night during his winning streak was far from an accident — it correlates to his daughter's November 9, 2014, birthday.

Before Holzhauer's winning stint on "Jeopardy!", the most money a player had ever won in a single game was $77,000 (according to Insider).

Throughout Holzhauer's 21-day winning streak, he broke this record several times. On April 9, he earned the highest one-day total ever: $131,127.

• Flying in business class on Air France'sAirbus A380 round-trip between New York and Paris was a treat.
• The airline has only five superjumbo jets in operation, and Airbus recently announced it would cease making any new ones.
• Travel junkies have lauded the A380 for how quiet it is. I couldn't believe how soundproof the mammoth double-decker plane was.
• Here's what the journey was like, from check-in to the lounge to the flights themselves.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

I'm rarely excited to get on a plane. These days, flying feels more like a chore. Airlines are packing more and more seats in planes to boost profits, and passengers are crammed in as tight as can be. If you didn't know your neighbor before you got on the plane, you sure do by the time you get off.

But for a recent trip to Europe, I flew in business class on Air France's Airbus A380-800, the legendary superjumbo jet. I'd never been on a double-decker plane, and I was so excited!

Read more:The $446 million Airbus A380 superjumbo is the largest and most expensive airliner in the world. Take a look inside.

From check-in to the airport lounge to the seamless boarding process to the plane ride itself, Air France's attentive service, delicious food, and thoughtful amenities made flying a luxury.

But the A380 is a dying breed. Airbus announced in February that it would discontinue production of the model, and Air France said last fall that it would get rid of five of its 10 superjumbos and retrofit the other five. As Business Insider's correspondent Benjamin Zhang has written, the plane is simply "too big, expensive, and inefficient for most operators."

I usually fly Delta, and we booked round-trip tickets between New York and Geneva through it, so I ended up getting almost 14,000 SkyMiles for my flights. Air France and Delta are partners in a transatlantic joint venture that allows them to jointly market their flights and share costs. The highlight of the journey was flying on the superjumbo from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Here's what it was like to fly in business class round-trip on Air France's A380-800.

SEE ALSO: I flew 14 hours in business class on the soon-to-be extinct Emirates A380, the world's largest airliner — and it was more luxurious than I could have imagined

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After I whisked through priority check-in and TSA PreCheck, then waded through the hustle and bustle of JFK's Terminal 1, the Air France lounge beckoned with the promise of exclusivity.

The Air France employee at check-in asked if I wanted my dinner in the lounge or on the plane. The airline now offers this "night service" option for its two latest overnight flights, AF009 and AF011, so you can go right to sleep once you board.

Source: Air France

I arrived as the sun was setting over the New York skyline, and the atmosphere felt truly magical. I was surprised by how few people were in the lounge when I arrived, but it filled up as we got closer to takeoff.

• Using Apple's Safari browser, you can easily bookmark your favorite websites on an iPad.
• You can see the same bookmarks on your iPad as on your Mac or create a unique set of bookmarks for each device.
• You can even add an icon for a favorite website to your iPad's home screen— no browsing required.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The version of Safari you have on your iPad has some nifty features that make web browsing convenient and easy.

You can add any webpage as a bookmark, and even turn your favorite websites into buttons on your home screen to access with a single click, like you would an app.

How to set and delete a bookmark in Safari on iPad

Creating a bookmark on your iPad takes just a few steps.

1. Open the webpage you want to bookmark in Safari.

2. Press and hold the bookmark icon on the upper left of the screen.

3. A box will pop down that gives you the option to add the page to your reading list or add a bookmark. Choose "Add Bookmark."

4. Another box pops down that gives you options for where to save your bookmark. The default is Favorites. When you add a bookmark to Favorites, its icon appears on your screen every time you open a new Safari tab. A drop down box with your favorites also appears when you tap into the search field. You can open a favorite by touching the icon. Your other basic location option is a folder called Bookmarks. Tap "Location" and a list of available locations for your bookmark will drop down.

You can also create a bookmark using the share icon on the upper right corner of your screen.

1. Open the webpage you want to bookmark in Safari.

2. Tap the share icon. A box drops down with sharing options. Drag the bottom line to the left to see bookmarking options.

3. Choose "Add Bookmark" to add to your bookmarks. A box will drop down that allows you to choose your bookmark location.

4. If you know you want to add the bookmark to your favorites, tap the "Add to Favorites" icon from the bottom line of the drop-down menu.

5. Tap "Save" to save your bookmark.

You can toggle a list of your bookmarks on the left side of your browser screen by tapping the bookmarks icon. To delete a bookmark, simply swipe left on the line with the website name. A red Delete box will appear. Click "Delete" and the bookmark will disappear.

How to organize your bookmarks

To change the order of your bookmarks, open Bookmarks by tapping the icon. Touch and hold a bookmark and drag it up or down.

If you have a lot of bookmarks, you may want to organize them into folders. You can put a folder in Favorites, so it will appear in each new browser window.

1. Tap the bookmark icon to display your bookmarks.

2. Tap "Edit" at the bottom right of your bookmarks list.

3. New Folder will appear at the bottom left. Tap that.

4. Name your new folder and choose its location. The default location is Favorites. Tap Location for a drop-down list of possible locations. Favorites and Bookmarks are the two locations where all bookmarks live. If you don't want your folder to appear on the Favorites page, choose Bookmarks at the location.

5. Your folders will appear in the locations dropdown menu. You can add new bookmarks and new subfolders to your existing folders. To add an existing bookmark to a new folder, tap the sharing icon, then tap the Add Bookmark icon. The drop-down box will let you edit your bookmark location. You can also edit bookmark location in the bookmarks list on the right of your screen.

How to sync your iPad bookmarks across your other Apple devices

If you use the Safari browser on your Mac, iPhone, or other Apple devices, you can use the same bookmarks, including your favorites, as your iPad. All devices must be signed into the same iCloud account to share bookmarks.

1. Go to the Settings app and tap the box with your name at the top of the list.

2. Tap iCloud.

3. Scroll down to Safari and flip the switch to green to turn sharing on. If you have bookmarks on your iPad, you'll be asked to merge your local bookmarks. Note: if you later turn off sharing on you iPad, you'll lose the local bookmarks you set up before you turned sharing on.

You can also turn a webpage browser window into an icon on your iPad home screen.

1. Open the webpage for which you want an icon.

2. Tap the sharing icon at the top right side of the screen.

3. A box will appear with sharing options. Drag the bottom row to the left until you see the Add to Home Screen icon. Tap this icon.

4. An icon will appear on your home screen. When you tap it, you'll be taken to a browser window for the webpage.

For more information on that process, check out our article, "How to add link shortcuts to Business Insider and INSIDER on your iPhone or iPad."

Read more coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to sync your iPhone and iPad with your email, photos, text messages, and more

• How to move apps and create app folders on any iPhone model

• How to stop robocalls and other spam calls from reaching your iPhone

• How to print a file from your iPhone or iPad in a few easy steps

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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