Modern Co.

Recently I ordered an $80 Raspberry Pi Model 2 Kit from CanaKit. If you don't know what a raspberry pi is you can keep reading: A raspberry pi is a single board computer that was originally produced to help people learn to code. With a price tag of $35 for just the computer and no accessories it is no mystery why the raspberry pi was so successful.
I got the most recent model of the Pi. Although the price has remained the same for all the Pi's (excluding the $5 Pi Zero) I bought it in a kit that included a Raspberry Pi Model 2, a case, an HDMI cable, and a Micro SD card preloaded with NOOBS, along with some other minor accessories like the power cable and two heat sinks.
Using NOOBS, the free software that aids users in installing the operating system of their choice, I installed Raspbian a version of Debian Linux specifically made for the Raspberry Pi. Originally I had been planning on installing Arch Linux, however it was not supported on the Model 2.
I have used Linux before but using Raspbian was a whole new experience. Where Ubuntu was like Windows, Raspbian was a unique experience. One of the first things that I did was download Iceweasel, a port of Fire Fox for Debian. I then overclocked the Pi to a whopping 1000 mHz. I have yet to benchmark the Raspberry Pi in order to assess the effectiveness of that overclock. Minecraft Pi runs buttery smooth on my Pi, this shouldn't come as a surprise if you consider that it is essentially a cut down version of Minecraft Pocket Edition. For basic web browsing this little beast can nearly match the performance of any other computer on the market. This along with the price tag should make you think twice about that Mac you were planning to buy.
Raspian comes pre-loaded with some programs to help you learn to code. I tried Sonic Pi, Blue J, and Wolfram. All these ran as was expected for Linux Ports.
Sure you probably couldn't edit videos on this, but for the money this is a great computer for those just getting into coding or as a throwaway computer for experimenting with linux.

5. Crackle
Crackle is a free app that allows users to stream free movies and tv shows. Although the selection of movies and shows are pretty limited this is a good replacement if you do not have a Netflix account.
4. SwiftKey
While the default keyboard on android is pretty good you should try a third party keyboard. There are plenty of these keyboards to choose from. SwiftKey has one of the more advanced predictive text of all those keyboards.
3. Cortana
Ever since Cortana was released for windows phones Android and iOS have wanted a taste. Now that Cortana is on Google Play you can get the best personal assistant.
2. Network Signal Strength
There aren't too many apps that do this but this app allows you to see what kind of cell connection you are really getting in various parts of your house or work place.
1. WhatsApp
Free messaging internationally and locally.

Top 5 Articles of this Week

5. Apple Lawsuit
4. Apple Car
3. Working Hoverboard
2. Red Star OS
1. Comment below for what #1 should be

I used to be a big fan of phonearena.com; that is until I stopped using AdBlock. If you have never visited their site I suggest that you brace yourself for plenty of pop-up ads and banner ads as well as those click-bait "Sponsored Posts" on your first visit.
I really like PhoneArena but the ads need to stop. I don't have anything against banner ads either. As a matter of fact Modern Consortium has some banner ads. We have a 125x125 button text ad on top and below the featured post we have a Skyscraper image ad, and some of our posts have image ads embedded into them. The featured post is actually a post from our own website so we don't count that as an ad. But the kind of ad that we don't have and hopefully never have is a popup video ad.
I know that many websites other than PhoneArena have those annoying video ads. I feel that website owners should remove their popup ads. I know that they may lose some revenue if they remove popup ads, but they will lose more revenue if they indirectly encourage users to download adblocking software.

Welcome back to a brand new Android Essentials Post.
5. Root your Android
While this isn't essential and could potentially brick your phone: here.
4. Battery Managers
While most devices will last a full day of use. Sometimes certain apps will drain your battery if left open. A battery manager can identify the most battery draining apps.
3. Here Maps
It's no secret that navigation uses a lot of your phones data, but it doesn't have to! Here Maps is available offline so you don't use any of your data.
2. File Browsers
Not all phones allow you to see all your files. These are especially useful if you want to install apks.
1. Amazon Underground
Get many paid apps free or with free in-app purchases. This is completely legal!

Top 5 Tech Articles this Week
5. Netflix Update
4. California Driverless cars
3. Flying Cars!
2. Best Batteries on Android
1. Windows 10 Mobile

PC gaming is a lot better than console gaming. With a higher resolution and frame rate on most games PCs dominate in game performance. But the simplicity of consoles, price, and exclusive titles seems to always draw consumers to them. Currently the most popular gaming consoles include Nintendo's Wii U, Sony's PlayStation, and Microsoft's Xbox. Most Gaming PCs come from a variety of manufacturers and have a large range of hardware and even software. Developing for PCs is significantly harder due to the large range of hardware. Every PC is different and developers have to work harder in order to make the games run as best as they can on each computer. Every PS4 of Xbox ONE is identical so developers can optimize for each one. Also Console users easily shell out $60 for a game but many PC users find deals on some completely legal websites for large discounts. Many console gamers just don't want to go through the hassle of setting up a gaming PC. Usually the simplicity of consoles is a major selling point. Developers just find it easier to develop on a platform that will generate more money and will not be challenge to develop for.

5. Emulators
Disclaimer: While downloading ROMs is illegal, having an application that can run them isn't. Download ROMs at your own risk.
Emulators are great if you would like to play some old school Atari, NES, or even PlayStation games right on your phone for free.
4. Developer Mode
Here's how to unlock it. Developer Mode is pretty much what it sounds like. You get access to some cool features such as being able to see the frame rate in some games.

3. Google Opinion Rewards
This app is found in the Play Store. It allows users to take surveys in exchange for google play money.
2. Bing Rewards
Bing Rewards allows users to earn money (redeemable for a variety of prizes including amazon giftcards) simply by searching on Bing
1. Blue Light Filter

5. Apple Smart Battery Case
4. Surface Phone Rumor
3. Tesla's Rival
2. DIY Electric car
1. 2015 Smartphones

Alright if you haven't noticed already Modern Consortium just got ads! That's right I will now be making money if people click on one of these:

I will start releasing more content in the hopes of making my blog more popular and so I can earn enough money to justify the cost of a domain name that does not include .blogspot.com
We will continue posting on a regular schedule and watch out for the upcoming series (android essentials)
Comment below on what you think about this update to Modern Consortium.

In just about one month Microsoft will be rolling out with their brand new Windows 10 Mobile. While Windows Phones are not always taken seriously due to their lack of apps and strange interface, they are starting to take traction and may one day overtake iOS or even Android in global market share. Most Windows Phone 8 devices will be compatible with the new update.

This new update will bring many new features to the table such as Continuum (Only on select devices) Continuum allows one to use their windows phone like a PC by connecting their phone to a monitor. Most apps scale up to the size of the monitor. While this could be a useful feature not many people will switch from having a plain old laptop anytime soon.


Windows Phones have always been known for their security and this new update will be no different. This update will hopefully bring all of the major Microsoft products (Xbox, Windows, and windows phone) together into one unified product. The interface of Windows Phones has always been relatively the same since Windows Phone 7 came out. This still holds true even after a few slight tweaks on the interface. Hopefully this new update will revolutionize the market and bring many changes to the smartphone world.

While the eighth generation consoles (Xbox ONE, PS4, and Wii U) have been out for almost three years the seventh generation consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii) are still getting new games. Though this number has steadily decreased over the past years, and is now virtually non-existent for the wii, these consoles may still have some life in them. Many games can be found for a lot cheaper on the seventh gen consoles if you are willing to sacrifice some graphical performance for price. The PS2's life cycle was very long in comparison to most consoles. Sony was still manufacturing PS2's well into the PS3's life cycle. However problems still plague the Xbox 360 such as the red ring of death. Ever since the Xbox One's feature of backwards compatibility was announced the Xbox 360 has slowly faded from the memories of gamers. Even though the PS4 is backwards compatible with PS2 games, it has yet to make an impact on the PS3. When thinking about the PS3, free online gameplay comes to mind, a feature not found on the PS4.
Although the PS3 is still quite relevant. I think that the Xbox 360 is nearly dead. In just half a year the Xbox 360 probably will no longer be for sale on places other than ebay. The PS3 should fall short of the PS2's record while still selling well.

Changes coming to this blog. Read about them here.

Over the past few years game streaming on YouTube, twitch.tv, and YouTube Gaming has spiked in popularity. Even live events like the one pictured on the left are grossing thousands of dollars per one gaming session. YouTubers such PewDiePie, VanossGaming, and many others are raking in six or seven figures per year. All just from playing video games and making funny comments while playing them. Of course not everyones gaming channel is popular enough to make the creator quit their job and game full time. Some of the more popular games played on professional levels include League of Legends and Rocket League. Both are quite captivating to watch and I would suggest that you check them out. There are even eSports tournaments in which teams of gamers compete live to win cash prizes and fame. Gaming could be the future of media and sports.

Modern Life

arenAFL

Alright this is the first time I will be doing this but I am going make a $10 Steam Gift card Giveaway. To enter you must click the banner at the bottom of the page and complete your sign-up. After signing up you must comment below with your instagc user name. If 100 people sign-up using that link I will giveaway a free $10 giftcard. Hope you enjoy. Comment below on what the next giveaway should be.

Throughout the years Android has been the platform to go to for affordable phones and tablets. In the past these cheap devices were straight out terrible. But over the past few years the cheaper devices have improved drastically.

Most of the early affordable android devices were produced in China and used inexpensive parts that were likely to function poorly when forced to run the android operating system.  Today many things have changed. Popular devices such as the Moto E set the bar for how good inexpensive android phones can be. In the past affordable android phones were almost unusable. Many modern cheap android phones such as the moto e, most Blu phones, and many LG phones can function as well as some of the higher end smartphones available today.
Of all the devices plagued by cheap hardware and poor designs the android tablet market was clearly the worst. Many tablets would cost less than $100 and would have about the same functionality as a very large paperweight. In the past year Amazon has released a variety of affordable devices to add to their Fire tablet line up. Some of their cheapest devices include the new Fire tablet with a shocking price tag of only $50. Affordable android devices are no longer a dream and now are a reality.


Peace for Paris


arenAFL

Over the past few hours I have been searching for an alternative to iTunes, google play, and the other popular music downloading services. More specifically I have been trying to find a place for free, legal, and high quality music downloads. No matter how much I love using YouTube to mp3 for my playlists, it just doesn't feel right not compensating the artists for their work. Read my article about AdBlock to learn more about not compensating content creators.
Through my extensive research I found: Nothing. Every time I found a hopeful article from some reliable sources it was no longer relevant. Seriously I found like five potential ad supported music download services, and every single one of them was shut down in around 2009. There were however ways to watch ads in order to get free movies. But I'll write about that later.
Finally, feeling dejected I went back to Bing, the search engine I used for my research. I checked how many Bing Rewards credits I had earned for the day. (The link provided leads to an old article that is only partially relevant). And that's when I realized that I could redeem my Bing rewards credits for free windows music store gift cards. My quest for free legal music was over.

Sponsored by arenAFL

Recently apple released an update to their popular mobile operating system; iOS. This update allows for users to add the extension AdBlock Plus to their mobile web browsers. While it seems as if apple wants to please their users by allowing them to block those bothersome ads while browsing the internet, according to Lev Grossman from TIME magazine "Apple...is taking a shot at Google, whose revenues increasingly come from mobile ads." If Apple succeeds in ruining Google by shutting off their source of income they could ruin the internet. Imagine trying to read another article on Modern Consortium but not being able to because we are hosted on a google website. Most websites are ad supported and would lose most of their income if iPhone users installed any ad blocking software.


This article was sponsored by arenafl.blogspot.com Learn about arena football and more on this great website.

Sponsor our next article: modernconsortium@outlook.com

This fountain of youth code is valid for 2 people only: 20r2tp7px

Check back later for more codes.

If you don't have an account on Gifthulk sign up now and use code 4.925310 to get an additional 250 points.

This was just a short paragraph on why I think Tesla is important.




Advertise here for free. ModernConsortium@outlook.com

 
Another earning site!
Except this one is different from the rest. GiftHulk is one of the few earning sites that offers Google Play cards as rewards. Remember that if you do sign up use my invite code 4.925310 to gain an additional 250 points ($0.25).
One of the reasons I like this site is that it is very easy to earn money. For example right now I am earning $1.00 just for putting this blog post up. Also you can earn from playing "guess the card" or searching on their search engine. While these are very easy methods most of the points you earn are very hard to get. I personally dislike the survey, engage, and video sections of the site. Compared to our sponsor instaGC it is quite hard to earn money.
My Gifthulk username is dasok.

 But this is just my opinion so don't forget check it out for yourself!

For more great content like this sign up at instaGC today.

Finally I have started posting on a regular basis. If you would like me to continue doing so please be sure to sign up at this link. 

instagc.com/dasok

As of today I will begin posting on a regular basis. I would appreciate if anyone that regularly checks the blog would tell their friends about it. Also I am now taking suggestions on what I should post about. And as always please sign up at this link: http://www.instgc.com/dasok

Project Fi is a new Cell phone carrier made by Google. This is an MVNO that uses Sprint and T-Mobile Networks. The price for Talk and Text is $20 with $10 per gigabyte of data. This is only available on the Nexus 6 as of now.

I know I have not posted in a long time. If you want more articles go to this link and sign up: http://www.instagc.com/681980

I have not been posting recently. However if anyone still wants me to post please leave a comment below. I was not getting many views on most posts so I stopped for a while

Nintendo has announced that they are partnering with another company to bring us mobile games. Obviously they aren't going to port some of their classics such as Super Smash Bros. but they will make new games that will advertise the Wii U. I like what what they are doing but not why.

Recent rumors claim that google wants to start their own MVNO. Most likely this will only support Android devices although it is unclear if only Nexus devices or all android devices will be supported. I know that google will make very competitive prices however some people will shy away in fear of google recording conversations and storing them along with other information about you.
What do you think about a Google MVNO?

An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a company that rents airwaves from the main cell phone carriers (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) Doing so allows for a large range of plans not available on the big cell providers. This results in cheaper plans, Just search MVNO on Bing and you will find hundreds of companies with competitive prices. There are disadvantages such as needing an unlocked phone for most.

Android gaming has evolved over the years, today one could easily but themselves an Android TV and play games on it, this got me thinking about a homemade "console."
To build this:

1. Banana Pro (pictured) ~$60
2. 32 gb micro sd card (I am not sure if the banana pro supports sd or micro sd, however the micro sd comes with an adapter) ~$20
3. Android 4.4 image $0.00
4. PS3 wired controller ~$20

Case pros:

1. Extreme protection 
2. Customization

Most Android phones today have micro sd expansion. However if you have a phone without this and are running out of room you should consider getting a USB-OTG converter (pictured) most phones with android 4.x and android 5.x supprot it although you should still google your phone name and "Otg support." This converts the micro-usb charging port to a full usb port. You can use wired game controllers, Mice, Usb sticks, and even keyboards.

Last year I purchased an Amazon Fire HD 6 on black friday. Of course the blog was not up at the time so my review is very late. Anyway here are some cons of the tablet:

1. Thick
2. Small Screen (6" is small for a tablet)
3. No Micro-SD expansion
4. No Google Play Store
5. Non-Removable battery
6. Awkward button placement

Here are some pros of the tablet:

1. Cheap
2. Small Screen (portable)
3. Supports OTG-usb
4. Works well with most apps in Amazon Appstore 

It is no secret that there may not be another generation of game consoles. Reasons include:

1. Sony might fail and go Bankrupt
2. Microsoft will probably turn the XBox into a movie streaming device instead of keeping it as a game console.

Geometry Dash  $1.99 (Android, Windows Phone, iOS) PC $3.99
This is my review of Geometry Dash. Once you download Geometry Dash you will be instantly absorbed into the addicting "Just one more try" of the whole game. The levels are very hard and it's almost impossible to beat a level on the first try. You will find yourself trying hundreds of times to memorize the layout of a level with the hope of somehow completing it. If you have a couple of days to waste on playing this game you should download the free version which has about half the levels as the full version does. However if you have several years to spare you should download the full version. The full version also comes with the Level Editor which allows players to create and share custom levels. Overall this is a great app with good music and visuals.
Comment Below on what you think about this review. Next Review: Leo's Fortune

               This is this weeks budget PC Instruction. Week 1.            


   CPU: AMD A4-6300 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor
   Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard
   RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

This is Part 2, be sure to read Part 1.

Terraria:$4.99

Tutorial on "How to get non Amazon-Appstore Apps on Amazon Devices"

1. Allow installation of non-appstore apps in settings
2. Go to browser and install 1 mobile app market.
3. Install your apps!

This is my 10th post! Modern Consortium was founded Yesterday and as of now the most views on a single post is 8, the least is 4. On average we have six views per post. Shoutout to whoever is on android please comment below and tell us who you are, as we have 9 views from android and since this post has not yet been published 9 articles. Anyway we have an average of 1.2 likes on each post and the majority of people are on windows and are using google chrome. Yet we still do not have any comments. I really want to hear from you guys about your opinions on this blog!

It's been several months since I limited my use of google as a search engine. Most people would say that I am crazy, however I have amassed a sum of nearly $15 using Bing Rewards.
If you consider the fact that most people earn a sum of $0.00 for using google, Bing Rewards is a good deal. Here is how it works:
Desktop: 15 credits a day, 1 credit per 2 searches.
Mobile: 10 credits a day, 1 credit per 2 searches.
Also you get 1 or 2 other offers at 1 credit each, once a week there is a "Trivia Challenge" worth 3 credits.
You won't get rich overnight using this but you can get some giftcards to Amazon and the much despised Gamestop. Someday we'll make an article on why people hate Gamestop.
Comment below on what you think of ModernConsortium and this blog post!

Recently I deleted the extension AdBlock from my browser. You may be asking "Why would he do such a thing?" but I have my reasons:
Although this blog does not yet qualify for Google Adsense the biggest motivation for making any articles on this blog is that not only are the small amount of people that follow it informed but also that we earn money. But one of the only ways to earn money on a blog is through Ads. If you were to block these ads where would the motivation come from? I would rather suffer a few distracting ads every now and then, than have the websites I enjoy stop making content or start charging a fee for going on their website!
Start the movement now and disable adblock!

Which console is better in 2015?

XBox pros:
Many exclusives
Great online playability
Windows 10 (not yet available)
Microsoft (good support)

PS4 pros:
Cheaper online play
Smaller consoles
Powerful
Good controller

If I missed anything please comment below

Everyone knows that your products are overpriced. If you could stop copying android it would be greatly appreciated. As a matter of fact I believe that the only way to make apple the king of smartphones is by making the iPhone 6c with two main options: iPhone 6c with iOS $549 and, iPhone 6c with Android $449.
An iPhone with android would bring android fans running to the apple store (maybe). Honestly I personally would love that, still just like any other iPhone I wouldn't buy it. Why? $449 (currently its $549)  for 1 gigabyte of ram and a 1.4 ghz processor seems a bit like a ripoff considering the fact that the Amazon Fire HD 6 has better specs and costs $99 (full review coming soon)
Comment below on what you think about this post

Currently our blog isn't doing to well. The most pageviews on a single blog is 7. If this number changes I will edit it. But we need your help.
You can help us by

1. Spread the word! Post on Social media and tell your friends about us.
2. Disable AdBlock: Currently we don't qualify for AdSense however when we do be ready and help us out.
3. Swagbucks! Use this link  
4. Bing Rewards: Use this link 
5. Send us an email: ModernConsortium@outlook.com
6. Comment Below! Tell us what you think about Modern Consortium!

My opinion is that Android is a better Operating system than iOS. Here's why:
More freedom: on android one can easily download a custom ROM and change the UI.
More apps: self explanatory
More phones:You can buy phones anywhere from $50-$22,000
More accessories:Can iPhones support usb-otg? nope.
Accessories part 2:Removable battery and expandable storage.
Standard charging:Micro-usb is standard on phones and accessories.
Comment below if I missed anything.

When it comes to such topics as "Console Gaming vs PC Gaming" generally the argument is fanboys trying to prove their point. Today you will learn the truth: the one that is best depends on your personal needs and preferences.
Consoles pros include:
Easy setup
Can run all the games on its platform
Same hardware as the person your playing against
Somewhat affordable
Comment below if I missed anything
PC pros include:
Easy upgrades
Cheaper games
More Games
Custom hardware
Comment below if I missed anything