Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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From toilets to AI trackers: The future of health tech is here

Health tech is no longer just about steps and sleep; it’s about your hormones, meals, and even your bathroom habits. At CES 2026, the world’s biggest technology showcase, new gadgets gave a glimpse into a future where toilets analyze hydration, mirrors provide insights into cardiovascular health, and wearables ditch screens for voice-guided AI. Here’s a look at the wellness tech making waves.

Health monitoring, straight from the bathroom

One major theme was the growing focus on noninvasive, in-home diagnostics, particularly in the bathroom. Several companies introduced smart toilet attachments and built-in systems that analyze urine samples to assess hydration and gut health. These devices can upload data to a companion app, offering insights without the need for lab visits.

One particular toilet attachment is capable of performing hundreds of tests, giving users long-term tracking abilities. Some toilets go even further, using wall-mounted displays to deliver real-time results and even alerting caregivers if the toilet remains unused for a specified period, aiming to support aging populations living independently.

AI in the mirror and the scales

Another standout was a smart mirror that claims to analyze facial blood flow to estimate biological age, cardiovascular risk, mental stress, and overall health. With just a quick selfie, users receive scores across various categories, all meant to provide a glimpse into long-term health risks.

The mirror supports multiple profiles, making it ideal for family use. It was part of a broader trend of devices attempting to forecast health years in advance, helping people make preventative lifestyle choices earlier.

Smart scales also joined the longevity conversation, with new models capable of tracking dozens of biomarkers, such as heart rate variability and cellular health. These tools promise to alert users before issues escalate, though some critics worry about the potential for over-reliance on unverified data.

Food, allergens, and AI analysis

Food-focused tech saw its own boom at CES. A compact device still in development drew attention for its ability to test food for common allergens such as gluten and dairy within minutes. Other innovations include table-mounted food cameras that analyze meals in real time, offering insights into portion size, ingredients, and eating habits. Meanwhile, nutrition-tracking apps are incorporating AI to offer personalized guidance based on conditions like diabetes.

Together, these tools are part of a growing movement to demystify food’s impact on health without relying on complex nutrition labels or guesswork.

Centering hormonal health

Women’s health saw increased representation at the event, with several products focused on menstrual tracking and hormonal monitoring. One wearable device uses gentle neurostimulation through the ear to help relieve menstrual cramps by targeting nerves linked to the cycle.

Another innovation — a smart menstrual pad — uses blood samples to evaluate ovarian health and hormone levels, offering a window into fertility or menopausal changes. Wearables designed to track perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances were also on display, reflecting a broader shift toward supporting hormone-related health needs through tech.

Screen-free, intuitive wellness

Amid growing screen fatigue, a new breed of wellness trackers is emerging: ones that ditch the screen altogether. A recently introduced wristband has no display and doesn’t require a subscription. Instead, it uses built-in sensors and AI to track health data and relay it through voice-based assistants or smartphone connections.

Meanwhile, sleep tech companies showcased mattresses with built-in AI that adjust position, sound, and even temperature during the night, automatically responding to user behavior to enhance sleep quality without manual input.

The bigger picture

The message from CES 2026 is clear: health tech is rapidly expanding into every corner of daily life. As health technology continues to evolve, the future of wellness is becoming more connected, more personalized, and increasingly home-based. Whether you’re curious about integrating new devices into your routine or unsure which innovations are worth the investment, it’s important to stay informed and make tech work for you, not the other way around.

CES 2026 shows health tech is watching what you eat, feel, and even flush

Your bathroom, your kitchen table, even your dreams — if it’s part of your life, health tech wants in. CES 2026, the world’s biggest technology showcase, proved the wellness tech revolution is accelerating fast. This roundup explores the boldest, weirdest, and most promising innovations, from no-screen trackers to AI-powered mattresses, that may soon be part of your daily routine.

Health monitoring, straight from the bathroom

One major theme was the growing focus on noninvasive, in-home diagnostics, particularly in the bathroom. Several companies introduced smart toilet attachments and built-in systems that analyze urine samples to assess hydration and gut health. These devices can upload data to a companion app, offering insights without the need for lab visits.

One particular toilet attachment is capable of performing hundreds of tests, giving users long-term tracking abilities. Some toilets go even further, using wall-mounted displays to deliver real-time results and even alerting caregivers if the toilet remains unused for a specified period, aiming to support aging populations living independently.

AI in the mirror and the scales

Another standout was a smart mirror that claims to analyze facial blood flow to estimate biological age, cardiovascular risk, mental stress, and overall health. With just a quick selfie, users receive scores across various categories, all meant to provide a glimpse into long-term health risks.

The mirror supports multiple profiles, making it ideal for family use. It was part of a broader trend of devices attempting to forecast health years in advance, helping people make preventative lifestyle choices earlier.

Smart scales also joined the longevity conversation, with new models capable of tracking dozens of biomarkers, such as heart rate variability and cellular health. These tools promise to alert users before issues escalate, though some critics worry about the potential for over-reliance on unverified data.

Food, allergens, and AI analysis

Food-focused tech saw its own boom at CES. A compact device still in development drew attention for its ability to test food for common allergens such as gluten and dairy within minutes. Other innovations include table-mounted food cameras that analyze meals in real time, offering insights into portion size, ingredients, and eating habits. Meanwhile, nutrition-tracking apps are incorporating AI to offer personalized guidance based on conditions like diabetes.

Together, these tools are part of a growing movement to demystify food’s impact on health without relying on complex nutrition labels or guesswork.

Centering hormonal health

Women’s health saw increased representation at the event, with several products focused on menstrual tracking and hormonal monitoring. One wearable device uses gentle neurostimulation through the ear to help relieve menstrual cramps by targeting nerves linked to the cycle.

Another innovation — a smart menstrual pad — uses blood samples to evaluate ovarian health and hormone levels, offering a window into fertility or menopausal changes. Wearables designed to track perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances were also on display, reflecting a broader shift toward supporting hormone-related health needs through tech.

Screen-free, intuitive wellness

Amid growing screen fatigue, a new breed of wellness trackers is emerging: ones that ditch the screen altogether. A recently introduced wristband has no display and doesn’t require a subscription. Instead, it uses built-in sensors and AI to track health data and relay it through voice-based assistants or smartphone connections.

Meanwhile, sleep tech companies showcased mattresses with built-in AI that adjust position, sound, and even temperature during the night, automatically responding to user behavior to enhance sleep quality without manual input.

The bigger picture

The message from CES 2026 is clear: health tech is rapidly expanding into every corner of daily life. As health technology continues to evolve, the future of wellness is becoming more connected, more personalized, and increasingly home-based. Whether you’re curious about integrating new devices into your routine or unsure which innovations are worth the investment, it’s important to stay informed and make tech work for you, not the other way around.

Health tech gets personal: CES 2026’s boldest wellness innovations

At CES 2026, the world’s biggest technology showcase, health tech took center stage, with devices that analyze everything from urine to facial blood flow. This article breaks down the standout trends in wellness technology that are changing how we monitor health at home.

Health monitoring, straight from the bathroom

One major theme was the growing focus on noninvasive, in-home diagnostics, particularly in the bathroom. Several companies introduced smart toilet attachments and built-in systems that analyze urine samples to assess hydration and gut health. These devices can upload data to a companion app, offering insights without the need for lab visits.

One particular toilet attachment is capable of performing hundreds of tests, giving users long-term tracking abilities. Some toilets go even further, using wall-mounted displays to deliver real-time results and even alerting caregivers if the toilet remains unused for a specified period, aiming to support aging populations living independently.

AI in the mirror and the scales

Another standout was a smart mirror that claims to analyze facial blood flow to estimate biological age, cardiovascular risk, mental stress, and overall health. With just a quick selfie, users receive scores across various categories, all meant to provide a glimpse into long-term health risks.

The mirror supports multiple profiles, making it ideal for family use. It was part of a broader trend of devices attempting to forecast health years in advance, helping people make preventative lifestyle choices earlier.

Smart scales also joined the longevity conversation, with new models capable of tracking dozens of biomarkers, such as heart rate variability and cellular health. These tools promise to alert users before issues escalate, though some critics worry about the potential for over-reliance on unverified data.

Food, allergens, and AI analysis

Food-focused tech saw its own boom at CES. A compact device still in development drew attention for its ability to test food for common allergens such as gluten and dairy within minutes. Other innovations include table-mounted food cameras that analyze meals in real time, offering insights into portion size, ingredients, and eating habits. Meanwhile, nutrition-tracking apps are incorporating AI to offer personalized guidance based on conditions like diabetes.

Together, these tools are part of a growing movement to demystify food’s impact on health without relying on complex nutrition labels or guesswork.

Centering hormonal health

Women’s health saw increased representation at the event, with several products focused on menstrual tracking and hormonal monitoring. One wearable device uses gentle neurostimulation through the ear to help relieve menstrual cramps by targeting nerves linked to the cycle.

Another innovation — a smart menstrual pad — uses blood samples to evaluate ovarian health and hormone levels, offering a window into fertility or menopausal changes. Wearables designed to track perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances were also on display, reflecting a broader shift toward supporting hormone-related health needs through tech.

Screen-free, intuitive wellness

Amid growing screen fatigue, a new breed of wellness trackers is emerging: ones that ditch the screen altogether. A recently introduced wristband has no display and doesn’t require a subscription. Instead, it uses built-in sensors and AI to track health data and relay it through voice-based assistants or smartphone connections.

Meanwhile, sleep tech companies showcased mattresses with built-in AI that adjust position, sound, and even temperature during the night, automatically responding to user behavior to enhance sleep quality without manual input.

The bigger picture

The message from CES 2026 is clear: health tech is rapidly expanding into every corner of daily life. As health technology continues to evolve, the future of wellness is becoming more connected, more personalized, and increasingly home-based. Whether you’re curious about integrating new devices into your routine or unsure which innovations are worth the investment, it’s important to stay informed and make tech work for you, not the other way around.

A quick guide to setting up a secure guest Wi-Fi network in your office

If clients, partners, or other visitors to your office occasionally ask for Wi-Fi access, you need more than just a shared password. A secure guest Wi-Fi setup protects your business from digital threats while still keeping visitors connected. Here’s a guide to doing it right.

Why guests shouldn’t share your main network

It’s easy to assume that your office Wi-Fi is safe as long as it’s password-protected. But giving guests access to the same network your employees use opens the door to potential security breaches.

Even well-meaning visitors may unknowingly carry malware on their devices. Once connected, a compromised smartphone or laptop could infect your internal network. Worse, someone with basic tech knowledge might intentionally try to snoop around or access confidential data.

The best way to prevent these issues is by creating a completely separate network just for guests. It keeps your internal systems out of reach.

Setting up a safe and separate guest Wi-Fi

Modern routers typically come with a built-in guest Wi-Fi feature. If yours supports this option, enabling it is often as simple as logging into your router’s settings and toggling the guest network on. Be sure to name it something clear (e.g., “YourCompany Guest”) and use a different password from your main Wi-Fi.

If your router doesn’t support multiple networks, you can install a separate wireless access point dedicated solely to guest use. This keeps internet traffic on two distinct paths and ensures your sensitive company data remains isolated.

Another key step is to turn off access to local network resources for the guest network. That means guests won’t be able to see shared folders, printers, or other devices connected to your business network.

Manage bandwidth to prioritize business traffic

When visitors stream videos or download large files, they can chew up bandwidth and slow down your internet for everyone else in the office. To prevent this, look for router settings that let you limit how much data guests can use.

It’s also smart to encourage your team to stick to the main network for work-related activities and, if necessary, use the guest Wi-Fi for personal use on their smartphones. Doing so keeps business traffic prioritized and helps maintain strong connection speeds.

Keep guest access simple but controlled

You want your guest Wi-Fi to be easy to access but not completely open. Use a unique password, change it regularly, and consider disabling the guest network outside of business hours if it’s not needed.

For even greater control, some routers allow you to set up a captive portal, which is a login screen that users must go through before connecting. This portal adds an extra layer of control and can even include terms of use that guests must agree to.

Providing Wi-Fi for visitors doesn’t have to mean compromising your network’s security or slowing down your internet. With the right setup, you can offer convenient access while keeping your internal systems locked down and running smoothly. Need help setting up your guest Wi-Fi or have any IT concerns? Call our team. We’re ready to assist.

How to configure guest Wi-Fi to keep your office network safe

Letting visitors use your company’s Wi-Fi might seem like good hospitality, but it could come at a high cost. Whether it’s accidental access to sensitive files or slowing down your connection, a poorly configured network can create unnecessary risk. Here’s how to avoid those pitfalls.

Why guests shouldn’t share your main network

It’s easy to assume that your office Wi-Fi is safe as long as it’s password-protected. But giving guests access to the same network your employees use opens the door to potential security breaches.

Even well-meaning visitors may unknowingly carry malware on their devices. Once connected, a compromised smartphone or laptop could infect your internal network. Worse, someone with basic tech knowledge might intentionally try to snoop around or access confidential data.

The best way to prevent these issues is by creating a completely separate network just for guests. It keeps your internal systems out of reach.

Setting up a safe and separate guest Wi-Fi

Modern routers typically come with a built-in guest Wi-Fi feature. If yours supports this option, enabling it is often as simple as logging into your router’s settings and toggling the guest network on. Be sure to name it something clear (e.g., “YourCompany Guest”) and use a different password from your main Wi-Fi.

If your router doesn’t support multiple networks, you can install a separate wireless access point dedicated solely to guest use. This keeps internet traffic on two distinct paths and ensures your sensitive company data remains isolated.

Another key step is to turn off access to local network resources for the guest network. That means guests won’t be able to see shared folders, printers, or other devices connected to your business network.

Manage bandwidth to prioritize business traffic

When visitors stream videos or download large files, they can chew up bandwidth and slow down your internet for everyone else in the office. To prevent this, look for router settings that let you limit how much data guests can use.

It’s also smart to encourage your team to stick to the main network for work-related activities and, if necessary, use the guest Wi-Fi for personal use on their smartphones. Doing so keeps business traffic prioritized and helps maintain strong connection speeds.

Keep guest access simple but controlled

You want your guest Wi-Fi to be easy to access but not completely open. Use a unique password, change it regularly, and consider disabling the guest network outside of business hours if it’s not needed.

For even greater control, some routers allow you to set up a captive portal, which is a login screen that users must go through before connecting. This portal adds an extra layer of control and can even include terms of use that guests must agree to.

Providing Wi-Fi for visitors doesn’t have to mean compromising your network’s security or slowing down your internet. With the right setup, you can offer convenient access while keeping your internal systems locked down and running smoothly. Need help setting up your guest Wi-Fi or have any IT concerns? Call our team. We’re ready to assist.

Protect your business network: Best practices for office guest Wi-Fi

Offering Wi-Fi to office guests is convenient, but giving them access to your main network could lead to data leaks or malware infections. This article walks you through how to set up a guest Wi-Fi connection that’s safe, efficient, and separate from your business operations.

Why guests shouldn’t share your main network

It’s easy to assume that your office Wi-Fi is safe as long as it’s password-protected. But giving guests access to the same network your employees use opens the door to potential security breaches.

Even well-meaning visitors may unknowingly carry malware on their devices. Once connected, a compromised smartphone or laptop could infect your internal network. Worse, someone with basic tech knowledge might intentionally try to snoop around or access confidential data.

The best way to prevent these issues is by creating a completely separate network just for guests. It keeps your internal systems out of reach.

Setting up a safe and separate guest Wi-Fi

Modern routers typically come with a built-in guest Wi-Fi feature. If yours supports this option, enabling it is often as simple as logging into your router’s settings and toggling the guest network on. Be sure to name it something clear (e.g., “YourCompany Guest”) and use a different password from your main Wi-Fi.

If your router doesn’t support multiple networks, you can install a separate wireless access point dedicated solely to guest use. This keeps internet traffic on two distinct paths and ensures your sensitive company data remains isolated.

Another key step is to turn off access to local network resources for the guest network. That means guests won’t be able to see shared folders, printers, or other devices connected to your business network.

Manage bandwidth to prioritize business traffic

When visitors stream videos or download large files, they can chew up bandwidth and slow down your internet for everyone else in the office. To prevent this, look for router settings that let you limit how much data guests can use.

It’s also smart to encourage your team to stick to the main network for work-related activities and, if necessary, use the guest Wi-Fi for personal use on their smartphones. Doing so keeps business traffic prioritized and helps maintain strong connection speeds.

Keep guest access simple but controlled

You want your guest Wi-Fi to be easy to access but not completely open. Use a unique password, change it regularly, and consider disabling the guest network outside of business hours if it’s not needed.

For even greater control, some routers allow you to set up a captive portal, which is a login screen that users must go through before connecting. This portal adds an extra layer of control and can even include terms of use that guests must agree to.

Providing Wi-Fi for visitors doesn’t have to mean compromising your network’s security or slowing down your internet. With the right setup, you can offer convenient access while keeping your internal systems locked down and running smoothly. Need help setting up your guest Wi-Fi or have any IT concerns? Call our team. We’re ready to assist.

How to solve the most common VoIP call glitches

Clear, reliable communication is critical for any business, and VoIP systems make that easier and more affordable than ever. However, if your calls are plagued by lag, echo, or unexplained silence, the benefits can quickly turn into headaches. Understanding the root causes of these common issues is the first step toward ensuring smooth, reliable calls.

Static on the line

If you’re hearing static or crackling sounds during your calls, you’re likely dealing with interference caused by outdated hardware. This issue often arises when using an analog telephone adapter (ATA), which connects traditional phones to VoIP systems. Incompatible power supplies or feedback from connected devices can cause these unwanted noises.

To fix it, try unplugging the ATA and any connected devices, then plug them back in securely. If that doesn’t work, consider upgrading to a dedicated IP phone, which bypasses analog-to-digital conversions and often eliminates static altogether.

Voice echo

Hearing your own voice bounce back during a call is a classic VoIP issue. Echoes typically occur when sound from a speaker loops back into the microphone, either from your device or the person you’re calling. It’s annoying, and over time, it can make conversations harder to follow.

To reduce or eliminate echo, lower your speaker or headset volume, or switch to a USB headset with built-in echo cancellation. Some VoIP software platforms also offer settings that minimize echo, so always check your app’s audio configuration options.

Dropped calls

Dropped calls usually stem from an unstable internet connection or intermittent power issues with your networking equipment. It could also happen if your VoIP system isn’t properly configured to prioritize call traffic.

Start by checking for loose or faulty cables and reboot your modem and router. For ongoing issues, consider upgrading to a business-class router and setting up Quality of Service (QoS) rules, which tell your network to prioritize voice data over other types of traffic.

Lag or latency

A noticeable delay between speaking and hearing a response is a sign of latency. This can lead to awkward pauses, people talking over each other, and overall poor conversation flow. Latency is often caused by network congestion or the use of Wi-Fi instead of a wired connection.

One of the best ways to reduce lag is to switch to an Ethernet connection whenever possible. Doing so will provide a more stable and reliable connection for your VoIP calls compared to Wi-Fi connections. However, if this isn’t feasible, you should pause any network-intensive activities (e.g., streaming or file syncing) during calls to free up bandwidth. If either option doesn’t work, check with your VoIP provider about optimizing routing and server settings or requesting more bandwidth from your internet service provider.

Jitter (or packet disorder)

When someone on the other end of the line suddenly sounds robotic or garbled, jitter is usually the culprit. It usually occurs when data packets arrive at inconsistent intervals, which throws off how the voice is reconstructed during the call.

Reducing jitter can often be accomplished by configuring your router to prioritize VoIP traffic using QoS settings. Some VoIP apps also come with built-in jitter buffers that help smooth out audio delivery. Upgrading your router or using a dedicated VoIP device can also improve consistency.

Calls go straight to voicemail

If your customers are complaining that calls go directly to voicemail without your phone ringing, the issue may lie with your device’s registration or forwarding settings. It can also happen if your internet drops briefly and the phone loses its connection to the VoIP server.

Try restarting your VoIP phone or softphone app and double-check that it’s properly registered with your provider. Also, review any call forwarding, “Do Not Disturb,” or time-based routing rules that might be interfering with incoming calls.

Call connects, but there’s no sound

One of the most confusing VoIP issues is when a call connects, but you can’t hear the other person and they can’t hear you. This is usually caused by router or firewall settings that are blocking audio traffic, even though the call itself connects successfully.

There are several ways to fix this issue, depending on your specific setup. For starters, check whether your audio output is set correctly and make sure your microphone is not muted. If those settings are correct, ask your IT administrator or VoIP provider if there are any specific router or firewall settings that need to be adjusted for VoIP communication. Some routers have a setting called “SIP ALG,” which can cause audio issues and needs to be disabled.

Troubleshooting VoIP issues can be frustrating and stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our VoIP experts can help diagnose your issues and get your calls back to crystal-clear quality fast. Contact us today for expert VoIP support tailored to your setup.