How to Make a Stylus for an iPad or Android Tablet

November 2, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

2011 has definitely been the Year of the Tablet. The iPad 2 is shattering sales records set by the first version of the iPad. Meanwhile, competing tablets like the Android Tablet, Blackberry Playbook and Microsoft Xoom have been gaining in market share and expanding the market for tablet computers.  Tablet computers are known for their sleek design, in-between size, and high-tech responsive touchscreens.

But some tablet users find that those touchscreens, which are so delightful to use for gaming or browsing the Web, are much less useful for typing longer messages. The touchscreen keyboard function on most tablet computers is slower and more prone to errors than a real keyboard, and carrying a portable keyboard adds unwanted bulk to the tablet’s sleek profile. For example, while browsing photos of diamond rings will be fun and easy with a touchscreen, if you want to create an organized chart of diamond prices, you may find the touchscreen slower and less intuitive than a keyboard. This problem has resulted in the return of the stylus, that 90’s computer accessory that lost popularity when finger-responsive touchscreens became universal a few years ago. Tablet owners are creating their own styli to adapt their computers to their individual typing needs.

If you own an iPad or Android tablet, you can easily create your own stylus to keep in your computer case. Instead of buying an expensive stylus that you may not use often, creating it yourself is easy and inexpensive.

To make a stylus, you will need an ordinary sponge, a ballpoint pen, and a paper clip. Disassemble the pen and cut a two-inch section of its plastic tubing. Cut a similar-sized section of the sponge. Drill two small holes in the plastic tube, and then stuff the sponge into the tube. Straighten the paper clip, insert one end into the hole in the tube, and then wrap the metal wire around the pen two or three times. Finally, reinsert the plastic tube into the pen case. With a small amount of the sponge exposed at the tip of the pen, where the ink tip used to be, the pen will now function as a stylus and can be used to maneuver a tablet computer with ease.

Now you know how to make a atylus for an iPad or Android tablet.

Guest article written by Whiteflash – best provider of diamond jewelry.

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8 Reasons Why the Nexus Prime is Better Than the iPhone 4S

November 2, 2011 by · 2 Comments

It’s an exciting time for technology lovers – Apple’s iPhone 4S has recently been unveiled (selling millions within the first three days of its release), and the release date of Samsung’s Nexus Prime is reportedly scheduled for November 10, 2011. So, it’s decision time, folks. Which of these Smartphones should you consider purchasing? It’s actually pretty obvious which phone is the better option – the Nexus Prime undoubtedly beats out the iPhone 4S in almost all categories. Here are the top 8 reasons why the Nexus Prime is better than the iPhone 4S:

  1. The quality of the camera. The Nexus Prime enjoys quite the superior camera features. The phone boasts a 5 megapixel rear camera, as well as a 1.3 megapixel front camera. The Nexus Prime’s video camera is also top-notch – it can record video at 1080 HD resolution.
  2. That whole Ice Cream Sandwich thing. The design of the Nexus Prime is unparalleled – it’s the first Smartphone to run on Google Inc.’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The Ice Cream Sandwich is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. It’s a cross between the Android 2.3 and the Android 3.0 (codenamed “Gingerbread” and “Honeycomb”, respectively), and it’s bound to be a tasty treat. The Nexus Prime is also much thinner than the iPhone 4S, making it that much more portable.
  3. The efficient connectivity. While the iPhone 4S enjoys a dual core A5 processor, this is a feature that Android devices have had for a while. The Nexus Prime is the clear winner when it comes to connectivity, due to its 1.2 GHz TI OMAP dual core processor.
  4. The battery power. The Nexus Prime has a 1,750 mAh battery, while the iPhone 4S only has a 1,420 mAh battery. No competition here!
  5. The display. As all good techies know, it’s important to get the biggest display possible when it comes to choosing a Smartphone. After all, you don’t want to be constantly squinting at the screen of your phone when you’re simply trying to send a text message. The Nexus Prime has the better readability factor, with its 4.65 inch Super AMOLED display; in contrast, the iPhone 4S has a mere 3.5 inch touch screen. The Super AMOLED display will have much better color, as well.
  6. The added bonus of near-field communications support (NFC). Unlike the iPhone 4S, the Nexus Prime has NFC – this means that transactions and data exchange will be much, much easier.
  7. RAM. The Nexus Prime comes out on top in terms of RAM, with its full GB RAM –with its 512 MB RAM, the iPhone 4S just doesn’t quite stack up.
  8. Its 4G capability.  The iPhone 4S doesn’t even compare here. The Nexus Prime enjoys a 4G LTE capability, while the iPhone 4S only has a 3G capability. This means the Nexus Prime will have a much higher download speed than the iPhone 4S – a very important feature, indeed.

This is a post by John Cooper, Technology and Features editor at NewYork101. Looking for the best things to do in New York, speak to John!

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New Auto-bot Car actually ‘sees’ its surroundings

November 1, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

As civilisation advances at a rapid pace, the speed of digital computers appears to be at the forefront of human innovation. Indeed, computers even now can perform many of the talks now that had to be done manually only 10 or 15 years ago. But how would you feel about trusting a computer with your car? Well you may find out sooner than you think! Scientists from Oxford University have developed a car that can drive itself without the need of a human. However, what makes it special is that it actually sees the world around it, by combining a number of technologies including cameras, radar and lasers.

Of course we see some of these innovations in some of our top of the range road cars, and the Google car is a prime example of that. However, this car is different; it uses a 3D map of its surroundings, which allows it to react in real time to any hazards, giving it many advantages over GPS.

GPS is usually used to locate the car within a few meters, therefore it is not accurate enough to use as a basis for the self-drive car, however, its integration of laser, cameras and radar means the 3D map is so accurate it can match that of a human driver.

Leader of the project is Professor Paul Newman, who hopes to create safer and cleaner roads by making robotic automated cars. He claims that even the accessibility of cars would be increased. But, surely many people love driving, and I personally can see that demand for such a car might hard to create amongst certain demographics, but long journeys would perhaps be made far more comfortable.

To achieve Professor Newman’s vision the project has received a large amount of funding, totalling £1.4 million, given by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research council.

So what does this mean for the future of motoring? Will any of the current generation outlive the human car driver? Will the driving test become a thing of the past in the near future? For me, I expect not. I can see this sort of technology benefitting the older generation, particularly on long car journeys, but for me, many people enjoy the feeling of complete control over a car, rightly or wrongly pushing it to its limits. Ultimately the people are likely to begrudge handing over yet another human task over to the computer – particularly one so enjoyed by many.

Martin Wright is a writer and car lover who loves buying used cars and doing them up, he made a 40% profit on a used Ford recently.

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Microsoft Tag – Decoding The Colored Barcode

October 31, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

A barcode is embedded data about a product available with a code on the packaging of the same. The data is readable with the help of optical machines only. You may have seen this commonly at the store where the product is held under a scanner at the time of billing. The barcode tells the computer the product code and it reflects the price or any other relevant information about the same. In the same way Microsoft tag offers you 2D embedded information about the product. With the help of new age devices like your smartphone this can take you through an all new experience of a colorful world of information and entertainment. These are the same embedded information but their presentation is available not just for an optical scanner but even through your phone.

These are also known as High Capacity Color Barcode; with the use of Microsoft tag this is used for products within a grid of 5 x 10. In this there is a use of 4 different colors and the code operates in a colorless tone. There are variations in the print size that depends on the packaging but inn all they are readable. You can easily scan these with your mobile phone camera and get connected. Such tags on bigger items and advertisement signs always appear larger than smaller boxes of cereals and chocolates. Such tags are also available on books and magazines where it may be medium to small in size as well.

You will come across a Microsoft tag in almost all kinds of commodities and products; these are usually a link to a website or video and other information about the product; and it will all be available through your phone. It is a free advantage that comes to you in the form of interesting information you are looking for. There is an easy application tool called the Tag Manager with which you can create one for your product. Adding these to your product will make them more interesting and appealing to the consumer or buyer. Once the end user sees the code they can scan the tag on their Smartphone; using a free download available in devices called Tag app they can immediately see the video or the website of excitement you have created with your product. If you are interested in knowing the progress or impact a tag has made on your marketing plans then you can refer to a free report available as well.

Microsoft tag can be the best advantage and answer to any marketing woes that you may have experienced in the past. It is an advanced means of reaching out to your focused audience of buyers and consumers with what they would like to see or know about your company and the range of products available. This can work wonders especially in case of new launches and companies that are relatively new in a particular market.

This use of technology can be particularly appealing to a new generation of gadget users and tech savvy patrons.

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How to Introduce your Friend to RC Helicopters

October 27, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Flying RC helicopters actually has a lot to offer hobbyists in terms of enjoyment, but there is a problem that many hobbyists face when they try to get a group together to fly their favorite models. RC helicopters are a sadly unpopular pastime. It’s very possible that you might not know any RC enthusiasts in your area. However, this doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way for long. Introducing some friends to your RC helicopter hobby can make a huge difference when it comes to RC popularity.

Both RC cars and RC helicopters are great when it comes to introducing your friends to the hobby. This is because both cars and helicopters can perform stunts easily, and also tend to have a “cool” appearance. Being able to show the fun in an RC helicopter’s details, or getting your friend to help choose decals for your RC car can be a good way to get them interested in coming along for the ride.  It’s very important not to force things when it comes to introducing your friend to any new hobby, RC copters included. Otherwise, they will resent both you and your favorite hobby for quite some time.

RC Helicopter

Once you get your friend interested in coming with you as you experience your RC helicopter hobby, you have to do a little bit of planning. If your friend is big into art and design, getting him to help you paint or modify your RC helicopter or RC car is a good way to start. Friends who are more into action, wild videos, and being able to do unusual things are best off actually taking the big jump into RC helicopters by getting their hands on the remote. Showing a couple of the tricks that your RC helicopter can achieve will be all of the push that they will need.

After they get their first taste of RC copters, there’s a pretty good chance that they will want to do it again. If this is the case, you probably will know that they will want an RC helicopter for their next birthday or Christmas present. Getting more people into the mix is easier once you have a first friend who also shares your hobby. Much of this is the law of large numbers – the bigger the present group is, the more likely it is that people will want to join in the fun.

The article was written by Cobra R/C Toys , manufacturers of quality Electric RC helicopters distributed worldwide.

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6 Professional Uses for Tablets

October 27, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Tablets are becoming increasingly popular, from the iPad to the extremely newsworthy but ultimately failed HP Touchpad. Something about holding those little flat devices and touching them with your fingers has captured the attention of people all over the world. Amazon’s recent announcement of its Kindle Fire tablet into the market will only further ignite the flames of the tablet craze.

For all its appeal, some people are finding it hard to justify actually using tablets. Nearly everyone has a computer and a phone, but convincing people that they need a third device is something tablet manufacturers have not yet overcome. Those who have tablets mostly have them because they want them rather than need them. Nevertheless, businesses and other organizations may be able to find professional uses for tablets that will actually make their industries more efficient.

1. Medical forms

Filling out medical forms is a real pain. When patients go to the doctor’s office or the hospital, they or their loved ones are inevitably handed a clip board and a pen. With tablets hospitals would be able to automate portions of the form process by scanning licenses, reading to patients with visual impairments, and giving patients a much more simplified touch interface with “yes” and “no” buttons. The downside to using touch screens in a hospital is hundreds of sick people will be touching and handling the tablets, but they invariably do the same with clipboards and pens.

2. Painting and Photo Editing

Artists can find plenty of uses for tablets, especially if they create digital images or edit photos. Adobe and other companies have developed apps for the iPad, for example, that allow them to mix colors with their fingers or apply other image editing controls to the iPad, while leaving others on the computer. For photo editing, a tablet is something photographers can take just about anywhere and essentially have a photo-developing studio in the palms of their hands.

3. Media control device

Businesses invariably have meetings, some big and some small. In either case, presentations are a big part of those meetings. Remotes are popular for basic presentations, but if the presenter wants to do anything more advanced than flipping through slides, he or she usually has to return to mouse clicking. Imagine a tablet, on the other hand, that can wirelessly project the images or information that the presenter manipulates.

4. Restaurant menus

Tablets would likely have to come down in price for restaurants to consider digitizing their menus, but the possibilities here would be very impressive. Imagine scrolling through the virtual menu and actually seeing video of the food steaming hot on a plate, being prepared, or even being eaten by an attractive person. Menus could be interactive experiences rather than just pictures with words. Moreover, a restaurant that frequently changes its menus will no longer have to reprint them. All they have to do is change the information in a database and resync the tablets. In the long term, it would save a great deal of money and time.

5. E-magazines and journals

The magazine industry may or may not be heading down the tubes, depending on who you ask, but there is little doubt that technology will have an effect on the way people read in the coming years. As e-book readers become more cost-effective, particularly for libraries, we may see more of them opt for tablets to replace physical magazines and journals. Most already have digital databases for journals, but a tablet will make reading them and navigating through them a much more pleasant experience. For magazines, tablets can provide color interfaces that most e-book readers cannot, allowing users to still flip through the color pages and enjoy them.

6. Educational tools

As with any new technology, cost is always a concern for schools, but if schools can find ways to effectively implement tablets into the classroom, they will save a bundle on paper and textbooks. A class with a set of tablets can share website experiences together, read digital textbooks, and play interactive educational games.

As with any technology, a tablet is only a tool. Just because a business or school purchases tablets does not mean they will make those organizations any better. It is up to those who plan and make decisions to implement technology in a way that is beneficial to the organization. These and other professional uses for tablets are areas tablet manufacturers and app developers can target and find ways to make implementation easier and more productive.

Tavis J. Hampton blogs for TavisOnline.com and recommends WordPress web hosting 34SP.com for quality blog hosting.

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Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Ford Enter the World of Cloud Computing Apps

October 27, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

As the market continues to grow for smart-phone and tablet computer apps, car companies are beginning to want a piece of the action so they can offer you a variety of cloud computing apps in your vehicle. Whether it is apps for finding parking at the local mall or GPS apps for directions, car companies like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Toyota are upgrading their cars to accommodate their clients’ digital lifestyles. For example, Mercedes-Benz is developing a series of apps that use voice recognition software for interaction with Facebook and Twitter while you are driving.

Many of these new apps are not yet on the wider marketplace in the United States, but have debuted in overseas markets. One popular app that just recently debuted in the US is one for drivers of electric cars that allows the user of an iPhone or Android to check the battery level of their car and remotely initiate the charging procedure. Other apps being looked at by these companies include ones that would allow you to activate the heater and air conditioning of your car from inside your home, just minutes before you begin your day’s travels.

One of the interesting apps that Toyota has been developing is one that allows access to a FourSquare-style social network for its cars. This app can send alerts to an owner on a variety of items. On Toyota’s electric cars, there is even a feature that reminds owners to charge the vehicle. The purpose of this app is to connect car owners, dealers, and Toyota to one another to exchange information on the performance of Toyota’s vehicles.

Not to be outdone by Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, Ford is getting in on the cloud computing game with the development of its Evos Concept Car. This vehicle is designed to offer its driver a host of apps that assist with your driving habits and are also able to open the garage door by communicating with gadgets in your home. Also this car is being designed with apps that will allow the car’s entertainment system to tune into a radio program that the driver was listening to at home. Finally, it is also offering features that will set the car’s climate to match what the climate of the home was prior to departure. Overall, Ford is trying to build a car that will fully incorporate its customers’ digital lifestyles into their transportation.

Besides Ford’s cutting edge approach to incorporating cloud computing options into its cars, Toyota has developed a close partnership with Microsoft to make Toyota’s cars into moving information terminals. Toyota is looking to utilize the Windows Azure program and Microsoft’s immense information technology structure to increase the total value of its automobiles. Plans are being laid to move far beyond today’s basic safety communications apps to new apps that will improve overall driver and traffic safety.

The way that Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Toyota are entering the world of cloud computing in their vehicles is certainly exciting. These cutting edge developments are certainly going to change the future of the way cars are made and used. Who knows, it might not be long until we see cloud computing apps that are used to have computers control our cars’ driving on a smart-grid network for street traffic.

Chris DeHarty is currently doing his Bachelors degree in Arts at the University of Guelph and loves to write blog posts on cars and technology. Recently he has written a few articles about the services that Kanetix offers and how it can save you hundreds of dollars every year.

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Weird Science – 5 Unusual Ways to Generate Electricity

October 26, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

We know about the conventional ways gas and electricity can be supplied, so what about the more unusual ways in which it is possible – we have a look at the weird world of science

Generating electricity isn’t all about the fossil fuels, or for that matter even the more publicised forms of renewable energy such as solar or wind. There are also a number of unusual ways of generating power.

Urine

Yes it is possible to turn your excretion into power – hydrogen in fact. The team at the University of Ohio managed to do so after creating an inexpensive nickel based electrode device that produces energy from urine. Potentially a pee powered car can travel up to 90 miles to the gallon, less than most children or others with bladder problems.

Molten Salt

One of the most exciting and energy efficient alternative energies is a product called molten salt. This molten salt is created by solar plants and can produce up to 500 Mw of peak power.

The salt is a mix of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate is placed in an insulated storage tank where it is heated to an adequate point before being transferred to another tank which keeps it warm. The salt is then pumped into a conventional steam generating mechanism to produce superheated steam an so powers a generator.

Faeces

Yes if you can use urine for energy, then you can also use other forms of waste. First engineered in Rwanda after the genocide, this method won the Ashden Award for sustainable energy. The method uses faeces to create combustible methane gas which can be used for cooking. An ironically named digester is used to create the gas, and bacteria break down the matter and release methane gas, which can then be used as fuel.

Onions

The humble onion not only garnishes food and lowers incidents of heart disease; it can also be used to generate electricity. Onions are squeezed and then the juice is turned into methane. This energy production method has been taken seriously in a lot of countries; onions, as well as other veg, are used in Canada and India to create energy requirements.

Beer

BioFuel can also be made from wasted beer. This is done by creating ethanol from beer or wine. Excess beer is collected from a variety of sources and is then distilled into ethanol. The ethanol is then converted into fuel or mixed with regular gasoline to power certain types of cars.

This article was written by Elena Price on behalf of Energy Stories

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How Honda’s Green Car Lineup Stands up to the Prius

October 26, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

If you don’t have a hybrid or electric car and you are in the market for new cars, you should consider looking into the long-term savings green cars offer.

While in the early years green cars were only available as hatchback, car makers are offering green cars in all different styles, from sedan to SUV.

Here’s the list of Honda’s affordable green cars and how they stack up to the Prius.

Honda Civic Hybrid

On US News rankings, the Honda Civic Hybrid falls at number 27 out of 34 for their list of Affordable Small Cars. It takes major hits in the interior quality. It’s not only bland, but it looks very similar to the outgoing year model. Not to mention, it gives off a cheap feel, especially when you compare it to the less expensive Chevrolet Cruze and Hyundai Elantra.

Where it falls on interiors it does win on features as the new model offers more of them as standard. For instance, a $24,000 Honda Civic Hybrid comes with power windows and doors, Bluetooth, and a radio/CD player with USB connection.

Honda Insight Hatchback

The second-generation Insight is a great improvement to its predecessor with the exception of the powertrain’s impressive 60+ mpg highway. The new model only offers a 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. However, when it comes to performance, the Honda Insight Hatchback beats the Prius. With responsive steering and suspension tuning that leans to the sporty side, it’s a fun drive, especially compared to the odd feeling driving a Prius provides.

Prius offers a roomier backseat, but if you fold down the rear seats of the Insight, you’ll get more cargo space. However, Insight users complain about higher amounts of road noise, and, when combined with the cramped back seat, Prius still takes the cake on comfort and refinement.

Honda CR-Z Hatchback

With a paltry 31 city and 37 highway mpg, Prius leaves the Honda CR-Z Hatchback in the dust. But on style, this hybrid wins the race. It’s a sporty hybrid … sounds like an oxymoron, right?

While it may be nimble and quick, it may not be the most practical, given the fact it only has two seats. Chances are you’ll be looking into trailers for sale if you end up with this car.

If you’re still reading after that bombshell, you must be impressed with performance. In that case, this car may be something you’re interested in, even if it doesn’t offer the upscale features consistent with cars in its class. However, drivers complain that although the quick steering and small size make it a fun drive, it falls short with modest tire grip and body roll.

In the end, Prius offers a roomier ride, more comfortable drive and most importantly, when it comes to fuel efficiency, it leaves these Honda hybrids in the dust.

Guest Author Byline  This post was written by guest blogger Michelle Anderson who likes to blog about how to save money, especially when looking into larger items, like used trailers for sale.

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Steve Jobs: Lessons I Learned from the Apple CEO

October 26, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Steve Jobs was a brilliant entrepreneur with many lessons that can be learned from his successes and failures. Here are the top seven lessons to take away from his lifetime.

1. Experts are not the be all, end all.

Any expert in any field, whether it is journalism, banking or consulting are little more than advisers for projects. They can look at a product and tell you what’s wrong, but designing a great product is beyond their scope. They’re not able to design the product so you should listen to their input, but always go about your project as your gut instinct tells you to do so.

2. Customers are unable to express their needs.

Market research for Apple has always been an oxymoron. Customers want what’s faster, better, and cheaper in the sense that they want the same thing but done better and faster, and hopefully for a cheaper price. The best place to start for tech start-ups is creating a product you yourself wants to use.

3. Stay ahead of the curve.

You’ll be one step ahead of the competition by recognizing openings in the field and jumping on these opportunities, rather than letting them slide by. Technology is about upgrading, so make people upgrade with your ideas.

4. Design always matters.

Design always mattered to Steve Jobs and it should matter to you as well. While many people believe that white is white and there’s nothing more to a hamper than storing clothes, creating functional design can wow customers into loving your creation.

5. Price doesn’t dictate value.

Price is not all that matters to some people, as most people are generally willing to pay more for a creation that functions well and integrates into their daily lives than something that could be seen as a third wheel for cheap. Keep this in mind when pricing any creation.

6. Hire and work with the best.

You should be able to recognize the best talent in the field when you see it. Strive to have these people on your team, working for you so that you can innovate better than the competition. Better talent means more original ideas.

7. Perform well in public.

Despite Steve’s professionalism and often haughty attitude, it’s this very attitude that made him so popular with consumers. His ultimate goal was to ship the best product possible and consumers knew this. This is the reason many people flocked to him, because they expected an innovative

 

Pat Lindle is a lifelong Steve Jobs fan.  He utlizes only Apple products in his metal deck / steel decking business without exception.  Pat lives in Phoenix, AZ with his wife and 3 children.

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