You're Electric: Why Normal Gloves Don't Work On Touchscreen Devices

We've all been in this situation at least once:

It's miserably cold outside and you need your phone or other touchscreen device for some reason. Perhaps you're lost, maybe you want to text a friend, it could even be, perish the thought, to actually make a phone call. As you fumble with the touchscreen you realize that your increasingly vigorous swipes, pinches and taps are in vain. Battery dead? Nope, your device flashed to life when you pressed the physical power button. So you take off your gloves and, voila, it magically works again... then your fingers go numb.

So why don't normal gloves or mittens work with touchscreen devices?

You're electric

The answer lies in the type of screens that almost all handheld devices now use, which are known as "capacitive touchscreens". Unlike "resistive touchscreens" (think old Palm Pilots with a stylus, some points of sale machines in checkout lines, and certain screens in hospitals and restaurants), which rely on pressure against the screen to register touch, capacitive touchscreens require contact with something that can conduct electricity (e.g., your finger, certain special styli, etc) to function.

In a nutshell, capacitive touchscreens work like this: humans conduct electricity and touchscreens have an electrical charge (or field). When you touch the screen you distort the screen's electrostatic field at the point (or points) of contact which triggers the (hopefully) intended action in the device (e.g., opening an app, typing a letter, zooming in, etc). By wearing regular gloves you block your body's natural conductivity so that the charge can't pass through the glove and register on the screen.

Breaking through (non-capacitive) barriers

So how do you avoid getting frozen fingers?

To date, this issue with capacitive touchscreens has been solved by either (1) removing parts or all of the non-conductive barriers (fingerless gloves), (2) using a conductive stylus, (3) installing aftermarket adapters into the gloves or mittens (conductive buttons or sewn in conductive thread), or (4) wearing custom gloves with conductive elements or features manufactured specifically for this purpose.

Although each of these solutions has it's own drawbacks, I've found that with the increase in options in the conductive glove market, touchscreen gloves are quickly becoming the most effective (and affordable) option. Plus, if you're adventurous you can even make your own DIY touchscreen gloves by repurposing an old pair and sewing in some inexpensive conductive thread. So don't despair, you needn't have cold fingers any longer. There are now conductive gloves for every style, activity and budget.

Matthew is the founder of TouchscreenGloveReviews.com, an online resource that provides reviews, articles, and search categories to help users find the perfect touchscreen gloves for any activity, style, and budget.

To read more about touchscreen gloves and to find touchscreen glove reviews, go to http://www.touchscreenglovereviews.com/ and follow @TSGloveReviews on Twitter.

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Learning About Google Goggles

At first Google Goggles sounds like a tongue twister, but in fact it is was of the cleverest applications available. The app was first designed for Google's android Operating System (OS) for its mobile phones. But as the popularity grew in this app it became available on Apple software with future hopes for it being on Blackberry smartphones in the near future.

It was released in October 2010 and straight away it impressed. This app lets you take a photo of something like a famous landmark and then it will search Google of what it is. So if you take a picture of Big Ben it will then recognise what the picture is of and then search Google to tell you what it is about. It can act as almost a portable tourist information centre which can come in extremely useful. The beauty of this app is that it doesn't just work on landmarks it works on just about everything. It acts as a barcode scanner so you can scan the barcode of a pack of crisps then it will perform a Google search and come up with all the information about the product; to think of how many products there are in this world it is truly amazing. It can also scan the logos of products and then it could bring up the company website just like that. The app also features a QR code scanner. QR codes are basically a different form of barcodes but these carry more information. The app allows you to use these to get contact information of your friends so you do not have to manually type it in. As well as this it can be used on products to get information on products like barcodes but it can also be used to gather just about any information if it has a QR code.

Goggles also features a translator which is like no other. You can scan a menu which may be in French and then the menu will appear in English on your screen so you do not end up order the wrong thing. This works with all the major languages and can help you with directions as well so you don't get lost. It can be used for practically anything making the app one of the most helpful apps when you are exploring.

In December 2011 Google Goggle announced a partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This partnership enabled Goggles to scan the artwork around the museum and come up with the information about each painting. Each painting sent a user to a direct link on the MMAs actual website so you were instantly receiving reliable information about what you are looking at. This showed that there are no limits to this app. At the same time the app allowed you to scan DVD covers, CD covers and most 2D images to get the information about whatever you are scanning. So if you scan a CD it may come up with the tour dates of that artist and then let you book tickets.

When the app was updated they included something new that made the app even cleverer and this surprised many people. The app now allows you to solve a Sudoku puzzle. All you have to do is allow the app to scan the puzzle and then it will do the rest on screen and come up with the results. This allows you to pretend that you are a hidden genius.

If your phone can have the app installed it is definitely worth installing as it is revolutionising the way you become a tourist. This app can also be used just to give your general knowledge that you may not have already had.

James S. Doughty wrote this article with the assistance of website optimisation specialists Williams Commerce. The company have an in-depth knowledge of their industry which really helped James while he wrote.

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Information Technology: Foundation of Business

Hardly any business today is independent from using information technology. The technological innovations in computer hardware, software applications, internet and wireless connectivity led to business efficiency. Various types of business entities became largely dependent on these technological operations for their day-to-day operations.

From simple word processing software to sophisticated encrypted database system, various types of businesses are relying on information technology to transact with clients and business partners. Significant portion of the transactions and wealth of many businesses are now in electronic or digital format. Hence, it is not surprising why big corporations invest significant amount of money on information technology.

Business infrastructure does not only refer to buildings and other concrete structures. It also refers to the main support systems of a business such as technological infrastructure. Unlike concrete and metal infrastructures, technological infrastructures need to change more frequently. This is in order to adapt to the rapidly changing economic environment. Business entities that are capable of fast technological adaptations are more capable of competing on the global scale.

Information technology is crucial to business infrastructure. It can be considered as the nervous system of business. This is particularly true for large corporate businesses that have many branches and varied operations. A fast food business, for instance, rely on the supply logistics of mass-produced ingredients such as burger patties. The efficiency of fast food logistics is dependent on how the individual restaurant branches communicate with the inventory chain. All of these are possible because of computer the networks and databases that are updated in real time.

Information is both a commodity when it comes to business operations. It is a commodity because business entities purchase it in the form of software applications. Information also corresponds to the inventory or stocks of products. For some businesses such as online businesses, information is a commodity that they buy in the form of high traffic keywords. From smart phone software applications to database of prospective clients, information is a commodity that has a wide range of value depending on the practical use.

On the other hand, information is also a currency in literal and indirect sense. Bank accounts, transaction revenues, balance sheets, and other information mostly have electronic counterparts. Majority of these actually exist as purely encrypted information in some computer networks. The simple payment of fares in commuter trains, for example, can now be conveniently done using a smart phone. Utility bill payments can also now be done online through secured servers of banks. Of course, shopping can also be done through the internet. All of these involve the transfer and recording of information in the form of electronic money.

Businesses that have advanced IT systems are likely to be more competitive globally. Paper-less and cash-less transactions are now becoming a norm of global trade.

In order to learn more about the topic discussed or if you are looking for tibco software in Perth, simply click on the anchor text. You may also search for tibco consultants in Perth and other details.

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Secret Behind Technology Blogging: A Best Niche In Blogging

It is no secret that there is a secret behind technology blogging; it is one of the best niches in blogging. Blogging about technology is one of the best ways to get ahead in modern society. In fact, technology blogging is the best niche in blogging these days for anyone who wants to start up a successful business.

If you plan to create a new business or any successful business ventures, one of the best ways to do so is to consider the technology niche in blogging.

The Secrets of Niche Blogging: Technology

These days there are so many technologies to choose from, it's hard not to blog about them. Some popular examples of technology blogs include:

iPhone how to guides and tutorials

Information and technology news

Technology updates and rumors

The latest technological breakthroughs

Android

Windows and Mac

Technology Editorials and Opinion Pieces

Technology blogs are the perfect accompaniment to a day job although many people find running a niche technology blog can be exciting and take up a bit of time on the side.

How To Run A Successful Secret Technology Niche Blogging Business

It doesn't take very long to get a niche technology blog up and running. All one need to do is set up a blog account, which is easily done through WordPress or any other free blogging module.

Typically it helps to add a new blog post at least once or twice a week, if not daily. This helps to compete with ultra high-ranking websites. The technology niche is one of the simplest niches to write about.

There are tons of information readily available about most forms of technology. There is always something new in the news about the latest iPhone, or what some star or celebrity has done with their Mac, or latest technology device.

The other approach to technology is writing about how you made money using technology. Most people want nothing more than to learn about how they can make money using technology. And, that is essentially what you do when you create a niche technology blog... make money using technology.

Another great niche in the technology arena is a blog focusing on general technological advances and information. However, the competition for a niche that broad however, may be very high, especially when it comes to purchasing AdSense revenue. If you can narrow your technology niche down significantly, to something very narrow, then you will reap the benefits.

Good, narrow niches are well thought out. Some examples may include very detailed subjects and niche topics, including:

iPhone covers and cases

Android Travel Phones

Mac laptop covers and cases

Windows technological breakthroughs

The more narrow the subject material, the more likely you are to select keywords that bring in targeted audience members. There is also less likely to be competition for your keywords. You want to pay as little as possible to attract AdSense revenues. This is how to make the most bang for your buck when blogging on technology.

Remember that the secret is out; technology is a great niche to take advantage of. People are constantly seeking new and exciting information about technology. So discover the areas you can write better about, and dig in. Discover for yourself the secret behind technology blogging and find a good niche in the technology blogging that you and your business can get benefit from.

Xtendedview and Techtushar are two good technological blogs where you can get up to date information about technology.

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Where To Get PC Repair Help In A Hurry

If you're working at home, you're probably using your computer for any number of things both for business and personal. And at some point you're probably going to need some PC repair.

And if you're the type of person who really doesn't know a whole lot about your computer besides moving the mouse or hitting a few keys on the keyboard, you may not even think about a computer actually needing any kind of repair at all.

But no matter how well you maintain your computer system by having the right kind of antivirus software installed, cleaning out old files and even blowing dust out of the computer once in a while, everyone encounters some type of problems at one time or another.

In my case, I was having a technical problem in the audio system that had me all kinds of puzzled for a few days trying it figure it out. I had been using a headset and separate microphone that plugged into their respective jacks in the front of the computer.

Knowing I needed to upgrade to a headset with its own boom mike, I opted for a headset with a USB connection. It was really nice as a headset but I when I tried to record with a couple of my programs using the microphone, my voice wasn't being recognized.

I tried for days trying to figure it out. I finally went out on Google and did some searching and found out that the USB connection was overriding my sound card, or something to that effect, and so that particular headset was not going to work.

Fortunately that particular headset came with the split jack option connection. Once I disconnected the USB headset and plugged the new headset into the mike and headset jacks, I was all set - problem solved.

Even something so simple as the wrong type of connection into your computer can cause a conflict so it's always good to be a little more knowledgeable about your computer system beyond the keyboard and monitor.

And even more so, you need to know where to get the PC repair help you need. Sometimes it's not even the computer that needs repaired, but the peripherals that need to be changed out.

The first thing you can do when you need some computer repair help is to look in the Help files of your own computer. Windows users can find help files for specific programs you're running. Go to the Troubleshooting section of the different files and see if the problem you're having is listed there along with some possible solutions.

If you're not having much luck with those files, head on over to YouTube and type your problem or question in the search box. It's amazing the things that you can learn on YouTube about computers. If you're having some technical problems with Internet crashes or connection or communication problems, you can find a lot of IT support videos on YouTube also.

For specific product-based problems, jump on Google, Yahoo or Bing, or whatever your favorite search engine is, and go right to the product website and check their frequently asked questions page. Some products even have forums where you can browse for specific trouble-shooting areas and get some answers.

If you haven't had any luck with any of these resources, you can do a search for some business services that actually specialize in computer repair. Give a couple of them a call and see if maybe they can help you at least detect the problem you're having.

Sometimes the problem might be something as simple as a conflict between two software programs. Or like in my case, a conflicting peripheral plug-in.

Yes, even us old hat experienced people run into computer technical problems that can make you scratch your head. But knowing where to get the PC repair help you need is often most of the battle right there.

Karen Musselman writes about working at home and offers tips on a variety of home business topics from computer repair to getting the best deals on printer ink. Karen also has online marketing tips and information on her blog at Working At Home With KSMusselman. Visit today for more information and stop by her YouTube channel too!

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Impressive Technology

Photopolymer Plates

The process is a simple theory, photopolymer properties alter under exposure to UV light. A similar technology exists in the coating on aluminium lithographic printing plates, both are exposed to UV light through a film (positive or negative) and in the case of 'positive' litho plates the exposed area is washed away but in the case of photopolymer the unexposed material is washed away while the exposed portion is hardened, therefore film negatives are used. Photopolymer is available in a variety of forms and thicknesses with different features, the principle feature for letterpress is the 'shore hardness' which can range from low 20's to around 85 for certain steel backed plates, the harder plates (60 upwards) being suitable for deeper impression work. There are certain issues to keep in mind - every part of the processing cycle is important and any variable makes a difference. Each plate type according to it's own specification will require different exposure times, washout times and temperatures, oven temperatures for drying and post exposure and drying times. It sounds complicated but it is surprisingly straight forward.

The Process

A film negative is made of the desired image or design to be printed or 'letterpressed'. A portion of photopolymer plate is cut corresponding to the image size then placed in the exposure tray. The film negative is overlayed ensuring the film (emulsion side down) is in good contact with no air bubbles or pockets between the film and plate which will cause UV leakage and a blurred image. The vacuum blanket is rolled over the film and plate, drawer closed and the exposure time begins starting the vacuum and UV lights. After exposure the plate is placed in the washout unit for several minutes (depending on plate type) in water around 20ºc. Soft brushes rotate to wash away waste material and the plate is immediately dehydrated to remove excess water and placed in the drying unit for the appropriate time at a temperature between 60ºc and 80ºc. After initial drying is complete plates are post exposed to UV light without the vacuum (as no film is used at this point) and placed once more in to the dryer, the second drying time is important to ensure the plates are properly 'detacked'. The plate is now finished and can be mounted on double sided adhesive ready to place on a precision ground metal base on the press, the whole process taking around 30 - 40 minutes. For letterpress the preferred plates are 'foil' (meaning plastic) backed rather than steel backed which are difficult to cut and work with, particularly for multi-colour work. Of the foil backed plates available the KF range by Toyobo is one of the most popular and widely used and particularly the KF95 (0.95mm plate) and the KF152 (1.52mm plate). It has to be remembered that the deeper plates like the KF152 need extra exposure time so the UV can penetrate to the floor of the plate and properly cure or harden the polymer. Failure to do this can result in weak plates that don't last the print run with fine details gradually disappearing from the inked impression. The plate must then be packed behind to compensate but this is problematic and not desirable. Even in well made plates there are limits to the degree of fine detail achievable in a photopolymer plate, lines below 0.3 pt may well not hold through the production process.

Developments

Important developments in technology have made the polymer plate system more feasible in recent years at both entry level and for large lithographic businesses both enjoying advancements towards a more 'computer to plate' (CTP) process. In lithography this is a slightly different process using a variation of the photopolymer plate system known as Flexography which focuses more on accurate halftones required by modern presses. For both Flexography and Photopolymer for Letterpress, CTP has been forwarded by the development of new polyester based films. Developments in laser films do not seem to be successful for this kind of high end work but inkjet films achieve consistent industry standard results with DMAX >4 though it is necessary to use a software RIP to achieve this. The success of the polyester films lies in the greater accuracy of modern inkjet printers (the minimum requirement would be an appliance like the Epson 4900 which is still a relatively modest investment) and in the science of the film product. We've tested a variety but endorse the Folex product Reprojet P HD available on 30 meter rolls or cut sheets. The film works not by holding sufficient ink to be a dense black and thus reach the DMAX target but rather by the filament within the structure of the film working with the ink to deflect light and cut it out from the polymer. We have found in testing that exposure times greater than required can result in UV leakage (particularly if the ink is too light) but then plate makers should be working to the guide times specified by plate manufacturers so this is not an issue. The film will hold a remarkable amount of ink which combined with the film's properties give excellent results. Trying to print film without a RIP like Waasatch, Filmgate or EFI just using the Epson onboard drivers will result in floating (ink literally floating on the surface) and wastage. These RIP's are and added expense to small print shops but there is a cheaper option in Accurip which we've tested running at droplet size 13 out of 15 and the results are excellent. We've also used EFI and are about to test Waasatch. Any of these RIP's perform the important task of taking control of the way ink is laid down as well as the amount whereas onboard printer drivers will put the ink down, in simple terms, too much too quickly.

Rising Demand

With the resurging interest in letterpress and particularly the artform side of this printing process, photpolymer plates have been in increasing demand in the UK and in particular plates that allow a deeper impression in to thick paper for the luxury stationery market. Although polymer plates have been available for a while the KF152 for deep impression work has not been distributed in the UK in recent times. There is now a distributor and Lyme Bay Press are providing KF152 plates as the sole distributor and a plate making service as well as technical support for those with printing problems, encouraging new growth in the letterpress community.

Conclusion

It may seem a little odd that Europe seems to be at the front of this technology, one normally thinks of Japan or the USA for innovation but for once legislation may have been a help rather than a hindrance. Europe has increased it's expectations of industry meeting environmental requirements in a way which is forcing improvements in the workplace. Traditional film making uses chemicals which are hazardous in use and difficult to dispose of, perhaps this has increased the demand for earlier film products to improve. Many litho printers (us included) will have used laser plates at one time or another for simple short run one colour jobs, it's quick and easy, printed straight from the desktop. The problems are damping issues which make these plates difficult to run but now it's possible to develop positive metal plates using inkjet film. Each year the report from DRUPA is the progress the printing industry is making in CTP. There are now printers which inkjet metal plates directly, though the investment is significant the time saving element is very desirable. There is much talk about the 'digital presses' which can inkjet 11,000 sheets per hour with ultra sharp dots. The inevitable question is the cost per impression which still means the digital route has not eclipsed the traditional press but it will come. To get back on target, our conclusion has been after vigorous research and testing, recent developments have made it possible to produce Litho standard Flexographic or Letterpress Photopolymer plates of a very high standard through CTP processes at a very affordable rate both in terms of initial investment and production, sufficient to make this a viable commercial interest.

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Scary Applications Within 3D Printing

3D printing has the power to change the way that we look at quite a few aspects of the manufacturing world. This technology will vie some people an edge over there competitors in many aspects, while it will inhibit some people. At the same time, this technology will help quite a few industries, such as the marketing industry for being able to produce very comprehensive diagrams, and visuals. Other industries such as the medical world will experience a revolution, for being able to create new prosthetic pieces, and specialized implant. Crazy applications such as organ replication are also knocking on the door through technologies such as 3D printing. In a nut shell, there are going to be some serious changes due to the technology known as 3D printing.

What kind of applications should we be expecting? Like I mentioned earlier, there are some awesome advances and industries being hit. The medical world is already beginning to experience a harsh shift for the better because of 3D printing. Engineering firms and companies are already taking advantage of the cool capabilities of 3D printing. These applications include making special parts, but they are also great for testing new products and doing prototyping. Consumers and 3D designers are starting to see their models come into existence through 3D printing in addition to those applications. Odd businesses are spreading all over the world because of 3D printing now. Concept teams are definitely taking advantage of the applications from 3D printing; many of these applications revolve around producing visuals of characters, props, and various parts for concept development teams and project managers to see. There is a ton of possibility for these companies that exist revolving around 3D printing, and this technology is already starting to change the word. It will continue to do just that.

However, things aren't always going to be awesome because of this technology. There have been few criminal cases due to 3D printing, but as this technology continues to gain momentum, there will be a larger following. As this following grows, there will be the addition of criminals, and "sketchy" behavior. Already, some handcuff keys have been manufactured through a 3D printer. Other criminal applications have come about, such as specialized ATM card skimmers. These skimmers give its users the capabilities to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting participants. The idea of weapons manufacturing is also becoming much more prominent as time progresses. There may be other manufactured parts that come about, with some form or intention to replicate something that is in existence. What I mean, is that some people will try to fake certain things.

All in all, 3D printing is an amazing form of manufacturing technology, and I'm glad that it is around. The applications that are in existence today have done a good bit of help to various industries across the world. However, the government is likely to jump in to regulate this technology within the next decade or two, due to the vast capabilities of 3D printing.

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to learn about 3D Printing, or possibly you'd like to join a 3D Printing Community.

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