How Does a Smartphone Work?

The availability of hardware and software determines how smartphones work, or, for that matter, that they even exist. With the advent of touch screens that actually gave users a responsive surface, smartphone interfaces become more intuitive. Furthermore, the introduction of geolocation technology as an integrated part of cellular provider services provided applications with a way to locate the user on maps or for social networking purposes. Small and portable long-term memory gave these phones the ability to store pictures and other media. Finally, mobile device-specific operating systems brought all this technology together into a smartphone that can take pictures, browse the Internet, and run applications. This collection of technology is what makes smartphones work.

Touch Screens

Touch screens have existed since the days of PDAs, usually used in tandem with a stylus. Following that, resistive touch screens emerged. These touch screens were constructed of layers of conductive material separated from each other. When the user puts pressure on the surface of the screen, either with a stylus or finger, the layers would touch and complete a circuit, sensing the location of the touch. Capacitive touch screens use the conductivity of the touching object — a finger, usually — to register touch. Smartphones use capacitive touch screens to make touch interaction comfortable and natural.

GPS and Geolocation

Smartphones also contain the ability to locate the user via GPS technology. Typically, the smartphone, like any cellular phone, sends and receives data, including GPS coordinates, from the cellular network. The network or third-party applications can then use this information to identify the location of the user. This way, the applications on the phone, such as map applications or social applications, can use this information to suggest driving or walking directions or attractions to visit.

Flash Memory

The invention of flash memory has made high-capacity data storage easier to accomplish on small devices. Flash cards represent the way this technology makes smartphones possible. Flash cards are small, thin and can hold anywhere between 1GB and 64GB of data. This allows smartphones to download and store applications from the cellular network. It also allows smartphones to save a large number of pictures, text messages and voice messages.

Operating Systems

The aspect of smartphones that tie all the hardware innovations together is an operating system made specifically for smartphone use. Apple’s iOS functions on Apple phones and tablets, and provides a stable platform meant specifically for mobile use. Google’s Android and Microsoft Windows Phone 8 do the same for non-Apple phones. These operating systems are meant to run on small devices, using touch technology and functioning primarily with limited processing resources and smaller hard drive space.

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How to Make your Dell Laptop Battery Last longer

  1. Keep the laptop unplugged. If you use your dell laptop as a desktop replacement, try unplugging it when it’s not in use. Take care to unplug the charger from the wall too; otherwise, it consumes electricity.
  2. Only charge it when it needs charging. Keeping the laptop charging all the time actually weakens the battery’s power. Soon enough, you’ll have to keep it plugged in all the time which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. Be sure to only charge it when the laptop tells you it needs charging and unplug the charger when the battery is full.
  3. Remove the battery of the laptop. It should be located on the bottom side of the laptop. You might need to slide some clips along to allow the battery to be removed. You will, however, have to keep your laptop plugged in all the time, but this method makes the battery last longer.
    1. Use the battery only when you need to take your laptop outdoors.
    2. Make sure the battery is charged up to at least 70% before you remove it from the computer. This keeps it ready for use, and it eliminates the possibility of it being drained when you need it.
  4. Turn off the laptop and unplug it when it’s not in use. If you need to step out of the room for more than half an hour, it’s best to save electricity and the battery by shutting it down.
  5. For long term storage, lithium-ion batteries should be at least half-charged. Store them safely in a warm, dry location.

iOS 11’s new Control Center will freak you out, but give it a chance

Apple is making iOS 11 available to the world today, and there’s a change that will generate an inevitable surprise reaction from most iPhone users. While the vast majority of UI changes are on the iPad side in iOS 11, the Control Center has been overhauled and is very different. At first glance it looks rather ugly, but there’s some good and bad changes hidden within.

GOOD IMPROVEMENTS

Let’s start with the good things. You can now customize what quick shortcuts you’ll see in the Control Center. You can add things like alarms, low power mode, Wallet, and various accessibility controls. It makes the Control Center a lot more useful than before, even if you can’t add all of the things you might want to see there. It’s also far easier to control music now, and you don’t have to swipe between panels to access controls.

Airplane mode is a lot more intelligent now. If you’re using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth then it doesn’t disable those when you activate the toggle. That’s particularly useful if you’re using Bluetooth headphones on a plane or onboard Wi-Fi. You can also toggle the cellular radio independently if you really want to.

BAD CHANGES

Now let’s move onto the bad. Even after months of using the new Control Center, I still find myself staring at my screen for a few seconds and searching for things like the flashlight. The buttons all look very alike, and there’s not enough strong visual cues to differentiate them. This is something you’ll notice more on top of apps or with certain wallpapers, and the iOS 10 Control Center (above) handled this better thanks to the strong blur effect in the background.

Another slight change is that Night Shift looks like it has vanished from Control Center. It hasn’t, but Apple has hidden in under the screen brightness slider. You’ll need to use 3D Touch on the brightness slider to enable or disable the night mode, and it feels unnecessary to press and hold on the display to find what should be a quick toggle.

Apple’s use of 3D Touch in the new Control Center is confusing elsewhere, too. 3D Touch suffers from discoverability issues across iOS and watchOS, as you’re never really sure what options you’re going to get when you press and hold on a display. You can’t use 3D Touch on the alarms shortcut or the low power mode shortcut in the Control Center, but you can use 3D Touch with Wallet, flashlight, and many other options.

Overall, the new Control Center is an improvement that you’ll ultimately get used to. It feels a little unfinished, though. It took weeks after my initial shock to get accustomed to iOS 11’s Control Center. It’s not perfect, and could do with a better design and some usability changes, but it’s like taking the trash out: it looks a little nasty but you get over it and deal with it.

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How to Send Text Messages from Your Computer

Whether you’re smartphone obsessed or still yearn for the offline, cord-filled days of rotary phones, it’s hard to defend tiny touch screens as efficient typing devices – while the average keyboard user cranks out somewhere in the ballpark of 40 words per minute, those typing on touch screens average about half that.

Granted, lugging around a keyboard just so you can text more quickly would be more than a little counterproductive on the go. But the ability to send and receive SMS texts from your computer not only has the potential to double your texting speed, it also eliminates the need to juggle devices when you’re at your desk. If you’d rather consolidate your devices and avoid your smartphone’s overzealous insistence on autocorrecting “cute” to “cucumber,” you can harmonize your computer and phone with a variety of apps for both Android and iOS.

Android Texting Assistants

In the Android sphere, a (mostly) free app called MightyText leads the charge for computer-based SMS texting. By installing the free app on your phone or tablet and following its straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to access and respond to your texts directly from your Gmail account or from a web-based version of the app. MightyText also throws in features like low-battery notifications on your PC, the ability to send webpages, maps, and photos from your computer to your phone, and an in-app photo editor. While these features are free, paying $4.99 a month (or $59.99 a year) for MightyText Pro opens up perks like viewing other phone notifications on your computer, 100 GB of cloud storage, and text message scheduling, as well as eliminating in-app ads and removing the free version’s 200-text-per-month limit.

And MightyText isn’t alone. AirDroid offers a similar solution, but with an increased focus on transferring files between your handheld and desktop devices in addition to texting functions. Like MightyText, its basic features are free, though you’ll need to pay $1.99 a month for premium features like remote photo taking and multiple device support.

iOS Options

For iOS users, myPhone Desktop provides a text-from-your-computer solution, but it also takes the concept of harmonizing your mobile and desktop devices a few steps further than its Android brethren.

With this app – which comes with a one-time price tag of $4.99 – you can not only access and send iPhone texts from your Mac or iPad (or even your iPod Touch), you can make calls from your desktop, drag and drop items from your computer screen to your phone screen, and even share map routes among your family of devices.

As a Mac user, you also have a slightly clumsier iPhone-only option that doesn’t require you to download any additional apps. From your Mac’s dock, click on the Messages icon and sign in with the Apple ID you use on your iPhone. Hit the “New Message” icon, choose a contact (make sure you synced your contacts with your Mac during your iPhone’s setup), and type away – your contact will receive the message on their phone as an iMessage, though, on their end, it may identify you with your email address rather than your phone number.

A Universal Alternative

Although this one’s a little clunky, it gets the job done if you don’t want to deal with apps, but really want to send a text from the comfort of your computer’s keyboard.

Pop over to your email account and start composing a new email. For the address, type in the recipient’s phone number all as one block (no punctuation) followed by “@email.uscc.net” – so it should look something like, “3331234567@email.uscc.net.” With the exception of a few smaller carriers like T-Mobile, this should work for most cellular phones in the United States. And as a bonus, it’s a pretty nifty trick for the next time you lose your smartphone under your car seat.

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How to Reduce Computer Screen Glare

Working on a computer all day can cause eye strain and headaches. Computer glare is a common factor in causing such problems. Frequent drying of the eyes and tiredness can also make working on a computer difficult. Screen glare can be reduced for free or with the use of computer screen products. Reduced screen glare can allow users to read documents easier and complete computer tasks with visual ease.

Adjust the brightness and contrast on the computer screen. Locate the monitor buttons on the side or bottom of the screen. Press the buttons to dim or brighten the monitor for better viewing. Adjusting the screens brightness will help reduce glare.

Dim the lights at home or in the office. Bright florescent and tungsten lights can cause sharp glare. Dim lights by removing one or two florescent lights from office ceilings. Turn off desk lamps or place them farther away from monitors to help reduce screen glare.

Relocate the computer monitor. Place the monitor in an area of the workstation that receives very little overhead or outside light. Turning the monitor away from direct light may also reduce glare on the screen.

Place a monitor hood over the screen. Monitor hoods shield light from the top and sides of the screen. Aside from being inexpensive, monitor hoods are easy to install. Most use Velcro strips that are placed on both the monitor and hood, allowing them to attach together.

Cover computer screens with an anti-glare filter. Glass-coated, anti-glare filters can reduce up to 95 percent of glare caused by direct or overhead lights. Polarizing, anti-glare filters can further reduce glare by trapping or dispersing light, allowing text to appear clear and easy to read.

Wear anti-glare glasses. Polarized and color coatings are placed on lenses to reduce or eliminate glare that is viewed on screens. Color-coated lenses also help reduce the blue or yellow tint that is emitted by florescent and tungsten lights.

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Gmail has finally added the ability to convert phone numbers and addresses to links

Google is adding the ability to automatically recognize addresses, phone numbers, and contacts to the Gmail website and mobile apps today (including Inbox), in the rollout of a feature that seems so blatantly obvious that I refuse to believe that Gmail didn’t have it already.

But yes, somehow in the year 2017, Gmail did not have this incredibly basic functionality. A feature that the company — which makes one of the most used email services on the planet — has been beaten to the punch with what I have to assume is every single other email application ever made, including the awful trash heap that is Apple’s default iOS one. Seriously.

Android and iOS have actually had phone number linking for a while through an OS level function, but the rest of it (including phone numbers on web) are totally new to Gmail, at least in Google’s native software. How did this happen? Did someone at Gmail just realize now that this was something that wasn’t possible using Google’s own apps and websites? I’m completely baffled by this!

Honestly I’m not even sure what else to say about this now. Click on a street address? It’ll open in Google Maps. Email address? A compose window for a new email. Phone number? It’ll open the default dialer on your device to make a call. Congratulations on playing catch up, Google.

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Health Risks of Computer Screens

The potential risks from using computer monitors fall into four categories: eye strain; repetitive strain injury to the neck and other body parts; radiation; and chemical emissions. Most medical research that has been published suggests that the risks are relatively low and that with sensible use most people should not experience any significant medical problems.

Eye Strain

The Mayo Clinic reports that using computer screens for an extended period can cause eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include sore or tired eyes, difficulty focusing, and blurred or double vision. Ways to minimize the problem include using natural lighting wherever possible, aiming light away from the screen to reduce glare, and making sure the screen is around 20 to 30 inches from your eyes to avoid squinting or straining. You can also take occasional breaks to exercise your eyes. One trick is to use the 20-20-20 rule by which every 20 minutes you stop working and focus your attention on an item 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If you follow all these steps and still have eye strain from computer use, it could be a sign of underlying eye conditions, so seek medical advice.

RSI

Repetitive Strain Injury can come from two main behaviors, working separately or in conjunction: using a monitor for too long without a break and using a monitor incorrectly. The latter can include having the screen too close or too far away, meaning you move your head back or forth into an unnatural and uncomfortable position. The ideal position is at arm’s length. It can also be from having the screen too far to one side, or too high or low. The ideal position is straight ahead and either at or slightly below eye level, such that you can see the entire monitor just by moving your eyes rather than your head. Computer use can still lead to RSI if your keyboard or mouse are in awkward positions.

Radiation

Computer monitors do emit low levels of radiation, but the radiation is not at harmful levels, even to pregnant women. No credible medical studies have shown clear evidence of any danger. U.S. law requires that monitor manufacturers test radiation and keep monitor emissions at safe levels.

Chemicals

A 2000 study by the University of Stockholm found that cathode-ray monitors may emit “significant” levels of triphenyl phosphate, used as a flame retardant. This could contribute to nasal congestion, headaches and skin allergies. The researchers suggested that leaving the monitor turned on but kept away from users for 10 days after purchase could reduce the exposure by around two-thirds. These risks may be heavily reduced in modern flat screen monitors, simply because they have less surface area requiring flame retardants.

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Microsoft to hold Mixed Reality event on October 3rd in San Francisco

Microsoft is planning to hold a special Windows Mixed Reality event next month. The software giant has started inviting members of the press to an event on October 3rd in San Francisco, and the invite teases an “opportunity to hear where Microsoft is headed next.” Microsoft’s Kinect and HoloLens inventor, Alex Kipman, will be speaking at the event.

Microsoft is likely to focus on its range of Windows Mixed Reality headsets, ahead of their availability on October 17th. Mixed Reality headsets will start launching next month alongside Microsoft’s Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. The first headsets include pricing at $299 from Acer, HP pricing its own at $450 (with motion controllers) and Dell / Lenovo pricing theirs at $349. Asus won’t be releasing its Windows Mixed Reality headset until Spring 2018, despite showing off its unique polygon design at IFA earlier this month.

Microsoft won’t be showing off a new version of its own HoloLens headset. While Microsoft is currently developing a second HoloLens with a dedicated AI chip, the successor to the original HoloLens might not arrive until as late as 2019. Microsoft has reportedly shifted its launch schedule due to a lack of industry competition.

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Intel’s 8th Gen “Coffee Lake” desktop processors could launch on October 5

Last month, Intel introduced the first 8th Generation U-series Core processors aimed at thin and light notebooks. Most folks, however, have been waiting for Intel to unveil the first desktop processors based on the 8th Generation Intel Core processor family. According to a new report, Intel is likely to launch the first desktop “Coffee Lake” processors on the 5th of October. Since the new processor family comes with an increased core count compared to the previous generation, Intel is expected to price the new processors at a premium.

As always, the initial lineup is expected to be very limited, although we are expecting to see at least four new processors with six cores and a few quad-core SKUs as well. In Europe, the entry-level Core i3-8350K will apparently be priced at 199 EUR (Rs.15,300 approx.). The more powerful Core i5-8600K is expected to be priced at 299 EUR (Rs.23,000 approx.), while the mighty Core i7-8700K will be priced at 419 EUR (Rs.32,200 approx.).

SKU Cores/Threads Core Clock Max. Turbo L3 Cache TDP Memory
Core i7-8700K 6/12 3.70 GHz 4.70 GHz 12MB 95W Dual-channel DDR4-2666
Core i7-8700 6/12 3.20 GHz 4.60 GHz 12MB 65W Dual-channel DDR4-2666
Core i5-8600K 6/6 3.60 GHz 4.30 GHz 9MB 95W Dual-channel DDR4-2666
Core i5-8400 6/6 2.80 GHz 4.00 GHz 9MB 65W Dual-channel DDR4-2666

 

Initially, consumers will be limited to motherboards based on the Z370 Express chipset, which does support overclocking. The mainstream H370, as well as the value-oriented H310 chipset-based motherboards, are expected to become available later this year. For the enthusiast segment, Intel is rumored to debut the Z390 chipset in the second half of 2018. All of the new chipsets use the LGA 1151v2 socket, making them compatible with the Coffee Lake processors. A few upcoming motherboards based on the Z370 chipset have started leaking online already, so we can expect these new boards to be made official alongside the desktop Coffee Lake processors early next month.

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How to Protect Your Laptop when Traveling

One of the benefits to using a laptop computer is its portability. Professionals who travel for business rely on being able to bring their laptops. Even people traveling for pleasure may elect to take a laptop with them in order to check emails and stay connected to friends and family back home. It is important to keep laptops safe while traveling by taking protective measures. Protect your laptop when traveling by storing it properly and paying attention to basic software security measures.

  1. Why are you bringing your laptop, are there other alternatives? Could you do your work in an internet cafe and save your work on a USB or hard drive?
  2. Use a reliable and padded case to transport your laptop. Regardless of your method of travel, you will need something to protect the laptop from movement and harm during transport. Use a case that can be carried as you would carry a briefcase, or a shoulder bag that is made well and provides padding and cushion.
  3. Keep your laptop with you while traveling. Do not leave your computer unattended in airports, train stations, or bus terminals. If you are traveling by car, be sure to keep it out of sight when you get out of the car for gas, food, and bathroom breaks. Take it into hotels with you overnight. If you are in a crowd keep you bag on your front. If you want to travel light it is best that you leave less valuable bulky luggage in storage.
  4. Humidity and heat. In hot countries heat and humidity can cause problems for your laptop.
  5. Voltage stabilizer. In some countries like India it is important you have a voltage stabilizer.
  6. Place your laptop on the security belt at the airport right before you walk through the metal detector. You will want to be able to pick it up off the conveyor belt immediately after it goes through the x-ray.
  7. Check your laptop before you leave to make sure all of your security software is up to date. Be sure your firewall is in place, and ensure you have anti-virus and anti-spyware applications running.
  8. Limit the amount of personal information you transmit on unfamiliar networks. When you travel, try not to transmit credit card information, or personal identification such as social security numbers or birth dates.
  9. Use passwords on your system and all of your files to protect your data if your laptop is stolen or compromised. Choose passwords that you can easily remember, but are not obvious.
  10. Purchase insurance for your laptop. Retailers such as Dell, Staples and Office Depot offer coverage for laptops. Most policies cover accidental damage, and some policies also cover loss and theft. Beware insurance for your laptop does not cover leaving your laptop unattended and is limited to 90 days and travel insurance although it covers more than 90 days usually has an item limit of around £300.
  11. There are ways you can keep your laptop safer when travelling, you could get a laptop lock(Kensington) and alarm such as alert both of these are more aimed at being deterrents than keeping your laptop totally safe, so it is best to keep it with you at all times.

Tips

  • When you are shopping for a laptop, take your travel plans into consideration. If you travel a lot, you may want to look for laptops that are lightweight and durable. Purchase something on the smaller side that is easy to pack.
  • If you are traveling by plane, do not check your laptop with other luggage. Carry it onto the plane with you. This will help prevent damage and loss.
  • Make sure to put your laptop at hotels inside safe box when you leave your room.
  • Remember to bring all necessary cords, batteries and adapters. You will likely need to charge your laptop when you travel, and an extra battery will provide additional back-up. If you are traveling internationally, you may need an adapter to access electricity in the foreign country.
  • Protect your bubble offers good insurance policies but beware it only lasts for 90 days abroad.
  • Laptop storage at an airport or expensive hotel is both expensive and often limited, so it is really not worth the hassle.The easiest and cheapest way is to keep it with you and take security measures such as keeping it close at all times and at night locked.
  • Keep your room locked.

Warnings

  • Voltage stabilizer. In countries such as India you ‘must’ use a voltage stabilizer if you don’t want to wreck your laptop. The best option is to buy one when you are out there.
  • Be careful about using your laptop in public places, especially if you are in an area you are not familiar with. Keep your laptop in the place you are staying, and use it privately to avoid attracting the attention of potential thieves.

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