The launch of the new iPhone 5S has brought fingerprint scanning back to the forefront of security technology, but this isn’t the first time that we’ve talked about fingerprint security and smartphones. Remember that the fact that the Motorola Atrix shipped with a similar piece of technology all the way back in 2011.
Anyway, let’s take a look at how the technology works. There’s two main ways that you can digitally capture your fingerprints, either via an optical scanner or by using clever capacitor circuits...
The electronic cigarette market is expanding rapidly with new products and brands launching all of the time. There is one new e-cigarette which looks different and stands out from the crowd.
New premium e-cigarette brand Vype have released a range of realistic disposable electronic devices. Designed to both look and feel like a traditional tobacco cigarette, they are completely different to the first generation of electronic vaping devices, which were large and bulky to carry around. Aimed at current smokers, Vype have produced a lighter and more realistic looking device.
There are many different types of electronic cigarettes on the market, but research shows that many people when theyfirst start to use electronic devices prefer those which look more like a tobacco cigarette and less obviously like an e-cigarette.
Vype have used the latest technology to provide a lightweight electronic cigarette with a soft tip, making it similar in look and feel to a conventional tobacco cigarette. Vype e-cigarettes are the same size as a king-size tobacco cigarette and contain ECOpure e-liquid, which is manufactured and tested in the UK. It is one of the cleanest and purest e-liquids and gives users a real nicotine hit. There are currently three different flavoured Vype electronic cigarettes, these are menthol, classic regular and classic bold.
Electronic cigarettes are battery powered vaping devices containinga water based e-liquid which isavailable in varying strengths of nicotine and different flavours. Using the same hand to mouth action as a tobacco cigarette you inhale the e-liquid through the soft-tip filter. When you begin inhaling the e-liquid is heated until it turns into a vapour which can then be inhaled.E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, and are not affected by the UK smoking ban.
With new revolutionary technology, Vypeoffers a genuine alternative to smokingwhile looking and feeling like a tobacco cigarette but without the tobacco.Visit http://uk.govype.com/to find out more.
Electronic cigarettes have received a large amount of press recently with a number of studies researching the increased use of e-cigarettes in the UK. The BBC published an article at the beginning of the year predicting that e-cigarette use in the UK is set to reach 1 million users this year. But what exactly are electronic cigarettes and what is the technology behind these devices?
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices which heat a water-based nicotine e-liquid until it becomes a vapour that can then be inhaled by users, this is known as vaping. The physical action of vaping is similar to smoking a traditional tobacco cigarette. E-cigarettes contain significantly less of the known harmful chemicals produced when burning tobacco. There are no second hand smoking dangers associated with them as they only release a water mist or vapour.
There are two types of e-cigarette products – disposable throw-away devices and rechargeable battery-operated models. E-cigarettes are made up of three major technical components: the battery, vapour device and refill capsule or e-liquid holder.
The batteries developed and used to power e-cigarettes are usually lithium ion batteries. Intellicig, a leading e-cigarette company based in Manchester are at the forefront of e-cigarette technology. They have designed a 10 second cut-off feature within their products. This additional feature means that if the battery is activated for longer than 10 seconds, the microprocessor will register that and automatically turn off the device to prevent it from overheating. Cleverly, it also allows a few more seconds for the device to fully cool down before it returns to normal standby mode. At one end of the device is a coloured LED light which illuminates when it is in use. The coloured light highlights that the device is an e-cigarette and not a traditional cigarette.
The vapour device is a consumable piece of technology designed for heating the e-liquid solution. An atomiser inside the vapour device heats the e-liquid solution until it becomes a vapour which can then be inhaled by the user. The vapour device is repeatedly heated and cooled during use and it is recommended that you purchase spare vapour device components if you are using a rechargeable model.
The refill capsule holds the e-liquid. In a rechargeable e-cigarette device these capsules can be replaced. E-liquid is available in a range of different nicotine strengths and flavours. The capsule part of the device also acts as the mouthpiece through which to inhale the e-liquid. Refillable models are a cost-effective vaping option. Once a capsule is empty, simply unscrew and discard, before replacing with a new capsule. The disposable refill capsules or cartridges are sometimes referred to as cartomisers and they connect to the battery and vapour device.
The majority of electronic cigarettes are designed and manufactured as three piece models. E-cigarette technology is constantly been improved and developed. It is a fast-paced and continually changing industry with new products and accessories been introduced all the time. It will be interesting to see what the next step is in the e-cig market and what products will be released, with companies investing a huge amount of money into developing new technology to offer users an enhanced vaping experience.
Electrical and wireless technology has progressed massively in the past decade and all of us are excited about what the future will bring. Few associate clothing with high-tech, though recently there have been developments in the field of material technology which could soon affect us all! If scientists get their way, in the future your kids’ outfits could be very different from simple boys sandals and polo shirts. Intrigued? Check out how far our threads have come with these predictions for the future…
Woollen bullet-proof vests?
Most of us are more used to wearing this natural fibre in the form of a cosy cardi, but wool could have more beneficial properties. Many bullet-proof vests are made from Kevlar, a synthetic fibre, though wool could soon be added to this to improve their energy and water absorption making bullet-proof vests lighter and cheaper.
Spray-on clothing
Body-con clothing and jeggings have been on-trend for a number of seasons, but for a really skin-tight look how about spaying on your clothing!? One Spanish designer has managed to create spray-on clothing which can be removed, washed, worn again or dissolved. This innovative fashion idea is courtesy of Spanish designer Manel Torres, a former student of the Royal College of Art. He collaborated with a professor of particle technology at Imperial College London in order to provide a unique way of dressing, as well as hoping to contribute to the future of the medical, transport and chemical industries.
Eco-conscious garments
Being environmentally-friendly is an aim for many of us, and in the future this could easily extend to our clothing too. Scientists and designers are looking to developdevelop textile which do not harm the environment, using polymer chemistry which doesn’t depend on non-renewable energy-sources. Producing and using more manufactured fibers is also a goal for the future, as well as looking for more unconventional clothing fabric, like recycled products. Designer Anke Domaske has used milk to create a new fabric called QMilch and US-based clothing company StaWarm has created a line made from recycled coffee beans.
Keeping warm
Keeping warm in sub-zero temperatures whilst wearing clothing that allows easy movement and mobility has been a tricky dilemma. A new material developed by sportswear company Hanesbrand aims to solve this, and provide the ultimate in cold weather insulation. Zero-Loft Aerogels is a thin, silica material that is made up of 90% air. It offers almost three times the insulation of traditional down, without being bulky.
Active smart-wear
Smart clothing involves building computing technology into clothing which allow more comfort for the wearer. Just innovations include fabrics which sense the environment and react accordingly. Clothing that changes density depending on the temperature, jackets which store solar energy to be used as power and built-in sensors may all be arriving at a high-street near you at some point in the future!
Both fashion and technology are linked in that they rely on ingenuity and innovation. As long-term trends emerge in fashion, many of them rely on advances in technology, both in terms of the customer’s taste and the elements of the pieces themselves. Let’s take a closer look at how fashion and technology intertwine.
Designer iPhone Cases
Because innovations in technology are expensive to fund, having the latest gadget has always been associated with status and wealth. This trend is also apparent in fashion, and many people choose to display their wealth in the form of clothing. But items like smartphones, though expensive, are becoming more and more widespread and are losing their association with extreme wealth. If everybody has a fancy smartphone, then these items lose their ability to stand alone as a fashion item.
Therefore, designers swooped in with pricey iPhone cases to raise the bar even further, as if to help buyers proclaim that not only can they afford an expensive phone, but they can also afford to cover it with an equally pricey case. In fact, Mischa Barton just released her newest iPhone case that carries a retail value of 302,985 USD! That would certainly be a way to express your individuality on the back of your ubiquitous iPhone.
Solar-Power Bikinis
With the growing interest in harnessing the sun for energy, some well-known designers are experimenting with using fabric that contains solar cells. For example, Andrew Schneider has designed a bikini that comes with a plug that you can use to plug in your phone while you work on your tan. That way, you can turn your day at the beach into a way to charge your devices in a pinch.
An Environmentally Responsive Fabric
Designers are also utilizing the public’s growing interest in climate change and environmental impact. One interesting example is the climate dress by Diffus, which consists of many tiny lights and serves to measure air quality. If sensors in the dress detect elevated levels of pollution in the air, the lights respond by lighting up, thereby warning others of toxins in the air. This piece would certainly make a bold statement on the Red Carpet if the wearer wished to raise awareness about environmental degradation.
Recycled Materials
With advances in recycling coupled with concerns about the sustainability of producing new materials, it’s now possible to find the latest fashions made of recycled materials. SegraSegra, for example, uses recycled bicycle tire tubes to make pleather jackets. Other designers are experimenting with creating eveningwear out of recycled materials. Imagine being able to shop for cocktail dresses, suits and fashionable gilets made out of things we used to throw away, and have them be seen as haute couture.
These are just a few of the remarkable advances that have occurred due to the collision of fashion and technology. It will certainly be interesting to see other developments in these two fields.
It is this time of year that we all look forward to spending time with family & friends. The preparation is just as exciting too, with late night shopping, food planning & the decorating of a real (or possibly virtual) Christmas Tree.
I am in the priveleged position to have an extended set of friends too. Over the years of producing videos, the cool comments come flooding in, the tweets go crazy and the likes on Facebook make me smile. On Twitter & YouTube I communicate with some super cool people, mainly gadget addicts like me, but really a diverse mix. So when I was contacted to take part in a Secret Santa by MoneySuperMarket I was super excited.
The time to reveal the recipient of my gift is now here … and boy oh boy was I smiling when I saw that I had been partnered with a fellow geek. So my Christmas Gift is winging its way to GadgetsBoy … making his Christmas that little bit brighter.
For a nice twist & to keep everyone guessing, just what should I buy someone who handles tech every day?
Winter Warmers Maybe some Touch Screen Gloves are in order. Keeping those fingers warm and frost free, whilst still being able to keep those Tweets & Instagram pics coming. These look really geeky and good value for money. I have seen these in varying styles and always fancied a pair myself. Maybe I am drawn to these because I WANT THEM!!! I have heard many a funny story over the years where people buy gifts for others that they really wish they were receiving. Now, if someone could invent some Gaming Gloves to make me play a little better… Hmmmmmmm.
Gaming Now, I know that GadgetsBoy likes his gaming, both hardcore & casual, so I went on the search for something that would make this a little more unique & enjoyable. The JOYSTICK-IT Tablet Arcade Stick came to mind and certainly looks the part. Made of aluminium, it looks superbly engineered and attaches to your iPad (or other tablet) for the ultimate control. I really like the look of this and think it could finally see my good friend achieving some good scores.
Staying Alert Working with and testing all this tech takes time. We both work hard and play hard. Maybe a mix of caffeine and multi-vitamins will do the trick and keep my friend producing all those great articles & videos. I don't believe in getting drunk (although I know many do have a very MERRY Christmas), but I do think staying alert & happy, allows us all to pass on that love and enthusiasm that we have. Making someone else smile, through a comment or a video or a goodwill gesture is a must thing to do. Maybe a month's supply of React Energy Drinks will do the trick!!! When your eyes are getting tired Mr GadgetsBoy, sit back and re-energize yourself… will this be your gift?
So, I guess we will all have to sit back and wait to see what I send my good friend for Christmas. Have a great time everyone… enjoy your technology, enjoy your gadgets, but most of all … enjoy your friends, family and close ones and have an EPIC CHRISTMAS !!!
Gaming has always been greatly influenced by developments in technology. At first casinos, the forerunners in gaming tech, were developed as land based buildings where patrons could play their favourite games on big, clunky machines. Playing a game required both travel and time, and often a bag full of coins. The next step were gaming devices in more reasonable sizes that you could buy to use at home, computers and consoles. Later the devices became a bit more portable, but still not too impressive. Then, finally, the internet gave us online gaming sites and casinos – first accessible from the comfort of our own homes at the click of a mouse. A bit later we could play games wherever we were, thanks to the development of truly mobile devices - who can forget the first phones with Snake? – and later mobile internet revolutionized everything. Whether you have an iPhone, a BlackBerry, or an Android smartphone, there are hundreds of different casino or other gaming apps out there ready for you to download and use to play all of your favourite games; from roulette to craps, slots to blackjack, and even poker, all the best casino games are now accessible from the palm of your hand. With so many to choose from how do you know which app is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for. Some apps are dedicated to a particular game, such as slots or roulette. If you only want to play one particular type of game a dedicated app like this will probably provide the best experience. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for an all-round casino experience with lots of games to choose from then you need an app with broader scope; one such app is the new Mobile Casino from Gaming Club - a reputable online casino and games provider. Their app is available to download from their mobile website, and you can of course also play in your phone browser. With a reliable provider behind it this is a safe bet for a casino app that will allow you to have fun and win big whilst keeping all your financial information secure.
It’s an exciting time for all students at the moment. Whether you’ve just received you’re ‘A’ Level results and are preparing for the big move to University or even if you’re a returning student heading back for the second or third year, the excitement levels are building ahead of the reunion with friends or the meeting with new ones and experiencing student life.
One unfortunate part of the student lifestyle is of course budgeting, with money always hard to keep hold of. You want to show that you can survive on your own, without having to run to the bank of mum and dad every few weeks to borrow a few pounds for a night out or a food shop, (there’s only so many tins of own-brand beans you can survive on!) Associated with the budgeting issues is of course the concern of making an impression on your new flat mates and course mates. You want to show them that you’ve got the latest gadgets, the best trainers and the designer clothes. So how do you combine the two? It’s nearly impossible.
Evaluating the market is a great place to start. While it looks great to show off your brand new device from the biggest name out there, it doesn’t look so good in the bank account. A lot of manufacturers of smartphones, tablet computers, laptops and even colour laser printer models have realized that there is a gap in the market and are targeting those customers. This gap has been identified as the people priced out of buying the big name brand models, and the majority of these more cost-effective and customer-friendly devices feature the same, if not similar, specifications as the product that is twice as expensive. This means not only do you save substantial amounts of money, but you get just as good a product, only with a different badge on it.
If you set yourself a budget before walking into the electrical store, and think about what you actually want your product to do and help with, it is much simpler to shop. If you know you want your computer, for example, to help with word documents, have a built-in webcam and microphone and help you with your graphic design course, then the one with the best spec for those requirements should be top of your agenda, not looking for the one with the best software package providing you spend over a certain amount.
Checking online auction sites is another great way of getting the latest tech without having to pay full price. Students just like you might have gotten into financial difficulties and need some quick money, so they decide to sell off items that are worth decent money, or even items that they don’t need any more because they’ve either finished their course of a specific module. By checking here you could get some real bargains – and you’re not a proper student until you get into the habit of hinting for a bargain!
If you can find a way of remaining within budget, you’ll be in a very healthy position at the end of your academic year. You’d be able to go on more night’s out at the end of the semester and even be in a position to either clear some of your overdraft, put money towards the next year of your course, or survive the summer without having to look for seasonal work, allowing you to relax ahead of the new term.
Over the past three months we have been running a very cool competition. Giving viewers the chance to make a video on a particular theme each month, with a winner selected in each round to earn their place in the final.
I would like to personally thank everyone who entered. It has been a great pleasure watching all your videos, all of which were entertaining in their own individual way. In a way, it is a shame that there can only be three grand final entries. If you were not selected, do not worry, there will be plenty more opportunities in the future… keep making videos… and keep enjoying what you do.
Well, the time has come now. The video below reveals the best from round three, followed by the three videos in the Grand Final and of course the overall winner. I won't spoil anything in this text, other than to say congratulations to the prize winners. There will be a further post later, showing all three finalist videos for you to enjoy.
You all know me by now… one of the first things I do when I get a new laptop is to put some sort of case on it. With the elegance of Apple design, it is always nice if I can achieve this without too much bulk being added. For an example of how this can be acheived, check out my review below of the Speck SeeThru Case.
Every day this week I will be randomly selecting one winner, who will get to choose a Speck SeeThru case of their choice from the selection below. This giveaway will run from Monday 30th January 2012 at 1am GMT through to 5th February 2012 at midnight GMT. I will randomly select the winner the following day, with the last winner being announced on the 6th Feb. You can enter as many times as you want, max once per day. Any age is welcome to enter & available worldwide.
All you need to do to enter is copy & paste the message below into a tweet, or click THIS LINK & tweet out the resulting message.
RT Check @speckproducts http://bit.ly/speckp & sub to @geekanoids http://bit.ly/YTgeek for a chance to win a SeeThru Case every day #GeekSP
The winner will be able to choose from the following prizes (subject to stock).
MacBook Pro 13" See Thru case (Raspberry, Colbalt, Peacock, Clear)
MacBook Pro 13" See Thru Satin case (Aubergine, Raspberry)
MacBook Pro 15" Fitted case (SpexyHexy Purple, TartanPlaid Grey/Black, TartanPlaid White)
MacBook Pro 15" See Thru Satin case (Clementine, Peacock, Aubergine, Raspberry)
MacBook Pro 17" See Thru Satin case (Black)
MacBook Air 11" See Thru case (Raspberry, Cobalt, Peacock, Clementine)
MacBook Air 13" See Thru case (Colbalt, Raspberry)
MacBook Air 13" See Thru Satin case (Aubergine, Clementine, Black)
