The Swish Life Magazine » Gadgets

The smartest phones are made of paper

Andrew — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:57:22 +0000

Each day, we are being bombarded with more and more versions technology, grossly updated in a matter of minutes.

Well, here’s the newest:

The world’s first interactive paper computer.

A team at Queen’s University Human Media Lab have developed a smartphone prototype. Called PaperPhone, it is best described as a flexible iPhone. It can play music, make phone calls, store books, hold apps… the only difference is it’s paper thin.

“This is the future. Everything is going to look and feel like this within five years,” says creator Roel Vertegaal, the director of Queen’s University Human Media Lab said in a press release. “This computer looks, feels and operates like a small sheet of interactive paper. You interact with it by bending it into a cell phone, flipping the corner to turn pages, or writing on it with a pen.”

The PaperPhone’s display consists of a 9.5 cm diagonal thin film flexible E Ink display. Because of its flexibility, it makes it much more portable that any current mobile computer, and breaking is brought down to a minimum.

But this goes even further. You can store and interact with documents on larger versions of these light, flexible computers. What does this mean? No paper, no printers… the paperless office is here.

“Everything can be stored digitally and you can place these computers on top of each other just like a stack of paper, or throw them around the desk,” says Dr. Vertegaal.

This new generation of computers will being a new level to what we currently know. While we downgrade the weight of what we carry (large laptops to smaller laptops to netbooks, to iPads and Playbooks to iPhones…), these super lightweight, thin, and flexible versions will take over.

Dr. Vertegaal will unveil his paper computer on May 10 at 2 pm at the Association of Computing Machinery’s CHI 2011 (Computer Human Interaction) conference in Vancouver — the premier international conference of Human-Computer Interaction. An article on a study of interactive use of bending with flexible thinfilm computers is to be published at this conference, where the group is also demonstrating a thinfilm wristband computer called Snaplet.

For details, videos, and the complete study, visit www.humanmedialab.org/paperphone.

7 easy uses for an old computer

Andrew — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:09:40 +0000

So you’ve decided to buy a new computer.

Good for you!

Chances are, once you’ve made that decision, your old one has bit the dust.

Or has it?

Here are seven great uses for an old computer, instead of tossing it in the trash or selling it. And don’t worry – these are for the regular folk, the ones who don’t need it for anything fancier than a bit of a bonus.

Give it to your kids… or your parents

Perhaps the most obvious choice, the computer might be a little old for your needs, but maybe not for your family members. Your parents or grandparents might just want to send along an email here and there, or your younger children may be able to use it for word processing and a few games.

The only ones who probably won’t benefit are those who need or expect a little more. If the computer is on its last life, the average games and software may not hold up.

No matter what you do, just be sure to completely erase the hard drive and reinstall the things they need.

Use it as a Light-Duty PC

Having an extra computer on hand for light-duty tasks is often handy. If it’s a laptop or a smaller computer, keep it on a small table in the corner of the living room or kitchen. It will be out of the way, but handy for a quick Google or email check

Bring it Back to ‘98

Windows 98, that is. Some classic programs and games were golden for Windows 98 and, if you remember, DOS. Resurrect the old ones by dedicating this computer to only run those. Give it a complete revamp with a new operating system, and do what you can to get all of the old programs. Nostalgia at its finest.

Save and Salvage

If you’re keen on building your own system, you may save some money by saving some of your old PC. Keep the optical drive, power supply, and the memory modules, all of which can help with double duty.

Dedicate It

That is, dedicate it to one specific purpose. Although an old computer may not be good for much, it might be good for little. Take a few moments to delete all of the programs you don’t need, and use it for just one that takes up a lot of memory. Perhaps store your photos, use it for design, or keep it for a single game.

Keep it for Media

If you delete your computer of any programs and data, then download the latest OS, you’re good to go. Plus in a router and connect your computer to your old one through the Network and Sharing centre on your connection list.

Create a Shared Files area of your new serve, ideally under the Computer/C:/Users/Public area of your computer. Now your computers are connected, and you can begin to share media files between them.

Make it an Entertainment Centre

Delete anything irrelevant from your computer, save for music, movies and pictures. Take an S cable and attach the TV and the computer. Click on Properties, find your TV and you’re done.

Choosing a digital camera

Andrew — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:02:46 +0000

So you’ve decided to buy yourself a digital camera, perhaps upgrading an older one, or buying your first. It can be pretty overwhelming, but you know you want to make the right choice.

Where to begin?

Resolution

Most digital cameras use CCDs as the sensing element. This is the same as what we would think of as “film”. The resolution itself is the number of pixels in the captured image. All images are divided into little dots, which are called pixels.

When there are more pixels, the image can be more detailed.

When it comes to choosing resolution, these pixel sizes are what generally coincide with print size:

Here is a guide to choosing resolution, estimating the size print you can make from each:

1.3 Megapixel = 1280×960: very good 4×6 photos, moderate 5×7 photos
2 Megapixel = 1600×1200: good 8×10 photos
3 Megapixel = 2048×1536: very good 8×10 photos, good 11×14 photos
4 Megapixel = 2272 x 1704: very good 11×14 photos, and moderate 16×20 photos
5 Megapixel = 2560×1920: good 16×20 photos
>5 Megapixel = generally the same; the lens will limit what you can do.

Lens Aperture

The lens aperture is the lens’ maximum opening. The large it is, the more light it let in… And less light is needed for a good photo. This is key for indoor photos and photos without flash.

The lens aperture is measured in f/numbers. For example, an aperture of f/2.0 means that the lens opening is half the focal length of the lens. Therefore, smaller numbers = larger lens opening… So smaller is better, in this case.

To to purchase a lens faster than f/2.8, aiming between f/2.8 – f/3.5.

Lens Zoom Range

A zoom lens has various focal lengths which determine the magnification of the lens. A zoom lens lets you combine both a short focal and long focal length, along with everything in between adjustable lens. For example, if a camera has a 3X zoom, the longest focal length is 3 times the shortest.

Do not worry about digital zoom, which is of no value. Look for optical zoom! For ideal zooms in different cameras, look for ultracompact cameras that have a zoom of roughly 3x, superzooms with a zoom ratio of roughly 10X – 12X, and digital SLRs with lens options.

Lens Quality

Poor lens quality is not as sharp, in spite of looking for all the other bells and whistles. Lens quality isn’t given on the box, so be sure to stick with good, reputable camera companies and check out reviews before you buy.

Top four home studio must-haves

Andrew — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:47:17 +0000

Whether you’re already building a home recording studio, or you’re just toying with the idea, having the essentials on hand is important to creating it the best it can be.

Although some of the extras are luxuries, some are super-essential to any home studio. After you’ve chosen where you want to have it in your home, and have gone through the work of installing all the acoustic treatment, you’re well on your way. Next, you’ve picked an interface, have the software loaded, and you’re ready to go.

But have you gotten everything you need? You might think so, but if you’re missing these top four essentials, get yourself back to the store.

Headphones

Chances are, you’re soon to be recording multitracks. If so, then it is a good idea to be isolated from all other noises around you. A good pair of headphones will do the trick, and luckily, they aren’t all very expensive. Most good headphones run around $100, whereas higher-end in-ear varieties can be upwards to a few hundred.

A Pop Filter

Pop filters can reduce and eliminate the sounds you don’t want to hear. Microphones will pick up “p” sounds and “sh” sounds in a vibrant manner, which is something you definitely don’t want to hear. A pop filter is acoustically transparent material that works to block these types of noises from hitting your microphone.

Extra Microphone Stands

You probably already have a couple, but here’s the thing: you can never have too many. Something might break, you might need a second one, or you may have more people coming into record. Reglardless of the reason, having a load on hand is an excellent idea. In fact, you can often buy these for cheap (about $20), with easy foldable storage.

External Hard Drive

External hard drives always go sale, are cheap, and can save your life. Backing up your projects is essential… Especially if you are backing up those of musicians hiring you to record. A Terabyte (TB) can cost less than $100, giving you more than enough room. Have enough to at least mirror your entire computer, and if you have a Mac, use Time Machine frequently.

Image courtesy of sennheiserhd555headphones.com

Six kitchen gadgets that you need

Andrew — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:27:59 +0000

I love tinkering around in my kitchen, and I definitely know there are those go-to gadgets that I reach for time and time again. Sometimes they are simple (I do have a favourite, basic serrated knife), and sometimes a little more complex (couldn’t do without my Microplane).

And sometimes, they’re just cool. (I love my salt pig!)

Here are our top six kitchen gadgets that are must haves for everyone, whether you’re a quick, couple-day-a-week cook, or a daily gourmand.

The Microplane

This kitchen tool was adapted from the basic woodworking rasp (which works really well, too). With it’s super sharp grates, it is the key way to work with fresh ginger, whole nutmeg, and garlic, along with hard cheeses and chocolate. It also makes the best citrus zest, a must have for bakers and cooks alike. (Check them out here)

The Tomato Knife

This small, serrated kitchen knife is designed to easily slice through tomatoes. The serrated edge helps the knife penetrate the tomatoes’ skin quickly. It also uses minimum pressure without crushing the flesh. I use it for a lot more than just tomatoes. It’s a great utility knife. (Buy some here)

The Silicone Spoon

Say goodbye to spoons and spatulas. This is all you need. It does the job for stirring, sautéing, scooping, scraping, spooning, and… well… pretty much everything else. RSVP makes colourful versions with a sturdy metal core, strong enough for thick batters and mixes. They are also dishwasher safe and heat resistant up to 425F. (See here)

Kitchen Shears

Have a pair of shears in a kitchen drawer that is used solely for the cooking. They work perfectly for snipping twine to cutting open packages to trimming vegetables and meats, a sharp pair of shears are indispensable. We love the KitchenAid ones… This two-pack includes all–purpose kitchen shears and serrated utility shears, both with strong, durable stainless steel blades and comfortable–grip handles. (from Target).

A Kitchen Timer (or two)

I’d be surprised if you’ve never needed to time two things in your kitchen at once. Perhaps you’re letting bread rise while braising a stew? Or cooking rice on the stovetop and a turkey in the oven? Having a kitchen timer is essential for when the one on the range isn’t enough. For some awesome options, check out this post from Design*Sponge.

The Salt Pig

Okay, this isn’t essential at all, but I sure do love mine. Salt pigs keep your salt fresh and always in reach. We love the Le Creuset version, a 10-ounce old-world-style salt crock made of high-fired stoneware. It has a non-porous enamel finish, and resists odors, staining, chipping, and cracking. It also comes in many of their signature bright colours, including white, colbalt and cherry red. (Explore more).

11+ free apps for your Mac

Andrew — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:42:38 +0000

So the buzz is always about the iPad. Or the iPhone. Or the iPod Touch. But we don’t really hear about the applications that are essential for your Mac. Yep, your computer… Your laptop, desktop, whatever you have. These six (free!) apps are a must for you.

To Write

Chances are, you sometimes have to write. Maybe for work, maybe you freelance, maybe you’re a student. But if you don’t want to put out the big(ger) bucks for programs Apple’s iWork ($79.00) and Microsoft’s Office 2011 ($149 for Home and Student edition), check out the free, open source OpenOffice. You can even Save As a .doc file for easy transfer to MS Word and iWork.

To Browse

Although you might love Apple’s Safari browser, a lot of folks aren’t really happy with it. For me, it doesn’t run very smoothly, isn’t as user-friendly (in spite of Apple’s user-friendliness around the board) and is pretty middle ground to what else is out there. Firefox is a good alternative, with many themes, extensions, and add-ons that make it stand above the rest. Google’s Chrome is a good choice, too.

To Listen

Yeah, iTunes does the job, and does it well. But we also love Songbird, a music player that syncs with many cell phones and other mobile device. It also offers plenty of plug-ins and work with other platforms, too.

To Talk/Chat

iChat, a pre-installed program, let’s you chat via AIM and Google Talk. But we prefer Adium, an app that supports all chat programs, including AIM, Gtalk and Facebook Chat, and others. It can also be fully customized (see adiumxtras.com). With it, you can edit your friend lists, message styles, sounds, and even create your own using CSS. Oh yeah, and Skype’s good, too.

To Manage

OS X has keychain, which is great for keeping passwords altogether, but there are better options out there. Some cost some coinage (IE 1Password ($40)), while others are free and do a great job. We like KeePassX, which does the job without the fee.

To Edit

Who doesn’t love a good editing program? Yes, Adobe Creative Suite is popular, but also pretty hard on the wallet. Other programs, such as Pixelmator ($30) are great, too. It connects to Flickr and Facebook, and worked well alongside Apple’s Aperture. But when you don’t want to spend a dollar, check out GIMP, an open source program that does the job just as well.

To Save

Dropbox is an easy to use Web service integrates with the Finder on your Mac, so you can manage your files just as if they were right there on your desktop. It also is easy to share from computer to computer. The program comes with 2GB of free storage.

5 best gadgets for travelling

Andrew — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:45:09 +0000

Taking a trip this summer? Awesome.

Having trouble leaving behind your techie toys? You’re not alone.

We all love our handheld gadgets, whether its in the form of an iPod, label maker, or universal remote.

Here are the must-haves to take with you on your next trip. From water filters to road apps, these are the perfect travel companions.

Water Filters

Sometimes we don’t travel to places with the freshest running water, whether it’s a small town in who-knows-where, or a camp ground near your home. The SteriPEN has the answer. This water purifier uses ultraviolet light to clean your water, making it safe to drink. It does it in a matter of seconds, so when you’re thirsty, yo’re ready to go. It takes care of 0.5L of water in under 50 seconds, 1L in 90 seconds, and can provide about 100 cleanings per battery.

steripen.com

Electronic Translator

If you travel a lot but aren’t very savvy with foreign languages, consider the Global Talking Translator. For under 50 bucks, this mini-translator speaks 11 languages and contains 7,700 travel-related phrases–just enough for you to get by without shelling out a lot of dough. It can speak it for you or help you out to say it on your own, complete with basic and necessary phrases such as “Good morning!”, “Where is the hospital?”, “What time does it open?”, “I would like to reserve a table.” and “I have a reservation.”

gadgetshack.com

Solar Charger

We sure do love the sun and might as well take full advantage of its power. The Solio solar charger is perfect for camping, but also handy for a trip abroad to tackle different electricityoutlets . This small powerful plug fans out into three different solar panels, able to charge all your devices.

solio.com

Handy Camcorder

This tiny HD camcorder lets you record your vacation with awesome quality. Its about the size of your hand, but can record up to 120 minutes of high definition video on 8GB of built-in memory. It’s great for touristy areas, when you don’t want to carry anything bulky with you. At under $250, it’s a steal.

theflip.com

Map Apps

Simple, yes, but you just need to know how to get there. Driving directions, street view, business listings… It’s all there, right on Google Maps’ app for your phone. It works on a variety of devices–Blackberrys, iPhones, Android and others–and you’ll find your Googling everything you’re looking for… And finding it in a matter of seconds. A must have, whether you’re on bike, foot, air, sea or car. Either way, you need to know the directions.

google.com

Amazon launches the new Kindle

Andrew — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:19:41 +0000

The newest Kindle is set to hit the virtual shelves, with some updates that makes it stand tall above its predecessors.

The long awaited launch of the third Kindle has been worth it. A year and a half after Kindle 2 was developed, Amazon has announced that the third installment is better than ever.

This Kindle includes an enhanced display, with faster navigation to boot–at a rate of 20 percent faster than before. The model is 15 percent lighter and 21 percent smaller than the previous versions, but still has the full 6-inch screen size. It weighs in at just 8.7 ounces.

The internal storage of the newest version has also been increased; it can now store up to 3500 books; older versions could only hold 1500.

The Wi-Fi and 3G version costs $189, and the Wi-Fi-only model is a modest $139, better priced than its competitor readers. It is now available to preorder, and starts shipping on August 27th.

Get it now.

iPhone 4… Better than ever

Andrew — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:02:16 +0000

With the recent launch of the new Apple iPhone, it’s no surprise that stores have been sold out across the board. With over 100 new features, the new iPhone is definitely the gadget to grab, a huge jump above it’s predecessor.

With stainless-steel casing, an all-glass front, and a size that is 25% thinner than the 3Gs, it also looks pretty sharp, too.

The new version features volume controls on the side of the phone, as well as a microSIM tray. Along with these comes a front-facing camera, microphone on the back, connector for easy docking, a speaker, a sleep/wake button, and a jack for your headset.

The phone also has a chic antenna system, supporting its wireless capabilities: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

Highlights of iPhone 4

Retina Display

Better than any LCD display, the new iPhone includes a display that is 326 pixels per inch; in other words, 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 960 by 640 pixels… Better than the human eye can see. What does this mean? The best damn display on any handheld electronic, period.

Gyroscope

This allows for six-axis motion sensing, similar to that of a game controller and thus, a whole new world of gaming.

Camera and iMovie

With a 5 megapixel camera matched with a backside-illuminated sensor, photographs will be better than ever before. It can also record HD video at 720p resolution and 30 frames per second. It doesn’t end there: you’ll be able to edit and upload right on the iPhone with the handy iMovie app.

iBooks

Similar to the iPad version, the apps can synchronize across devices so you always have your book in the palm of your hand. .

Video Calling

With the front-facing camera, video calls are in order. Called “FaceTime” video, users can use their phones to talk face-to-face.

Pricing and Availability

Launched last week, the new iPhone 4 is available in either black or white, and is priced at $199US for a 16 GB model and $299US for a 32 GB model.

Apple is planning on continuing to sell the iPhone 3GS 8 GB for $99.

Do you have the new iPhone? What else do you love about it?

Top Father’s Day Apps

Andrew — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:09:31 +0000

Haven’t yet picked up that last minute gift for Father’s Day? It is this weekend, you know… But we also know that dads can be near-impossible to shop for.

The answer? If he has an iPhone, chances are he loves it.

So what’s better than to, well, make it even better? Here are our top dad-inspired iPhone apps… And the best part? Some are even free.

iHandy Level (Free)

Got a handyman on your hands? This free app uses the iPhone’s Accelerometer and Proximity sensor to assist dad in his around-the-house projects. From leveling pictures to laying floor tile, it is the perfect addition to his toolbelt. You can also upgrade to the iHandy Carpenter (at $1.99) which includes five handyman tools. Other features include a protractor, level, ruler and more!

GolfCard ($7.99)

Some dads golf… A lot. And once he uses a GolfCard, he’ll never go back to that old fashioned pencil and notecard method. This app can keep track of scores, compare games to previous rounds, and keep your game in check throughout the season. It also includes a GPS range finder, which can find local greens and track ball distance. Once back at his computer, he can upload the results and email his scores to his friends/opponents, or share them on the golf social networking site, Oobgolf.com.

ESPN ScoreCenter (Free)

ESPN tends to be a top TV “show” in most dads’ homes. But losing him to the buzz of the television is in the past. Instead, he’ll have the latest scores, results and stats alll in the palm of his hand. Includes football, soccer, baseball, basketball, NCAA football and basketball, Nascar, golf, tennis and more coming soon!

Grill Guide ($0.99)

Whether your dad is already the master of the grill or might need to brush up on his bbq’ing knowledge, this app lets him check out the details in peace – without having to ask anyone. Includes ninety-five foods on file, everything from lamb to pumpkin to steak, giving you the details on how to grill each one. Use the digital ruler to measure the cut of meat, and then look up how long it should be grilled and what temperature to use.

Sports Radio ($0.99)

This app allows dad to tune in to over 6,400 sports radio stations around the world, listening to all of his favourites without even leaving the room. It also includes Facebook and Twitter integration, so he can update his friends. With station pre-sets, stations from across the globe, and an easy-to-use interface, you just might never hear a peep from dad again.

iFitness ($1.99)

Perfect for dads who are delving into a healthier lifestyle, this app is like a built-in personal trainer. It includes over 110 fully-illustrated exercises with step-by-step text, options to build your own routines, goal-based preset routines, and muscle-based organization.

Hundred PushUps ($1.99)

Does dad already have a good fitness base? Consider challenging him to checking out his upper body strength with a six-week training program. Eventually building to a hundred pushups, your dad’ll reap the benefits of following the program, charting his progress, and increasing his strength. There are also others available, such as the Two Hundred Situps, Two Hundred Squats and Twenty Chinup applications.

TravelTracker with TripIt ($7.99)

Businessmen dads will appreciate the convenience of the TravelTracker. With a touch of a button it’ll download you trip details, such as flights, hotel reservations, car rentals, as well as meetings, activities, notes and reservations. It even works offline, if you’re in an area that lacks sufficient coverage. Use it to also customize packing lists, record travel expenses, and email your itinerary to colleagues.

NYTimes App (Free)

No dad’ll want to miss their favourite newsbites, and the NYTimes App is a great one to get it from. Includes an easy-to-use, sophisticated interface, access to daily latest articles, a customizable toolbar, and simple syncing.