The Kinect software development kit (SDK) is a set of official tools and resources that can be used to create programs capable of interfacing with Kinect motion sensing devices. When the Kinect was first released, only Xbox 360™ developers had access to the type of proprietary information that is typically contained in an SDK. Unofficial … Read more
Prepaid long distance is when you pay in advance to make long distance phone calls or to use a prepaid cellular phone. Basically, you purchase a certain amount of minutes of airtime, and once you use up all of these long distance minutes you must buy more. There are many different companies that offer this … Read more
A vocal microphone is a device used to pick up soundwaves created by a person’s voice. This microphone can feature different methods for picking up such sounds, and can then transfer those sounds through a cable and into a mixing board, amplifier, or recording device. The two most common types of microphones used as a … Read more
A hands free device is one that allows an individual to talk without holding a cell phone directly to his ears. Over the years, these devices have evolved from nearly an afterthought to a must-have accessory. In some jurisdictions, using one is the only way to legally talk on a cell phone while driving. In … Read more
When people talk about a double subscriber identity module (SIM) card phone, they are usually referring to a mobile device that can hold and use two different SIM cards at once. A phone of this type allows consumers to receive calls intended for two separate numbers. The classifications of double SIM card phones are standby … Read more
Phone faceplates are accessories generally used for mobile phones that provide some personalization to the standard colors and designs normally found on these phones. Faceplates are traditionally made of hard plastic, but can also be soft silicone. In some cases, phone faceplates are made to go over the front, or face, of the cell phone. … Read more
Copy protection involves technological barriers which either prevent electronic content from being copied or make the task more difficult. The techniques used have developed along with technology, most notably the growth of digital content. Some systems have caused controversy, as users believe they unfairly restrict what may be seen as legitimate usage. The first popular … Read more
Fiber-optic communication allows information to be sent using pulses of light through a thin, transparent fiber made of glass or plastic, known as an optical fiber. It is much more efficient in terms of distance and bandwidth than traditional copper-wire communications, and is widely used in the telecommunications and networking fields. The most common form … Read more
ETech is a yearly conference developed by O’Reilly Media and held in San Diego, California. This conference first began in 2001, and is a way for people in media, software programming, business and a variety of other fields to get together to discuss, observe or create emerging technologies. O’Reilly calls many of the attendees and … Read more
An analog converter box is a device used to convert an analog signal into a digital one. This is necessary because many television stations are now required to broadcast their programs in digital format. This means that without an analog converter, a TV using only a basic antenna or rabbit ears will not longer work … Read more
You can block your number from caller identification (ID) units to help secure your privacy but, if you want to call a trusted person who does not pick up blocked calls, then unblocking may be required. There are two ways to unblock caller ID, per-call and per-line. Per-call requires that the number be unblocked from … Read more
PDA financial software is a family of programs designed to run on personal handheld digital devices like smart phones and digital assistants. There are thousands of programs available, from personal budget trackers to business accounting applications that can even process credit cards. Most PDA financial software is designed and marketed by independent software developers, although … Read more
A hyperspectral image is a picture that encompasses the entire light spectrum. These images are typically used to find information that is invisible to the human eye. Certain things, from oil to plant illnesses, show up differently when photographed using non-visible light. This property allows people to locate trace amounts of a substance simply through … Read more
Short Message Service is the text messaging system used on cell phones. Sending email to SMS is easy. To complete the task, you’ll have to know your recipient’s phone number, his or her cell phone carrier and the carrier’s email domain, and you’ll need access to an email program. Sending email to SMS is a … Read more
Virtual reality for adults is created by computer programs, which include physical virtual reality and abstract virtual reality. How it is delivered to the human senses effects its realism. For virtual reality for adults to be completely realistic, all of the senses must be stimulated in a believable way. Physical virtual reality is similar to … Read more
The uses of virtual reality include assisting with physical and emotional therapies, military training and medical preparation. Virtual reality games are popularly used for recreation and entertainment, but the same technology may also be used to help individuals with physical and mental handicaps acquire valuable skills. Researchers are continually working toward developing simulated vacations and … Read more
Light emitting diode (LED) lighting technology is a technology that makes use of semiconductors to produce light. Semiconductors are special materials that have been manufactured with specific atomic valence characteristics, which include the ability to emit light, also known as electroluminescence. LED lighting technology evolved from research for brighter and more efficient LEDs, wherein the … Read more
Home security camera systems provide protection to the people living in a home as well as the belongings in the home. These systems often use video surveillance to monitor the activities outside of the home and at all points of entry. Security cameras for home use can be both monitored and unmonitored. Monitored security systems … Read more
Desktop videoconferencing is an innovative option for having meetings. It allows two or more people in different locations to have live interaction using a desktop computer. It can be used to accomplish many tasks such as to conduct business meetings, provide training, or converse with a distant lover in a personal way. For a person … Read more
Standard, non-rechargeable batteries do not give an owner any information about a battery’s state of charge (SoC) or state of health (SoH). With standard batteries, nothing about the battery, including its weight, size, shape, color or brand will inform the user about particular points in the battery’s lifespan. A smart battery, however, is designed to … Read more