Fitness trackers are undoubtedly one of the most popular types of wearable technology. They have massively evolved over the last few years and have incorporated intelligent features which make monitoring health a lot easier. However, the models vary according to every consumer’s needs. If you are on a lookout for such wearable technology but don’t know where to start from, then begin by shortlisting the kind of features you’d fancy. The following are some of the most sought-after features that can be found in current fitness tracker variants, which will help you pick the best.

• Pedometer – This is the most basic feature any fitness tracker possesses, i.e., it measures the number of steps taken throughout the day. These basically act as a reminder and can motivate you to increase your physical movement on a daily basis. Currently, many fitness tracker models also house useful data like the amount of distance covered and calories burnt.
• Calorie count – Based on the data from the pedometer, the calorie count feature can inform you about the estimated calories you have lost. You can also monitor your calorie intake through the day with the help of the smartphone app. You just have to key in what you’ve had for meals. The results can assist you in making some necessary alterations in your diet for weight management purposes.
• Sleep tracker – Wearable technology today wants to assess all the health factors comprehensively. So, many brands have introduced a sleep tracker which evaluates your quality of sleep. With the help of the sensors, it not only determines how much sleep time did you cover but also gives information about how many times you woke up through the night. If you notice any issues in your slumber period, then you can readjust your routine to rest better.
• Pulse monitor – Certain fitness tracker models also have sensors that record the heart rate. This can be an excellent feature for athletes or people with health problems. By realizing how hard your heart has to work, you can customize your exercise regime to perform better.
• Alarms – If you happen to be someone who despises the shrill sound of alarms, then you should get a fitness tracker that has a silent alarm feature. It’s simple, you just wear it while sleeping and it will gently buzz to wake you up.
• Goal dashboard – Almost all fitness trackers have their own smartphone apps. These apps contain vital statistics about your health. You can also set daily or weekly targets. On the completion of your fitness goals, you receive a congratulatory message which you can share with family and friends. If you wish, you can also pursue collective goals with fellow users.
• Smartphone notifications – You can easily miss some of the important calls through the day. A fitness tracker prevents this situation by projecting notifications if you get a call, email, or text. This can be especially useful while you are traveling or working.
• Battery life – A fitness tracker doesn’t need recharging on a daily basis. Some fitness trackers have a battery life up to five days. But this can differ according to every consumer’s usage patterns.
• Waterproof – There are wearable technology brands which specifically manufacture a waterproof design for swimmers. Moreover, if you are looking for something simpler, then you can also find water-resistant models in the market.

All the wearable technology brands may not offer the features mentioned above, so determine the best combination that works for you. For instance, if you need a something that keeps you active through the day, then a simple fitness tracker with a pedometer and smartphone connectivity will do. Moreover, if you are an athlete, then you will need an advanced model which will keep an overall track of your fitness regime. Tag – Wearable Technology

Different types of applications for GPS systems GPS systems were developed back in the 80’s and were first used for military and government applications. However, as the technology developed and evolved, its makers saw a potential market in the form of civilian applications. Nowadays GPS is considered as a dual-use technology for both its military and civilian applications. Here is a list of some of the most common and useful applications of GPS and navigation systems in day to day technology. Agriculture: Agriculture is one of the most important sectors when it comes to any country’s economy, which is why the use of proprietary GPS and navigation systems in this sector will not sound very surprising. GPS systems are being used for Site-Specific Management and precision agriculture. This process involves measuring the yield on much smaller scales to determine accurate output and mapping of fields. Telematic systems: GPS is a primary feature in telematics systems which are the integrated use of computers and mobile communications when it comes to the automotive industry. Automotive GPS and navigation systems are installed in almost every automobile out there today. Tectonics: Commercial applications of GPS and navigation includes the technology’s incorporation in earthquake monitoring systems. GPS is helpful in direct fault motion measurement to estimate and even to some extent predict a pattern of seismic activity based on historical activity. This data is then used to compile seismic hazard maps for future reference. Surveying: Surveying plays a major role when it comes to expansion and exploration of new land masses for urban development, which is where proprietary GPS and navigation systems come very handy. The accurate location is used to determine and map the boundary lines and permitted territories for various projects. Geotagging: The location coordinates of an image taken or any video recording will get mapped and embedded into the file, automatically creating a marker which can help trace the said location. This is called geotagging and can prove to be quite useful to find out where the said image or video was taken, for a number of purposes. Geofencing: Geofencing application of GPS and navigation systems include the use of the technology in tracking movements of GPS based devices which are attached to vehicles, devices carried by people and also for pets to track and map their movements. Generally, not all GPS devices will be capable of sending back signals to be tracked, but the ones which are designed specifically for geotagging purposes will have this feature. Fleet tracking: Fleet tracking GPS and navigation systems are used to locate and track movements of valuable shipments forming part of a cargo fleet, in real time. Scientific applications: Commercial and civilian applications also include the use of proprietary GPS and Navigation systems in assessing weather and atmospheric movements. This data is very useful for mapping out the storm and other natural disaster patterns, to predict and ascertain the severity of the condition. This technique is also known as radio occultation. Disaster management and emergency services: EMS and management services rely heavily on proprietary GPS systems to navigate their way through and find the best and fastest route to reach the people who are in need of help. GPS signals remain unaffected and can be accurate to the letter which proves to be extremely useful in times of need. GPS systems which are designed for civilian use have a number of restrictions, for safety reasons. Civilian receivers are capable of functioning above 60000 feet of altitude with the satellites orbiting speed of 1000 knots. The signals which are received by the military and civilian both are same, with the distinction of equipment being the only difference when it comes to reception.

5 affordable and portable media players to listen to music on-the-go You can listen to your favorite tunes or watch your favorite movies wherever and whenever you want with a portable audio and video device. Yes, it’s true that you can use your phone as well for these; however, you use your phone for a lot of things apart from listening to music or watching videos. All these additional features will consume substantial storage and battery power from your phone. But with a dedicated portable audio and video player, you do not have to worry about all these. You can store thousands of songs, a few videos, as well as photos on your portable audio and video device. And you do not have to spend much on these devices, especially if you are on a budget. Here are a few portable audio and video players that pack in a lot of features at quite affordable costs.

• AGPtEK M20S: With a price of around $30, this is a portable audio and video player by AGPtEK. The M20S is one of the cheapest models that is quite perfect for people who do not want jazzy features on their portable device. It is quite compact, and its size is about 3x0.3x1.2 inches. Its internal storage is 8 GB, and the storage is expandable to about 64 GB. It supports nearly all audio formats. It has 14 hours of battery life; you can listen to 14 hours of music with a single charge.
• Sony NW-A35 16GB Walkman: The original Walkman was a game-changer; however, it was bulky and could barely fit into your pockets. The Sony NW-A35 is the lighter and sleeker version of the classic Walkman. This portable audio and video device has a high-resolution audio quality that is sans any distortion and noise. It has a 3.1-inch touchscreen interface that is quite intuitive. It has an internal storage of 16 GB. 64 GB models are also available. The memory can be expanded to 192 GB. This affordable portable audio and video player includes a Bluetooth feature as well. The battery life is a solid 45 hours. The price, however, is a bit on the steep side with the approximate cost being $218.
• MYMAHDI MP3/MP4 Music Player: This sturdy portable device from MYMAHDI costs approximately $26. Its internal storage is about 8 GB, which is expandable to 128 GB. The supported audio formats include MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE, AAC, and so on. The device’s weight is relatively more as compared to other portable audio and video devices. This adds to the durability of the device. There is a speaker on the backside of the device; so, this can be used as a voice recorder as well.
• Sony NWE395: This portable player from Sony costs around $68. It can play 35 hours of songs or four hours of video on a one-time recharge of the battery. The internal memory is about 16 GB. The display screen is about 1.77 inches and is suitable for watching short and quick video clips. Typical to Sony, this device is known to have quite good audio quality. The control functions can be operated through buttons.
• AGPTEK A01T 8GB Bluetooth MP3 Player: This is one of the best looking portable devices in the affordable range. It costs around $37 and has slim and compact design with buttons for control functions. The audio quality is good since it is supported by a noise reduction feature. It has a 1.8 TFT display and storage capacity of 8 GB. The memory is expandable to 128 GB. The battery life is 45 hours of audio playing or 16 hours of videos. It takes about 1.5 hours to recharge the battery.

It is that time of the year where you would be getting electronic appliances and deals at the most competitive prices. There is no best thing than being a reader fanatic and a tech geek at the same time. e-Book readers and accessories are one of the electronic devices that are sold out like hot cakes. But before you barge into the Black Friday and big boxing day sales, take a step back and read everything you need to know about eBook readers and accessories. Have a look at the pros and cons of buying eBook readers: Pros

• Portability An ordinary eBook reader weighs anywhere under 10 ounces. You can jam in as many as eBooks you please in one single device rather than carrying around a pile of books in a bag.
• Convenience Consider a scenario where you plan on reading a random book. If you own an eBook reader, you don’t need to go to a bookstore or order one from a website and wait for it to be delivered to your doorstep. All you need to do is download the book on your eBook and start reading it at your convenience anytime, anywhere. When compared with traditional books, newly released books are much cheaper with eBook versions. A wide variety of eBooks (including the classic editions) have entered the public domain and thus are freely available on the online portal of the eBooks.
• Ergonomically convenient One of the best things about using an eBook is its ergonomic convenience. eBook readers and accessories manufacturers, design eBooks in such a way that they can be efficiently held with just one hand. You can turn the page on an eBook reader without having to use the other hand. This comes in handy when you are using a public transportation that is rather crowded. The same is not the case with reading a paperback traditional book. There is always a fear of losing out on turning more than one page if you are not in a comfortable space.
• More than just an eBook eBook readers and accessories manufacturers have grown out and gone ahead with providing features in the eBooks that are more than just for reading. You can listen to music and browse the internet while you read favorite books in your eBook reader. You could do that with a traditional book as well but, you’d need a separate smart device which would be very inconvenient.

Now that we have learned the pros of using an eBook let us move over to the cons of the same that will help decide if it is a good idea to invest in eBooks readers and accessories. Cons

• No “second-hand” option Unlike in traditional books, where you can get a book that you have not read at, second-hand prices. There is no such provision in eBook readers. It is possible that you may end up paying the same price or a lot more for certain books.
• No option of lending out a book Forget buying second-hand books, you cannot lend or borrow a book from a friend like you can with traditional cover books. There are a very few eBooks that let you do that but then you might have to compromise on some or the other factors.
• Not a real book after all While many of you might not completely agree with this disadvantage, if you are a paperback cult reader and like the idea of turning the pages the way they are meant to, you might find reading your favorite book from an eBook reader rather daunting and even disconnecting. Many eBook readers and accessories manufacturers try their best to give their users the same feel of a traditional book but it is an electronic book reader at the end.

Ovens are helpful when you have to cook dinner after a long tiring day since they require lesser effort than standing over a stove. Ovens that come with smart technologies are, therefore, even better for this purpose. The oven making company, Brava, introduced the smart oven that prepares meals faster than a convection oven without compromising on the taste that you prefer. This smart oven by Brava requires no preheating and can be used to prepare multiple types of foods that need to be cooked at different temperatures on the same tray at the same time without using too much energy. Here is what makes Brava ovens different Traditional ovens use a lot of energy for heating the air inside and outside its chamber. However, while the oven by Brava uses conduction and convection modes, it focuses on the direct transfer of energy by using six infrared lamps to heat the food instead of the tray or the air around it. The company also claims that this method of cooking meals is faster than any other method in the world without obstructing the taste. A Brava oven takes only seconds to raise the temperature of its chamber from zero to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These ovens also use considerably less energy than a convection oven. How can you use a Brava oven? There are three different zones on a glass baking sheet that divide the ingredients so each customizable light can cook the food accordingly. Once you have chosen the ingredients from the list or once you have chosen one of the preset recipes, the oven will tell you exactly where you should place your food item. If you are cooking meat in the oven, then you can use a smart meat thermometer that can be placed inside the center of the meat, which will help you get the desired level of doneness. Therefore, you can expect a restaurant quality meal from the Brava oven. What more can you expect from Brava oven? The company offers a meal kit service that does not require a subscription at all. Consumers can thus simply order what they like whenever they want. In addition to this, a smartphone application allows the consumers to control recipes using their smartphone even from afar. Therefore, even when you are at work, you can select a meal, and it will be waiting for you in the oven when you get home. To learn more about Brava oven, you can peruse their official website carefully. Additionally, apart from Brava, you can also check other over companies like Whirlpool, Bosch, Viking, and the like.