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Space Invaders for iPhone Review

By: Dan Fletcher

Space Invaders is over 30 years old now if you can believe it, and still ranks as the number one arcade game of all-time, and likely will for all-time, unless arcades make a miraculous comeback around the globe.

The first thing that strikes is that this game has not been modified or upgraded. The original game, more or less, has been offered on the iPhone. This is surprising considering the fact that even classics like Pac-Man and Tetris have been modified to include new modes. The game does not have even a save mode. Every time you shut the game, you have to start all over again. This is really surprising as save mode is considered a fundamental part of all games. Further, the game is, like original arcade games, very tough to master and the controls too are not the best that you can find on an iPhone.

What is Space Invaders all about? You have a laser at the bottom of your screen. The aliens are out to get you and can be found in the middle of the screen. They slowly advance on you and your job is to make the laser and the aliens meet. Once these creatures are shot and blasted, the remaining creatures increase their speed and killing them becomes difficult. The sound effects of the game, at this stage, will give you are an adrenaline rush that you can never forget. Along with the increase in the speed, the alien begin firing at you and you are forced to take cover under bunkers. However, this cannot be done for long as the bunkers are soon obliterated by the alien firing.

Once a level is completed a new one begins, slightly more difficult than the last. Like most early arcade games, Space Invaders can theoretically be played indefinitely, with your score being the only real indicator of success or failure. The lack of an online leaderboard for posting scores, given the importance of scores in the game is highly disappointing. Space Invaders is extremely challenging at later levels, but also becomes highly repetitive after awhile, a hallmark of older games.

It must be noted that there is one area where Space Invaders has not changed even one bit. The graphics and sounds department is practically the same that was used in the arcade versions. Except for the option of colorful aliens to blast and upgraded backgrounds, everything else remains the same. If you are hoping to scare your girlfriend with the aliens, you are in for a disappointment. The aliens look like crabs and bats and are not even remotely scary. If you have played this game before, the bleep and bloop sounds will bring back fond memories.

There are 3 different control schemes which can be used, classic controls where you manipulate an on-screen joystick and buttons similar to Pac-Man on the iPhone, touch/drag controls, or accelerometer controls. I liked the classic and accelerometer controls, but found the touch/drag controls to be the least functional.

This game has what it takes to keep the player entertained. However, considering the fact that Retro Game Challenge is available on DS, it remains to be seen whether anyone would want to pay for this game on the iPhone. There is nothing wrong with the game. However, the question is whether the game is good enough to attract the gamers. The developers could have at least added some new features to the game to make it more interesting. If you’re desperate for some space invaders on your iPhone, then this game is worth getting. For everyone else though, there is nothing new here, and not much point in getting the game.

Final Score: 6 out of 10

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1362.shtml

Star Laser Projector

By: S. U. B. Hun

The phenomenal advancement of modern-day laser projector, commenced from the idea of a Lava lamp in the early seventies, then it advanced to a disco ball in eighties, and later the technology upgraded to the strobe light. Yet the wheels of innovation in science and technology have not clogged, and the pace has acquired a greater velocity in its approach and advancement.

The current laser projector, has made a greater place in our daily lives, and seems inevitable for all events and gathering, thus, when it is a matter of merry making or marking any exclusive day, the laser projector seems playing its major role, by gracing to the surrounding with its dazzling laser rays.

Primarily, the star laser projector is an electronic gadget that flashes green laser stars along with blue cloud formations, thereby creating an impression to the people that they are surfing in the space.

This latest model projector can be attuned to suffuse the ceiling, walls, floor, to the extent, the side of your hall, adding with a cloud of stars created by green lasers and hollow optics. A motor inside the projector is continuously in motion, swapping the star ground and can be adjusted to exhibit the blue gaseous cloud shapes as large as you may fancy. This latest series of projector also encompasses 2 fitted-in glass lenses that, together with thousands of green lasers and multi-phase diffractive hollow optics, with the overall technical tools will ensure to position a cosmos in front of you.

This scheme of innovation, is entirely an imitation, never make a gaffe by believing, an original assemblage of stars, yet it is something a marvel of creativity, that has brought before you to ease and please you, and intended to provide a scintillating show for the event, or consider it a source of enjoyment, for your leisure time.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1141.shtml

LG Chocolate KG800: The Classy And Stylish Phone

By: Alen Lew

Wanting for a classy, sleek and fashionable phone? You had better have an LG Chocolate KG800. This must be the most stylish, sophisticated and functional phone available in the market today. Its sleek design made it the unique and luxurious amongst other. If you are to look at its outer appearance, you will notice the elegant touch pad in glowing red that is heat sensitive and will automatically glows when active, which allows you to guide your way to the menus even before you slide the phone open. I must say that one of the good features of this phone is its being a warm sensitive unit, thus will not be turned on by any items in your purse or pocket that will possibly bump with your LG Chocolate KG800 phone.

Reading the outer appearance of the LG Chocolate KG800 phone above surely amazes you with the said mobile phone unit. For sure, you will get more amazed if you will get informed that your LG Chocolate KG800’s 256,000 color, 176×220 TFT LCD screen will allow you to customize its display with different photos or wallpapers. What more you can do with your TFT LCD is your ability to use it as a viewfinder for your LG Chocolate KG800 phone’s 1.3 megapixel camera. This is an amazing feature for a camera phone. It does not stand out only through its looks but also through it functions. Meaning you will not only get this phone for fashion ability’s sake, but for functionality as well.

If you think that LG Chocolate functions like those any other camera phone available in the market when it comes to its camera function, you had better think twice because the LG Chocolate KG800 has a flash and has a 4x digital zoom allowing you to take clear photos even if your subject is far. You might be wondering of the photo size of your phone. Well, your LG Chocolate KG800 camera phone produces photos at an amazing size of 1280×960. In addition, organizing your photos with your LG chocolate KG800 phone is very easy because, after taking photos, you can store them immediately on your phone’s photo album or you may chose to send them to your friends and family members.

Aside from the photos, your classy LG Chocolate KG800 can also hold your favorite music and videos and play them on its music player that supports MP3 files and set the stored music as your ring tone if you desire. Transferring data to and from your phone has made easy with the LG Chocolate KG800 camera phone’s ability to be connected to your computer using its USB cable that is included in the package. In this way, you can easily drag and drop your files to its 128mb of internal memory.

If you are into gaming, your LG Chocolate KG800 can also provide you with the latest games, and will allow you to send and receive emails because it supports Java technology. How will you send and receive emails? LG Chocolate also has the wireless Bluetooth technology. Are you impressed now? Get the latest LG Chocolate KG800 phone with the color that you desire, for it is available in various colors.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1311.shtml

iPod Accessories for Your Definitive Entertainment

By: Daniel Desouza

The latest inventions keep on bringing joy to people’s lives. The iPod has especially given a new definition to multimedia on the go. It has become instantly popular with all sections of the crowd since Apple launched it in 2001. The iPod has beaten other portable music players to become the hottest and the most beloved portable digital player today.

To capitalize on the popularity of the iPod, innumerable companies including Apple itself have launched a huge range of accessories for all generations of the iPod. iPod accessories have become a status symbol for iPod owners. Owning the latest accessories is now a fad and a great way to show off your newest additions to your friends and family.

iPod accessories help to enhance the fun and enjoyment that the iPod provides. Today, you can easily choose a variety of accessories for your iPod. Actually, it would be quite sacrilegious to say you did not own any accessories for the coolest gadget on earth today. Quality iPod accessories are effortlessly available at a variety of stores and on the internet to spruce up your snazzy possession. Grab some of the most sought after and the latest accessories for your iPod for an enjoyable and fun filled experience.

To begin with, iPod cases are very popular with iPod users. They are available in many designs, shapes, and colors. Use them to keep your iPod safe from dust, scratches, and grime.

iPod headphones are another fantastic choice. Choose from a range of headphones for your iPod such as wireless headphones, sports headphones, DJ headphones, and noise canceling headphones.

iPod docking stations are also a convenient accessory for your iPod. Most docking stations help you utilize your computer or home speakers while charging your iPod at the same time. A variety of docking stations are available in the market to suit your budget and taste.

Other iPod accessories available are iPod socks and iPod skins. iPod socks add a dash of color and vibrancy to your iPod and help you keep your iPod safe and warm. iPod skins add an element of artistic design to your iPod and make a definitive style statement.

iPod armbands are a great accessory that allow you to strap on your iPod while you are jogging, in the middle of a workout, or simply outdoors. Most armbands are adjustable, allowing you the comfort and flexibility while you participate in your favorite sporting activity.

With iPod Speakers, you can let many people listen to your favorite music stored on your iPod at the same time. Therefore, instead of just you listening to music on your headphones alone, which might be inconvenient if you are in a group, you can use your speakers so that your friends and companions can participate in the enjoyment as well.

The iPod does not include an FM radio, which is surely one of its shortcomings. However, many companies have introduced a radio remote, which combines the functionality of an FM radio with a remote. The remote allows you to switch between listening to FM radio or your favorite songs on the iPod.

With the introduction of the iPod, literally thousands of iPod accessories have hit the market. Newer iPod accessories are being introduced frequently, so keep an eye on the market and regularly search the internet for the latest iPod accessories!

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1269.shtml

Control Speed of the DC Motors

By: Eric Melin

The DC motor is a rotating electric machine designed to operate from source of direct voltage, and the basic type is a permanent magnet DC motor. Two other types of DC motors are series wound and shunt wound DC motors. These motors also use a similar rotor with brushes and a commutator. However, the stator uses windings instead of permanent magnets.

A series wound DC motor has the stator windings in series with the rotor. A shunt wound DC motor has the stator windings in parallel with the rotor winding. A series wound motor is also called a universal motor, and it is universal in the sense that it will run equally well using either an AC or a DC voltage source. DC motors are controlled by an H-bridge consisting of four power switches which enables you to adjust the motor voltage and polarity using the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique to control speed and direction.

For many engineers, the process of tuning a servomotor is a mysterious black art. But the procedure needn’t be painful. Just a modest amount of knowledge can bring familiarity with some of the standard techniques and add consistency to what can otherwise be a hit-or-miss process.

JAZD Motion control directory is an engineering resource which provides information on new technologies and products. Information on automobile industry and various other industries. JAZD has engaged marquee B2B Publishing partners in jazdmotioncontrols.com, over the past several weeks. JAZD will launch these Directory markets during the summer of this year. Sellers will love the capabilities to distinguish themselves in front of select Buyers and take advantage of the flat rate, performance based options that put immediate and tangible results within the shrinking budget of every marketer.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1299.shtml

Comparing the Powis Parker Fastback Model 15xs and Fastback Model 9

By: Jeff McRitchie

Overview:

While both machines are tape binding systems, a brief overview of the machines will help us understand the vast differences between the two. As mentioned in the former, both systems are tape binding machines. Tape binding is a type of binding that allows a user to produce bound documents with a thermal tape adhesive spine. The user will be able to make these documents in a timely matter without having the need to punch paper prior to binding. Tape binding has proven to be one of the most fast, efficient binding styles while maintaining a professional-looking end product. In the following paragraphs I intend to discuss each model individually that will shed light on the different applications of each model.

The Bind Cycle:

The Fastback Model 9 is semi-automatic tape-binding machine that is able to produce bound documents in a matter of seconds. It is considered a “semi-automatic” system because they only user interaction with the document is loading the pages in the throat of the machine. The rest of the binding process is automated, by pressing a button. A strip is creased and put in the throat of the machine prior to putting the pages in. Once the pages have been loaded in the throat of the machine, the user will square up the pages and then press the green button which will trigger the binding process. The binding time will differ depending on the type of the strip used on the document being produced. On average, the bind cycle is thirty to forty five seconds. The user knows the bind cycle is over when “remove book” appears on the screen placed at the front of the machine. The book is then removed and placed on the cooling racks for a few minutes to ensure the glue sets.

The Fastback Model 15xs automates this binding process further. Instead of folding and loading the binding strip in the throat of the machine prior to loading pages, the pages are loaded first. The user presses the green bind button; the machine will close and secure the pages while automatically measuring the width of the document. In turn, the width of strip to use will be displayed for the user. The user will then insert the necessary strip size in the strip uptake located on the right side of the machine. The bind cycle is roughly 17 seconds. Again, the cycle varies depending on the type of strip used on the document. The cycle is over once “remove book” is displayed on the screen.

Applications:

Both the Fastback Model 9 and Fastback Model 15xs work in conjunction with other Powis Parker machines that enable the user to produce hard-bound documents, photobooks and tape bound books in 11″, 8.5″ or 14″ (only for 15xs) sizes. However, the Fastback Model 15xs enables the user to use multiple other applications whereas the Fastback Model 9 is more limited. In addition to the applications mentioned in the former, the both machines can also produce perfect-bound documents. The process is exactly like the normal tape binding process except the document has to go thru two binding cycles as opposed to one. Additionally, the Fastback Model 15xs works in conjunction with a Powis Parker spine printing machine that enables the user to foil imprint the spine to customize documents.

Equipment Recommendation:

In review, both machines will make tape bound documents in a timely matter, on-demand. The Fastback Model 9 is a more manual binding process and is an ideal fit for short-run jobs of 10-15 binds at a time. The Fastback Model 15xs, being half the bind cycle of the Fastback Model 9 is a better fit for companies foreseeing longer run jobs because of its more automated features. Both pieces of equipment work with other Powis Parker Fastback systems that enable the user to make hard-bound booklets with endless customization options. Customizable features are further extended with the 15xs. There are 28 different strip colors available with the Fastback Model 15xs as opposed to just 11 with the Fastback Model 9. Spine printing and perfect binding also come exclusively with the Fastback Model 15xs. If I were to recommend the Fastback Model 9 to certain market I would refer it to businesses that have short-runs and are looking for a system that has some capabilities to produce a number of different bound documents. Attorneys, CPAs, engineers and marketing firms are major prospects for this model. The Fastback Model 15xs is more ideal for a user with larger runs and bind often. Because of its various applications, the Fastback Model 15xs is ideal for not only the Fastback Model 9 market, but print shops, education service districts and large firms that have a central print facility.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1106.shtml

Seven HDTV Mistakes to Avoid

By: Allen Maynard

Here’s the list of some common mistakes for buyers and owners of HDTV sets.

1. Keep chemicals away from TV, ammonia in Windex can damage coatings. Liquids sprayed on the screen can seep in between the bezel and panel and cause all kinds of problems. Best to use a damp cloth preferably not wood-based paper products like newspaper or paper towels which can create tiny scratches.

2. Don’t buy a Plasma TV if you’re going to be watching it in a brightly lit room with a lot of windows. Unlike LCD TVs plasma TVs have thick glass panels which can create lots of glare. On the other hand, don’t be afraid of Plasma "burn-in" which was a more common problem on older Plasma TVs . Most of today’s Plasma TVs have circuitry to prevent burn-in or ghosting.

3. Don’t pay too much attention to those formulas that use room size to determine screen size. Buy the biggest TV that fits with your furnishing. Also keep in mind if you don’t have an upconverting receiver or upconverting DVD player, a lot of programming that comes from DVDs and standard def programming shows up on your screen with big black borders around it so a bigger TV might be better if you’re going to be watching a lot of standard def programming.

4. Don’t turn down a great deal on a 1080i TV. Even though we recommend buying a future-proofed 1080p TV, Bruce Berkoff of the LCDTV Association points out that it is difficult to tell the difference between 1080i and 1080p on a set capable of displaying all the pixels. He adds, "If a TV is rated at 1920 x 1080 resolution it shouldn’t matter if the program is in 1080i or 1080p." Currently none of the programming coming in over the air, on cable, or satellite is 1080p. More so, you can’t really tell the difference on anything smaller than a 37 inch TV or if you sit far enough away from a larger set.

5. Don’t leave the brightness up too high. Many TVs ship with the brightness setting 21 in “showroom” mode. In a normally lit living room a lower brightness level is perfectly adequate and saves energy too. If you want to get the most out of your HDTV set, you should consider having it calibrated by an expert like someone from Geek Squad or do it yourself with a DVD like Digital Video Essentials.

6. Don’t get fooled into buying expensive add-ons from the salesperson at your local big box retailer. Most HDMI cables work just fine for most programming. The one reason to spend the extra money is for a high speed (Category 2) capable cable used for "Deep Color," and lossless audio.

7. Pay Attention to Audio. You may think the sound on your TV is just fine but if you haven’t heard 5.1 (or more) surround sound on a quality audio system you haven’t experienced HDTV. Some things to keep in mind when shopping for an audio system are; be cautious when buying speakers from a brand not necessarily known for speakers like some major consumer electronics brands (you know who they are), make sure you listen to the speakers before buying them, don’t hide the speakers in furniture, and make sure the receiver has enough ports for future expansion.

Now that you have some general idea of what to look for and what to avoid, the last step in finding the perfect TV set for your home is to read reviews. Good places to start are with known vendors like Vizio, Toshiba, and Samsung.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1265.shtml

Softweb, Glittering Like A Star With The Success Of Its Top Notch iPhone Application…

By: Softweb Solutions Inc

Chicago, Illinois – May 20, 2009—Softweb Solutions announced today the release of its Softweb iPhone Application that facilitates the employees and employers to manage their work and plans more efficiently from anywhere in the world. The Application is developed using SDK 2.2.1 and is also compatible with SDK 3.0.

“We have adept team for iPhone Application Development to create bespoke applications for our clients. Our iPhone SDK programmers have been porting the applications as well as developing them from scratch since its inception. We have developed bundle of the applications for our clients with smart features and facilities” said Mr. Ripal Vyas, President of Softweb Solutions.

The application developed by Softweb has lot of features which make the job of employees and employers easier and more efficient.

Few of the features of Softweb iPhone Application:

• All employee details

• Facility to update profiles

• User check in/check out

• Report review facility for the leader

Compatible with iPhone or iPod touch version 3.0, the application developed by Softweb is the best example of how any organization can harness the iPhone and iPhone Application. The applications developed for iPhone are also well proved in the realm of the marketing of the company. It can be one of the best tools to bootstrap the organization in establishing its reputation and brand name in the market.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1273.shtml

Pressure Washers for Use in Gas and Service Stations

By: Lauren Zwiebel

Grease and oil are two of the hardest residues to clean and remove from virtually any commercial or industrial facility. Gas and service stations face this daunting task on a daily basis. Combined with the wear associated with the traffic of hundreds or even thousands of cars in a day and all related spills and stains, the undertaking of cleaning a gas and service station can be one of the most challenging applications out there.

Gas and service stations may find that many cleaning methods and machines in the industry prove inadequate against the tough grease removal applications they face. The answer can be found within pressure washers.

What makes pressure washers so effective is their combination of high pressure levels, high flow rates, and various temperature options. With pressure levels capable of reaching 7000 psi, these machines exhibit sufficient power to blast away and eliminate even the most stubborn grease stains. Additionally, high flow rates are necessary for pressure washers used in gas stations, as higher flow rates decrease the time it takes to clean and, therefore, increase productivity.

The various temperature options are also a significant factor in the evaluation of power in pressure washers. Three temperature options are available: cold water, hot water, steam. As temperature increases, the cleaning power and the speed of the process increases. As such, cold water machines are quite ineffective for the heavy-duty grease removal applications that gas station maintenance workers will face.

Hot water pressure washers, on the other hand, can reach up to 210°F; allowing users to dissolve substances, like grease and oil, as they clean. The most powerful option available is the power of steam. Capable of reaching 330°F, steam pressure washers actually sanitize while cleaning. Additionally, the enhanced temperature dissolves away grease and other residues much more quickly than other options. To attain the benefits of all temperature options, consider tri-mode pressure washers that have the option to operate independently has cold water, hot water, or steam as needed.

Even though other machines, like steam cleaners, feature high steam temperatures, they do have the ability to eliminate grease, as is afforded by the combination of power available with pressure washers.

Despite the variety of options to choose from, the use of pressure washers is the most effective way to remove virtually all stains that can deter from the appearance of gas and service stations, including chewing gum, coffee and drink spills, gas spills, grease, oil, and other residues. In fact, pressure washers can even be used to clean the equipment and building exteriors of the gas and service station as well.

When it comes to choosing an option to clean your gas or service stations, remember that pressure washers will provide you with the ability to clean a variety of surfaces and remove even the most stubborn stains to make light of the previously intimidating task of cleaning your facility.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1301.shtml

Echo Indigo IO, an Audio Recording Interface

By: Michael Russell

Audio recoding equipment plays a very vital role in recording audios instantaneously and there are numerous kinds of studio recording equipment available. In the world of audio recording, audio recording interfaces makes recording easy and convenient. The different models of audio recording interfaces provide one stereo analogue input of 1/8 inch along with an output on the Type II Cardbus card that is powered via your notebook PC. Many of the interfaces merge with the 24 bit/ 96 kHz converters to offer the quality you desire. Also included is the six-foot audio cable for connections of ¼ inches or RCA. 

An exclusive feature of the recording interface is that it makes the use of the virtual outputs. It appears like software, since it incorporates eight individual outputs that are mixed down digitally with physical outputs via using the interface console software along with on board DSP. This further makes interface attuned with all the famous multi track software. In addition, with Echo’s multi client drivers above than one function like software synth and editor can be done at same time through audio interface.

Some audio recording interface hardware features

1 stereo analogue output of 1/8 inch

1 stereo analogue input of 1/8 inch

Supports duplex two channel out, two channel in operation

Superior quality headphone amplifier

Analogue volume balance knob for the output

Supports true 96 kHz, 24 bit audio

Powered by notebook PC

Incorporates six-foot adapter wire for ¼ connections and RCA

Some audio recording interface software features

Software control in order to meter, monitor and setting the levels

In built digital mixer gives almost zero latency monitoring 

Supports Macintosh OS X and Windows Me/2000/ XP 

Supports the pre-audio software, including ASIO, WDM Kernel Streaming, CoreAudio and GSIF

8 virtual outputs and run multiple applications

Low latency drivers 

Analogue output and input

The analogue input and output of many audio interface include 1/8 one stereo connector with frequency response of 10Hz to 20 kHz and 0.5dB and dynamic range of 109dB. The maximum input level of interface is +7.2 dBu, and the nominal input is -10dBV. Where as, the maximum output level is +6.3 dBu with nominal output level of -10dBu.

The audio recording interface constitutes a 128x oversampling converters and 24-bit data resolution that maintained all through signal path. Apart, the multiple sampling rates supported by an audio interface are 32k, 48k, 96k, 88.2k and 44.1k.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/gadgets_and_gizmos/article_1191.shtml