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Is Your Wi-Fi Connection Slower Than Expected? This Is Why

Whether you are in a coffee store, an airport or for that matter even in some universities chances are that you are surrounded by a wireless network. With even the governments getting into the act and making plans to develop digital cities, we could well expect wireless networks all over the place.

Even as of today there are many homes, offices and public places providing Wi-Fi services to consumers. (Learn more about what Wi-FI is here). But the real deal is hardly any of us experience the full potential of a Wi-Fi connection. Though it is our personal router, we only receive 50% of the actual Wi-Fi speeds. In this article we bring into limelight all such various factors which are making your Wi-Fi connection slower

These Factors Make Your Wi-Fi Connection Slower:

 

  • The Basic Phenomenon:

Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about it because physics does stand in your way. The basic phenomenon with which the Wi-Fi Connection works is what makes it slower than the conventional Ethernet. Wi-Fi connection alternates between sending and receiving data (technically called ‘half duplex system’). But this isn’t the case with Ethernet connection which can do both at a time (full duplex system). This naturally causes that little delay compared to other connection types.

 

  • Signal Traffic – The noise phenomenon:

You may agree or disagree but where ever we are, there is a whole lot of wave traffic around us. To access internet with your Wi-Fi connection, you make use of radio waves. So do mobile phones, radios and televisions, cordless phones, all those Bluetooth devices, and if there is an remote-controlled car or helicopter; in your house, in your neighbors’ house and almost every door in the entire community.

Among all these is your router which is striving to make sure everything works fine for you and obviously there is loss in signal strength. But the truth be told all of them interfere and are technically termed as noise to your Wi-Fi signal.

Apart from all this, if you really are trying to use the internet in parallel with 20 or 30 devices, there is no wonder your Wi-Fi connection appears slow in spite of the connected devices showing full signal.

 

  • Did you set the channel selector to ‘auto’ mode?

This is something you could be doing because no one told you its’ effect. But never the less it surely is a damaging factor to farther extents. Now that you let the channel selector be in auto simply to avoid the unnecessary headache of changing all the router settings, so is everyone else.

So what everyone is successfully doing is crowding that 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz channel instead of making your router pump signals at some other unique frequencies. At least from now on try making some changes for the good.

 

  • The Location of router:

It goes without saying that the closer your devices are to the router the best speeds you can manage to pull off. But the common misconception generally in homes is the router be placed very close to the computer. But if this is the case, your router most often than not is at one corner of your house and by any device trying to access it from another room or the balcony could face the beating.

We recommend the best location to install your Wi-Fi router is at the center of your homes. This ensures proper and good signal coverage over the entire length of your house and provides you much better results.

 

  • Those Wi-Fi signal extenders hardly work!

Don’t get us wrong, they do work and what they do is receive the signal and broadcast it, more like a repeater on an Ethernet line. But what we mean to convey is the broadcasted signal is almost half of the original signal and hence the speed capabilities fall by 50%. And in case these are installed in places where there is no proper signal reception the situation still gets a lot worse.

Simply something we can surely conclude is Wi-Fi is no replacement to the Ethernet Connection until a lot of problems are addressed. Strangely it requires a few modifications in laws of physics to have the dream Wi-Fi Connection speeds that are actually advertised.

 

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Tech News

The Entire Story Behind The Video Games Addiction

Did you ever wonder how Video Games are made?? The answer is quite simple. Video game is a system of complex computer codes. Just like any other computer programs, these are developed by programmers and are interpreted and displayed by the computer.

But this is not as easy as it looks. It takes companies (like Ubisoft or EA Sports) lot of time at the cost of hundreds of technical teams to develop a single video game. In this article we take you through several points you must know about our all time favorites – video games.

1.) The Coding:

Video Games are simply programs with a list of instructions. Based on these instructions, the processor performs all the calculations. The resultant of all these calculations is the video, sound and logic of that particular computer game we experience.

Hence it is essential for the processor to meet the game specification requirements otherwise the entire process doesn’t work out exactly. But this isn’t all that easy. The entire coding is a very complex piece of work which has to be well-planned, well-structured, well-designed and made as interactive with the user as possible.

history of video games ,story behind video games

 

Even though Video Games can be written in any programming language C++ is the most preferred.

2.) The Proper Components:

Once the Video Game is coded you need all the proper components to ensure it works as promised. From the display to the sound, From the graphics to the memory all become key factors.

Generally, video game systems (or game consoles) are designed to take care of all these requirements. Xbox 360, Playstation, Wii are the popular among the lot. You can even play these games using your computer. But remember every game as its requirements and your game consoles or your computer must satisfy them.

history of video games ,story behind video games

The main function of this game  consoles is to interpret the entire complex code and enable different levels of interaction for the user at different instances.

3.) The Gaming Experience:

Video Game programmers are restricted with what they are to include in the game. Because a high end game with a lot of graphics if occupies lot of storage space (say 1TB) is absolutely absurd.

So the programmers must ensure the user all the perfect gaming world experience with the limited resources they have. Be it the characters involved or the locations or the background music everything should be involving to say the least.

4.) The Technical Stuff:

The designing of a video game is almost like any other software projects. They all involve a certain methodology. The entire build up of the video game involves these following steps:

  •    Analysis (What is required and what is not)
  •    Feasibility (Considering possibilities with limitations)
  •    Specification (What exactly is needed)
  •    Designing (The work structure of the game)
  •    Coding (The complex coding part)
  •    Testing (Properly ensuring the absence of any bugs or errors)
  •    Release (The actual Press Release of the entire developed game interface)
  •    Maintenance (The release of other updates as per requirements).

Bottom Line:

First of all video game development is an art and all those artists are always well appreciated. If you any how intend to be one of them you ought to have good command over programming languages.

Also a University Degree in Computers is a must. If you are one who loves to be on the other side then sit back and enjoy the absolute magnificence all those programmers have developed. And the best thing is it will always get better!!

 

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Tech News Virtual Reality

Sony Patents Tracking System For PSVR And Its Similar To Vive

Everyone tech minded is buzzing over Virtual Reality, and the potential there is within it. Hardware, of course, has a major role to play to put words to action. Talking about VR hardware, there are two groups, ones being fully immersive – Oculus, Vive and the others more accessible but with fewer features – PSVR, Daydream.

However, for PSVR and Sony things haven’t been rosy like they were at the launch. It seems that the VR headset has almost disappeared from conversations amidst tracking quality complaints.

Sony Interactive Entertainment’s new patent, published earlier this month shows signs that the company is working on fixing these positional tracking issues.

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A look into this patent application reveals this fix could be something similar in concept to the VR tracking system of HTC Vive. Apparently, this will be an evolution of the camera based tracking system of the PSVR. The patent details as follows:

A method for determining an orientation of a photo sensor of a controller with respect to a projector is described

This indicates a use of beam forming techniques (through the use of light and mirrors) to track player location w.r.t a controller like DualShock 4.

The mechanism is outlined as follows:

  1. Generating, by a beam generator of the projector, a beam.
  2. Modifying a direction of travel of the beam using a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror that moves in a pattern, deflecting the beam, calculating a time at which the beam is detected and determining based on the pattern and the time an orientation of the beam to determine the orientation of the photosensor.

Though it sounds technical, basically, it is outlining a similar mechanism existing in Vive.

SONY PSVR tracking system patentThe above image illustrates the external tracking system – combination of a head mounted display and a projector. Though such external tracking solution has its own drawbacks, it is accurate compared to the inbuilt tracking system of PSVR.

At present, the in-built tracking system of PSVR uses light signals from the head mounted display and a PlayStation camera to create the immersive experience.

This mechanism seemed to work well but had no answer to frequent player mobility issues caused from twitching within scenes without any player movements.

However, it is unclear if Sony will improve its existing PSVR or launch a newer version – PSVR 2 based on this tech. either way, it is great to see Sony working on strengthening its VR tech, probably to face the future markets.

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Featured Tech News

Touch Screen Technology: The Present And Future Touch Screens

Touch screen technology have now become very common. Also with the steady decrease in prices, touch screen monitors have become very much affordable. But did you ever think how exactly they work?? This article is going to answer that question. Additionally, you get to know all the touch screen technologies out there in the market and how each one varies from the other.

Few Most Used Touch Screen Technologies:

1.)   Resistive Touch screens:

Resistive touch screen panels are relatively simple and much widely available. This touch screen technology involves several layers. In which two important layers are the conductive layer and a metallic resistive layer. These layers are thin, transparent and are present on a normal glass panel. These resistive layers are separated by a thin gap and held apart by spacers. On top of this whole setup is placed a scratch resistant layer. Whenever a touch is registered (the two layers meet at the exact spot), an electrical current flows from the conducting plate into the resistive plate at that position. Due to this there is change in the electric field. This change is noted and the computer calculates the exact co-ordinates of the point of contact. Immediately after this, a special driver converts this information into a language which the operating system can understand.

Buy Now: Raspberry Pi LCD Monitor with Resistive Touch Screen for Rs.1650

The Resistive touch technologies are mostly used in hospitals, restaurants and for industrial purposes. A major benefit of resistive touch screen technology is its low cost. The other advantage is that these screens can be operated with your gloves on or anyother finger substitute.

These touch-screen technologies operate when a considerable amount of pressure is applied. Also due to their poorer contrasts, this touch screen technology is not very popular among computers and mobile phones.

Touch screen technology , Touch screen technology

2.)   Capacitive Touch Screens:

Capacitive touch screens are made up of lesser layers than the resistive touch-screens. Due to this reason they have the ability to offer superior optical performance. Nearly 90% of the light is transmitted when a capacitive touch system is employed.

The capacitive touch screen technology involves an insulating material (like glass) coated perfectly with a transparent conducting material. This layer stores all the electrical charge. Whenever you touch the screen with your finger, some charge is transferred. This results in minute decrease in charge on the capacitive layer. The decrease in charge is continuously monitored by the circuits which feed this information to the related drivers. This technology is the earlier one which is by far in use. The recent advancement include the projected capacitive touch sensors which are being used in smartphones.

But here you have to remember that if you were operating the screen with gloves on there is no charge transfer, due to which the touch-screen doesn’t respond to your actions.

3.)   Surface Acoustic Wave Touch Screen Technology:

Surface acoustic wave(SAW) technology is very famous for its ability to transmit 100% light. Due to this, these touch screens provide the users with high image clarities. In this type of touch screens an ultrasonic wave passes over the screen between two transducers. Whenever there is a touch, some energy from the wave is absorbed. The receiving transducer detects any disturbance caused due to a touch and can locate it easily. The 100% light transmission is due to the absence of any additional layers.

This technology only suffers the backdrop from the fact that they are very vulnerable. They get damaged by outside elements and the contaminants on the surface.

5-wire resistive touch, Multi-touch Surface Wave, Secure Touch Surface Wave are the several other touch screen technologies which are very much application specific.

Conclusion:

Resistive touch screens are cheap and less efficient. Capacitive touch screens have good optical performance and more trustworthy. Surface Acoustic Wave touch screens provide the best image clarities, cost much and are vulnerable.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Have A Touch Screen Laptop 

 

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Gadgets Tech News Virtual Reality

Enjoy HTC Vive VR Experiences Wirelessly With This $220 Update Kit

One of the major drawbacks of most virtual reality headsets is that they should be tethered to your computer or console that provides them all the digital content. The HTC Vive, the Oculus Rift and even the most recent PSVR force us to use wires, and this makes the experience a little uncomfortable.

A team of developers and engineers has devised a way to solve the problem in HTC Vive. The company TPCAST has developed an add-on to transfer all necessary information wirelessly . This development platform goes on sale with the blessing of Vive X, the “accelerator” of projects related to the virtual reality of HTC.

Wireless Virtual Reality is now available and is expensive

Wireless Virtual Reality device TPCAST

HTC is responsible for ensuring that the experience is not compromised at all and there is no “significant difference” to the cable connection on issues such as latency. The device includes a battery with a range of one and a half hour, which may look like less but VR sessions don’t last longer anyway.  However, it is expected to market a larger battery that can be stored in the pocket like any other external battery in future developments.

Also Read: The Ultimate Comparison of all the Best VR Headsets

This add-on module for the HTC Vive was available for pre-order from the Chinese website for $220 and were sold out for just 18 minutes. This clearly demonstrated how much fans are waiting for an upgrade like this one. However, if you are also looking forward to ditch those cumbersome wires and experience wireless VR experience, it is expected that the upgrade may be available for pre-order again next month.

This upgrade makes it certainly more interesting (and comfortable) to use HTC Vive, and avoids one of the obstacles to the use of this technology. However, yes, the bundle now gets much more expensive. Others OEMs are attacking this market from the other end. Google Daydream begins to be available as a mature version of the original Google Cardboard , and even with the Samsung Gear VR, the idea is to avoid large investments to experience decent virtual reality. After Oculus launched their touch controllers recently, its now HTC Vive’s turn to introduce wireless virtual reality add-ons and takes us into a fresh year with expectations for a lot more such updates and finally hassle free VR experience.

Few Other Interesting Reads: 

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Tech News

Everything You Need To Know About Microsoft Creators Update Coming In 2017

The recent Microsoft Conference it was not all about hardware. Microsoft Creators Update is the new update of Windows 10 after the Anniversary Update.

There is no doubt that development of Windows 10 continues, and will for a long time. Microsoft’s new scheme is launching new updates often, thereby, gradually improving the system.

The first such update was code-named “Redstone” and was published late last year. The second was the Anniversary Update published this year on the anniversary of Windows 10.

What’s New in Windows 10 update

This new update called “Creators Update“, brings minor but very useful developments for some users, and above all for creators.

This new update will be available for free in early 2017 for all users of Windows 10.

Microsoft Creators Update is based on three aspects:

  • The mixed reality becomes important, with the growth of virtual reality and augmented reality.
  • Players can share their games with everyone.
  • Connectivity will be increased.

The first point has to do with the way presentation of information has changed. We have moved from 2D to 3D, so Windows will adapt to the times.

The transition to three dimensions

With Creators Update, “3D is for everyone,” says Microsoft. But what does this mean?

It means appealing to a new generation of creators who don’t just use lines of code to develop, but build three – dimensional interfaces. Accessibility receives a boost, especially for the younger ones.

The creation process should be as easy as taking a picture. For example, if we want to capture a sandcastle that we have created, we can use the 3D tool capture of Windows to scan the object and send it to our friends or family.

microsoft creators update coming soon

Although a mobile was used in the show, it will also be available on all Windows devices.

Paint 3D allows us new creations using three-dimensional objects. For example, we can take a photograph of some people, and add a three dimensional object. Surprisingly, you can export Minecraft creations for use in Paint 3D, and even print them in 3D. Remix3D.com is a website where we can share and download 3D models

Paint 3D is compatible with the Pencil Surface to create objects. Using this tool you can easily modify and customize objects. And when we’re done, we can easily share on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. Of course, Edge will be able to display that 3D content.

microsoft creators update coming soon

It is not only this application that will gain the power of 3D. Other Microsoft apps will also be compatible with this technology. In the demo it was shown how PowerPoint lets you include 3D objects and animations, by simply moving the object.

Edge now supports Hololens, to display web content holograms. We can see the content we’ve created with 3D Paint and we can upload to the web using Remix3D

It was also shown that any website can take advantage of this technology. A web store, for example, can allow us to see the object that we buy. If we want a chair, we can move the 3D object and see if it fits with the decor of our home or if it fits in the living room.

microsoft creators update coming soon

In Windows 10 we can actually use our device to get our own “virtual space”. It’s like the Windows desktop, but allows access to applications in three dimensional space. For example, we can look to the side and watch a video we’ve uploaded. We can look away and open Paint 3D to continue creating. And we can also see 3D content.

HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Acer are developing devices with six degrees of motion, from $ 299. They do not need their own room and are compatible with Windows 10 technologies.

microsoft creators update coming soon

Video games in Windows

Microsoft has finally realized the importance of games in Windows 10. Whether in eSports or sharing videos of Minecraft, underneath all of them, there is a Windows installation. We can not forget about the Xbox One S, a Windows 10 device.

For Creators Update, Windows 10 has three new features. Broadcast streaming video games segment is dominated by Twitch and YouTube, but Microsoft also wants to take part in this race. With Windows 10, everyone can enjoy live streaming. We just need to press Win + G, and the games bar opens. Then hit the record button, and automatically start streaming.

Whether on a computer, an Xbox One or a smartphone, we can participate in this streaming. Those who participate in streaming can also play with us, creating custom tournaments on Xbox Live and Xbox app. Arena is the part that will handle this.

microsoft creators update coming soon

We just have to choose the game and a window where you can configure the tournament, the players, the game type, or even the date and time it starts.

The best-selling console in the last three months in the US, Xbox One S had its role to play. Thanks to games that we buy in Xbox S, we can play them on PC, and vice versa. With the Creators Update, the Xbox One S will gain support of Dolby Atmos to further improve the sound in movies and games.

Connectivity with family, friends and colleagues in Windows 10

Finally, Microsoft has taken some serious steps in improving connectivity. Specifically connectivity with others. Sharing on Windows 10 will be faster and easier than ever. All you have to do is drag the file directly to the avatar of the person you want to send to, appearing in the task bar itself. We may also be able to share directly from an app by pressing the appropriate button.

The Creators Update attends various aspects in making a connected experience. Mail and Skype will merge into a single application. Xbox Live and other Microsoft apps will be a part of a central app. From this app you can choose the app you want and communicate transparently

The Creators Update also allow us to share our feelings directly from the desktop. We just have to hover over the avatar of the person you want, and see the recipient as emoji.

microsoft creators update coming soon

The Microsoft Creators Update is now available on Windows Insider, but if you do not want to use unstable software, you will have to wait until early 2017.

The other eye-catching events in the Microsoft Conference:

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Gadgets Tech News

Surface Dial Is A Stylish Puck That Controls New Microsoft PC

Microsoft recently announced its first all-in-one desktop computer called the Surface Studio. Along with this PC they have also showcased their new and innovative accessory and titled it as the ‘Surface Dial’.

The Surface Dial resembles a puck and makes its way onto the paint palette turning out to be an innovative tool for artists.

Microsoft has done a great work with this stylish accessory. Once you place this dial on the Surface Studio’s screen, you can see a radial menu popping out around it. These menus can be customised according to the app, much like the ‘Touch Bar’ in the latest Apple MacBook Pro 2016.

For example, when you are working with a painting app, different colours might pop out all around the dial. Similarly, custom menus can be created for other apps or simply used for navigating around the image.

The Surface dial takes clicks based on haptic feedback input and can be rotated to control the contents on the screen. Using the Surface Dial artists can operate with both hands thus giving them more of a natural experience.

microsoft surface dial

Microsoft says that there can also be simpler uses of this big puck (like for controlling volume) and expects apps to take great advantage of this fancy addition.

Plus, the Surface Dial is not just limited for use on Surface Studio, the all-in-one desktop computer but can also work with Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book.

Along with the updated Surface Book i7, Surface Studio, the Surface Dial will also be on sale from November for $99. It is offered for free with preorders on the Surface Studio.

You can read about all the biggest events in the recently held Microsoft conference here in OnlineCmag.

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Gadgets Tech News

Microsoft’s Surface Book i7 Looks Familiar But With More Graphics Power

We know that the Surface Book was the most powerful laptop that Microsoft could develop last year. This season it is further updated with a much more capable hardware. This new model is going to be known as Surface Book i7. 

Microsoft introduces the Skylake Intel processors (specifically a Core i7) to its laptops and hence the name.  It ensures that its graphics power is double compared to that of last year’s model. It uses the Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M GPU to power the display. The screen size remains the same, at 13.5 inch with a  resolution of 3000×2000 pixels.

THE UPDATE TO THE SURFACE BOOK LAPTOP IS MORE INSIDE THAN OUTSIDE

microsoft surface book i7

The design and engineering work done with Surface Book last year was perfect. Maybe Microsoft were very convinced with the design that the Surface Book i7 launched this season only comes with updated specifications without any changes to the external aspects of the already perfectly designed product.

However, there is an internal redesign with addition of  a second fan for better cooling and better performance while working with videos. Microsoft’s Surface Book cannot be put away from the competition and says it is three times more powerful than a 2013 MacBook Pro. However, the Surface Book i7 will be a direct competitor to the MacBook Pro 2016.

With respect to the battery, it is said to be able to last for 16 hours in portable mode (30% more than last year’s model). And considering that this is a hybrid Surface Book (the screen can be separated from the computer) the battery life is pretty good.

This will be best product for those who are looking for a mobile workstation, or a serious gaming laptop.

Unfortunately, the Surface Book won’t be cheap. The updated Surface Book will go on sale in November with starting price being $ 2,400. The prices for all the available storage options i.e. 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations will be available for $2,399, $2,799, and $3,299, respectively.

Microsoft also introduced in the same conference, the first Microsoft all-in-one desktop computer titled Surface Studio with the innovative Surface Dial and announced the Creators Update in early 2017. It is specifically designed keeping creators and professionals in mind.

The New Surface Book i7

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