Gone are the days when tablets offered mediocre performance and only basic features. Today, tablets are as good as miniature laptops. You can buy them for your personal use or give them to your children for school work and entertainment. Here is our list of the best tablets for kids.

Apple iPad 10.2 2020
Apple iPad 2020 is easily one of the best tablets for kids. This model comes with a super-fast A12 Bionic processor and works stress-free. You can add a screen guard to protect the device and give it to your kids for their school work or to catch up on the latest videos. The best advantage of this tablet is that it can double up as your work gadget when needed. Besides, it is among the more affordable Apple laptops in the market.

Amazon Fire 7
If you are on a very tight budget, Amazon Fire 7 is one of the best tablets you can buy for your kids. The device has pretty decent front and back cameras and a microSD slot too. It weighs just 0.6 pounds and can be easily handled by your little ones at home. If you think your kids are too young to use expensive tablets, this model is a perfect pick.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
This is another top tablet for kids due to its affordability and quality. The Galaxy Tab is slim and comes with a 10.4 inch HD screen and 32 GB storage. Your kids can easily take video classes through the tab or listen to songs and rhymes.

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
This 10.3-inch FHD tablet runs on Android and comes with 64 GB storage and 4 GB RAM. The model is also equipped with two microphones, one at the front and the other at the back, and two side speakers. You can also choose Kids Mode on the gadget to hide unsafe websites, content, and apps.

Fire HD 8 Kids
With an 8-inch HD display, the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is perfect for children between three and seven. This comes with a two-year warranty and a protective case too. Free online books, audiobooks, games, videos, and other kid-friendly apps come preloaded on the tablet, making it one of the easiest and best tablets for kids.

Make a note of all these best tablets for kids and pick a suitable model for your child. Age-appropriate gadgets really make a difference!

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.

4 popular eBooks for avid readers

When it comes to eBooks readers and accessories, they offer a good advantage when compared with other portable smart devices such as smartphones and laptops and even tablets. eBook readers have an advantage that their screens are designed for extended reading as they resist the glare of the sunlight, thus causing less strain to the eyes.

They are more advantageous when compared with other portable devices as they are much lighter, cheaper and even have greater battery life.

So, if you have decided on buying eBooks and accessories for yourself, go through some of the popular eBook readers and accessories mentioned below for an exclusive reading experience

Budget eBook reader – Amazon Kindle White
A one-time full battery charge on an Amazon Kindle white lasts for more than eight weeks. Amazon’s flagship kindle paperwhite matches its counterpart in terms of resolution which is nearly 330 ppi. The black body and white screen provides a crisper display when compared with its previous iterations. With its 4 built-in LED lights, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is best for late night reads. There is no microSD slot which could be a drawback of the eBook reader. It comes with 4GB memory of internal storage which is enough for 1000’s of books.

Kindle Oasis
Available at nearly $250, the new kindle Oasis comes with an ergonomic design. The eBook reader has got dedicated buttons for turning pages and backlights for reading comfortably in the dark without getting much of eyestrain. It has a slimmest design of 13” and still manages to feel sturdy. It makes your hand reading much convenient as the screen size is not more than 7” and has a display of 330 ppi. It weighs around 5 ounces and has an IP rating of IPX8 that can withstand remaining in water for at least an hour. With just 30 minutes of charging per day, the Amazon Oasis can last for up to 8 weeks. It has 8GB of internal memory with a Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity.

Amazon Fire 7 tablet
eBook readers and accessories manufacturers are offering devices that are more than just eBook readers. The Amazon’s fire 7 tablet is one such device that is more than just an electronic reader. It’s a full-fledged tablet that is powered with Alexa, an intelligent personal assistant developed by Amazon. The Fire 7 tablet comes with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 IPS display that has high contrast. Its vivid colors and display makes reading for hours comfortable and relaxing. With its Fire OS, the eBook reader automatically optimizes the backlight for a better reading experience even in dim lights. You can link your personal account on Amazon with that of your family member’s account and share books conveniently. By paying $30 more, you can upgrade your tablet with a larger reading screen and four more hours.

Kobo Glo HD
Kobo is an eBook reader and accessories manufacturing company based in Canada. They are known for the most versatile editions of eBook readers. Talking about the new Kobo Glo HD, the eBook reader comes with a 6” screen with a screen output of 330 ppi. It still manages to squeeze in 1448 x 1072 worth of screen resolution. With 4GB of internal memory, it manages to store a behemoth number of books. It weighs around 12 ounces and a battery life that lasts for up to 12 weeks on a single charge. The Kobo Glo HD supports up to 14 types of different reading formats including its own proprietary format. It features a perforated silicon backside that gives the reader a comfortable grip.

The above-mentioned eBook readers are some of the popular ones that are prevalent in the electronic market. Visit their official websites and read reviews online to know more about these devices.

5 popular free and paid stock photo websites

Stock photography has gained popularity over the last few years since it is more economical to pay for photos which have already been taken rather than arrange for a complete photo shoot. Professional photographers, across borders, click images based on specific client briefs and album requirements which are then posted online for the user to purchase or even download for free.

Stock agencies have compilations of stock camera and photos sold by professional photographers which can be used for the print and digital medium, as per the client’s request. The client will pay for usage rights of the picture which will again differ on the medium of publishing within the copyright terms and conditions.

Camera and photo shots available with stock photo agencies are great compilations. Here are five of the best stock photo agencies to purchase premium clicks:

Depositphotos

• When it comes to offering different pricing options, Depositphotos is the best choice.
• Pricing packs include on-demand downloads, photos which are available for monthly downloads and daily downloads depending on your needs for camera and photo stock essentials.
• The plans are not very pricey, and the fact that these plans are flexible with a vast collection of over 49 million stock images with Depositphotos makes this agency a real favorite.

Adobe Stock

• For people who are active in the creative cloud, Adobe Stock is the preferred option for downloading and purchasing stock camera and photo shots.
• Users of Adobe software can browse through some of the best collections of high end and premium stock imaging.
• Adobe offers plans which allow you to buy a single image with full rights or download bulk images every month for a package price which will be very economical.
• Adobe stock images will be well suited to be used in various Adobe softwares like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator among many others.
• The creative suite software allows you to search for images within, thus saving you time and efforts.

iStockphoto

• iStockphoto by Getty images is another popular camera and photos stock agency, also being one of the oldest since the concept of stick photography was developed.
• A number of credit and subscriptions plans are offered to people who are in the business of buying and selling stock photos for commercial purposes over the digital medium.
• Millions of regular images are available for purchase through these subscription plans, but you can also request for unique images to registered members.

Shutterstock

• A very popular and well-known stock camera and photo shots agency, which offers image credits and stock subscription offers to buyers.
• Shutterstock happens to house one of the largest collection of royalty-free stock images with over 84 million images in their inventory but offers a slightly higher pricing option when it comes to purchasing from these high-end images.
• Of the popular stock camera and photo shot agencies, Shutterstock’s pricing plans being on the higher end also offer flexible subscription plans tailor-made to your individual needs.

Photocase

• One of the popular choices when it comes to artistic camera and photo stocks.
• For the past 15 years, this stock photo agency has been focusing on providing some of the best artistic and chic quality photo images.
• These images are very different from the ones you will find with stock photo agencies normally and come at premium pricing.

A few factors that have to be taken into account before you go camera and photo stock shopping include the type of subscription plan and its inherent terms and conditions, pricing options, download and usage policies for distribution across various mediums. Normally the subscription plans and monthly download packs will have different policies attached depending on the type of payment and intended usage of the images which is why every agency will have different terms and conditions.

Ever since it was first launched, the Galaxy Note series created quite a stir and quickly grabbed the attention of mobile phone enthusiasts. The series went on to establish a slew of identities among its users and was one of the first devices that led the way to the big screen.

It can be said that Samsung has released a new Galaxy Note in every second half of each year, and 2019 is no different. This time, the brand brings the all-new Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10 Plus. Out of these two powerful models, the Galaxy Note 10 is packed with impressive features and offers the best a cellphone has to offer.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus are flagship models and are designed with some of the most notable specs. If you are someone who wishes to get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, it truly is a great choice. The phone is packed with high levels of productivity and performance, thereby making it highly suitable for people of every profession. Here are 5 factors that make the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 a good buy:

Big battery power – We all use our mobile devices on the go, and we need it to be charged for long hours. Samsung regards a powerful battery as the most important feature in its devices — this is why it has incorporated the intelligent power-saving technology. The Galaxy Note 10 is capable of running for long periods so you can complete all your productive tasks as you keep up with your fast-paced life. What’s more? The Galaxy Note 10 also comes with super-fast charging. This means that a few minutes of charging will leave you with several hours of battery power. No matter what task you undertake or which business trip you have set out on, trust the Samsung Note 10 to always stick by you.

High-end display – You can enjoy the most impressive visual display quality on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10. The model brings to you Infinity Display that makes watching videos a treat. Not only can you multitask while using several applications at a time, but you can also edit different documents and complete important tasks with ease. The Note 10 is designed with a wide 6.3-inch display, which lets you view most things in high quality. If you often like to switch between apps and the innovation of split-screen, then the Galaxy Note 10 will not disappoint.

Computing power – The Galaxy Note 10 comes with the Samsung DeX platform that allows you to connect your device with several computing portals. You get to enjoy the best worlds of computing as well as seamless mobile experience. On days you decide to ditch your laptop, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 will have you covered.

Impressive camera quality – Who doesn’t love to flaunt the best in class camera through their phones? The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 features a camera setup that is incredible and delivers the best picture quality. You can capture, edit, and share in an instant. The phone is designed with 3 rear-facing cameras. From depth-sensing to reduced external noise when recording videos, the Galaxy Note 10 allows you to shoot pictures and videos with the best features. Samsung has undoubtedly brought with it an exceptional camera through the Galaxy Note 10.

Breeze through tasks with the S Pen – Similar to most Galaxy models, the Galaxy Note 10 includes the S Pen so that your thumbs can take a break. However, it is better refined, so it comes with improved compatibility and several accompanying apps. This makes for better user experience. From a gyroscope to Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, the S Pen comes with a number of notable features. It makes activities like doodling and jotting down quick notes extremely easy. Moreover, your handwriting can be quickly converted into texts, for the smoothest experience.

If you are looking for an upgrade in terms of a larger battery, bigger RAM, better storage, microSD support, and wider display, then the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus is the way to go. The Note 10 Plus, however, is more expensive than the standard Galaxy Note 10.

Fitness trackers and smartwatches might be the current rage in the market, but another form of wearable technology that is becoming increasingly popular is smart jewelry. Sounds interesting, right? This innovative variant combines the aesthetics and intelligence in the most practical manner. However, they all differ in terms of features and design. So, some of them might be used as fitness trackers while others might be designed for smartphone connectivity. When it comes to the form, you can find them as bracelets, necklaces, and rings. The one you pick solely depends on what fulfills your purpose. If you are not acquainted with the smart jewelry, then read further to get an insight into some of the most popular products in the market.

• Bellabeat Leaf Urban – This piece of wearable technology is an elegant fitness tracker that monitors your daily activities, sleeping habits, reproductive and mental health. Depending on your lifestyle, this device can predict stress and motivate you to pursue deep breathing and meditation via alerts. Bellabeat Leaf Urban’s geometric structure is designed using stainless steel and water-resistant wood. Priced at $139 approximately, Bellabeat Leaf Urban can be worn as neckpiece or a bracelet. You can find it in rose gold and silver colors.
• Tory Burch Fitbit – Looking for something ultrachic? Then try Tory Burch’s designer bands for Fitbit Flex 2. This designer bracelet houses your Flex device in the most stylish way possible. You can find these bands in stainless steel and leather variants in beautiful colors. On the other hand, the wearable technology used consists features like a smart tracker for all-day activities and sleeping, phone notifications and long battery life. Its waterproof design makes it perfect for swimmers. However, it is to be noted that both these elements are sold separately.
• Ringly Luxe – The finger ring offered by Ringly Luxe is created with a pyramid-cut purple jade on a gold-plated base. It tracks physical activity and provides smartphone connectivity with customized alerts. Its battery lasts for one to two days, depending on usage. This water-resistant model helps you relax with guided audio meditation and breathing exercises to subside stress. It costs around $165.
• Sona Bracelet by Caeden – This beautifully designed tracker can be easily mistaken for a wristwatch. Apart from observing physical movements it also has a one of a kind heart sensor that gauges your stress fluctuations and predicts your overall health condition. It also offers five specially tailored calming techniques to cope with tension. Sona Bracelet is valued at $199 and is offered in three colors, i.e., rose gold, gunmetal, and gold.
• Senstone – Designed like a little charm jewelry, Senstone is a different concept altogether. It’s not a tracker but a type of wearable technology that records your voice and translates it into text via its smartphone app. These recordings can be related to your to-do lists, weekly goals, personal diary, etc. It can be donned as a brooch, neckpiece or bracelet. You can get this product for $145.
• Watch Hunger Stop Michael Kors Reade – This special edition tracker by Michael Kors is available in rose gold and gunmetal shades. It is put together using stainless steel, glass, leather, and mother of pearl. Apart from looking fashionable, this device keeps a tab on your physical activities, sleep and assists you in designing useful health goals. You can buy it for $145 approximately.

Apart from the six popular smart jewelry pieces mentioned above, you can checkout Misfit Bloom, Ringly Luxe Smart Bracelet, 5. Ringly Luxe Smart Bracelet, Michael Kors Access Bracelet, etc. These wearable technology products can be found in stores as well as on e-commerce websites. However, before shopping, ensure that you check the features, prices as well the consumer reviews to make the best pick.

3 important elements to master the art of photography

Photography is nothing short of an art form, which is why understanding the basics before you can even think of buying a professional grade camera for practice is essential. The right equipment, coupled with the right set of skills will help you go a long way and maybe one day even enable you to make a living out of taking pictures and auctioning or selling it to stock photo agencies. The concepts of camera and photo basics are applicable for still as well as digital photography.

A Digital Single Lens Reflex or DSLR camera is the best and basic equipment in professional photography to get started with the basic camera and photo concepts. Three very important points to understand while taking a picture include the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO (light sensitivity).

Shutter speed

• The shutter speed refers to the movement of shutter elements in a professional grade camera that allows you to capture different types of images.
• It refers to the time taken by the shutter to open and shut, allowing the light to fall on camera sensors for the image to be created.
• Low shutter speed and high shutter speed images can be achieved by moderating the shutter snap. The concept behind shutter speed is quite simple, the longer the duration of which shutter remains open, more is the time allowed for light to enter and create the image on sensors and vice versa.
• High shutter speed will allow photographers to capture high-speed images, like a race car or any fast moving object without the image getting blurred.
• Low-speed shutter imaging allows for standard photography, with the universal shutter speed set at 60 which is 1/60th of a second to capture the image.

Aperture

• While shutter speed controls the duration for which light can enter, aperture controls the amount of light which is permitted on the sensors. This will determine whether the captured image is too bright or too dark, depending on the aperture settings.
• Aperture has to be adjusted according to different lighting conditions to capture a perfectly created image, which is not too bright or dark without compromising any of the elements within the frame.
• Aperture also controls the depth of field which also modulates the foreground and background objects composed within the frame.
• Higher the aperture setting more will be the depth of field allowing decreased focus on a particular object and vice versa.
• A shallower depth of field will allow more focus on the foreground objects, by blurring the background.

ISO

• Also referred to as light sensitivity, the ISO is adjusted keeping in mind shutter speed and aperture to determine the perfect exposure for any image.
• In simple terms, the sensor will not be very sensitive to light with a low ISO number as opposed to a higher number that indicates high sensitivity.

When shutter speed, ISO, and aperture are all combined, the exposure levels can be modified with ease to find the perfect balance between all colors. It takes a considerable amount of time and practice to find the right balance between all three after understanding the theory of all camera and photo concepts.

It is also important to understand the composition of any camera and photo shot since what will be included within the frame will determine aspects like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings after the proper white balance has been done. White balance is done to produce true RGB colors for the image by calibrating the camera settings to pure white color composition preset.

The composition also depends on camera and photo concepts like rule of thirds, looking direction, head room, nose room and distance from the object you want to capture. This will again depend on the type of object or type of landscape you want to capture in your frame and composition.

Technological advances have changed the way we take pictures today, with camera brands manufacturing products across basic and advanced camera and photo kits. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or have been taking pictures all your life, you will still want to work with the best camera and photo essentials available in the market.

Here is a comprehensive guide to buying from the six different categories of camera’s available across major brands in the market:

Basic Camera and photo kits:

Also known as your consumer grade camera, the functioning of these cameras is pretty similar to that of any high-end smartphone that offers professional camera modes inbuilt. The only difference being, these cameras can only take pictures and shoot videos, unlike your smartphone which is capable of doing other stuff as well.

Basic modes of any consumer grade camera include limited control over the exposure settings and unlike DSLR professional grade cameras, you cannot use interchangeable lenses for the desired composition within the frame.
Basic camera and photo kits are also categorized according to their price and utility into the following:

Portable basic cameras: Simple and portable, with some that are even designed to fit in your back pocket. Some of the features include optical and digital zoom, depending on the brand and variants within. These portable cameras are suitable for taking small group shots and pictures from a close distance. Basic portable cameras are priced in the range of $100 to $450. Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Sony are some of the popular brands manufacturing portable cameras.

Zoom portable cameras: Zoom cameras also being portable are recommended when you want to take pictures from a distance, but still, maintain picture quality without pixelating the image. These cameras have optical zoom over digital zoom which means actual lenses elements are used to magnify the image. Ideal for people who love to go to sporting events and music concerts.

Waterproof camera and photo kits: Many popular brands have taken it a step ahead by introducing waterproof cameras which will enable you to take some candid shots underwater, up to a certain depth for adventure enthusiasts. There are cameras which can be used up to a depth of 50 feet also.

Advanced camera and photo kits: Advanced and professional grade cameras give you immense control over every element and settings available inbuilt, which is why professional grade cameras also give you the best photos. These can also be divided into a number of categories, depending on their make and model.

Advanced point and shoots: These are professional grade cameras with manual controls available for adjusting just about every aspect of your picture, but the only drawback is the camera does not support interchangeable lenses unlike your DSLR camera and photo kits. Even though these cameras fall under the category of professional grade, without interchangeable lenses suited for different purposes, it just doesn’t appeal to the more specific crowd of professional photographers.

Mirrorless cameras: Mirrorless cameras offer both manual control and interchangeable lenses, but with the exception of a mirror inbuilt that snaps up and down to click the image controlled by shutter speed. The only disadvantage of a mirrorless camera is that there is no viewfinder for you to as you will have to look through and focus on the picture manually. This is where DSLR’s come in handy since they offer the best of both worlds for almost the same price. Mirrorless camera’s cost anywhere from $500 to $1500.

DSLR professional grade camera and photo kits: Every professional photographer’s ultimate dream is to own his very own ultimate DSLR kit which will include the best camera body, an array of interchangeable lenses, additional accessories like Speedlights, UV filters, tripods and high-end camera bags to carry it all. DSLR’s cost anywhere from $500 to $3000.