Interesting facts about GPS technology
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are a critical component when it comes to the use and application of many of the technologies, on a daily basis. Although the system was primarily designed to navigate using signals which accurately pinpoint your location, nowadays GPS and navigation systems are a common technological fixture.
However, there are many things you didn’t know about proprietary GPS and navigation systems although we are pretty much relying on the same for proper guidance. Here are a few interesting facts about this three-decade-old technology.
GPS and navigation technology: The concept which revolves around GPS technology may be similar, but the technology is not unique. This means GPS is not the only space-based radio navigation systems. It is one of the much popular and used systems globally. Russia has its own navigation system known as the GLONASS, along with Galileo in Europe and BeiDou in China. However, presently GPS and GLONASS are the only two satellite-based space radio systems that offer global coverage. The Galileo and BeiDou systems are yet to be made fully functional for global coverage.
Number of Satellites in orbit: Since GPS and navigation systems heavily rely on global satellites for positional and coverage accuracy of the signals, there are currently 32 satellites orbiting our planet. Global coverage is only possible when a total of 24 satellites work together in cohesion to provide uninterrupted signals and coverage, which was achieved back in the 90’s itself. However, today with the additional eight satellites, extra coverage is possible without any downtime when the GPS satellites are undergoing scheduled maintenance and repairs.
GPS visibility and line of sight concept: We may have 32 satellites orbiting at any given point of time, however, for GPS and navigation systems to function properly, we only need a minimum of four satellites to achieve positionally and signal accuracy. Four satellites in our line of sight will ensure uninterrupted coverage and accurate location mapping since there is constant communication between the signal sender and receiver. The signals travel at the speed of light which is constant and based on these factors it is easy to determine an accurate position for mapping.
Relativity plays a key role: Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity in simple terms states that time tends to move faster in places where there is the minimum effect of gravity, which is why the time onboard GPS and navigation satellites will be different when compared to our clocks back home. In fact, the difference of 38 microseconds faster per day will not sound so significant, but in reality, if this factor is not taken into account, the locations mapping could be off by more than a couple of miles thus affecting positional accuracy. This is also one of the main reasons why we need four orbiting satellites in line of sight to determine accuracy.
The government owns and operates GPS system: The technology might have been invented and developed by the military, to be used for advanced warfare and systems, but it was made freely available to the public after 2000. The technology is owned and operated by the government as a public domain for everyone to benefit from GPS and navigation systems which have become a major part of our routine.
Other uses of GPS:
Founded in 1958 in the Californian region of the United States of America, AARP is the largest American organization that works towards making the lives of American citizens over the age of 50 years easier. Among the innumerable benefits offered, one of the benefits is also AARP cell phones for seniors that are cost-effective and help in budgeting cell phone expenses.
The “Pay-as-you-Go” prepaid plan
While contract plans may cost as much as about USD 80 per month, whether you use it for five or fifty minutes a day, prepaid plans are much cheaper and can cost you as little as USD 7 per month. In most prepaid plans, you buy a cell phone as well as minutes that come alongside it. You can also keep a tab of how many minutes you have used to talk or text and how much you have left. This is best for seniors who use their phones only for talking and texting. Some carriers also provide AARP cell phones for seniors with these prepaid plans.
The shared plan
Here, service providers give plans that are a mixture of calling minutes, texts, and data. As its name goes, a shared plan may be used by more than one user. You may choose either a prepaid shared plan or a contract shared plan. And an extra member may be added to this plan by paying just an additional USD 10. A number or AARP cell phones for seniors also provide its members with this kind of a plan.
The contract plan
Also known as a postpaid plan, this is one of the most pricey telephone plans. Here you pay for services after you have finished using them. However, this plan comes as a two-year contract, and should you wish to change or withdraw your plan before the contract period is over, you are charged a penalty fee that ends up adding to your expenses. Although AARP cell phones for seniors do offer this option, we would advise against a contract plan if you use your cell phone only for basic functions like calling and texting, then.
Levi’s jeans have been an icon of American culture for over 160 years. Levi’s jeans are the creations of Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis, who made them in 1873. American workers needed durable pants that could withstand hard work. These jeans were a perfect match.
The Levi’s 501 Original was the first Levi’s jeans made in blue color. The fly-buttons are a signature feature of Levi’s 501 jeans. That is because the fly zipper was not yet invented when Levi’s brought these jeans to the market. In fact, women’s jeans were also popularized by Levi’s. With more than 100 years gone, these “vintage” jeans are still worth investing in.
Levi’s 501 has distinct back tab stitched, with two horses on it. Not to mention, the blue color. If you are Levi’s 501 jeans fan, you should know how to wear them, especially if you want to relive the vintage feel. Here are a few tips, whether you are a man or a woman, to wearing Levi’s 501 jeans.
Check For The Vintage Look
The usage and wash of Levi’s 501 jeans are what you should look for before buying your pair. These jeans are like wine, the older they are, the better they look. Also, for the vintage feel, look for details like rips and the washed out look.
To carry off something like Levi’s 501 jeans, you need to keep the ensemble classy. These jeans may be rugged but they are definitely not dowdy or sloppy.
When purchasing the pair of jeans, look for color as well. This will influence the overall effect if your look. Since blue was the original color, find something similar. Try out the different collections offered under Levi’s 501 umbrella. Select one which you feel most comfortable in.
Pair Them With The Tried And Tested
Nothing can go wrong when you wear a white shirt, whether it’s an Oxford shirt or a slim fit one with your Levi’s. The white color is a match made in heaven for the classic Levi’s 501 jeans. If you want to keep it more casual and if the weather is warm, wear a white T-shirt.
If you are a woman, tuck the shirt in to enhance your waist. Pair your ensemble with largely sized sunglasses and tan colored brogues for a Parisian feel. Also, coats and jackets can enhance your look when you are wearing these Levi’s 501 jeans!
Your Levi’s 501 jeans are perfect even for colder weathers. Pair them up with long coats and scarves. Fold them up or cut them up, whatever is the occasion. Levi’s jeans are versatile and enhance your personality. You can live in them, as the tagline goes!
If you are looking to buy a smartphone, here are some popular choices this 2021. These smartphones have all the features you need for a great user experience, irrespective of the OS they run on or how much they cost. To make your buying decision easier, here are the ten best smartphones of 2021.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max stands out among the ten best smartphones of 2021. With this phone, you get to experience Apple’s latest smartphone processor, the A14 Bionic, and its immersive 6.7-inch display. The three rear cameras and exceptionally long-lasting battery life make it a phone to get your hands on.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a captivating design and comes with the latest specs you can get in Android devices. With a dynamic 6.8-inch AMOLED display and dual telephoto lenses, this Samsung phone is a phone you can depend on.
OnePlus 9 Pro
Among the ten best smartphones of 2021 is the OnePlus 9 Pro. It runs on the latest Snapdragon 888 chipset and also features the best cameras to capture the perfect photos.
Google Pixel 4A
For people on a budget, Google Pixel 4A is a good choice. It has a compact display, a Snapdragon 730G chipset with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and a 12-megapixel camera for the best photography.
Motorola G Power
With long-lasting battery life, this bezel-less 6.6-inch display smartphone is a great budget phone this year. This smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset for lag-free performance and is equipped with a triple camera system.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has all the high-end features. It runs on the efficient Snapdragon 865 processor and has a 120 Hz refresh rate for a smooth experience.
Apple iPhone SE
Apple’s iPhone SE is available at a very attractive price point and is budget-friendly. It is almost similar to iPhone 11, but this phone has a smaller 4.7-inch display and a single rear lens.
Google Pixel 5
Another smartphone among the ten best smartphones of 2021 is Google Pixel 5. A fantastic display, dual cameras, and wireless charging make this smartphone a great alternative to the other pricier Pixel options.
Apple iPhone 12 mini
This small smartphone from Apple is one of the ten best smartphones of 2021. It has high-end features and a smaller price tag. It is definitely worth considering.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
This high-end Samsung foldable phone will make you stand out in the crowd. Apart from its folding screens, this phone also has some excellent camera features and great battery life.
While choosing smartphones this year, you can’t go wrong if you pick any of the above options mentioned.