Gadgets

Outsmart those Smartphones

A new research says the greater the overuse of smartphones, the greater the risk for severe psychopathologies in adolescents. FWD traces how a tiny screen can have a hypnotic effect upon society and ways to detox oneself from it.

Published

11 years ago

April 9, 2014

FWDmedia

This month’s FWD Finds warns you of a future epidemic. We thought of bringing up this topic as one of our colleague had become prey to it. It’s sort of an obsession which can be termed as ‘Smartphone Slavery’. In a world of tablets, smartphones and video games, it’s natural for us to get distracted. “Technological advancements are a boon and bane. While on one side it makes us communicate, travel and save time, in many ways we’re becoming slaves to technology. An overwhelming number of people are addicted to their cell phones and are in denial over it causing restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and even depression,” says Dr. Krishna Prasad Sreedhar, Psychology (Head of Department), University of Kerala.

Cell phone over-use, particularly with respect to its use by teenagers and young adults has been topic of discussion for quite some time. Yet it continues to be an intruder in our social and personal life. “In a marriage it comes in between a husband and wife in the form of a ‘lover’ who steals a lot of their ‘We’ time. Counsellors have received complaints that when one of the couples wanted to be with the other, he/she was found romancing with the iPhone,” he adds.

Several times we get hold of our phones not necessarily because we really need to check them that many times, but for the reason that it has become a compulsion or an addiction. A new study has come out with an astonishing fact that people don’t spare their Smartphones even during private times on the john. Now that evidently shows how intimate we are to this digital Swiss army knife that has replaced alarm clocks, watches, cameras, books and even lifelong friends.

FWD Finds Smartphone Addiction How to conclude whether a person is a Smartphone addict or not? “Addiction is a condition that fallout when a person ingests a substance (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (gambling) that can be pleasurable, but the continued use of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships or health. And here the object of dependence is the Smartphone.

“Nomophobia or the fear of being without a smart phone is the foremost indication. It is a rush of anxiety or fear which he/she undergoes on being technologically disconnected from the loop of friends, family, work and the world. ‘Phantom Cell phone Vibration Syndrome’, a compulsive need to check the mobile for each buzz is an added symptom,” says Vipin V Roldant, HOD and Chief Consultant Psychologist, Sunrise Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. “Flipping through tweets, checking mails in between face-to-face conversations, logging into Facebook many times a day, an emotion of incompleteness until a picture is posted on FB, recklessness, mood swings, cellphone use on the dining table are all noteworthy signs of Smartphone addiction,” he adds.

If you’re a tech savvy person, do you know that your Smartphone has a new feature? Along with the fancy features a Smartphone promises, it also has a feature that makes the user obese. Constant users are found to be more inclined towards sedentary behaviour, and medical practitioners have also revealed that cases of lower levels of cardio respiratory fitness are more often found in them than those who use their phones reasonably.

Posture -have you ever considered for a moment, your position when you’re focused on the small screen of your Smartphone? The longer we continue to be in an ergonomically wrong posture, faster our body reacts with some sort of
a payoff. It could be a neck pain, back pain, text claws or sore eyes. Most of us look down while using a mobile phone. Experts have conducted studies that this prolonged bending down is a posture that adds strain to the neck and a position that could cause cervical disc herniation. Staring at iphone screens for long hours can also cause dry our eyes and believed to be a reason for cataract in future. Being glued to tech devices have also resulted in soreness and cramping of fingers, commonly known as text claws. It’s a physical condition called tendinitis that causes inflammation of tendons and of the cords that attach bones to the muscles.

FWD Finds Smartphone Addiction The major reason for the stiffness of fingers is the overuse and repetitive motions of the hands or fingers. And many times your rhythmic use of fingers can aggravate the pain and take it to the next stage of leading the pain to the wrist and forearm. If medical attention is not given at the right time, muscles can become fibrotic and scarred, leading to loss of strength in hands and fingers, followed by unbearable pain. Putting hands together in a prayer-type gesture and holding it for several seconds once in a while after texting can be a good work out for your hands to prevent them from being anesthetized of
tendinitis.

As for school-going kids, the overuse of technology takes a toss on their academic performance, health and behavioural patterns. “Kids who are so engrossed in their Smartphone slowly but surely tend to lose interest in spending time with family and in due course become aggressive,” says Vipin. In children, excessive iPhone use can affect them both physically and mentally. “Children as they grow undergo two processes – growth and development of the brain and body. Gadgets like these retards growth in children resulting in ill health and obesity. Modern education emphasizes ‘mental speed’ and modern devices do increase a child’s mental speed but their ‘problem solving capacity’ in real life situation may become poor as it requires not only mental speed but also physical speed,” says Dr. Krishna. He believes that the latter can be acquired only through actual physical and motor activities like running and climbing. They must be exposed to cooperative play situations with friends which are deprived in the above gadgets.

There are things Smartphones give us that no sane person would choose to forgo. But then I too feel a digital detox once in a blue moon can mean a lot to our draining health. So let’s try making Smartphone’s our slaves rather than the other way round.

Gadgets

The All New Iphone 16

Published

3 months ago

September 13, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 16 has finally hit the market, and as always, it promises to redefine the smartphone experience with its groundbreaking features and sleek design. On September 9, Apple hosted its “It’s Glowtime” event at Apple Park in Cupertino, unveiling a series of major hardware updates. The tech giant introduced the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, which includes four new models: two standard versions and two Pro models. In addition to the iPhone lineup, Apple launched the AirPods 4 after a three-year hiatus, featuring several new enhancements, and the Apple Watch Series 10, showcasing a sleek new design and a slimmer profile.

The launch event was packed with back-to-back announcements, but the iPhone 16 Pro models stood out with features that are sure to catch the attention of smartphone enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth look at the design, specifications, and key features of the new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering a glimpse of what sets them apart.

iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max: Design and Display

Apple has introduced its largest iPhones yet with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, increasing the display sizes to 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Both models feature a Grade 5 titanium design with a new micro-blasted finish, giving them a sleek, premium look. Durability has also been enhanced, as the devices are protected by the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, making them twice as durable as the iPhone 15 Pro models. Apple has launched four color options for the titanium finish: Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and a new Desert Titanium. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max also come equipped with a Super Retina XDR display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2000 nits peak brightness.

iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max: Performance and AI Enhancements

Under the hood, both models are powered by Apple’s new A18 Pro chipset, built using TSMC’s second-generation 3-nanometer technology. This chip delivers superior performance compared to the A17 Pro, and features a 16-core Neural Engine, offering a 17% boost in AI-related tasks through Apple Intelligence. The chipset also includes a 6-core GPU and a 6-core CPU, ensuring efficient multitasking and powerful processing.

Apple also introduced iOS 18 with a new “Game Mode,” designed to optimize performance and heat management during heavy tasks. The A18 Pro chip increases battery efficiency, providing up to four more hours of battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro Max promises up to 33 hours of battery life, while the iPhone 16 Pro offers up to 27 hours. In addition, the iPhones will be able to run on-device AI, with the upcoming iOS 18.1 update featuring Apple Intelligence tools like AI writing assistants, Call Summary and transcription, Clean Up, and Genmoji.

iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max: Camera Upgrades

Apple has significantly upgraded the camera system on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, featuring a triple-camera setup for professional-level photography. The new models include a 48MP Fusion camera with a quad-pixel sensor, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also features a new tetraprism periscope lens, enabling up to 5x optical zoom. On the front, both models feature a 12MP TrueDepth camera. Additionally, Apple has introduced support for 4K video recording at 120fps in Dolby Vision, making it perfect for capturing high-quality video content.

A standout feature is the new “Camera Control” capacitive button on the right side of the device, allowing users to quickly access and adjust camera settings like exposure, zoom, and depth of field with just their fingers.

iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max: Pricing in India

In India, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at ₹1,19,900 for the 128GB variant, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at ₹1,44,900 for the 256GB variant. Pre-orders for the new iPhones start on September 13, with sales going live on September 20.

Architecture

Designing a Functional Home Office: Tips for Productivity and Comfort

Published

10 months ago

February 28, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

In today’s ever-evolving work landscape, the home office has become an essential sanctuary for productivity and creativity. Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or entrepreneur, designing a functional home office is paramount for maintaining focus, maximizing efficiency, and enhancing overall well-being. Here are some expert tips to help you create a workspace that promotes productivity and comfort:

Choose the Right Location

Select a quiet and well-lit area in your home that is conducive to work. Ideally, this space should be away from distractions like heavy foot traffic or noise from common areas.

Invest in Ergonomic Furniture

Your office chair and desk are vital components of your workspace. Invest in ergonomic furniture that promotes good posture and reduces the risk of discomfort or injury during long hours of work.

Prioritize Natural Light

Position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light. Natural light not only enhances mood and energy levels but also reduces eye strain and fatigue.

Declutter Regularly

Keep your workspace clutter-free by organizing cables, files, and supplies. A clean and organized environment fosters clarity of mind and helps minimize distractions.

Personalize Your Space

Incorporate elements that inspire and motivate you, such as artwork, plants, or motivational quotes. Personalizing your space can boost creativity and make your home office feel more inviting.

Optimize Technology Setup

Ensure that your technology setup including your computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse is optimized for efficiency and comfort. Consider investing in accessories like an adjustable monitor stand or a wireless keyboard and mouse for added flexibility.

Incorporate Greenery

Introduce plants into your home office to improve air quality and add a touch of nature to your space. Plants not only enhance aesthetics but also have been shown to reduce stress and increase productivity.

Create a Distraction-Free Zone

Minimize distractions by setting boundaries with family members or roommates and establishing specific work hours. Consider using noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine to block out unwanted sounds.

By implementing these tips, you can design a home office that promotes productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Remember that every individual’s needs and preferences are unique, so feel free to experiment and adjust your workspace to suit your specific requirements. With a well-designed home office, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your tasks with focus, efficiency, and comfort.

Gadgets

Beauty Gadgets Every Girl Must Own for Flawless Glamour

Published

10 months ago

February 23, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

In the fast-paced world of beauty, staying ahead often means embracing the latest technological advancements. From skincare to haircare and makeup, innovative beauty gadgets have revolutionized routines, promising efficiency and effectiveness like never before. In a world overflowing with beauty products and gadgets, selecting the right ones can be overwhelming. However, by investing in these essential beauty gadgets, every girl can streamline her routine and unlock the secret to flawless glamour. From skincare saviors to haircare heroes, these gadgets are sure to elevate your beauty game to new heights. If you’re looking to elevate your beauty game, here’s a curated list of must-have gadgets every girl should own for that coveted flawless glamour.

Facial Cleansing Brush:

Bid farewell to manual cleansing and say hello to a deeper clean with a facial cleansing brush. These gadgets use gentle bristles and oscillating movements to remove dirt, oil, and makeup residue, leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, there’s a brush out there tailored to your needs.

Hair Dryer with Ionic Technology:

Transform your hair drying experience with a dryer equipped with ionic technology. Always make sure to choose the ones with reducing drying time and minimizing heat damage. Silky-smooth strands with reduced frizz and enhanced shine, making it a must-have for achieving salon-worthy hair at home.

Jade Roller:

Indulge in a luxurious facial massage with a jade roller, an ancient Chinese skincare tool making a modern comeback. This handheld gadget features a smooth jade stone that glides over the skin, helping to reduce puffiness, improve circulation, and enhance product absorption. Keep it in the fridge for a refreshing cooling effect, perfect for revitalizing tired skin.

Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner:

Maintain pristine makeup brushes effortlessly with an electric makeup brush cleaner. This nifty gadget uses rotating bristles and a gentle cleansing solution to thoroughly clean and dry brushes in a matter of minutes. Say goodbye to tedious hand washing and hello to sanitized brushes for flawless makeup application every time.

Heat-Styling Hair Brush:

Achieve salon-worthy hairdos with ease using a heat-styling hair brush. Combining the functionality of a brush and a styling tool, these gadgets allow you to straighten, curl, or add volume to your hair with minimal effort. Perfect for quick touch-ups or creating polished looks on the go, it’s a must-have for every girl’s beauty arsenal.