What is the Amazon Kindle. Why Amazon Kindle is my choice for foreign language learning. Summary of Cooler Master SK621 Wireless Keyboard

When it comes to a device called an e-reader, it is inevitable that perhaps the most popular reader in the world is the Amazon Kindle. Since 2007, Kindle readers have been selling like hot cakes, and the first batches of new products are sold out in the first hours of sales. Today we decided to review the entire Kindle lineup, take a look at the old and modern models that made Amazon the market leader in readers and one of the world's most popular manufacturers of hardware - readers and tablets.

Kindle 1

The first generation of the device was made by LAB126, which later became a subsidiary of Amazon.com, and is now responsible for each new reader or Kindle tablet. The first e-reader went on sale in 2007 and cost $ 399. However, the high price did not prevent it from becoming mega-popular - the entire stock of readers available for ordering was sold in just 5 hours! The demand was so great that Amazon shoppers had to wait five months to finally get their coveted first Kindle.

The main innovation offered by the reader was the availability of 3G Internet access. This made it possible to purchase books from the Amazon library directly from the reader without the need to connect to Wi-Fi or use a computer. This reader was the only Kindle that supported memory cards - the manufacturer refused this on new models. The first Kindle was officially sold only in the States, but its popularity forced Amazon to bring the next generation of the device to new markets.

Kindle 2

The new model was released in a minimalist cardboard box, which later became famous. It was half the size of the first generation Kindle. A small but sturdy box did not require additional packaging before shipment - a label with the buyer's address was simply glued to it and the box was sent to the post office.

Kindle 2 hit the market in February 2009 and was also expensive at $ 359. It was the first reader in the world to have the function of reproducing printed text by voice aloud. Amazon decided to ditch the use of an additional memory card to keep the device's already high cost down.

As part of the marketing campaign for the release of the Kindle 2, the novel "UR" by writer Stephen King went on sale only in the electronic library Amazon, exclusively for Kindle readers.

Kindle DX

The large screen reader was introduced on July 1, 2009. The diagonal has increased from 6 to 9.7 inches. At that time, the Amazon Kindle DX was the thinnest E ink display device released by the company. The reader was originally equipped with PDF support and was designed to read technical literature in this format, books in which you can comfortably read only on the big screen.

Initially only available for purchase in the US, the Amazon Kindle DX hasn't hit 100 more countries very quickly. This only happened on January 19, 2010. The starting price was not very affordable - $ 489. This reader was and remains a niche product for buyers with specific needs.

Kindle 2 International

In October 2009, he introduced the international version of the Kindle 2, and on November 24 of the same year a new firmware was released for it, which increased the operating time of the reader on a single charge by 85%, and also provided the reader with support for the PDF format.

The international version of Kindle 2 has become available to customers in 100 countries around the world. Unlike the Kindle 1, which only allowed book purchases via 3G in the United States, the new reader allowed you to purchase books from Amazon's library and download them via a 3G module around the world.

Kindle DX Graphite

On July 1, 2010, Amazon released the Kindle DX Graphite. This was an update to the "big" DX model. The price has been reduced from $ 489 to $ 379. The novelty in the graphite color of the body received an E Ink display with a 50% increase in contrast, thanks to the use of a new generation screen - Pearl. The dark color of the case was found to be more suitable for readers, due to the fact that the dark edging around the display visually enhances the whiteness of the E ink screen.

The reader had a 3G module, a text-to-voice function and an audio player. The poor sales of the reader forced Amazon to repeatedly cut its price, which eventually dropped to the final $ 199 in May 2014. The reader is still on sale. Its peculiarity is its poor software, which practically did not change for 5 years. Like its predecessor, it is a highly specialized device designed for comfortable reading of books in PDF format.

Kindle 3 or Kindle Keyboard

The new Kindle Keyboard was the first Amazon model to be offered in two versions. The Wi-Fi version cost $ 139, and the Wi-Fi / 3G version cost $ 189. In the first version, it was one of the cheapest readers, which literally blew up the market and brought e-reading to a new round of popularity.

With the release of the Kindle 3 in 2010, e-reader sales reached 12 million units, up 40% from 2009. At the end of January 2011, Amazon announced that sales of electronic copies of books from the company's website exceeded sales of paper books for the first time.

Kindle 4

The fourth generation of the Kindle reader was introduced without a hardware physical keyboard on the case - the reader has become more compact. Together with the physical buttons, the user was asked to use a virtual keyboard. The novelty has become the lightest Amazon reader, completely different in design from its predecessors. The Kindle 4 is 30% lighter than the Kindle 3 and fits easily into clothing pockets.

The fourth Kindle has lost support for audio and headphone jack. The model was produced in a modification with Wi-Fi, and did not have a 3G version. This made it very affordable. went on sale on September 28, 2011 and cost only $ 79.

Kindle Touch

The Kindle Touch Reader was introduced on September 28, 2011, alongside the Kindle 4. It was Amazon's first touchscreen model with virtually no physical buttons. The growing popularity of smartphones and tablets forced the manufacturer to equip the reader with a touch-screen, which has become a necessary parameter for many users. The Kindle Touch had speakers, a headphone jack, and an audio player that was more user-friendly than other Kindle.

Kindle 5

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2013) is the latest model of the company at the moment. It was introduced in September 2013. The price of the reader has not increased in comparison with its predecessor. This is the first reader in the world to use a new generation display - E ink Carta. The display has become more contrasting, the brightness of the backlight has increased, which has become perfectly white. The novelty received a processor with a clock frequency of 1 GHz, which increased the operating speed by 25% in comparison with the Kindle Paperwhite 1.

Amazon continues to be the main player in the e-reader market. The internet is full of rumors of a new generation of Kindle Paperwhite with a flexible screen that will not be afraid of bumps and drops. Color readers with an E ink screen have been expected from the company for a long time. Amazon's previous innovations have consistently surprised us with innovation and quality solutions. Everything suggests that the history of Kindle readers will definitely receive a new, interesting continuation!

Electronics manufacturer Cooler Master has a range of hardware products such as keyboards, power supplies, headsets, computer (PC) cases, mice and of course coolers. Each of its products has been specially designed based on community feedback. Including keyboards. Cooler Master even had a Kickstarter project - an analog keyboard with pressure-sensitive keys called the ContolPad. With that said, let's take a closer look at what makes the new Cooler Master SK621 keyboard special for the user.

Keyboards News: Cooler Master SK621 Review is a mechanical wireless keyboard with separate wired connectivity option.

The first thing that is noticeable during the review is the ability to conveniently pair the wireless keyboard with three different devices. Connecting a device is as easy as holding the feature button and Z, X or C. This feature makes it very easy to switch from using your phone to your computer. It's easy to turn on the Cooler Master SK621 keyboard too. Either plug it in via a USB Type-C cable, or on the left side, activate a very simple switch to wireless mode.

You can display a wide variety of colors (shades) to any key, customize lighting modes or customize macros using software Cooler Master.

When using SK621 for the first time, it is recommended to connect to your computer via USB Type-C and install Cooler Master Portal. This will allow you to control various lighting effects and wireless keyboard settings. It is possible to create preset profiles, which makes it easy to switch between profiles when using elements. You can also adjust the lighting effects using the controls, but the portal mentioned above is more user-friendly. Setting up your wireless keyboard is very easy to use and has many combinations. There are options - adjusting the speed, direction and brightness of the keyboard backlight effects.

Macros can also be programmed. It is also worth adding that all functions such as RGB lighting, macros and controls are available when using the SK621 over a Bluetooth connection. The battery life of the wireless keyboard is also impressive. It may take a couple of full business days before the indicator turns red, indicating that the battery is low. Charging the SK621 wireless keyboard is easy too. Just plug in your keyboard via USB Type-C. The keyboard can still be used as a wired keyboard while the cable charges the keyboard battery.

The keyboard body is crafted from polished aluminum for lightweight, durable and superior performance. appearance... There is also a nice sleek accent around the edge of the aluminum that adds a touch of elegance. The keys are made of plastic and have no particular texture.

Low-profile Cherry MX keys are quiet enough for office use. The key switches are incredibly responsive and using the Cooler Master SK621 wireless keyboard takes some practice. This is because the keys register the keystroke with millimeter precision or less.

The SK621 keyboard is designed to be compact and quite portable. The velvet bag is a nice addition. It's definitely made for gaming with Cherry MX keys, but it's easy to use for work.

The Cooler Master SK621 does everything it is designed to do. However, the keys are great for gaming, but too sensitive for typing. Plastic keys are also prone to oil stains on the fingers, so eating while playing can be challenging. Perhaps if the keys had some kind of oil resistant coating or more texture, the oil prints would not be as pronounced.

Features of Cooler Master SK621 Wireless Keyboard:

Brushed aluminum body design;

Flat brushed aluminum keyboard top, floating keycaps and a slim, minimalist design.

Colored keyboard backlight (RGB LEDs);

Individual LED key illumination and customizable surrounding LED ring.

Hybrid wired and wireless;

Connect up to three devices with Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology or wired connection and charge the battery at the same time.

Minimum keyboard layout by 60%;

It can be said that this wireless mini keyboard has a unique design for maximum portability.

Easy to use software.

Low profile Cherry MX keys

The reduced travel distance and actuation point functions with the same durability and accuracy (as claimed by the wireless keyboard manufacturer).

Available controls;

In real time, you can customize keyboard backlights and macros without the need for software.

Summary of Cooler Master SK621 Wireless Keyboard:

Overall, electronics and keyboard maker Cooler Master has surpassed all expectations. This is especially impressive due to the fact that it can make a really interesting wireless keyboard. The SK621 has a variety of lighting effects and individual customization, a compact design and a host of user-friendly features. Using the SK621 at work and then bringing it home for gaming could make it a favorite wireless keyboard for nearly $ 200.

ETH Zurich has released details of "Concrete Choreography", an installation recently opened in Riom, Switzerland. The innovative installation features the first robot-built 3D-printed concrete stage, consisting of columns made without formwork and 3D-printed to full height in 2.5 hours. This process is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of concrete structures while achieving the fabrication of complex material components and construction robots.

In Riom, Switzerland, nine 2.7 meter high columns are installed at the Origen Festival. Each column is 3D printed with concrete. The new columns were individually designed with special software and manufactured using a new automated 3D printing concrete process developed by the ETH Zurich team with the support of NCCR DFAB.

3D printing from concrete like this

Graduate students in digital manufacturing and architecture explore the unique capabilities of multilayer extrusion printing, demonstrating the potential of computer-aided design and digital fabrication for future concrete construction. Perhaps the construction industry will make this process more environmentally friendly in the future if they develop new eco-friendly concrete for 3D printing.

Video review 3D printing from concrete: Concrete choreography.

Here's how simple and fast concrete 3D printing works.

3D printing of a house, concrete buildings is a perspective for construction.

Hollow concrete structures are printed for strategic use of materials, which provides a more sustainable approach to specific architecture. In addition, the calculated material structure and surface textures are examples of the versatility and significant aesthetic potential of 3D printing with concrete when used in large-scale structures.

A new review will be about metal printing on a 3D printer.

It is worth noting that there is a technology that would carry out 3D printing with metal. This is also a promising direction for construction, but for this, other materials are used (for example, powder), programs and other types of printers (which, we will talk about soon).

What color is your mobile phone? Is it black, red, white, gold, or blue? Chances are, the back of your phone has some kind of solid color option that you will find in the Starter Coloring Kit. It has taken too long for most phone manufacturers to realize that phone colors are really important to consumers, and only recently have they begun to give mobile phones not only infrequently used colors, but quirky hues like coral red or canary.

Unsurprisingly, most people don't mind hiding the backs of their phones behind the opaque plastic of the case. In cases, the user can match the color of the phone case to give the mobile a little personality. But the new Chinese phones Honor 20 Pro and Honor 20 series are the world's first smartphones with 3D dynamic holographic design, and their reflective appearance could become the new industry standard.

Color 3D holography for phone case.

To achieve a shimmery optical illusion for the phone's body, Honor has designed its Honor 20 with a deep layer containing millions of shimmery microscopic prisms, and on top of this is a so-called 3D curved glass layer. The combination of these technologies makes the light "play and dance" on the back of the phone when the user turns it in different directions.

Two colors for the Honor 20 can be found under these dynamic layers, Midnight Black and Sapphire Blue. Unlike the trendy phrases for some phone colors, Honor mobile has color gradients for phones that really bring out the effect of a shimmering night sky or a shimmering jewel.

While the body color options sound exciting, the Chinese phone Honor 20 Pro can go a step further. This redesigned model contains the proprietary "Triple 3D Mesh" containing three layers. Instead of just painting the back of the phone itself, this time with a layer of body color, sandwiched between the outer 3D layer and the inner depth layer. As reported by the phone manufacturer, this makes the color shift effects much more dynamic.

The Honor 20 Pro mobile phone is actively sold in two colors such as Phantom Black and Phantom Blue. While the names of these phone colors are not so metaphorical, you shouldn't think that their backs are less dynamic.

Honor's obsession with choosing the right colors may seem overly dramatic, but in the UK, for example, a survey of hundreds of Britons found that forty-nine percent of them consider color when choosing a phone to buy.

Why is selling a phone with a changing color scheme?

The choice of a mobile phone, as the designer of Honor Jun-Soo Kim put it, is "Extending a person's life." Essentially, Honor is stating that customer identities cannot be captured by a single, unchanging color.

The history of Honor color phones.

The Honor 20 demonstrates the natural evolution of the company's dynamic color experimentation in phone design. The Honor 8 started the trend of 2.5D type multi-layer back wall, which creates a 3D lattice effect. The Honor 9 then morphed into a 3D curved glass phone, echoes of which can be found on the Honor 20. Well, last year the Honor 10 was equipped with an Aurora rear glass that reflected colors from all angles.

What is the screen on an Honor phone?

Honor's design innovations are not limited to the color of the phone case. The location of the Honor 20's camera is worth paying attention to. Instead of cropping the screen to make room for a selfie camera. The phone manufacturer cut a 4.5mm hole in the upper left corner of the screen, thus leaving more screen space for the user's needs.

Artificial intelligence camera or AI camera in the phone.

From the description of the phone, it is worth noting that on the back of the device, the Honor 20 AI camera has four lenses and is positioned to leave more room for a battery with more memory. Most importantly, the result is a 48MP camera that uses the Kirin 980 AI microchip to capture DSLR-level photos and enhance photos.

Honor phone color summary.

In summary, phone descriptions, technical interoperability, and cutting-edge hardware innovations are what usually draws attention to Chinese phones Honor. But, in this case, the technology is almost overshadowed by the unique color scheme of the case, which may make some users not want to go back to simple two-dimensional phone case colors in the future.

Rumors continue to emerge about the release of the Google Pixel 4 mobile phone. A new set of information or predictions comes from an image leaked to the Internet (3D rendering of color bodies), which is believed to be from the Google Pixel 4. It is not uncommon for users to follow behind the topic of novelties, such images are overlooked. In the meantime, for some analysts, the new picture helps make some assumptions beyond the color of the phone.

The new, unofficial image of the Google Pixel 4 gives rise to rumors of color options for the mobile phone case.

While the other image of the phone itself does not seem to show more than what has already been discussed on the Internet earlier, the model seen in the background of the photo is surprising due to the color. That cell phone has a shade of purple that the Pixel didn't have before.

As much as true or false about the phone's colors, it's safe to assume that the new Google Pixel 4 will definitely have a complementary color this year. What's even more interesting, in the image, the physical buttons on the sides of the phones contrast with the color of the case. You can see white, blue and yellow buttons which give the phone a funny look.

For some strange reason, all the images and leaks seen so far only displayed the back of the Google Pixel 4 smartphone. Various sources reported that Google allegedly shared a rendering of the phone, and there was also a part where the square camera protrusion appeared. The dual camera unit was visible.

Discussed photo leaks, including the image along with the cases, show the back panel different colors and a module with a camera. What do you think is the best phone color?

About specifications Google Pixel 4:

Obviously, the idea of ​​a fingerprint scanner doesn't leave fans alone. Some want the phone to have either a face ID to unlock the phone, an in-display fingerprint reader, or both.

Several other aspects and specifications, such as phone dimensions and overall thickness, 8.2 millimeters higher compared to 7.9 mm seen in the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, can be taken as close to reality.

There is speculation that the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL versions of the phone may look more like the "Apple iPhone 11" variant slated for release in a couple of months, in the fall. When, more precisely? Tech company Google has yet to announce an official release date for the Pixel 4, but various sources are hinting at a late October launch of the new phone.

We'll have more details on this soon, so stay tuned for more news on new smartphones from Google.

The robot has set the world record for solving the Rubik's Cube. This robot was developed by the students of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Jared Di Carlo and Ben Katz, in the student lab. For comparison, the fastest human record is held by Australian Felix Zemdegs, who in 2018 collected the Rubik's Cube in just 4.22 seconds. By the way, the original size Rubik's Cube has 43 quintillion possible combinations for one solution. Watch the video with the record-breaking robot below.

There is a special place in the hearts of many people for the Rubik's Cube. This is a good workout for the intellect. Many people loved or still love to play with this ingenious toy, and over the years there have been many contests, trials and variations for the Rubik's Cube solution.

New record for solving Rubik's Cube 3x3x3.

Engineers and enthusiasts have used robots to assemble Rubik's Cubes for years. In the past 10 seconds was considered a quick build, but by today's digital age standards, this time raises a smile.

The new record was only a matter of time before engineers and robotics began to tackle the challenge of creating a new robot. Back in 2016, the robot set a new Rubik's Cube record in 0.637 seconds. But for some enthusiasts, this time was not fast enough.

More recently, two MIT students, Jared Di Carlo (third-year electrical and computer science student) and Ben Katz (mechanical engineering graduate student), thought they could put together a faster robot that could solve a 3D combination puzzle.

They watched videos of previous robots and noticed that the robot motors were not the fastest they could use to solve the problem. So we thought they could do better with improved engines and controls.

How the robot collects Rubik's Cube

The students installed an electronically controlled motor that powers each face of the Rubik's Cube. Using a pair of webcams aimed at the cube, special software determines the initial state of each side of the cube (which colors are on which side of the cube at a given time). Then, based on the information received, using the already existing software for assembling the Rubik's Cube, the robot solves the puzzles using an algorithm.

What is the result of the work? Their robot solved the Rubik's Cube in 0.38 seconds! It is safe to say that not a single person is physically capable of breaking the record of this speed. One more achievement can be added to the list of robots superior to humans.

There is a man who has the fastest world record for hand assembly, his name is Felix Zemdegs. He was able to solve the Rubik's Cube in 4.22 seconds. The skills and talents that robots are crowding out are vast and varied, to say the least. Not to mention the fact that robots can still amaze. Further video demonstration of the robot.

Video review of the assembly of the Rubik's Cube in 0.38 seconds:

So, the hardware hackers Ben Katz and Jared Di Carlo broke the previous record for robotic Rubik's Cube collection. Their robot solved the puzzle 40 percent faster than the previous record.

Details about the robot record holder

The robotic device is assembled from the engines of the Kollmorgen ServoDisc U9 series, PlayStation Eye cameras (for scanning the cube) and of course the Rubik's Cube was needed. According to the creators of the robot, - "The entire program process takes about 45 milliseconds. Most of the time is spent waiting for the webcam driver and determining the colors on the sides of the Rubik's Cube."

Artificial Intelligence Research Group Facebook Inc. introduced a new platform for robotics called PyRobot. This platform (framework) was developed in collaboration with researchers from Carnegie Mellon University. PyRobot aims to help AI researchers and students integrate deep learning models built using the PyTorch platform (a machine learning library for the Python programming language) with the robots they build. The basic idea is that they can more easily build their robots using artificial intelligence skills like natural language processing.

Facebook has said it wants to promote long-term research in robotics to help develop embedded artificial intelligence systems that can learn more effectively by interacting with the physical world.

What is PyRobot today

PyRobot is a lightweight, high-level interface that provides hardware independent APIs for robotic manipulation and navigation. The PyRobot repository also contains a low-level stack for LoCoBot, a low-cost mobile robot hardware platform (toolkit for building robots). Now artificial intelligence and machine learning is becoming more accessible to newcomers to robotics.

Academic Supervisor Abinav Gupta and Saurabh Gupta both Researcher Facebook explained on their blog that: PyRobot is a lightweight, high-level interface on top of a robot operating system. It provides a consistent set of hardware-independent middle-tier APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to control various robots. PyRobot abstracts from the details of low-level controllers and interprocess communication, so machine learning professionals and others can simply focus on building high-level AI (artificial intelligence) robotics applications.

A Facebook source also says PyRobot has dozens of potential applications, such as helping researchers share data and set benchmarks and build on each other's work. The company has solicited suggestions from the broader AI research community on how to democratize robotics with LoCoBot and PyRobot, which are both a hardware specification and toolkit for building low-cost robots.

PyRobot works by using an API to abstract away the functions that robots are supposed to use. Perform tasks such as kinematics, path planning, position, speed and torque control for joints, and visual simultaneous localization and mapping. PyRobot comes with a number of pre-trained deep learning models that allow robots to navigate, grab objects, and more.

This means that developers can program their robots with just a few lines of Python code, according to Facebook.

Researchers from Facebook also say that: The cost of hardware and the complexity of specialized software are limiting the scope of robotics research. With lower barriers to entry, researchers can, for example, create multiple robots that collect data and learn in parallel. By providing a common platform for different hardware. PyRobot will lead the development of tests in robotics, similar to other areas in AI, and will quantify the pace of progress in AI robotics.

Like Amazon's RoboMaker tool, PyRobot works as an interface on top of a robot operating system (ROS), extending the infrastructure. In May, tech company Microsoft released a limited preview robotics toolkit, and last year integrated the ROS platform into Windows 10.

The renowned Apple smartphone analyst and predictor, Ming-Chi Kuo is by far the most trusted source of leaks and information about Apple products. And today he released a new research report from Mac Rumors where he mentions the future of the iPhone and when we can expect Apple to finally switch to 5G (fifth generation mobile) smartphones.

When Apple planned to use Intel modems in its iPhones, there were rumors that the iPhone 2020 phone model would be the first to receive 5G connectivity. Since then, however, the Apple company has switched from its modem provider to Qualcomm. For which they had to settle a long patent dispute with an American chipmaker, pay at least $ 4.5 billion and not use Intel modems. Intel may even have closed its 5G development plans after this news.

Ming-Chi Kuo also said that all three iPhone models in 2020 will come in multiple colors and feature an OLED screen, as opposed to the LCD screen (LCD) in the current iPhone XR. However, this year we will probably still get the iPhone XR LCD update, so if the OLED screen in mobile is too much of a concern for you, perhaps wait a year.

5G iPhone competitors:

Currently our best competitors on Android are the following 5G phones:

1) Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G (128GB storage, 6GB RAM and fast charging battery)

2) OPPO Reno 5G (innovative design, affordable price, powerful camera);

3) LG V50 ThinQ (screen 1440 by 3120 pixels, expandable memory up to 1 TB, battery 4000 mAh);

4) OnePlus 7 Pro 5G (bezel-less AMOLED screen with no notches or holes)

5) ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G (48MP camera, Snapdragon 855 chip).

Global sales of 5G phones.

Worldwide shipments of mobile stores with 5G technology (this is a fast mobile communication of the fifth generation) may turn out to be higher than market analysts' expectations. It is worth noting that some mobile market observers believe that such shipments are likely to reach 150-200 million units, or more than a dozen percent of global 5G phone shipments next year.

After a lot of rumors in the news of the cryptocurrency market. On Tuesday, Facebook's plans for next year were unveiled, including an ambitious release of a new digital currency called Libra (or Libra). It will be run by an association of corporate investors. Payment companies Visa, Mercado Pago, PayPal, Mastercard and Stripe become partners. Tech companies Uber, eBay, Spotify and Lyft are joining the project. European telecommunications companies Vodafone and Iliad are also participating in the new project. Investors Union Square Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz, plus academic, non-profit institutions Womens World Banking and Kiva.

Through their mobile apps, billions of people are expected to be able to make payments with cryptocurrency from social media giant Facebook. The social network Facebook plans to officially launch a new project of the Libra cryptocurrency in 2020. Libra is a new type of digital money that targets billions of people who use mobile apps and a social network.

To create a new digital wallet that will allow users of the Facebook application to store and exchange cryptocurrency. Facebook creates new subsidiary Calibra.

Why is Facebook betting on a cryptocurrency called Libra? Perhaps the lofty goal of the latest development is to go beyond social networks.

Digital wallets for storing, sending and spending Libra cryptocurrency will be connected to messaging platforms.

Initially, the cryptocurrency will be available in the Facebook Messenger / WhatsApp application, and of course in separate applications for iOS or Android.

In a press release, Facebook said: "Initially, Calibra will make it easy and instant to send Libra at a low cost to virtually anyone with a smartphone."

It also reported that: "Over time, additional services will be offered for businesses and people. For example, buying a cup of coffee with scanning a code, paying a bill at the push of a button, traveling on public transport without having to take cash with you."

Facebook cryptocurrency wallet security.

To enhance the security of the new cryptocurrency, it will use similar verification and fraud protection features that are already used by credit cards and banks. The Facebook cryptocurrency service will have user support. And in case someone else gains access to the user account, a refund is promised for the lost assets.

Cryptocurrency coins will be stored by users in a digital wallet. But, the world of cryptocurrency itself is not always stable! Time will tell if Facebook's own digital money can help people save money by sending and spending it as easily as sending text messages.

The cryptocurrency will be managed by the founding members: Facebook, more than two dozen different organizations and a separate Swiss foundation.

Why Libra?

What does the word Libra mean?

Former PayPal executive David Marcus, who leads the Facebook project, said something like this: "The choice of the name Libra (Libra) was inspired by several reasons, namely the French word Freedom, the Roman measurement of weight, the astrological sign of justice."

What would you like to know about the Facebook Libra cryptocurrency?

Tech giant Apple will release the iPhone 11 this coming September. If all kinds of rumors turn out to be true, then the multimedia phone may have the same design as the last two generations of the phone. With regard to the final design of the iPhone 11, we are ready to accept what the designers at Apple have to offer. But, we can't stop imagining what it would be like if technology allowed for any design on the iPhone 11. And that's exactly what some very talented designers do. This time around, a beautiful iPhone 11 concept is created that ditches all buttons in favor of an immersive curved phone screen.

While it may be a beautiful looking phone, there is absolutely no chance the concept will become a reality. In addition, it seems impossible to protect such a phone with a case, since by covering the screen space, the case will take away some of its main functions. Imagine if a phone like this accidentally fell to the ground, the cost of repairing a curved screen would be higher for the user than with a classic screen.

Hopefully the new iPhone 11 has a bright screen under the sun.

Three models are expected to appear in the 2019 iPhone 11 lineup as of last year. Possibly there will be two OLED phones and one with an LCD screen. IPhone 11 and 11 Max models can have a variety of OLED screens, as well as have screen sizes of 5.8 and 6.5 inches, respectively. Perhaps the iPhone 11R model will be equipped with an LCD display to keep the price to a minimum.

The new versions of the iPhone 11 and 11 Max are also expected to have a triple camera configuration, while the iPhone 11R version is expected to feature a dual camera. In essence, this means that on all three mobile phones an additional camera may appear at the back.

The front end of the iPhone 11 lineup is supposed to remain the same and there won't be any difference in the size of the notch. However, recent posts claim that there may be improved facial identification that can authenticate a user from some sharp angles.

Video review of the iPhone 11 concept with an innovative, curved screen on the side:

According to the creator of this video, the new bezel-less iPhone 11 could have the following specifications:

6.4-inch full-screen display;
- Hidden front 13MP camera;
- Four cameras, 8K @ 120 FPS;
- New operating system Apple, iOS 13;
- Apple mobile A13 Bionic chip (up to eight 8 times faster than A12 Bionic chip).

WWDC is Apple's large-scale developer event. During this event, Apple tells developers and interested visitors about new versions of macOS and iOS operating systems, its latest development tools, the latest in-house applications and devices. Talking about stimulation plans further development, about new partnerships with developers and other details she is working on. It so happens that attending the Apple WWDC 2019 IT conference is an ideal chance to be the first to know and see what new applications will be for iOS and MacOS systems and not only.

Summer has come - the season of vacations, rest in the country and long trips. Oddly enough - the time when many busy people find the opportunity and desire to read (not to mention schoolchildren who just have to read in the summer). And many are thinking about e-books, as well as devices for reading them. Techlife offers to figure out if they are needed when everyone has a smartphone in their pocket and there are free e-book readers?

Despite the Kindle in the title, there are, of course, other brands. It's just that the Kindle is the benchmark and many people generally associate it with an electronic reader, as such. And in Russia PocketBooks are still popular, on the Internet you can find the brands InkBook, Kobo, Onyx Boox, Nook. If you're lucky, you can still have time to buy a device from the Sony Reader family, although the company recently announced that it was going out of this business and discontinued its readers. There are also "Chinese" cheap options, although for our taste, if there is an opportunity, then you should not save on the reading room - you, your child or your parents will be looking at its screen for long hours.

Pluses of "readers"

The most important plus of separate devices for reading books is a special screen, which is fundamentally different from the screen of a smartphone or tablet in that it does not strain the eyes. The "e-ink" technology is used in the "readers" - in fact, what you see on their screens is "written" as if it were real ink, that is, the screen does not flicker. As a result, it does not irritate the eyes at all, absolutely, categorically. Reading from the screen of devices such as Kindle or PocketBook is physiologically no different from reading from paper!

Other tangible bonuses are a long life on one battery charge (from several weeks to several months), as well as, in expensive models, special buttons for turning pages, which are more convenient to use than "shuffling" the screen with a finger.

More bonuses:

• Hundreds, if not thousands of e-books fit into a typical reader;
• Expensive models have a backlit screen;
• Most of the readers are able to access the Internet (via Wi-Fi or 3G);
• With the Kindle, you can also buy e-books from the Amazon store (although more and more in English).

Cons of "readers"

Readers have two serious disadvantages. First, it is still a separate device. Yes, it is small - smaller and lighter than any tablet, fits into any bags and backpacks. But - it's still another additional device, no matter how you sweeten the pill.

Second, of course, is the price. Yes, there are Kindle and PocketBook for 5-8 thousand rubles (and Chinese crafts are even cheaper), but the cheapest Kindle with a full range of functions - Kindle Voyage - costs 15,000 rubles. But it has not only a screen backlight and Internet access, but also, more importantly, physical buttons for turning pages. He has a new Kindle Oasis, but the price is quite merciless.

The high price is brightened up only by the fact that e-books are cheaper than paper counterparts.

Pros of Free Apps

The main plus is zero cost. Although there are paid counterparts, in general these programs are more often free than not. Or they cost a couple of dollars - everyone can afford it.

The second tangible plus is that they live on smartphones and tablets, not being a separate device, that is, they are always at hand and it is almost impossible to forget to take them with you.

Another mini-plus, interesting, perhaps, for students: it is easier to copy or save the necessary excerpts from e-books on tablets, as well as make notes in different colors. Reader displays are black and white due to the limitations of e-ink technology.

Cons of free apps

The main disadvantage: they work on traditional tablets and smartphones, the screens of which, although safe for the eyes, are only in small doses. You don’t want to stare at the invisibly flickering iPad display (even worse - a penny Chinese tablet) for hours, and we would not recommend this to children and their grandparents.

The second minus - turning the pages with a finger seems to us brutally inconvenient, at least if we read for hours. The hand is getting tired!

The third, significant drawback - a smartphone or tablet will work well without recharging, if it is a few days. You can't go to the "taiga" with them.

conclusions

If your family reads a lot, then it's time to master the world of e-books. Depending on financial wealth, we would recommend to approach the choice between free, "slightly paid" and "heavily paid" in the following sequence: free programs -> cheap readers of unknown brands (but only with screens based on electronic ink) -> "good" models with a price of 6-12 thousand rubles -> cool models with dedicated page turning buttons, 3G, high-resolution displays, etc.

The biggest - huge - plus of e-readers compared to programs is electronic ink technology, and everything else is just additional conveniences. That is why, if there is no money for a "company", then you can take an "incomprehensible" reader - there would only be support for the Russian language, and a screen on electronic ink.

It's just that there are too many flickering screens around us to further strain the eyes when reading.

P.S. By the way, even Amazon has tablets with regular screens - don't mix it up! The main advantage of any e-reader is the screen on electronic ink (Ink, E-Ink, etc.). When choosing, strictly look at its presence in the characteristics, and a bright clue when examining in a store is the lack of color - screens on electronic ink are always black and white.

How it works?

The "Kindle" for PC has several interesting technological advantages over other programs for reading on a computer. Have you noticed that the buttons in the application are quite large and are located at a distance from each other? Of course, this is not only done for the sake of beauty and minimalism. The fact is that the application supports the touch screen technology that appeared in the Windows 7 operating system. Because of this, owners of netbooks with a touch screen can exchange all readers for Kindle for PC.

And if you already have a Kindle but downloaded the app, there is a little surprise for you too. When the app and e-reader sync, you can read the same book on both devices. For example, reading a book on a computer and closing the application, you will find that in your Kindle it will open on the same page.

Should I download the Kindle for PC?

If you are looking for an e-book reader, modern market not too full of choices. Amazon dominates the e-book market with its Kindle products, and we've rounded up the best e-books available on the market right now.

Some Kindle have climbed to the top thanks to their combination of sleek performance, stunning screen, and attractive prices.

Others have gone downhill as they are hampered by cumbersome interfaces, high cost, and frustrating screens. Thus, we have compiled a ranking of the best Kindle and e-books in general for you to choose best device for reading books.

AmazonKindleOasis

Most premium Kindle in series.

Screen size: 6 inches | Screen type: Carta E-Paper | Memory The weight: 131 g | Backlight: Yes | Touch screen: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | 3 G: Yes | Working hours: Up to eight weeks.

• pros: Innovative design | Excellent display
• Minuses: The Most Expensive Kindle | Only in a leather case;

Oasis ranks as the most expensive option in the Kidle range, ahead of the Kindle Paperwhite and Voyage. Almost five times the price of a standard Kindle, it costs money ... but worth it.

If you are looking for the most comfortable e-reader on the market, this is the best option. Absolutely new design Incredibly slim, it makes using your e-reader with one hand easier than ever.

You also get a leather case and battery pack with the Oasis, giving the Kindle the best battery life in an e-reader. It can run for up to eight weeks.

The Oasis will cost you a little more than any of the other readers on our list - but if this is the device you use every day to absorb tomes of wisdom one by one, why not spend a little more?

Why should you buy the Kindle Oasis? Because a tablet / e-reader hybrid offers the best reading experience you'll find, offering the best screen and design for your money.

Read: .

Reading v luxurious format .

The sizescreen: 6 inches | Type ofscreen: Carta E-Paper | Memory: 4 GB | Resolution: 300 PPI | The weight: 180/188 g | Backlight: Yes | Sensoryscreen: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | 3G: Yes | Timework: Up to six weeks.

• pros: Shiny screen | Sleek design
• Minuses: Expensive;

The Kindle Voyage was once at the top of this ranking, but it has been surpassed by another Amazon reader, the Kindle Oasis.

At the time of release, it essentially offered an improved version of the Kindle Paperwhite, with the same interface and features, but also a better 300 PPI screen. Now the Paperwhite offers the same screen, so it's hard to justify the expense of the Kindle Voyage, while the Oasis has a completely new, beautiful design.

It boasts uniform backlighting, an ambient light sensor and PagePress buttons that let you navigate through books without lifting your finger.

It also has a slim 7.6mm silhouette, making it the most promising Kindle of the bunch. It is also worth noting that all of these strengths are subject to a high price, the average price tag of an e-book in Russia is 12,000 rubles. Like other Kindle, Voyage doesn't offer a slot, but it's still one of the most premium e-readers on the market.

If you read a lot and, most importantly, have extra money, this is the obvious choice.

Why should you buy Kindle Voyage? If you're looking for a premium Kindle experience but aren't willing to splurge on Oasis, choose Voyage.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

When it all comes down to the screen.

Screen size: 6 inches | Screen type: E-Paper | Memory: 4 GB | Resolution: 300 PPI | The weight: 209 g | Backlight: Yes | Touch screen: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | 3 G: Yes | Working hours: Up to six weeks.

• pros: Sharp screen | Improved typography;
• Minuses: Soft design | Some features are missing;

The latest version of the Kindle Paperwhite is the best we've ever seen on the e-reader market with a beautiful 6-inch HD display that can offer 300 ppi density and 4GB of storage that can store up to a thousand books on one device.

The Kindle Paperwhite is much closer to a dedicated device designed to do its job, offering all the benefits of an e-reader. You have access to Amazon's huge library of books, and you can even use unlimited Kindle access with Paperwhite.

The reading tablet offers built-in backlighting so you don't have to suffer from screen glare, even when reading in bright sunlight. The battery is not as good as on the device latest version since it only lasts six weeks, but it's still a good time to read e-books.

Why should you buy the Kindle Paperwhite? If you're looking for one of the best screens on an e-reader and want to be able to read in bright sunlight, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is your choice.

Amazon Kindle (2016)

Simple digital reading at its best.

Screen size: 6 inches | Screen type: Pearl E-Paper | Memory: 4 GB | Resolution: 167 PPI | The weight: 161 g | Backlight: No | Touch screen: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | 3 G: No | Working hours: Up to four weeks.

• pros: Affordable | Improved design;
• Minuses: No backlight | The screen could be better;

The Amazon Kindle, or the all-new Kindle, as Amazon calls it, is the company's basic and most affordable e-reader, costing just $ 5,000.

The e-reader is different from the previous model, which means you get an adequate (but no backlight) touchscreen, long battery life and plenty of room to electronic library, along with an intuitive interface to help navigate the books.

The design improvements are made - the 2016 model is thinner and lighter than the one that came earlier, so even if you could carry a whole library with you, you shouldn't feel its weight.

Amazon is also offering a performance boost for the latest Kindle (2016). And until the reader argues in this department with Oasis, Voyage or even Paperwhite, you cannot ask for more for 5000 rubles.

Why should you buy the Kindle (2016)? If you want to save on backlighting and high-resolution screens compared to an expensive Kindle, this is your choice.

Finally, the Kindls have come to an end, there is another option that is not produced by Amazon. Since the Nook is not available everywhere in Russia, Kobo remains as an alternative to the Kindle.

Kobo Aura H2O

Bath reading has never been easier.

Screen size: 6.8 inches | Screen type: E-Ink | Memory: 4 GB | Resolution: 1430 x 1080 | The weight: 233 g | Backlight: Yes | Touch screen: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | 3 G: No | Working hours: Up to two months.

• pros: Waterproof | Battery life;
• Minuses: Performance Disadvantages | Slow PDF

It seems surprising that we had to wait so long for a water and dust proof reading room as the sauna, pool and beach are all very popular reading spots and Kobo is finally delivering a solution with Aura H2O.

Not only that, the bright LED-backlit E-Ink display that only refreshes after six turned pages ensures you get a familiar book, long battery life and a microSD card slot.

Unfortunately, the book is not perfect, as it faces a lack of performance, which leaves a feeling of sluggishness, especially when viewing a PDF.

There is also no 3G option, while the price of the device puts it on the same shelf as Amazon's high-end devices. However, as a waterproof e-reader, it is a great choice that will allow you to read in close proximity to water.

Why should you buy Aura H2O? If you don't like Amazon, or just want to be able to read by the water, the Kobo Aura H2O is a great choice.