Wearable Circuits - Monitoring Life, Health & Habits

New Products that use Flex PCBs

Flexible printed circuit boards are at the forefront of the new wave of electronics found in healthcare, military, and consumer markets.Researchers are continuing to push the limits of possibilities for flexible PCBs, expecting the industry to grow five-fold in the next 10 years.

New materials, such as polyimide, allow a thinner, lighter product with the ability to move more freely.Conductive ink printing allows the elimination of connectors and cables, improving connectivity and assembly costs.The traditional process for manufacturing PCBs requires as many as 6 steps. New knowledge has shortened the process of manufacturing flexible PCBs to as little as 3 steps.



Smart Skin



The common doctor visit consists of signing in, waiting, visiting with a nurse and waiting some more before finallytalking with a doctor.Throughout each step data about the patient is gathered and processed. The process of finding pertinent data can be simplified by applying a new adhesive patch on to the surface of a patient's skin called “smart skin.”Through the “smart skin” patch, informationisrelayed through transmitters or antennas.Details such as heart rate, temperature, glucose levels, ECG, and EKG readouts

will be available.Cables, tape, leads, and bulky equipment are eliminated! The patch is thin and lightweight, making itnearly undetectable.It can be adhered using water, similar to temporary tattoos.The material is designed to be ultra-flexible and move with the person's skin.



Glucose Monitoring Contact Lens



The pains of monitoring a diabetic's glucose levels can be cumbersome.A needle prickon the fingertip allows a small amount of blood to be dispensed for testing.The blood needs to be placed ona test strip which enters a glucometer machine, with this routine needing to be repeated as often as eight times a day.Flexible PCBs are on the verge of helping to create a contact lens that monitors glucose levels, eliminating painful finger pricks, hazardous medical supplies (such as testing strips and needles) and manual result tracking.



The contact lens is equippedwith a glucose sensor.A flexible PCB is placed on the lens with components that allow wireless transmission.The informationwill be streamed or transmitted to an outside location for interpretation and tracking.The use of flexible PCBs allows a very small and thin circuit that is undetectable.Previous PCBs would be too thick, stiff, and bulky for anything even close to this seamless application.



This video by Microsoft explains the glucose monitoring contact lenses further.

Consumer Products

Wearable consumer devices like smartphones and data capturing bracelets are being released to the public at an increasing rate.Flexible PCBs will be utilized in Smart technology to allow a lightweight, thin option which can be wornas opposed to a bulky item that has to be carried. Some of the items are even powered using solar cells as opposed to battery power.



Consumers will not be the only ones to wear flexible PCB products.Actual materials will be wearing labels.The labels will benefit consumers using sensors and antennas.Radiation tags can be placed on products to monitor levels.Pharmacies can use labels to read and track temperatures on drugs that needtemperature control for stability.Foods can be fitted with labels that test for contaminates.



Power Sources

Power sources will need to adapt in order to keep flexible PCBs a viable option. The future holds the possibility of stretchable power sources.Most likely, new technology will apply carbon nanotube microfilm, polyurethane membranes and organic electrolytes.Another possibility is a bendable Li-ion battery.This would use cobalt oxide as cathode material and lithium for anode material.



The Future

Flexible PCBs are expanding the world of possibilities.Healthcare is considering Smart Surgical instruments.The possibility remains of a pacemaker that is more conducive to quality of life.Neural implants are being considered to control prosthetics.Biosensors, similar to the Smart Skin, will relay data to remote locations.Patients with neuromuscular disorders affecting their communication will be able to communicate and interface with a computer.Flexible PCBs will continue to improve access, delivery, comfort and convenience to health care patients.



About the Author

This article was written by Alex Danovich, President of San Francisco Circuits as a part of their PCB School program, educating engineers and customers on PCB fabrication and assembly. Visit their website for more circuit resources on ultrasonic cleaning, PCB equipment and more.

SFCircuits is a PCB manufacturingand assembly provider located in California, specializing in Flex PCBs and other high-tech circuits.

Hack A Facebook Account Password

Social networking giant Facebook is indeed a giant of sorts in the recent times. With more and more people using the platform to connect with their near and dear ones, the chances of being hacked have also gone haywire. Hackers could make use of either of the following tricks to get through your account for their vested interests. Beware!


1.Phishing

Phishing is the attempt to sabotage sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by posing as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. These entities normally range from popular social web sites, auction sites, banks, online payment processors to IT administrators. Phishing is normally carried out by means of email spoofing/instant messaging (emails used in the process usually carry links to websites that have been infected with malware.). These spoofed emails/messages usually direct the users to a separate however extremely genuine looking website where they might be asked to re-enter their account information. These genuine-looking websites are in fact fake/scams in disguise and lure users into submitting their sensitive information. Once through, users' account gets hacked!

2.Keyloggers/RATs

Keyloggers are essentially a surveillance tool often used by employers to ensure employees use work computers for business purposes only. However, with time hackers have come to make good use of the tool for their own vested interests. The process of keylogging becomes particularly effective if the miscreant somehow gains physical access to the victim's computer. All that a hacker needs to do now is to install a keylogger into the victims's computer and direct the same to his/her destination. The keylogger will now record all the victim's keystrokes into a log file and send it to the destination chosen by the hacker. The hacker can then use these logs to acquire the victims's account information and hack into it.

3.Primary Email address

This is quite an obvious way for hackers to get through your Facebook accounts. If a hacker is able to somehow hack into your primary email address what you're also using to log into Facebook, well, it's a walk in the park for him/her after that. The hacker can easily use Facebook's 'Forgot password' trick to make the social networking site to send the victim's password to the designate primary email account, that unfortunately has already been compromised.

4.Social Engineering

Social Engineering is the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. This will eventually depend upon the hacker's logical expertise. It could involve a probable guessing of the password based on the victim's Facebook and other social networking profiles.

WhatsApp Tips And Tricks

There's been a lot of fuss going around the whole 'social networking giant Facebook Inc buying mobile messaging sensation WhatsApp', leaving fans and enthusiasts alike in a state of dizziness regarding the future of the app. Of course, WhatsApp on its part has made it clear that it would continue to remain an independent entity prior to the deal. But, honestly we know Facebook integration might eventually be pushed at some point of time. As of now, WhatsApp undoubtedly remains to be a compelling, dependable and practical messaging experience!

Here are 10 tips, tricks and apps to get more out of your Whatsapp:

1. Hide "Last Seen" Timestamp

-WhatsApp shows a "last seen" timestamp by default. However, you can disable this timestamp on both iOS and Android.

-For iOS users: all you need to do is go into Settings > Chat Settings > Advanced and set Last Seen Timestamp to Off.

-For Android users: third party apps such as Hide WhatsApp Status is there for help. It works by disabling your WiFi and data connection when you open WhatsApp.

2. Backup And Restore WhatsApp Chats

-WhatsApp allows automatic backups of your chats, however there is also a manual option to do it.

-For iOS users: Settings > Chat Settings > Chat Backup, then tap Back Up Now.

-For Android users: Settings > Chat settings and tap Backup conversations to create a backup. To backup media you will need to use a file manager to copy the media folders in /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media.

-However, if you want to restore a backup you will have to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.

3. Lock Your WhatsApp

-For Android users: use WhatsApp Lock.

-For BlackBerry users: use Lock for WhatsApp.

-You can then protect WhatsApp by a PIN (WhatsLock) or a password (Lock for WhatsApp).

4. Create Shortcuts For Important Contacts

-For Android users: simply long press on the group or contact you want to create a shortcut for. Tap on Add conversation shortcut on the menu that pops up and you have shortcut right on your homescreen.

-For iOS users: third-party apps such as 1TapWA are there to help.

5. Stop WhatsApp Images from Appearing In Gallery Or Camera Roll

-For iOS users: go to Settings > Privacy > Photos and then turn the WhatsApp switch off.

-For Android users: create a .nomedia file in WhatsApp’s images or video directories by using a file explorer such as ES File Explorer (Navigate to the images or video folders, tap the 'New' button in the lower left, pick 'File' and create a file named .nomedia)

6. Change Your WhatsApp Phone Number

-You don’t need to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp everytime you change numbers on the same phone.

-Go to Settings > Account > Change number. Enter your old phone number in the top field and then your new phone number in the bottom field and press Done. Verify your new phone number, and you're good to go!

7. Install WhatsApp On An Android Tablet

-Get the latest version of the WhatsApp .apk. Then download SRT AppGuard. Install both.

-Run AppGuard first. Select WhatsApp from the Dashboard then press Monitor. At completion, scroll down and disable read phone status and identity under Phone calls. WhatsApp will now successfully run on your tablet.

8. WhatsApp Chat Heads On Android

-Using WhatsApp Chat Heads you can add chat heads for your conversations.

-The chat heads are also customisable, and come with specific LED colors, notification sounds and chat head colors for each of your contacts.

-Advisory: The app requires root access. Plus, it’s also still in beta.

9. Get Messaging Statistics On Android

-WhatStat provides information on your 'top' friends, most active times of the day when your friends and groups use WhatsApp as well as message distribution for both one-on-one and group chats.

10. Get WhatsApp notifications On Desktop

-You need to install Desktop Notifications on your Android phone. Install either the Chrome or Firefox extensions depending on your choice of browser. Link the extension to the app using the code provided and you’ll now get WhatsApp notifications on your desktop.

Moto G 4G LTE

    Join 4G transmission system and memory card expansion
Moto G 4G LTE version of the more cost-effective

Motorola officially carried out in the official online updates, open Moto G 4G LTE version to home buying, its suggested retail price of US $ 219, equivalent to approximately HK $ HK1, 700, relative to the 3G version of the US $ 20, with US $ 20  to change to improve the data transfer performance, and 4G LTE version added 32 GB SD memory card expansion, so Moto G more cost-effective.

Moto G with cost-effective, simple and practical as a selling point, and its built-in quad-core processor, 1 GB RAM and 16GB ROM, 4G version supports SD card to expand storage space. Meanwhile, Moto G offers 4.5-inch screen, supports 1280 x 720 resolution and 329 ppi pixel density, energy for small screen mobile phone, which has the effect of drawing the screen well.

Other with respect, Moto G built-in 5-megapixel main camera, 1.2-megapixel video camera, Bluetooth 4.0, WIFI and 2070 mAh battery. In addition, to provide better storage solutions to home, in addition to built-in 16GB ROM, where to buy Moto G with a home can also register up to 50GB Google Drive cloud storage capacity.

Nokia X2

    Entry-level smartphone Nokia X2 unveiled  its second Android handset Nokia

Nokia in the first quarter of this year launched its first Android system preloaded Nokia X series smartphones, mainly to replace its Asha series phones and development for the entry-level market. A congregation Nokia Nokia X proponents hope to become Jedi to make, but it is far from satisfactory because of its performance, so that it does not slip before sales stopped.

In view of this, Nokia 24 officially launched Nokia X2 replace Nokia X, entry-level to high to attract users with an attempt to turn the tide. Nokia X2 similarly to the entry-level specifications and low price as a selling point, using Qualcomm Snpadragon 200, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and 4GB ROM, with its performance than the previous generation of 512 MB RAM is normal.

Its flagship youthful appearance, providing up to six colors, including bright red with vibrant, yellow, green, blue, black and white, priced at EUR 99 to reduce the threshold so that more smartphone users can contactless smart phones. In addition, Nokia X2 uses 4.3-inch ClearBlack WVGA screen, supports dual SIM dual standby, while the main camera is equipped with LED light 500-megapixel camera and front camera.

Nokia X2 with the previous generation using the same disguise after Nokia Android operating system, compatible with Android apps, but Nokia Store replace Google Play, and the Andriod preloaded Google services such as Google Maps, G-Mail or delete programs such as Google Drive, and to Microsoft's One Drive, Here Maps and Skype, etc. instead.

Replacement for the MacBook Air introduced preferential Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is coming soon

             

   Microsoft officially released in the U.S. last month, the new generation of mobile computer tablet - Surface Pro 3, users just launched rise to different concerns, in addition to the built-in specifications strengthened beyond, the previous generation machine back brace due to the shortcomings of the narrow angle adjustment also improved significantly today on behalf of, 2K plus 12-inch screen and has a pressure-sensitive digital pen and preloaded familiar Windows operating system, integrated multiple features, so Surface Pro 3 is more popular than the previous generation.

Microsoft more recently against enemy positions in Apple MacBook Air, introduced TM to activities to expand market share. Its activities are limited to residents of the U.S. territory, users only need to bring along for eligible Microsoft MacBook Air to the designated store, you can get the value of US $ 650 shopping discount coupons, the coupons are limited to the use of the optional Surface Pro 3, want purchase Series Gan most introductory page specifications (Intel Core i3, 64GB & 4GB RAM, US $ 799) just subsidy US $ 149 you can redeem.

     Surface Pro 3 Main Specifications: Inter Core i3/i5/i7 processor, 4/8 GB RAM, 64/128/256/512GB storage space, 12-inch ClearType screen, 9.14mm thick, 800g weight, the rear Integrated bracket and N-Trig pressure sensitive pen digital stylus pen, performance, and functionality of both.

Linux Cheat Sheets

Debian Package Management Utility (APT) -- This document was created to provide the user with a good understanding of the workings of the Debian package management utility, APT. Includes info about basic configuration, managing packages and other helpful tips.


DOS and Linux Commands -- This reference lists common commands used at the MS-DOS prompt in Windows 9x, and in Linux, as well as a basic example of how the command is used at the Linux shell prompt.


Debian GNU/Linux Reference Card -- This fast reference card includes resources for information about command, installation and configuration help.


Linux Shortcuts -- This guide describes the most commonly-used shortcuts and includes notes for the clueless.


Fedora 12 Cheat Sheet -- This fast reference card offers tips and tricks to will help you to set up your new Fedora 12 installation into a full blown Linux box.


The Humble Linux Cheat Sheet -- This is a short, simple reference to the "very basic and very essential commands for surviving at the Linux CLI."


Linux Security Cheat Sheet -- The intent of this Quick Reference Guide is to provide a starting point for improving the security of your system, to serve as a pointer to more in-depth security information, and to increase security awareness and methods that can be used to improve security.


Linux Admin Quick Reference -- This guide covers user management, network configuration, printer configuration, NFS file sharing, and more.


Linux Command Line Cheat Sheet -- This guide explains commands for moving around the file system, manipulating files and folders and system information.


Linux rpm Cheat Sheet -- This guide lists commands for the rpm Package Manager for Red Hat, Suse and Fedora Linux. Includes commands to build, install, query, verify, update, and remove/erase individual software packages.


Ubuntu Reference -- This guide lists commands relevant to privileges, networks, system services, firewalls and more.