Favorite Techno-Gadgets
Interpreter Equipment and More
SMARTWATCHES
Wearable technology is popular now. Voice activation and gesture seem to be replacing touch. Teachers and researchers are looking at how these tools can be used in the classroom today, to assist in education and to allow students to be better prepared for the world in 2020.
Wearable technology comes in many forms, including smartwatches. These are computerized wristwatches that can run mobile apps and can even run complete mobile operating systems.
Many testing centers do not allow examinees to enter with any watch, pen, electronic car keys, etc. The reason is that although these items may look like regular timekeepers, writing tools, or automobile remotes, they can do much, much more than tell time, write, or unlock a trunk.
Early smartwatches, for example, could perform basic tasks, such as calculations, translations, and game-playing. Modern smartwatches are wearable computers; many run mobile apps, while a smaller number of models run a mobile operating system and function as portable media players, offering playback of FM radio, audio, and video files to the user via a Bluetooth headset. Devices like the ones in the photos below may include features such as a camera, accelerometer, thermometer, altimeter, barometer, compass, chronograph, calculator, cell phone, touch screen, GPS navigator, map display, graphical display, speaker, scheduler, watch, SD-cards that are recognized as mass storage device by a computer, and rechargeable battery. It may communicate with a wireless headset, heads-up display*, medical device, such as an insulin pump, microphone, modem, or other devices.
Wearable technology is popular now. Voice activation and gesture seem to be replacing touch. Teachers and researchers are looking at how these tools can be used in the classroom today, to assist in education and to allow students to be better prepared for the world in 2020.
Wearable technology comes in many forms, including smartwatches. These are computerized wristwatches that can run mobile apps and can even run complete mobile operating systems.
Many testing centers do not allow examinees to enter with any watch, pen, electronic car keys, etc. The reason is that although these items may look like regular timekeepers, writing tools, or automobile remotes, they can do much, much more than tell time, write, or unlock a trunk.
Early smartwatches, for example, could perform basic tasks, such as calculations, translations, and game-playing. Modern smartwatches are wearable computers; many run mobile apps, while a smaller number of models run a mobile operating system and function as portable media players, offering playback of FM radio, audio, and video files to the user via a Bluetooth headset. Devices like the ones in the photos below may include features such as a camera, accelerometer, thermometer, altimeter, barometer, compass, chronograph, calculator, cell phone, touch screen, GPS navigator, map display, graphical display, speaker, scheduler, watch, SD-cards that are recognized as mass storage device by a computer, and rechargeable battery. It may communicate with a wireless headset, heads-up display*, medical device, such as an insulin pump, microphone, modem, or other devices.
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*A heads-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. The origin of the name stems from a pilot being able to view information with the head positioned "up" and looking forward, instead of angled down looking at lower instruments. Although they were initially developed for military aviation, they are now used in commercial aircraft, automobiles and other, mostly professional applications.
GOOGLE GLASSES
“Google Glass” or as many people call them, “The Google Glasses,” is an electronic device worn on the head that provides visual, auditory, and voice interaction with the internet. The Google Glass is attached to an apparatus similar, in appearance and function, to a pair of eyeglass frames, only that these do not require lenses. The frame rests on the ears and nose like regular frames. The Google Glass is the small display over the upper and outer corner of one eye.
This is a type of wearable technology with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD).
Google Glass was developed by Google with the mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer. An ubiquitous computer literally means computers everywhere. It is a concept in software engineering and computer science where computing is made to appear everywhere and anywhere. In contrast to desktop computing, ubiquitous computing can occur using any device, in any location, and in any format. It makes many computers available throughout the physical environment, while making them effectively invisible to the user. Ubiquitous computing is held by some to be the Third Wave of computing. The First Wave was many people per computer; the Second Wave was one person per computer.
Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format. Wearers communicate with the internet via natural language (English) voice commands. The Google Glass Explorer Edition (see photo below) was released to Google Glass Explorers (a community for open public discussion of the Google Glass Explorer Edition) in the United States on April 15, 2013 for a limited period for $1,500, before it became available to the general public on May 15, 2014 for the same price.
Google provides four prescription choices of lenses for $225.00 and the lenses are free with the purchase of any new Google Glass unit. It is necessary to remove a small screw in order to move the Google Glass from one frame to another. Google entered into a partnership with the Italian eyewear company Luxottica, owners of the Ray-Ban, Oakley, and other brands, to offer additional frame designs.
Who knows... maybe someday we can even have Google Contact Lenses.
For more information on “Google Glass” visit Wired Magazine.
“Google Glass” or as many people call them, “The Google Glasses,” is an electronic device worn on the head that provides visual, auditory, and voice interaction with the internet. The Google Glass is attached to an apparatus similar, in appearance and function, to a pair of eyeglass frames, only that these do not require lenses. The frame rests on the ears and nose like regular frames. The Google Glass is the small display over the upper and outer corner of one eye.
This is a type of wearable technology with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD).
Google Glass was developed by Google with the mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer. An ubiquitous computer literally means computers everywhere. It is a concept in software engineering and computer science where computing is made to appear everywhere and anywhere. In contrast to desktop computing, ubiquitous computing can occur using any device, in any location, and in any format. It makes many computers available throughout the physical environment, while making them effectively invisible to the user. Ubiquitous computing is held by some to be the Third Wave of computing. The First Wave was many people per computer; the Second Wave was one person per computer.
Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format. Wearers communicate with the internet via natural language (English) voice commands. The Google Glass Explorer Edition (see photo below) was released to Google Glass Explorers (a community for open public discussion of the Google Glass Explorer Edition) in the United States on April 15, 2013 for a limited period for $1,500, before it became available to the general public on May 15, 2014 for the same price.
Google provides four prescription choices of lenses for $225.00 and the lenses are free with the purchase of any new Google Glass unit. It is necessary to remove a small screw in order to move the Google Glass from one frame to another. Google entered into a partnership with the Italian eyewear company Luxottica, owners of the Ray-Ban, Oakley, and other brands, to offer additional frame designs.
Who knows... maybe someday we can even have Google Contact Lenses.
For more information on “Google Glass” visit Wired Magazine.
WASHABLE KEYBOARD
Avoid germs and crumbs with this washable keyboard. It's compatible with Windows operating systems and ideal for your desktop computer in your office or home.
It's manufactured by Logitech and the one in the photo is model K310. It can be wiped clean, but it can also be submerged in water. Do not try placing it in the dishwasher though. The Logitech K310 comes with a tiny brush to clean between the keys (just look for it snapped cleverly on the back face.) This keyboard is not a soft rubber keyboard. It's a full size, rigid board that unplugs and goes straight under the kitchen faucet. It's great for flu season, all for the price of $34.00.
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DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER
When preparing for the oral exam candidates will need a recorder. You can use your current smartphone or an old one (you probable have several stored in a junk-drawer) with a recorder. If you are planning to purchase a digital recording device, I've used the Sony stereo digital voice recorder for many years with excellent results. It costs about $89. It's easy to use and has great recording quality and sound output. The digital recorder does not come with an external microphone and one is not really necessary. However, if you want an omni-directional microphone, you will need to add about $20 to the price. Note: To prepare for the oral exam you will need a voice recorder, CD player with speakers, over-the-head earphones, notepad, pen or pencil, stopwatch, calculator, and a quiet space to work and keep your equipment. If you use features or apps from your computer and/or smartphone remember that multiple features will need to be operating at the same time. |
THE WINDOWS SURFACE
Is it a laptop? Is it a tablet?
The Windows Surface is a tablet with a touchscreen surface that allows the user to have complete access to WINDOWS and media files without having to be on the internet. The Surface comes with a full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card reader, headphone jack, HD video out port, and cover port.
(Remember that HD Video Out also requires the HD Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter, each sold separately.)
The Surface comes with "Microsoft Home and Student 2013 RT Preview" edition installed. This includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote. A final "Office Home and Student" version will be installed via Windows Update when available. This download will be FREE but ISP fees may apply.The Surface comes with Wireless Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 technology and Windows RT works exclusively with apps from the Windows Store. The Windows SURFACE costs $350.00 US dollars and the separate keyboard you see in most commercials (Microsoft named it the "Type Cover 2") costs an additional $130.00. If you consider memory, portability, ability to use a memory stick or card, and having the Windows operating system at the touch of your fingertips, it's actually a pretty good deal.
Is it a laptop? Is it a tablet?
The Windows Surface is a tablet with a touchscreen surface that allows the user to have complete access to WINDOWS and media files without having to be on the internet. The Surface comes with a full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card reader, headphone jack, HD video out port, and cover port.
(Remember that HD Video Out also requires the HD Digital AV Adapter or VGA Adapter, each sold separately.)
The Surface comes with "Microsoft Home and Student 2013 RT Preview" edition installed. This includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote. A final "Office Home and Student" version will be installed via Windows Update when available. This download will be FREE but ISP fees may apply.The Surface comes with Wireless Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 technology and Windows RT works exclusively with apps from the Windows Store. The Windows SURFACE costs $350.00 US dollars and the separate keyboard you see in most commercials (Microsoft named it the "Type Cover 2") costs an additional $130.00. If you consider memory, portability, ability to use a memory stick or card, and having the Windows operating system at the touch of your fingertips, it's actually a pretty good deal.
DIGITAL PENS
A digital pen or SMARTPEN is a pen that digitally records voices and writes with ink like a regular pen. It uses special digital paper, software applications, and developer tools to combine the audio and writing and coordinate them all in an innovative manner to allow the user to retrieve the information in sections on-demand, save it on a computer, email it, etc.
They are essentially ballpoint pens with an embedded computer and digital audio recorder. When used with it's specific digital paper, it records and synchronizes those audio notes with the writings on the paper. This allows users to replay portions of a recording by tapping on the notes they were taking at the time the recording was made. I recommend the kit that comes with special earphones (the mic is in the buds so they record away from the scratching tip) and 2 notepads. You do not need to be connected to anything in order to use the SMARTPEN, but if you want to download information into your computer, know that there are two types of pens: wired and Wi-Fi. They both need to be charged with a cable to the computer, so if you want to save some money just get the wired version, but check before you purchase because these may not work with the newer iPads.
They are essentially ballpoint pens with an embedded computer and digital audio recorder. When used with it's specific digital paper, it records and synchronizes those audio notes with the writings on the paper. This allows users to replay portions of a recording by tapping on the notes they were taking at the time the recording was made. I recommend the kit that comes with special earphones (the mic is in the buds so they record away from the scratching tip) and 2 notepads. You do not need to be connected to anything in order to use the SMARTPEN, but if you want to download information into your computer, know that there are two types of pens: wired and Wi-Fi. They both need to be charged with a cable to the computer, so if you want to save some money just get the wired version, but check before you purchase because these may not work with the newer iPads.
Laptop or Tablet?
If you're thinking of purchasing new electronic equipment but you can't decide whether you want a laptop or a tablet, here are some of the main pros and cons:
LAPTOP TABLET
not very portable due to size and weight very portable
not very discrete when open due to L-shape discrete
a lot of memory limited memory
has a disc drive to load software and watch DVDs no disc drive
smaller screen huge screen great for photo/video
keyboard lasts longer than touch screen touch screen great for selecting
more comfortable for typing should purchase separate keyboard if type a lot
for serious business tons of APPS available
If you can afford it, I recommend you have both
equip
WIRELESS INTERPRETER EQUIPMENT
I tested this equipment at a seminar in Tennessee and I was very impressed. The sound was excellent even when the transmitter and receiver were far from each other. The units were small and light. They used regular AAA batteries and the earpieces were comfortable. They are entirely mad in the U.S.A. The price was within my budget. I was convinced and decided to purchase two receivers and one transmitter. The company delivered the merchandise on time and I have been using it and sharing it ever since.
Currently, the 16-channel units come with a digital display and they cost more, but there is a 3-channel wireless version identical to the16-channel units I purchased in 2008, except that they have 3 channels instead of 16 (I never had to use more than1 channel.) My 16-channel set and my colleagues' newer 3-channel sets are perfectly compatible as long as they are all tuned to the same channel. I recommend that interpreters start with the 3-Channel Wireless Set plus one extra receiver (the ones without the antenna.) There is no need to purchase extra earphones or microphone because each unit comes with the standard accessories included (3-Channel Transmitter and Receiver Set $200.00 + Additional 3-Channel Receiver $94.00.) This combination will cost $294.00 plus approximately $6.95 for shipping. You will receive it around 10 days after you order.
I have been using my TN Communications portable interpreter equipment since 2008 with no problem whatsoever. This equipment is useful even if interpreters do not do a lot of simultaneous interpreting. It allows the interpreter to be more mobile and safe. Sometimes it saves the day when used in places that have continuous problems with their in-house equipment. TN Communications gets five stars. Visit their website for more information. If you decide to call or purchase, make sure to mention that you read about them on The Interpreter's Cafe!
I tested this equipment at a seminar in Tennessee and I was very impressed. The sound was excellent even when the transmitter and receiver were far from each other. The units were small and light. They used regular AAA batteries and the earpieces were comfortable. They are entirely mad in the U.S.A. The price was within my budget. I was convinced and decided to purchase two receivers and one transmitter. The company delivered the merchandise on time and I have been using it and sharing it ever since.
Currently, the 16-channel units come with a digital display and they cost more, but there is a 3-channel wireless version identical to the16-channel units I purchased in 2008, except that they have 3 channels instead of 16 (I never had to use more than1 channel.) My 16-channel set and my colleagues' newer 3-channel sets are perfectly compatible as long as they are all tuned to the same channel. I recommend that interpreters start with the 3-Channel Wireless Set plus one extra receiver (the ones without the antenna.) There is no need to purchase extra earphones or microphone because each unit comes with the standard accessories included (3-Channel Transmitter and Receiver Set $200.00 + Additional 3-Channel Receiver $94.00.) This combination will cost $294.00 plus approximately $6.95 for shipping. You will receive it around 10 days after you order.
I have been using my TN Communications portable interpreter equipment since 2008 with no problem whatsoever. This equipment is useful even if interpreters do not do a lot of simultaneous interpreting. It allows the interpreter to be more mobile and safe. Sometimes it saves the day when used in places that have continuous problems with their in-house equipment. TN Communications gets five stars. Visit their website for more information. If you decide to call or purchase, make sure to mention that you read about them on The Interpreter's Cafe!
tape rec
CASSETTE TAPE RECORDER
I inherited a Sony tape-recorder similar to this one from my father who at one time in his life had his own radio show. He used it for interviews away from the station and also to record his last-minute ideas when pen and paper weren't available. My tape recorder is about 25 years old and still works perfectly. A recorder is an indispensable tool for every interpreter. I like tapes more than the digital system for studying and testing because of the ability to save several hours of material without having to download to a computer, plus I prefer the sound. I record glossaries and later test myself interpreting the terms without having to worry about saving tracks to empty the memory.* Mine gets five stars. When I wrote this article, the recorder in the picture cost $29.00. Now that they are rare (the sales persons use the term "obsolete") the price is now over $100. If you still prefer the old-fashioned cassette recorder, you may be able to still find one on Amazon.com.
I inherited a Sony tape-recorder similar to this one from my father who at one time in his life had his own radio show. He used it for interviews away from the station and also to record his last-minute ideas when pen and paper weren't available. My tape recorder is about 25 years old and still works perfectly. A recorder is an indispensable tool for every interpreter. I like tapes more than the digital system for studying and testing because of the ability to save several hours of material without having to download to a computer, plus I prefer the sound. I record glossaries and later test myself interpreting the terms without having to worry about saving tracks to empty the memory.* Mine gets five stars. When I wrote this article, the recorder in the picture cost $29.00. Now that they are rare (the sales persons use the term "obsolete") the price is now over $100. If you still prefer the old-fashioned cassette recorder, you may be able to still find one on Amazon.com.