Google Makes Handwriting Cool Again

Google is always on the move, creating new technologies. Their most recent advancement is seemingly taking a step back. Let me explain.

Instead of having to type out a message, Google has now given users the ability to write out their messages with a mouse pad or cursor in Google or Google docs. This seems like it would be more difficult and time consuming, but Google reps say its may be more convenient for the writing of foreign languages.

When you write out a word with your cursor, it will create a typed version of your word. If illegible or unintelligible, it will give you a list of possible words. If your word was "cat," it may come up with a list like: cats, rats, Cats, oats, and carts. This feature is similar to that of an iPhone and its auto correct option.  

You don’t even have to have the perfect handwriting. It, for the most part, does a decent job of decoding less-than-perfect, cursive writing.

"Handwriting input makes the internet easier to use by people worldwide and is also part of a larger effort to break the barrier between languages," said Google's Xiangye Xia in a blog post announcing the feature.

This tool is available in 50 languages for Gmail and 20 for Google docs. If you’d like to test it out, you can go to Gmail or Docs settings and click on language settings under general. Click "show all language options" and select enable input tools. You will get a list of every keyboard made available to you by Google. If there is a pencil icon beside them, those are the languages that support the new tool. Google already has an option that you can write something on the screen that it will then proceed to translate.

Do you think this could be a help or a hindrance when conquering the language barrier?

Sources: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/23/tech/innovation/google-handwriting-support/index.html
Author: Tamara Carter Dolphin Tech LLC.

Technology? The Kids Aren't Impressed

You would think that that teenagers are the most avid technology supporters and users but a survey by the Intel Innovation Barometer disproves that theory. In their study, they surveyed 12,000 adults from Brazil, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States and found that 61 % of 18-24 year olds believe that it is making people less human. This same age group, however, believes that technology may be the key to solving many global issues. This study showed that its actually older, middle-aged women who are technology’s biggest fans.

Dr. Genevieve Bell, anthropologist and director at Intel Labs, says that the reason that young adults believe that society has become too reliant on technology is due to the fact that they think it is too burdensome and would like to to do more for them. Thirty-six percent of this age group want technology to better anticipate their needs. Bell gathered that teen’s willingness to share data and information is in hope that it will help to improve future experiences.

On the flip side, this study showed that women over 45 believe that technology makes people more human by deepening their relationships. Surprisingly enough, women in less developed countries think that we need to use technology more. Historically, women have been avid users of technology because it streamlines life, so to speak, with the different platforms to create schedules and reminders, and to keep us connected.

Something that both age groups can agree on is the positive roles that technology can potentially play in the future of education, transportation, and healthcare.

Would you agree with the findings of this study?

Written by: Tamara Carter Dolphin Tech LLC.
Sources: NY Daily News http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/youth-turn-backs-technology-article-1.1489729

The Psychology of Color in Web Design

When designing websites, it may not seem particularly important to choose the color scheme, but it has been scientifically proven that colors have a psychological effect that can induce different emotions in viewers. Different colors can evoke feelings of trust, urgency, or mystery.

Red is stimulating and exciting. It can be associated with feelings of passion, power, and even anger. Red suggests warning and danger or determination and strength.

Pink is universally representative of femininity. It is used on sites geared towards women to produce feelings of youthfulness and innocence.

Orange is comforting and inviting. It isn’t as overwhelming as red, but it is still vibrant and exciting. Orange is unique and it great for showcasing creativity.

Yellow is associated with the sun and provokes feelings or warmth and happiness. It is the most energizing color and grabs the attention of the viewers, especially children.  

Green is the color of nature. It is calming, rejuvenating, and optimistic. Green is positively associated with affluence and growth.

Blue, often called “true blue,” and is representative of the effect it has in producing feelings of trust and security. It is also associated with spirituality. The calming quality of blue will suggest experience and reliability to website viewers.

Purple is maybe the most specific when it comes to reaching particular people and evoking certain feelings. Dark purple is commonly associated with nobility, luxury, and wealth.  Lighter shades are a harbinger to spring, which is mentally associated with romance.

Black, White, and Gray are usually used together to make a clean, modern, and sophisticated website design. Colors are able to stand out, making it easier to highlight certain points of interest on your site.When using either black, white, or gray, it is important to implement them in a way that will still produce energy on your site

Color should not be chosen based on personal preference. It can play into the effectiveness and overall success of your website and the ends you are trying to achieve. Experienced web designers will be able to create a website that will utilize color to maximize the potential of your website!