5 popular free and paid stock photo websites

Stock photography has gained popularity over the last few years since it is more economical to pay for photos which have already been taken rather than arrange for a complete photo shoot. Professional photographers, across borders, click images based on specific client briefs and album requirements which are then posted online for the user to purchase or even download for free.

Stock agencies have compilations of stock camera and photos sold by professional photographers which can be used for the print and digital medium, as per the client’s request. The client will pay for usage rights of the picture which will again differ on the medium of publishing within the copyright terms and conditions.

Camera and photo shots available with stock photo agencies are great compilations. Here are five of the best stock photo agencies to purchase premium clicks:

Depositphotos

• When it comes to offering different pricing options, Depositphotos is the best choice.
• Pricing packs include on-demand downloads, photos which are available for monthly downloads and daily downloads depending on your needs for camera and photo stock essentials.
• The plans are not very pricey, and the fact that these plans are flexible with a vast collection of over 49 million stock images with Depositphotos makes this agency a real favorite.

Adobe Stock

• For people who are active in the creative cloud, Adobe Stock is the preferred option for downloading and purchasing stock camera and photo shots.
• Users of Adobe software can browse through some of the best collections of high end and premium stock imaging.
• Adobe offers plans which allow you to buy a single image with full rights or download bulk images every month for a package price which will be very economical.
• Adobe stock images will be well suited to be used in various Adobe softwares like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator among many others.
• The creative suite software allows you to search for images within, thus saving you time and efforts.

iStockphoto

• iStockphoto by Getty images is another popular camera and photos stock agency, also being one of the oldest since the concept of stick photography was developed.
• A number of credit and subscriptions plans are offered to people who are in the business of buying and selling stock photos for commercial purposes over the digital medium.
• Millions of regular images are available for purchase through these subscription plans, but you can also request for unique images to registered members.

Shutterstock

• A very popular and well-known stock camera and photo shots agency, which offers image credits and stock subscription offers to buyers.
• Shutterstock happens to house one of the largest collection of royalty-free stock images with over 84 million images in their inventory but offers a slightly higher pricing option when it comes to purchasing from these high-end images.
• Of the popular stock camera and photo shot agencies, Shutterstock’s pricing plans being on the higher end also offer flexible subscription plans tailor-made to your individual needs.

Photocase

• One of the popular choices when it comes to artistic camera and photo stocks.
• For the past 15 years, this stock photo agency has been focusing on providing some of the best artistic and chic quality photo images.
• These images are very different from the ones you will find with stock photo agencies normally and come at premium pricing.

A few factors that have to be taken into account before you go camera and photo stock shopping include the type of subscription plan and its inherent terms and conditions, pricing options, download and usage policies for distribution across various mediums. Normally the subscription plans and monthly download packs will have different policies attached depending on the type of payment and intended usage of the images which is why every agency will have different terms and conditions.

4 popular eBooks for avid readers

When it comes to eBooks readers and accessories, they offer a good advantage when compared with other portable smart devices such as smartphones and laptops and even tablets. eBook readers have an advantage that their screens are designed for extended reading as they resist the glare of the sunlight, thus causing less strain to the eyes.

They are more advantageous when compared with other portable devices as they are much lighter, cheaper and even have greater battery life.

So, if you have decided on buying eBooks and accessories for yourself, go through some of the popular eBook readers and accessories mentioned below for an exclusive reading experience

Budget eBook reader – Amazon Kindle White
A one-time full battery charge on an Amazon Kindle white lasts for more than eight weeks. Amazon’s flagship kindle paperwhite matches its counterpart in terms of resolution which is nearly 330 ppi. The black body and white screen provides a crisper display when compared with its previous iterations. With its 4 built-in LED lights, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is best for late night reads. There is no microSD slot which could be a drawback of the eBook reader. It comes with 4GB memory of internal storage which is enough for 1000’s of books.

Kindle Oasis
Available at nearly $250, the new kindle Oasis comes with an ergonomic design. The eBook reader has got dedicated buttons for turning pages and backlights for reading comfortably in the dark without getting much of eyestrain. It has a slimmest design of 13” and still manages to feel sturdy. It makes your hand reading much convenient as the screen size is not more than 7” and has a display of 330 ppi. It weighs around 5 ounces and has an IP rating of IPX8 that can withstand remaining in water for at least an hour. With just 30 minutes of charging per day, the Amazon Oasis can last for up to 8 weeks. It has 8GB of internal memory with a Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity.

Amazon Fire 7 tablet
eBook readers and accessories manufacturers are offering devices that are more than just eBook readers. The Amazon’s fire 7 tablet is one such device that is more than just an electronic reader. It’s a full-fledged tablet that is powered with Alexa, an intelligent personal assistant developed by Amazon. The Fire 7 tablet comes with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 IPS display that has high contrast. Its vivid colors and display makes reading for hours comfortable and relaxing. With its Fire OS, the eBook reader automatically optimizes the backlight for a better reading experience even in dim lights. You can link your personal account on Amazon with that of your family member’s account and share books conveniently. By paying $30 more, you can upgrade your tablet with a larger reading screen and four more hours.

Kobo Glo HD
Kobo is an eBook reader and accessories manufacturing company based in Canada. They are known for the most versatile editions of eBook readers. Talking about the new Kobo Glo HD, the eBook reader comes with a 6” screen with a screen output of 330 ppi. It still manages to squeeze in 1448 x 1072 worth of screen resolution. With 4GB of internal memory, it manages to store a behemoth number of books. It weighs around 12 ounces and a battery life that lasts for up to 12 weeks on a single charge. The Kobo Glo HD supports up to 14 types of different reading formats including its own proprietary format. It features a perforated silicon backside that gives the reader a comfortable grip.

The above-mentioned eBook readers are some of the popular ones that are prevalent in the electronic market. Visit their official websites and read reviews online to know more about these devices.

All about eBook readers and accessories

An electronic book reader or eBook is an electronic device that you can use for browsing files and documents that are usually referred to as electronic books or eBooks. It is a smart and very helpful device for reader fanatics and the ones that deal with documentation on a daily basis.

They are typically low-glare and have a black and white screen and are not backlit often. When compared to a desktop or even a laptop, eBook readers are usually thin and have comparatively long battery life. Most of the eBooks support all kinds of file document formats such as. dox and pdf etc. eBook reader and accessories manufacturers offer more than what is required in an eBook which makes choosing an eBook even more difficult.

If you are planning to buy an eBook reader and accessories, the following features will help you make the best buy.

Screen type

The screen type in eBook is available in the form of electronic display as well as LCD touchscreen. Choosing a screen type depends on the reader’s requirement and convenience. eBook readers and accessories manufacturers like Amazon, Kobo, Bookeen, and Apple offer screen type in both formats. Make sure you compare screens to pick the best contrast and resolution out of the lot.

Size and weight

With the popularity that eBooks have gained in the recent years, there is a wide variety of sizes that eBook readers and accessories are offered. You can get smaller screen size offered by Kindle, Barnes & Noble. They are light in weight and are easy to carry around. Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, Apple iPad and iPad pro are the ones that are a bit larger in size and a tad bit heavy.

Interface

The interface or controls of eBook reader and accessories are unlike any other smart device. They come with button controls as well as touchscreens. A general rule entails that eBooks with button controls are less cumbersome and require less battery. Touchscreens can be smudge-prone and require more power than the others. Then again, it depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the product.

Formats

The popular formats of an eBook reader include EPUB, PDF, TXT, HTML etc. Make sure that the device you are planning to buy is capable of running these file formats. Check if the eBook reader is open to displaying more formats than its own proprietary formats. For instance, all devices are able to display a document in EPUB format whereas AZW format runs only on Kindle.

Features

If you are planning to buy eBooks and accessories, decide on the factor if you want to buy the eBook only for reading purpose or do you want it loaded with other features as well. Various eBook carry features like music playback as well as web browsing, these eBook readers function almost like a mini-computer.

Internal capacity

The internal capacity of an eBook reader determines the amount of media that can be stored in an eBook. Higher the memory of an eBook reader, higher the number of eBooks and related files can be stored in it. There are eBooks that come with an option of expanding the capacity in the form of external memory with the help of an SD card.

Price of an ebook reader

We come down to the final yet a crucial pointer that plays a deciding factor in selecting the best eBook reader and accessories for some buyers. Some analysts determine that $99 is the average price point of an eBook reader. Although a price tag is not an issue if you are really looking forward to purchasing an eBook reader with maximum features. But if you have a specific budget in mind, compare the prices of the eBook reader across platforms and then make a choice.

Different types of applications for GPS systems

GPS systems were developed back in the 80’s and were first used for military and government applications. However, as the technology developed and evolved, its makers saw a potential market in the form of civilian applications. Nowadays GPS is considered as a dual-use technology for both its military and civilian applications.

Here is a list of some of the most common and useful applications of GPS and navigation systems in day to day technology.

Agriculture: Agriculture is one of the most important sectors when it comes to any country’s economy, which is why the use of proprietary GPS and navigation systems in this sector will not sound very surprising. GPS systems are being used for Site-Specific Management and precision agriculture. This process involves measuring the yield on much smaller scales to determine accurate output and mapping of fields.

Telematic systems: GPS is a primary feature in telematics systems which are the integrated use of computers and mobile communications when it comes to the automotive industry. Automotive GPS and navigation systems are installed in almost every automobile out there today.

Tectonics: Commercial applications of GPS and navigation includes the technology’s incorporation in earthquake monitoring systems. GPS is helpful in direct fault motion measurement to estimate and even to some extent predict a pattern of seismic activity based on historical activity. This data is then used to compile seismic hazard maps for future reference.

Surveying: Surveying plays a major role when it comes to expansion and exploration of new land masses for urban development, which is where proprietary GPS and navigation systems come very handy. The accurate location is used to determine and map the boundary lines and permitted territories for various projects.

Geotagging: The location coordinates of an image taken or any video recording will get mapped and embedded into the file, automatically creating a marker which can help trace the said location. This is called geotagging and can prove to be quite useful to find out where the said image or video was taken, for a number of purposes.

Geofencing: Geofencing application of GPS and navigation systems include the use of the technology in tracking movements of GPS based devices which are attached to vehicles, devices carried by people and also for pets to track and map their movements. Generally, not all GPS devices will be capable of sending back signals to be tracked, but the ones which are designed specifically for geotagging purposes will have this feature.

Fleet tracking: Fleet tracking GPS and navigation systems are used to locate and track movements of valuable shipments forming part of a cargo fleet, in real time.

Scientific applications: Commercial and civilian applications also include the use of proprietary GPS and Navigation systems in assessing weather and atmospheric movements. This data is very useful for mapping out the storm and other natural disaster patterns, to predict and ascertain the severity of the condition. This technique is also known as radio occultation.

Disaster management and emergency services: EMS and management services rely heavily on proprietary GPS systems to navigate their way through and find the best and fastest route to reach the people who are in need of help. GPS signals remain unaffected and can be accurate to the letter which proves to be extremely useful in times of need.

GPS systems which are designed for civilian use have a number of restrictions, for safety reasons. Civilian receivers are capable of functioning above 60000 feet of altitude with the satellites orbiting speed of 1000 knots. The signals which are received by the military and civilian both are same, with the distinction of equipment being the only difference when it comes to reception.

6 essential benefits of a GPS tracking system

GPS and Navigation tracking systems efficiently find out the exact location of your valuables, pets and sometimes even people! This might sound a bit odd, but people are tracking people through handheld devices like their smartphones through a variety of apps.

Private entities saw a massive potential for these GPS and navigation tracking systems which is why new ways of using this three-decade-old developed technology were found and made GPS tracking systems, a very popular choice for both personal and business uses.

But before we can find out the common uses of GPS and navigation systems, here are a few benefits of the technology:

• GPS tracking systems help reduce your operating costs with good fleet management and delivery system, due to accurate tracking.
• Real-time traffic data can be shared with the operating fleet from HQ so that they can avoid the rush hour traffic and take alternative routes for a speedy and efficient delivery.
• Advanced systems along with GPS and navigation tracking allow you to monitor your fleet’s fuel usage, help schedule maintenance tasks, among many others.
• Financial management is also easy with GPS systems installed since tracking inventory will no longer be a headache and can be done in real time.
• Inbound and outgoing inventory both can be tracked efficiently which makes it a lot easier for operations to manage schedules, plan and mobilize the task force accordingly.
• Keeping track of most things helps to get them done quickly and efficiently without spending too much money.

Some of the common uses of GPS tracking systems include:

Personal GPS and navigation devices: If you are a parent and are constantly worried about your child’s safety and whereabouts, why not give them a personal GPS tracker so that you will know exactly where your child is if he or she needs help or a ride home. Granted a phone call would also suffice. However, personal trackers come in handy when your phone battery has died as a backup option.

Delivery route planning: Commercial vehicles and businesses which are in the business of pickup and delivery will benefit highly from GPS and navigation technology. These trackers can be installed on every vehicle in your fleet to enable fleet tracking and find out exactly where your shipment is headed for the day. Routes can also be planned using these trackers to manage high priority pickups and deliveries effectively.

Save money on insurance: Vehicles which have GPS and navigation tracking systems installed will save their owners a good amount of money on insurance costs. GPS systems will increase the safety of drivers since the real-time location is transmitted back to headquarters so that assistance can be useful in time of need.

Track employees: GPS systems and navigation software can also be used to keep your drivers in check. These systems can be used to keep track of movements and activities during official driving hours.

Protect valuables: GPS and navigation tracking systems can be very creatively and successfully installed in your valuables to help track down in case of any theft. Business equipment can also be fitted with similar tracking systems to pinpoint the exact location of the equipments.

Customer benefits: GPS systems will enable your customers to track their packages and deliveries will also increase faith in your brand. Customers will have real-time information about their products, track movements, to find out any delays and expected delivery schedules. This system is being employed by major consumer goods corporations who are in the business of e-commerce, buying and selling of goods electronically. Right from the time and date the order has been placed to its final delivery, everything can be tracked.

Interesting facts about GPS technology

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are a critical component when it comes to the use and application of many of the technologies, on a daily basis. Although the system was primarily designed to navigate using signals which accurately pinpoint your location, nowadays GPS and navigation systems are a common technological fixture.

However, there are many things you didn’t know about proprietary GPS and navigation systems although we are pretty much relying on the same for proper guidance. Here are a few interesting facts about this three-decade-old technology.

GPS and navigation technology: The concept which revolves around GPS technology may be similar, but the technology is not unique. This means GPS is not the only space-based radio navigation systems. It is one of the much popular and used systems globally. Russia has its own navigation system known as the GLONASS, along with Galileo in Europe and BeiDou in China. However, presently GPS and GLONASS are the only two satellite-based space radio systems that offer global coverage. The Galileo and BeiDou systems are yet to be made fully functional for global coverage.

Number of Satellites in orbit: Since GPS and navigation systems heavily rely on global satellites for positional and coverage accuracy of the signals, there are currently 32 satellites orbiting our planet. Global coverage is only possible when a total of 24 satellites work together in cohesion to provide uninterrupted signals and coverage, which was achieved back in the 90’s itself. However, today with the additional eight satellites, extra coverage is possible without any downtime when the GPS satellites are undergoing scheduled maintenance and repairs.

GPS visibility and line of sight concept: We may have 32 satellites orbiting at any given point of time, however, for GPS and navigation systems to function properly, we only need a minimum of four satellites to achieve positionally and signal accuracy. Four satellites in our line of sight will ensure uninterrupted coverage and accurate location mapping since there is constant communication between the signal sender and receiver. The signals travel at the speed of light which is constant and based on these factors it is easy to determine an accurate position for mapping.

Relativity plays a key role: Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity in simple terms states that time tends to move faster in places where there is the minimum effect of gravity, which is why the time onboard GPS and navigation satellites will be different when compared to our clocks back home. In fact, the difference of 38 microseconds faster per day will not sound so significant, but in reality, if this factor is not taken into account, the locations mapping could be off by more than a couple of miles thus affecting positional accuracy. This is also one of the main reasons why we need four orbiting satellites in line of sight to determine accuracy.

The government owns and operates GPS system: The technology might have been invented and developed by the military, to be used for advanced warfare and systems, but it was made freely available to the public after 2000. The technology is owned and operated by the government as a public domain for everyone to benefit from GPS and navigation systems which have become a major part of our routine.

Other uses of GPS:

• GPS is not just for determining your location, but also can be used to find out the exact time also with the help of onboard atomic clocks.
• GPS and navigation shoes are designed for people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s so that they can be tracked in case they lose their way.
• Not only automobiles, but ships and planes are also very dependent on this technology to navigate safely across continents.

Things to consider before buying truck GPS systems

GPS and navigation technology nowadays has found a number of ways to be creatively incorporated and used with existing technology. However, with so many brands offering these products at competitive prices, it can become quite tedious to select from the many available if you don’t know what you’re looking for on the device.

GPS and navigation systems, designed for trucking corporations and vehicles to keep track of their fleet are particularly advanced and offer a multitude of features. Here are the things you should consider while buying a truck GPS and navigation system.

Different types of tracking options: Passive and active tracking are the two types of tracking options you get for your truck navigation. Passive tracking compiles all the GPS data after the trips and can be uploaded onto office servers only when the vehicle is stationary at a hotspot point. Active tracking is real-time tracking which also syncs the data to the servers on a second by the second basis for some of the high-end GPS and navigation systems. Connected to the satellite and modem system, active tracking is preferred even if it might cost you more but will be worth the investment.

Tyes of GPS and navigation systems: Be it a truck or car GPS, technological advancements have made it very easy for major brands to upgrade and offer different types of designs, utility systems, compact systems, elaborate GPS setups for your fleet and more. Portability also plays a major role when it comes to GPS systems which is why these factors should be taken into account for the price of these systems.

Quality mapping: Accurate location and navigation is just one part of GPS systems. Truckers will travel across states into different types of cargo permit zones and even some restricted access routes. Updated GPS maps are the only way to ensure a most effective route which can be pre-planned before the journey. Moreover, the GPS and navigation system should feature zoom options, street view, bird’s eye view with real-time tracking and location accuracy to determine the most favorable driving conditions.

Clear guidance and accident updates: Clear guidance comes very handy when you happen to be driving a very heavy rig truck which needs extra clearance from above and from the sides. High-value cargo vehicles will be heavy rigs, which may not be able to pass through certain under bridges and small-town routes, which is why road clearance updates and information can be very useful for the same. For dangerous terrain and mountain routes, accident updates in real time can come in very handy. Hazard zones such as landslides, unpaved terrain with weight limits and similar driving scenarios can be quite challenging without your GPS and navigation system. These timely updates will ensure a safe ride throughout to deliver goods.

GPS software: Hardware components will be standardized for most high-end GPS and navigation systems available in the market. However, it is also important to look into the software configurations and find out if the current interface suits your purpose and driving needs. The best GPS tracking systems come with advanced management capabilities and additional features, which will again depend on how much you are willing to spend.

Mobile compatibility: GPS and navigation systems which can be integrated with smartphones are the ones you need to look out for. Smartphones will enable you to track every detail of your trip right from your current location in real-time and also data about the other trucks in your fleet. If you own more than one truck, it is advisable to find GPS systems which can be connected and synced with your phone, which will also keep an activity log throughout to track and manage multiple shipments and deadlines. Manage your fleet from the comfort of your phone without worrying.