Tuesday, August 18

iphone/itouch: how does the image change when the unit is turned on it's side?

My son has an iphone & it has always fascinated by how the screen works moving it along with his fingers & zooming in & out & of course how the image changes when it turned. Now I know! (Sort of)
The technology used to enable the image to move when the unit is moved is called a 3-axis accelerometer. The processor in the unit senses that the unit has turned & the accelerometer alters the image to the desired orientation.
I admit that I got really bogged down in the technology around what the 3-axis actually do. I really was a bit beyond me, but I got the basic concept.
It really is an amazing piece of technology. Maybe I might get myself an iphone one day! I will have to just learn how to do more than just turn it on first!


2 comments:

  1. Yes the tech behind it is all pretty confusing isn't it?
    Once you start playing with one, I think you would find it very easy to use. I felt the same, but now I have mine I use it for everything.

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  2. I hadn't read anything about '3-axis'... good spotting Marina... must do some more reading.
    Actually did you know that Ac-cel-erometer... is a hibrid word derived from Greek and Latin origin... it literally translates as 'Hurry on out and buy an iPhone'... I know this because everyone who doesn't have an iPhone and who hears this word... now wants one [an iPhone]...myself included!
    :)PP

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