Today, gadgets are important attributes of everyday life that make it more comfortable and help you perform various tasks. At the same time, many people are interested in the question: what are gadgets?
This term refers to digital devices that are characterized by increased functionality, but at the same time have limited capabilities.
Looking for gifts for your beloved men? Go to the article gadgets for men. For women, I recommend the article: gadgets for women as gifts.
Scope of application [ edit | edit code ]
Gadgets are widespread in a variety of areas: sports - fitness trackers, smart bracelets, sports devices, including smart clothing; medicine: electronic patches, tricorders, hydrocopters, exoskeletons.
gadget software
(widget) - a small application that provides additional information, such as a weather forecast or exchange rates.
Typical examples of gadgets as gadgets are Google Gadgets
(there are options for the Google Desktop sidebar and for the iGoogle personal page), Windows Vista sidebar gadgets and similar ones for Windows 7/8, gadgets for browsers, and gadgets S> (English) on compatible devices.
Specific examples
I suggest you read articles on gadgets: about a ring that saves lives, a headset that reflects your mood, or a prototype of an earphone-translator. And I, driven by ordinary interest, decided to see what gadgets could be found on Aliexpress. As you know, everything is there!
Kitchen
The first interesting thing is a squeezer (I’ll call it that) of cherry and olive pits. If you're making cherry pie, you don't need the pits in it, right? But cutting them out yourself is time-consuming and inconvenient. As for olives and black olives, they are sold without seeds. But haven’t fatal mistakes happened to you - you mixed up the jar or simply didn’t look at what you took, but there was no time or opportunity to buy another one. In general, the item is not the most useless.
Another kitchen gadget is the corn popper thingy. I really don’t know what to call it better, but I’ll explain its essence. You insert the cob there and twist it - the blades cut off the corn. A good alternative to canned food!
Household
I noticed a lot of brushes like this. You pour the cleaning agent into a special compartment and, when needed, press the button so that it gets onto the brush itself.
I was also interested in the “washcloth”, as stated in the description, for glasses. I don’t know how it will actually clean, but in theory it should help out bespectacled people. Small, always with you, the eyepieces got dirty - wiped them.
Computers
The tape often contains small lamps and fans that are connected via a USB cable. At first I wanted to show them to you, and then I came across a set! Judging by the comments, the product is really good: the light is bright, the fan blows strongly for its size.
I'll probably stop here. And yes, since we are talking about useful acquisitions, I recommend that you buy the course “Secrets of Productive Computer Work.” What is it for? You will learn about the hidden abilities of your PC and will be able to squeeze out much more from it than you thought.
Now that's it! I hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful. If so, recommend the blog to your friends and subscribe to the Start Luck VKontakte public page. And I wish you success in all your endeavors and all the best!
Reading the article will take: 3 minutes.
For hundreds of years, humanity has used devices, mechanisms and devices in their final functionality, which does not allow for improvement. This was the case before the advent of the technogenic era. Since the 19th century, owners of various devices have had the opportunity to expand their functions using non-standard, but specially designed add-ons. The general name for all such improvements has become the English word “gadget”.
All devices depicted here are gadgets. However, the modern meaning of the term “gadget” is much broader.
The development of production, which accelerated sharply 150 years ago, gave rise to numerous adaptations to machine tools. It was difficult for workers to remember the correct names of all such devices. However, they found a convenient way out - they called all such devices with the streamlined word “crap”. “Where is that long thing?” or “give me that shiny crap!” - phrases commonly used by the work team of any enterprise in the post-technogenic era. In fact, the English “gadget” has the same meaning as the Russian “khrenovina”.
The word “gadget” was coined and actively used in a rather closed professional society - in the British Navy in the mid-19th century. The ship's crews called gadgets tools and devices whose names they did not know or remember. It was from naval slang that this word spread among various groups of the population of England interested in technical progress. For example, in the society of bikers at the beginning of the last century, gadgets were devices and objects installed by the owner of a motorcycle on the handlebars. These were mirrors, speedometers and levers, as well as mascots, badges and more.
The equipment of military ships of the 19th century became very complicated. In order not to remember the difficult names of the devices, the sailors called them gadgets.
In the middle of the 20th century, the meaning of the word “gadget” changed - in the United States it began to refer to compact and mobile devices intended for individual use. American critic Rayner Banham gave the following definition to a gadget: “an autonomous unit of high productivity that ensures the transformation of a certain set of circumstances into compliance with human desires. To set up and use it, you need minimal skill. The gadget does not belong to any specific social infrastructure; any user can order it from a catalog and receive it delivered.”
Thus, from the middle of the last century, all technical devices for personal use began to be called gadgets. Game consoles, tablets, smartphones, vapes and similar devices are gadgets. Even televisions, which back in the 90s were exclusively a family (i.e. mass) means of entertainment in the evening, are today recognized as individual gadgets.
For the first time, window gadgets (essentially widgets) appeared on the Amiga personal computer monitor.
The 21st century introduced a new mass product of modern technology into the homes of earthlings - the personal computer. There is an urgent need for software that can expand and improve the functions of the basic software shell. The developers of one of the early PC operating systems, AmigaOS, named a group of built-in applications integrated into the main software system to improve the graphical interface as gad tools.library. The developers of the Amiga operating system took the first part of the name - gad - from the popular word gadget.
Nowadays, such graphical gadgets are associated with GUI widgets - controls in the user graphical interface. Windows, Apple or Google OS gadgets are called when the user clicks on the widget associated with them - a label, button or banner.
It’s easy to select and install the desired gadget (widget) from Google - just go to the specialized website of this company. True, some gadgets will be paid.
The term “gadget” was born from the technologies of the 19th century, which will continue to develop in the following centuries. Many words that were recently popular among the masses will soon become archaisms and disappear, but gadget - the areas of application of this word will expand with each decade. Take a look, for example, at the images on the left side on this page of the swagor.com blog (if you are surfing from a smartphone, then the widgets under this article) - these are widgets, clicking on which will take you to the articles of the past month that were popular among visitors. And each of these widgets is a gadget.
>Gadget
Gadget (eng. gadget - gizmo, device, device, trinket, gadget) is a small device designed to facilitate and improve human life.
>Features
- Portability: the weight of typical gadgets does not exceed 300 grams, and their dimensions allow them to fit into clothing pockets.
> In works of culture
The appearance and functional potential of gadgets are described in cyberpunk works as plug-in connectors of a brain-computer interface.
> Links
- How to create your own gadget
In works of culture [ edit | edit code ]
The appearance and functional potential of gadgets are described in cyberpunk works as plug-in connectors of a brain-computer interface.
A gadget is a compact electronic device (or program), the purpose of which is to make a person’s existence easier. The etymology or origin of the word is from the English “gadget,” which can be translated as “thing” or “device.” The peculiarity of the gadget is that it is attached to the device and expands the capabilities of the main device. This means that gadgets do not work on their own. An example could be speakers or a fan for a smartphone. A mobile phone is a device.
Where did it come from?
The origin of the term is a highly controversial issue. From the very first mention (it was at the end of the nineteenth century), everything was called “gadgets”. The first atomic bomb as well! In general, it is generally accepted that those objects whose real names are too long, difficult to remember, or simply unknown began to be called this way.
Most likely, the English word "gadget" came from the French language. There are four versions. First: one French company that took part in the design of the Statue of Liberty and made its miniature named it in its honor - Gaget, Gauthier & Cie. To be honest, I see little connection here, but many will disagree with me. Well, it's their right!
Second version: there are sources claiming that the roots grow from the vocabulary of French sailors, or more precisely from the word gâchette, which means trigger lever. Once again, I don’t understand what this familiar gadget has to do with us?
Third option: the verb engager can be considered the father of the gadget. It has several similar meanings: to associate with something, to attract to something, to involve, to hire, and the like. There is a meaning here, in my opinion, and the version has its place.
The most common is the fourth opinion: “gadget” comes from the French gagée, which translated into Russian means “small accessory.” Everything here is completely clear, understandable and reasonable.
There are other options. For example, the Scots look for the origin of a gadget in engineering jargon. They have a measuring tool called a gadge. Who knows, maybe they are right!
What are gadgets for?
They significantly expand the capabilities of the main device. Or they make it possible to use the device in a new capacity. For example, if you connect a hands free headset to your phone (an earphone with a microphone inserted into your ear), you can receive calls when your hands are busy and talk without taking the phone out of your pocket or bag. In this combination, the phone is a device, and the headset is a gadget. Ordinary headphones that turn a smartphone into an audio player are also a gadget.
The photo shows gadgets connected to a smartphone (device): smart watch, power bank, headphones
Portable vacuum cleaner
Cleanliness and order should be in everything that surrounds a person. If a robot vacuum cleaner, a regular broom or mop can handle the floor, then with a table or car everything is a little more complicated.
You shouldn’t expect miracles from it, but it will be useful in some places
Gadgets that I have long wanted to buy on AliExpress.
This vacuum cleaner is manufactured under the Baseus brand and has great suction power. The motor spins up to 80,000 rpm. It is difficult to call it silent, but a battery life of 45 minutes is possible at the minimum level. But it will be quite easy to quickly remove crumbs from the table or tidy up the car.
Buy a portable vacuum cleaner
How are gadgets different from devices?
Devices are small electronic devices with power sources that can operate without support from other devices or gadgets. Classic examples of such devices are smartphones.
Gadgets are devices without a power source, unable to work without other devices to which they must be connected. The boundary between the two concepts is blurring even more thanks to the emergence of devices that can function independently, but only work fully in conjunction with another device (smart watches and fitness trackers).
Here are the main features of gadgets:
- Small sizes - there are no huge gadgets. A gadget is a compact solution to one specific task.
- Lack of autonomy and power source, cannot work independently. Power is obtained from the devices to which they are connected.
- After connecting to devices, their functionality is expanded.
Relieving stress
Too much news? Take a break from the bright LaMetric display by completing a couple of puzzles. According to a widely cited MacArthur study online, jigsaw puzzles help delay dementia and Alzheimer's disease; but this study seems to be an online myth. But what puzzles will definitely prevent is boredom, stress and anxiety.
Guardian Dragon
Unidragon “Guardian Dragon” is not a puzzle, but a work of art, the result of the painstaking work of an illustrator and designer. Each detail is made in the form of a thematically appropriate figurine: a dragon, a sword, a shield. Together they form one large dragon. The puzzle is made of thick birch plywood, there are 193 pieces in total. You will assemble a dragon in just 2-4 hours, and you can repeat this over and over again until the quarantine ends.
If mythological creatures are not your thing, there is a lion, fox, fish and owl in the same style.
Wooden motorcycle
And hearts are a fiery engine! Ugears are wooden mechanical puzzles that make it easy to forget about everything. Stylish models move and live their own lives. So, a brutal motorcycle travels 3 meters. No batteries: the mechanism is driven by a “rubber motor” of the original design. The rubber band tightens, and the released energy launches the motorcycle forward.
The model has a stand, but the motorcycle is well balanced - it will stand on a shelf even without it. It is assembled from 189 parts in a couple of hours. It makes you happy forever, or until you get into a serious traffic collision.
Own bookstore
What is better to do within four walls than to collect four more walls, but small ones? Or rather, two. The DIY House “Bookshop” constructor is a roombox, a miniature model of a room. In this case, it is a model of a corner of a bookstore. The furnishings, walls and even working lighting are assembled from elements and materials from the set. For example, to make a tiny book, you need to cut out and fold pages with illustrations, and a flower in a small vase is rolled up from paper by hand.
There are detailed instructions for assembly. You can fold a roombox in 24 hours, but practice shows that it will take more time. There's no hurry! Now is the perfect time to put together your little dream bookstore corner. It looks stunning backlit, but is just as beautiful in sunlight.
Examples of gadgets from different fields
Gadgets have found their way into all areas of modern life. Here is a small list of what belongs to gadgets, divided into subcategories:
- Sports gadgets. Even professionals use smart watches and fitness trackers.
- Medical gadgets. Exoskeletons, electronic patches and artificial organs have long moved from the realm of science fiction into real life.
- Gadgets for entertainment. The most widely used, for example, virtual reality glasses.
- Gadgets in art. For example, M>
List of the most common gadgets:
- fitness bracelet (smart bracelet)
- mouse
- keyboard
- speakers for smartphone
- midi keyboards
- virtual reality glasses
- headphones
- flash drive
- card reader, etc.
Digital gadgets or widgets
Gadgets for the Windows desktop are called widgets. They provide the user with certain information and make it easier to access - for example, a weather forecast on a widget in Windows or on a smartphone. They save time searching for the necessary information in the program itself or on the Internet.
Widgets are very popular in various online services containing analysis, statistics or the current state of something. For example, a widget for exchange rates, server load, memory or processor load, etc.
USB hub for computer
Place the USB hub on your desk to connect multiple devices at once
Another convenient way to display the USB port in a prominent place. Want to connect your smartphone and other accessories to your PC? No problem. This USB hub has 3 USB 2.0 ports and a USB 3.0 port on top. Suitable for a wide variety of devices and even charging. There is currently a nice discount on this product - you can't miss this!
Price : 617 rubles
Buy a USB hub for PC
Others can't, but we can! Samsung continues to run ads on phones
Pros of devices and gadgets
Gadgets complement devices, so in this section we will consider them together. Electronic devices, which are widespread among young people, have undoubted advantages:
- Allows you to quickly search for the information you need around the world. Computers, tablets and smartphones make it possible to quickly and efficiently learn something new.
- They can be good tools for creativity and professional activities.
- Quick connection and communication with friends or people of interest around the world. Through gadgets and devices, you can almost always be in touch with friends or partners.
- Increase planning accuracy and simplify life. Using a smartphone, you can order everything - from tickets to a nearby cinema to an art exhibition on the other side of the planet.
- Quick access to news.
People have more opportunities to communicate electronically. They can easily find communities of interest and develop their hobbies with the help of like-minded people.
The photo shows gadgets connected to the PC motherboard
Illuminated umbrella
Illuminated umbrella
Advantages of an umbrella: It often becomes dark during cloudy weather and rain. In order to make everything visible, a device such as an umbrella with light bulbs was invented. Light bulbs can change colors: yellow, green, red, blue, pink, purple and orange.
- Unusual design.
- Ease of use.
The disadvantages include:
- It is impossible to replace light bulbs after they burn out.
- Heavy weight of the device.
As for the price of this gadget, it is about 1,100 rubles.
Cons of electronics
There were some downsides too. Basically, representatives of the older generation speak out against electronics - the fact that their child is not developing in the same way as they did in their time fills them with fear. Many psychologists and educators are against it because:
- Devices and gadgets contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which causes excess weight, worsens a person’s physical condition and causes other pathologies.
- A person is drawn in, he withdraws from reality and does not want to communicate with loved ones.
- Vision deteriorates due to constant eye strain.
- It is unknown how frequent use of gadgets and devices affects a fragile psyche.
Smart eye camera
Camera eyeball
Pros: This device looks just like a spinning eyeball on a platform from a sci-fi movie. The camera can scan your face and recognize 6 different emotions: anger, joy, sadness, disgust, surprise and fear. In addition, it determines gender and age based on facial expressions. The gadget can help people with autism gain an understanding of the emotions of those around them.
- Prevents crime.
- Observing and recognizing emotions.
- Interesting design.
Disadvantages of the device:
- Price.
- Low functionality.
The price in various configurations will range from 17,000 to 26,000 rubles.
Conclusion
The article describes in detail what a gadget is. What is the difference between devices, scope of application, main advantages and disadvantages.
If you still have questions, write in the comments section.
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The foreign word “gadget” has long and firmly entered our lexicon, especially for the younger generation.
So firmly that, in fact, it went beyond the scope of slang and stood on a par with other Anglicisms, the name of which is legion in the modern language. Many people use it appropriately and inappropriately, without even thinking about the meaning.
Therefore, let’s try to figure out what is included in this concept, what kinds of gadgets there are and why they appeared in the history of mankind.
3D pen
3D pen
The main advantages of the gadget: An ultra-modern device for creating various things. The pen fully replaces a 3D printer. The gadget is well suited for a gift and will be indispensable for creative people.
- Ease of operation.
- Wide functionality.
- Refilling with various threads.
The disadvantages of the gadget include:
- Worse than a 3D printer.
- It will take time to learn how to draw beautifully.
The cost of pens varies and starts from 6,000 rubles.
What it is
If we try to translate this word into great and mighty, we get a number of slang meanings: “gimmick”, “gadget”, “stray”, in extreme cases - “device”, “device”.
In general, we can say this: a small device designed to make a person’s life easier, make it more pleasant and comfortable. If we take fairy-tale analogies - a self-assembled tablecloth, running boots, an invisible hat and a magic ball.
And since there are so many areas of human activity that need relief and simplification, their own types of gadgets have been created and continue to be created for almost each of them.
And they created so many of them that voices are already being heard about the excessive laziness of users.
Why are they really needed?
The question is not nearly as simple as it seems. It would seem that the role of such devices should be purely utilitarian, limited to the specific range of tasks for which they are actually purchased.
The phone must be used to make calls, the navigator must get directions, the mp3 player must play music, and so on. And do it as efficiently as possible. That's all. But this is only at first glance.
In modern society, the social component is increasingly coming to the fore.
For example, living conditions, which in our time are the lot of the marginalized and losers, causing a feeling of deep dissatisfaction, a hundred years ago would have seemed almost a dream even to the poorest representatives of the middle class - only because the majority have much better conditions.
Such people feel inferior precisely in comparison, because of their low status, while there are no real material needs.
So, many gadgets are a product of this very social component, since they serve as one of the symbols of social status.
Very, very many people choose, for example, a smartphone solely as an indicator of their “coolness”, and consider all its many functions in the spirit of: “well, after all, you can still make calls on it.”
Which power bank to buy
Don't know which power bank to choose? Here's a reliable and powerful option for you
A portable charger is one of the three gadgets (besides your smartphone and headphones) that you definitely shouldn’t leave home without. We found an excellent option for you from ROMOSS : it has several connectors and a capacity of 30,000 mAh, so you can charge several devices at once. The product is currently on sale at a discount, but the price may rise at any time!
Price : 1937 rubles
Powerful power bank for your phone
What should I do? Is it worth buying used headphones?
So, is the main role of gadgets to demonstrate vanity?
No way! Demonstration of vanity is just a clever result of advertising campaigns conducted by mega-corporations - manufacturers of gadgets and related services.
An appropriate worldview has been formed, especially among young people, which helps sell these devices in hundreds of millions of copies.
Only a small part of unnecessary devices like mugs that connect to USB fall into the category of “show-off” gizmos. Everything else has its own utilitarian niche, in which it is used according to the needs and imagination of the owner.
