Capturing pictures of the aurora borealis utilizing an Android smartphone presents a novel set of challenges and alternatives. The constraints of cell phone cameras, comparable to small sensors and stuck apertures, necessitate particular strategies to realize fascinating outcomes. Overcoming these constraints includes understanding digital camera settings and environmental elements that affect photographic outcomes.
Profitable aurora pictures with Android gadgets permits broader participation in capturing and sharing this pure phenomenon. It democratizes astrophotography, permitting people with restricted assets or specialised gear to doc and admire the fantastic thing about the night time sky. Historic limitations typically restricted aurora pictures to devoted cameras; nonetheless, developments in cell know-how have expanded its accessibility.
The next sections will element important digital camera settings, supporting gear, post-processing strategies, and environmental issues crucial for optimizing aurora picture seize utilizing an Android smartphone. These tips will deal with elementary features required to supply high-quality pictures even with cell gadget constraints.
1. Handbook Mode
Handbook mode constitutes an indispensable operate when participating in aurora pictures with an Android gadget. The automated settings of a cell digital camera usually fail to precisely compensate for the low-light circumstances and dynamic vary inherent in capturing the aurora borealis. Computerized publicity metering typically underexposes the scene, leading to darkish and noisy pictures. Handbook management permits the photographer to exactly alter settings, optimizing the digital camera’s sensor response to the faint mild emitted by the aurora. As an example, in a scenario the place an automated mode selects an insufficiently lengthy publicity, resulting in a nearly invisible aurora, guide adjustment of the shutter pace can dramatically improve the visibility of the aurora’s options.
With out guide mode, the person is reliant on the cellphone’s inner algorithms, that are usually optimized for well-lit environments and fail to deal with the nuances of auroral shows. Particularly, adjusting ISO, shutter pace, and focus independently permits for artistic management and the power to mitigate undesirable artifacts. Rising the ISO improves sensitivity to mild, but additionally will increase picture noise. An extended shutter pace gathers extra mild, however might blur shifting components within the body. Handbook focus permits sharp pictures regardless of the darkness, the place autofocus would possibly wrestle to lock onto a transparent level. Subsequently, understanding the influence of every setting and adjusting them in coordination is essential for producing compelling pictures.
In abstract, guide mode is a prerequisite for successfully photographing the aurora utilizing an Android cellphone. It empowers the person to counteract the inherent limitations of cell digital camera know-how, facilitating the seize of auroral shows that may in any other case be missed. Overcoming the preliminary studying curve related to guide digital camera settings unlocks the potential to considerably enhance picture high quality and artistic expression in astrophotography.
2. ISO settings
ISO settings instantly affect the sunshine sensitivity of an Android gadget’s digital camera sensor, a crucial think about aurora pictures. Efficient utilization of ISO balances picture brightness and noise ranges, impacting the general high quality of captured auroral shows.
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Defining ISO in Aurora Images
ISO represents the sensor’s amplification of incoming mild. In low-light environments like these encountered throughout aurora viewing, greater ISO settings (e.g., 800, 1600, or greater) enhance the sensor’s sensitivity, leading to a brighter picture. Nevertheless, this amplification additionally introduces noise, which manifests as graininess or undesirable artifacts within the {photograph}. The collection of the suitable ISO setting is, subsequently, a compromise between brightness and picture high quality.
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Impression on Picture Noise
Elevated ISO settings correlate instantly with elevated picture noise. Whereas a brighter picture could appear fascinating, extreme noise can obscure finer particulars of the aurora and detract from the general aesthetic enchantment. Noise discount strategies, both throughout the cameras processing or in post-processing software program, can mitigate this subject to a level, however these processes may also soften the picture and scale back its sharpness. Subsequently, a decrease ISO is mostly most popular, supplied that enough mild is captured to disclose the aurora.
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Optimum ISO Vary for Android Gadgets
Android gadgets, because of their usually smaller sensor sizes, are extra inclined to noise at greater ISOs in comparison with devoted cameras. The “optimum” ISO vary varies relying on the particular gadget and lighting circumstances, however usually, an ISO between 400 and 1600 is an affordable start line. Experimentation is required to find out the utmost usable ISO for a given Android cellphone with out introducing unacceptable ranges of noise. Some superior Android telephones supply higher noise efficiency at greater ISOs than others.
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Balancing ISO with Shutter Velocity and Aperture
ISO is interconnected with shutter pace and aperture. Rising the ISO permits for a quicker shutter pace, lowering the danger of movement blur when photographing the aurora. Conversely, if a wider aperture is out there (although usually mounted on Android gadgets), one would possibly be capable of use a decrease ISO. Adjusting these three parameters in tandem is important for reaching a well-exposed and sharp aurora {photograph}. Given that almost all Android telephones have a set aperture, the photographer should primarily depend on adjusting ISO and shutter pace to realize the specified publicity.
Subsequently, setting the ISO is just not a standalone adjustment however a element inside a broader technique to maximise the readability and element of auroral pictures taken with Android gadgets. Choosing the bottom usable ISO, whereas compensating with applicable shutter pace changes, is key to this method. Put up-processing strategies are sometimes essential to additional scale back noise and refine the picture, showcasing the significance of a holistic workflow when tackling astrophotography with cell gadgets.
3. Shutter Velocity
Shutter pace performs a pivotal position within the profitable seize of aurora borealis pictures utilizing an Android smartphone. Its exact adjustment is crucial to managing mild consumption, minimizing noise, and rendering the dynamic actions of the aurora.
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Definition and Measurement
Shutter pace refers back to the length for which the digital camera’s sensor is uncovered to mild, usually measured in seconds or fractions of a second. In aurora pictures, longer shutter speeds are sometimes required to collect enough mild as a result of faint nature of the phenomenon. As an example, a shutter pace of 5 seconds permits extra mild to succeed in the sensor in comparison with 1/a centesimal of a second, leading to a brighter picture. This longer publicity time turns into important in darkish environments the place the aurora’s luminosity is low.
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Balancing Gentle and Movement
Whereas longer shutter speeds enhance mild seize, they will additionally introduce movement blur, notably when photographing the aurora, which is a consistently shifting and dynamic show. If the shutter is open for an prolonged interval, any motion of the aurora or the digital camera itself will lead to a blurred picture. Subsequently, selecting the right shutter pace necessitates a steadiness between capturing sufficient mild and freezing the aurora’s movement. Sometimes, a variety of 1 to 10 seconds is a place to begin, with changes primarily based on the aurora’s exercise and the stability of the digital camera setup.
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Impression on Picture Brightness and Noise
Shutter pace instantly impacts picture brightness. An extended shutter pace permits extra mild to succeed in the sensor, growing the general brightness of the picture. Nevertheless, like ISO, growing shutter pace may also amplify noise within the picture. The digital camera sensor is inclined to producing thermal noise over longer publicity occasions, which seems as random variations in coloration and brightness throughout the picture. Consequently, managing shutter pace additionally includes contemplating its impact on picture noise, typically requiring noise discount strategies in post-processing to refine picture high quality.
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The Function of a Tripod
Given the need of longer shutter speeds, a steady tripod is indispensable for aurora pictures with an Android gadget. Any motion in the course of the publicity, even slight hand tremors, will lead to a blurred picture. A tripod ensures that the digital camera stays stationary all through the publicity, permitting for sharp and detailed pictures even with shutter speeds of a number of seconds. Utilizing a distant shutter launch or the cellphone’s self-timer operate additional minimizes digital camera shake in the course of the publicity.
In abstract, efficient manipulation of shutter pace is a crucial facet of profitable aurora pictures utilizing an Android cellphone. By fastidiously balancing the necessity for enough mild seize with the potential for movement blur and noise, and by guaranteeing digital camera stability with a tripod, customers can considerably enhance their probabilities of capturing compelling pictures of the aurora borealis, overcoming limitations inherent in cell gadget pictures.
4. Focus management
Attaining sharp focus is paramount when using an Android gadget for aurora pictures. The diffuse nature of the aurora borealis, mixed with low-light circumstances, presents distinctive challenges for cell digital camera autofocus methods. Reliance on autofocus continuously yields blurred pictures, because the digital camera struggles to establish a definite level of focus in the dead of night sky. Consequently, guide focus management emerges as a crucial approach for reaching optimum picture readability.
To successfully make the most of guide focus, understanding hyperfocal distance is useful. Whereas exactly calculating hyperfocal distance could also be impractical within the area, setting the main focus to infinity (or the furthest focus level) is a standard start line. Experimentation is commonly essential to refine the main focus. Some Android gadgets supply a spotlight peaking characteristic, which highlights areas of the picture which can be in sharp focus. This visible help can considerably enhance the accuracy of guide focusing. An illustrative instance includes evaluating pictures taken with autofocus versus guide give attention to a distant star or the horizon earlier than the aurora seems. The distinction in sharpness is commonly readily obvious, demonstrating the benefit of guide management.
In conclusion, meticulous focus management is indispensable for profitable aurora pictures with Android gadgets. Overcoming the restrictions of autofocus in low-light circumstances via guide adjustment dramatically enhances picture readability and captures the delicate particulars of the auroral show. Follow and an intensive understanding of the Android gadget’s focusing capabilities are essential for reaching constant and high-quality outcomes on this difficult photographic area.
5. White steadiness
White steadiness considerably impacts the correct rendering of coloration in aurora pictures captured with Android gadgets. Incorrect white steadiness settings may end up in pictures with unnatural coloration casts, distorting the true look of the aurora and the encompassing night time sky. The aurora’s colours vary from greens and pinks to reds and purples; subsequently, setting an applicable white steadiness is important for reflecting these hues precisely. Android’s automated white steadiness typically misinterprets the colour temperature in low-light circumstances, resulting in undesirable outcomes. As an example, the cellphone might compensate too closely for the darkness, introducing a robust blue or yellow tint to the picture.
Handbook white steadiness settings supply better management and the power to align the picture’s coloration temperature with the scene. A typical start line is to pick out a “daylight” or “fluorescent” preset, relying on the encompassing mild circumstances. Nice-tuning the colour temperature utilizing Kelvin values (usually starting from 2500K to 10000K) gives further precision. Experimentation is essential, because the optimum white steadiness will range primarily based on atmospheric circumstances and the particular traits of the aurora show. Correcting white steadiness can rework a boring, lifeless picture into one which vividly captures the aurora’s vibrant colours.
In abstract, understanding and manipulating white steadiness is a crucial ability for reaching correct and visually interesting aurora pictures with an Android cellphone. Neglecting this setting can result in coloration distortions that detract from the ultimate picture, underscoring the necessity for guide changes to precisely replicate the aurora’s pure magnificence. Correct white steadiness ensures the colours in pictures are as true to life as doable, resulting in higher-quality pictures of the northern lights.
6. Tripod use
The utilization of a tripod is essentially linked to reaching passable ends in aurora pictures with Android smartphones. The prolonged publicity occasions necessitated by low-light circumstances inherently amplify any digital camera shake, rendering handheld pictures impractical. A tripod gives the important stability required for capturing sharp pictures, free from movement blur, particularly when shutter speeds exceed a fraction of a second. And not using a steady base, pictures are liable to exhibiting streaks and a normal lack of readability, negating any potential for capturing the fragile particulars of the aurora.
The steadiness supplied by a tripod facilitates decrease ISO settings and longer publicity occasions, each of that are essential for maximizing picture high quality. By eliminating digital camera shake, a tripod permits the person to make use of longer shutter speeds to collect extra mild, thus lowering the necessity for top ISO values, which introduce undesirable noise. Moreover, a tripod permits exact framing and composition, permitting the photographer to fastidiously place the Android gadget and keep that place all through the publicity. An instance of that is making an attempt to seize the aurora’s reflection on a lake; a tripod ensures the composition stays constant, capturing the reflective symmetry with out motion. One other occasion is composing the aurora with land components within the body.
In abstract, the correlation between tripod use and profitable aurora pictures with Android gadgets is plain. A tripod mitigates digital camera shake, enabling longer exposures and decrease ISO settings, which considerably improves picture high quality. It additionally aids in exact framing, permitting for considerate composition and enhanced visible storytelling. The absence of a tripod severely compromises the potential for capturing the aurora’s magnificence with an Android smartphone, highlighting its important position on this area of interest of cell pictures.
7. Gentle air pollution
Gentle air pollution presents a major obstacle to aurora pictures, notably when utilizing Android gadgets. This type of environmental air pollution, attributable to extreme and misdirected synthetic mild, will increase the ambient brightness of the night time sky, successfully washing out faint celestial phenomena such because the aurora borealis. The aurora’s delicate mild is well overwhelmed by the scattering of synthetic mild particles within the ambiance, lowering its visibility and making it troublesome to seize successfully with a cell phone digital camera. As an example, even a small city’s glow can create a noticeable gradient within the sky, obscuring fainter auroral shows.
Android cameras, with their smaller sensors and fewer subtle light-gathering capabilities in comparison with skilled cameras, are particularly weak to the consequences of sunshine air pollution. The digital camera’s sensor information each the sunshine from the aurora and the bogus mild scattered within the ambiance, leading to a decrease signal-to-noise ratio. In sensible phrases, this implies the faint sign from the aurora is masked by the background noise from mild air pollution, necessitating longer publicity occasions and better ISO settings, which additional exacerbate picture noise and scale back total readability. An instance of that is when a photographer is making an attempt to seize the aurora from the sting of a metropolis; the aspect of the body pointing in direction of town reveals a robust orange glow, whereas the alternative aspect, going through away from town, reveals a a lot darker and clearer sky.
Mitigating mild air pollution includes in search of places far faraway from city facilities and sources of synthetic mild. Understanding the placement of close by cities and their mild emissions is essential for planning aurora pictures classes. Using mild air pollution maps aids in figuring out darkish sky areas. Moreover, strategies comparable to shielding the lens from direct mild sources and using post-processing strategies to scale back mild air pollution gradients may also help enhance picture high quality. The sensible significance of understanding mild air pollution’s influence can’t be overstated; it instantly impacts the power to seize compelling aurora pictures with an Android gadget, emphasizing the necessity for cautious planning and website choice to reduce its detrimental results.
8. Location choice
Strategic location choice is a foundational ingredient for profitable aurora pictures with Android gadgets. The inherent limitations of cell phone cameras necessitate optimizing environmental circumstances to maximise picture high quality. Location decisions instantly affect each the visibility of the aurora and the minimization of detrimental elements comparable to mild air pollution.
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Darkish Sky Designation
Prioritizing places with official darkish sky designations is essential. These areas, typically parks or reserves, actively decrease synthetic mild air pollution, providing considerably darker skies than populated areas. A darkish sky surroundings permits fainter auroral shows to grow to be seen to the bare eye and, extra importantly, to the Android digital camera’s sensor. As an example, photographing the aurora from inside an Worldwide Darkish Sky Park gives a considerable benefit in comparison with making an attempt seize from a suburban location.
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Horizon Obstructions
The presence of horizon obstructions, comparable to mountains, timber, or buildings, can severely restrict the sector of view and doubtlessly block parts of the aurora. Choosing places with clear, unobstructed horizons maximizes the potential for capturing the total extent of the auroral show. An open area or a shoreline going through north are examples of advantageous vantage factors. Earlier than embarking on a pictures session, assessing potential obstructions is advisable, utilizing topographical maps or scouting the placement throughout daylight.
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Foreground Curiosity
Whereas minimizing mild air pollution and horizon obstructions is paramount, incorporating foreground components provides visible curiosity and scale to aurora pictures. Selecting places with attention-grabbing foreground options, comparable to lakes, mountains, or distinctive geological formations, enhances the general aesthetic enchantment. A well-composed foreground anchors the picture and gives a way of depth. Nevertheless, balancing foreground curiosity with the necessity for a darkish sky is important; excessively illuminated foregrounds can detract from the aurora itself.
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Accessibility and Security
Location choice ought to take into account accessibility and security, notably when photographing in distant areas throughout darkness and inclement climate. Make sure that the chosen location is accessible by applicable transportation and that protected strolling paths can be found. Verify climate forecasts and be ready for chilly temperatures and potential hazards. Selecting a location that’s each visually compelling and protected minimizes dangers and contributes to a extra gratifying and productive pictures expertise.
The interaction between these elements underscores the significance of diligent location planning for aurora pictures with Android telephones. The mixture of minimal mild air pollution, unobstructed horizons, participating foreground components, and protected accessibility instantly enhances the standard and influence of the ensuing pictures. Correct location choice maximizes the potential of even probably the most primary cell gadget, remodeling in any other case unremarkable pictures into fascinating representations of the aurora borealis.
9. Put up-processing
Put up-processing represents an indispensable stage in aurora pictures when using Android gadgets. The inherent limitations of cell phone cameras, comparable to small sensor sizes and compressed file codecs, typically lead to pictures that require refinement to disclose the aurora’s true magnificence. Particularly, the signal-to-noise ratio in pictures captured with Android telephones is continuously decrease than that {of professional} cameras, making post-processing essential for noise discount and readability enhancement. As an example, a picture captured at ISO 1600 would possibly exhibit important graininess; post-processing strategies can mitigate this, leading to a extra visually interesting {photograph}. With out post-processing, lots of the particulars and delicate colours of the aurora would stay obscured, rendering the preliminary seize largely unusable for something past primary documentation.
The method usually includes adjusting publicity, distinction, white steadiness, and sharpness to optimize the picture’s visible influence. Noise discount is a key step, typically achieved via software program algorithms that establish and suppress undesirable graininess whereas preserving fantastic particulars. Shade correction ensures correct illustration of the aurora’s hues, countering any coloration casts launched by automated white steadiness settings on the Android gadget. Moreover, sharpening instruments can improve the perceived element and definition of the auroral constructions. Software program like Adobe Lightroom Cell, Snapseed, and different comparable functions present the required instruments for these changes instantly on the Android gadget or on a pc. Sensible utility includes importing the captured picture into one among these packages and sequentially making use of every adjustment whereas fastidiously monitoring the impact on the picture high quality. For instance, growing the distinction would possibly convey out the aurora’s construction extra successfully, whereas delicate changes to the white steadiness can appropriate a slight inexperienced or magenta tint.
In abstract, post-processing is just not merely an optionally available step however an integral element of aurora pictures with Android gadgets. It addresses the restrictions of cell phone cameras, enabling the extraction of hidden particulars and the creation of visually compelling pictures. Challenges stay in putting a steadiness between noise discount and element preservation, however the sensible significance of mastering these strategies can’t be overstated. Efficient post-processing elevates the standard of Android-captured aurora pictures, remodeling them from easy snapshots into beautiful representations of this celestial phenomenon.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the method of capturing pictures of the aurora borealis utilizing Android smartphones. The solutions supplied goal to make clear technical features and supply sensible steerage.
Query 1: Is it doable to seize usable pictures of the aurora with an Android cellphone?
Whereas the picture high quality might not match that of devoted cameras, capturing usable pictures of the aurora with an Android cellphone is achievable. Success is determined by understanding digital camera limitations, using guide settings, and optimizing environmental circumstances.
Query 2: What are the important digital camera settings for aurora pictures on Android?
Handbook mode is important. Key settings embrace ISO (usually between 400 and 1600, adjusted primarily based on noise), shutter pace (1-10 seconds, relying on aurora exercise), and guide focus (set to infinity or barely adjusted). White steadiness also needs to be manually adjusted to keep away from coloration casts.
Query 3: Is a tripod crucial for aurora pictures with an Android gadget?
A tripod is indispensable. Longer publicity occasions required to seize enough mild demand a steady platform to forestall movement blur. Handheld pictures will usually lead to unusable pictures.
Query 4: How can mild air pollution be minimized when photographing the aurora with an Android cellphone?
Choose places removed from city facilities and synthetic mild sources. Seek the advice of mild air pollution maps to establish darkish sky areas. Shielding the lens from direct mild and post-processing strategies can additional scale back mild air pollution’s influence.
Query 5: What position does post-processing play in Android aurora pictures?
Put up-processing is essential for refining pictures, lowering noise, enhancing readability, and correcting coloration imbalances. Purposes like Adobe Lightroom Cell or Snapseed are invaluable instruments for these changes.
Query 6: How can the digital camera focus be adjusted precisely in darkness?
Handbook focus is often required. Setting focus to infinity or utilizing a spotlight peaking characteristic, if out there, aids in reaching sharpness. Experimentation and cautious commentary on the Android gadget’s display are essential to fine-tune focus.
Mastering these rules and strategies will increase the likelihood of efficiently photographing the aurora with an Android cellphone, regardless of its inherent limitations.
The following part affords actionable suggestions for bettering the outcomes of aurora pictures endeavors utilizing Android gadgets.
Ideas for Enhancing Aurora Images with Android
The next suggestions are designed to enhance the standard and success fee of capturing the aurora borealis utilizing Android cell gadgets. The following pointers deal with widespread challenges and supply actionable methods for optimizing digital camera settings and environmental issues.
Tip 1: Prioritize Handbook Digicam Mode. The automated settings on Android cameras typically fail in low-light circumstances. Interact guide mode to instantly management ISO, shutter pace, and focus for optimum picture seize.
Tip 2: Handle ISO Judiciously. Greater ISO settings amplify mild however introduce noise. Experiment to find out the very best acceptable ISO for the particular Android gadget with out extreme graininess. A spread of ISO 400 to 1600 is a standard start line.
Tip 3: Stabilize the Gadget with a Tripod. Longer publicity occasions are essential to seize the aurora’s faint mild. Make use of a tripod to forestall movement blur and guarantee picture sharpness. Even slight actions can break a picture.
Tip 4: Focus Manually and Exactly. Android autofocus can wrestle in darkness. Swap to guide focus and alter to infinity or barely under. Consider focus fastidiously on the display, zooming in to confirm sharpness on distant stars if doable.
Tip 5: Alter White Steadiness for Correct Shade. Computerized white steadiness can produce undesirable coloration casts. Choose a daylight or fluorescent preset, or fine-tune the Kelvin worth to precisely characterize the aurora’s colours.
Tip 6: Search Areas Away from Gentle Air pollution. Gentle air pollution washes out the aurora’s delicate mild. Journey to areas with minimal synthetic lighting to reinforce visibility and enhance picture high quality.
Tip 7: Seize Uncooked Photos if Doable. Many trendy Android gadgets help you seize uncooked pictures. Uncooked pictures, whereas bigger in dimension, retain extra picture information for better flexibility in post-processing. This makes them higher decisions than compressed JPEG pictures.
Tip 8: Experiment with Shutter Velocity. The correct shutter pace will rely upon the pace of the aurora. If the aurora is shifting very quick, it’s possible you’ll wish to use a quick shutter pace, comparable to 1 second. Nevertheless, if it is barely shifting, it’s possible you’ll wish to use an extended shutter pace, comparable to 10 seconds.
Adhering to those tips improves the probabilities of capturing compelling pictures of the aurora, regardless of the restrictions inherent in cell gadget pictures. The mixture of technical proficiency and considerate planning can yield rewarding outcomes.
The concluding section summarizes the important thing rules and affords a closing perspective on aurora pictures with Android telephones.
Conclusion
This exploration has detailed the strategies for capturing pictures of the aurora borealis utilizing Android smartphones. Key features embrace guide digital camera management to optimize ISO, shutter pace, and focus, the need of a steady tripod to forestall movement blur, strategic location choice to reduce mild air pollution, and post-processing strategies to reinforce picture high quality and proper coloration imbalances. Every ingredient contributes considerably to the ultimate end result, addressing the inherent limitations of cell gadget pictures.
The rules outlined supply a basis for reaching compelling astrophotography with available know-how. Understanding and making use of these strategies permits people to doc and share this pure phenomenon, increasing accessibility to aurora pictures past specialised gear. Continued developments in cell know-how promise additional enhancements in picture seize capabilities, suggesting a future the place high-quality aurora pictures turns into more and more attainable with Android gadgets.
