April 8, 2014

Smartphone App Lets Users Text While Walking

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. avid /ˈævhttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngɪd/ (adj.) – having great desire to do something
Example: The avid gamer downloaded many mobile games on his phone.

2. on the go /ɒn ðə goʊ/ (idiom) – busy and frequently moves from one place to another
Example: Most reporters are always on the go.

3. peripheral /pəˈrɪfhttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngərhttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngəl/ (adj.) – refers to the area seen at the side of what one is looking at
Example: He saw his dog run away through his peripheral vision.

4. rear /rɪər/ (n.) – back part of something
ExampleMy cellphone fell and now its rear is broken.

5. pose /poʊz/ (v.) – to cause something
Example: Texting while driving poses risk of accidents.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Avid texters can now use their mobile phones while walking using a new app called “Type n Walk”.

CGactive LLC designed this new Apple application which allows users to see the street in front of them while typing a text message. This is made especially for phone users who are always on the go and cannot stay put to compose their messages.

The program uses the rear camera of the gadget (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) to give the message a transparent background. The user can then write messages that can be sent as an SMS, email, Facebook or Twitter post, or be copied and pasted elsewhere. Type n Walk costs $0.99 and can be downloaded from the App Store.

Based on a study by the University of Queensland, texting while walking poses risks to an individual. Australian researchers monitored 26 young men and women as they walked three times on a 30-foot straight path. The first walk was done without a phone. Participants read the text messages during the second walk. For the third walk, they composed a message.

Results showed that the participants’ walking manner and posture greatly changed from the first walk to the third. The researchers also found that focusing too much on the phone leads to a robot-like posture that affects body balance. They also added that texting while walking can make people lose control of their walking direction.

Makers of “Type n Walk” claim that this app is beneficial to phone users. The transparent phone background and a person’s peripheral vision will give enough support to avoid text-walking accidents.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Will you recommend the use of this app? Why or why not?
·         In what other ways can this app be useful?

Discussion B

·         How has texting affected the way people communicate? Kindly discuss further.
·         What do you think will be the future improvements of distant communication?


この記事が気に入りましたか?