RS Components enhances eTech magazine to deliver greater online experience for readers

Latest issue of eTech focusing on newest technologies gets a boost with new online version and improved iPad application

The improved iPad app introduces a host of new features with increased stability and usability for the reader. These include a significant update that allows the reader to view the articles while downloading them; plus push messaging, which has been added to the software release, that automatically sends a message when an update is available.

In addition, the new user-friendly online eTech is now available in a convenient ‘page-turner’ format, and includes hyperlinks allowing readers to gain simple access to article references and other resources for further design information and support. Access to the magazine through the RS online DesignSpark electronics design community and resource centre has also been simplified to enable designers and developers to share views and comments.

Commenting on the enhancements, Mike Bray, Electronics Marketing Manager, RS Components said, “The launch of our eTech app for iPad in January 2011 provided a completely new interactive experience for readers. Since then, we have listened to what our readers have told us they like, and want to see. The new introductions announced today continue the development of eTech as an innovative multi-format information source for electronics design engineers looking to find, design-in and buy electronics components.”

The new features and online version coincide with the latest issue of eTech, available now at www.rs-components.com/etech, and also available in a print version. The July 2011 edition examines a few of the newest technologies that will shape our lives. The wide range of topics covered includes:

• new PCB converter module for Google SketchUp, which adds a 3D CAD back-end capability to PCB design tools and takes SketchUp into the electronic product design domain;
• Lenticular 3D displays and a look at new 3D TV technologies, soon to be coming into our homes;
• Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, expected to enable a wide range of applications, and according to leading industry analysts, “2011 will be the year of M2M;”
• Plus, a look at Mbed’s new innovative CD-quality audio reference design.

eTech for iPad is available free-of-charge for download worldwide from the Apple store.