What is the difference between Standard HTML5 and HTML5+Cordova Project in Intel XDK?

In all my previous posts in this blog we only looked at Standard HTML5 projects. In Standard HTML5, the project was packaged as a web app and host it on a server (the Intel XDK server in this case) as an HTML5 web app, or build it for distribution via popular mobile app stores. For testing purposes, you would use the Intel XDK Preview app available from app stores. There are couple of examples and posts on this site. Standard HTML5 Projects are built for Desktops, smartphones and tablets.

The HTML5+Cordova projects on the other hand are built for smartphones and tablets for all of the following OSs: android, iOS, Windows and also as a web app.

The pages you create use both the Standard HTML5 and Cordova APIs and can be distributed via popular app stores.

You will be devleoping as a hybrid mobile app that can,

• Use sensor data on the phone including camera, gps, accelerometer etc
• Access device hardware;Near field communication(NFC); Bluetooth, Camera etc
• Manage file storage and caching. Also access databases like calendars, contacts
• Work with third-party plug-ins

More on Cross-Walk here:

Cross-Walk is also android specific but built on Open Source foundation.

https://software.intel.com/en-us/xdk/blog/what-is-crosswalk

What are the different sensors embedded in the Microsoft Band - 2

The new Microsoft Band has a very comprehensive set of sensors in addition to a Haptic vibration motor.

Here is a listing from Microsoft site;

• Optical heart rate sensor
• Heart rate is monitored optically looking at the fluctuations in the capillaries situated in the back of the clasp. A green light is seen when active.
• 3-axis accelerometer/gyro
• Motion Detection
• Gyrometer
• Motion Detection
• GPS
• Location changes monitored, distances measured, route changes monitored
• Ambient light sensor
• Adjusts display clarity with changes in ambient light
• Skin temperature sensor
• UV sensor
• Click UV tile to find current UV level
• Capacitive sensor
• Galvanic skin response(GSR)
• Measures skin conductivity (between two points) with one point under the clasp and another under the face of the band. Band knows whether it is being worn so as to adjust activities.
• Microphone
• You can speak to Cortana. The microphone is next to left side of touch screen. Click and hold action button to speak.
• Barometer
• Detects elevation changes while running up/down hill, cycling or mountain climbing.

What is Haptic?
It is also known as Tactile or touch sensitivity. You feel a vibration if some attention is needed, for example. In the case of Microsoft Band it can alert you to messages and such. If it bothers you, it can be turned-off from Settings (DoNotDisturb setting).

Microsoft Band Video: