Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with flex Questions tagged with 'flex' at Ask MetaFilter. Tue, 01 Apr 2014 10:21:56 -0800 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 10:21:56 -0800 en-us 60 Fitbit becoming less accurate over time? I have a Fitbit flex I've been wearing for about eight months now. In the past couple months I've started tracking my runs with the RunKeeper app, and when I compare that with the fitbit the flex is way off --- up to 20% off in distance. The weird part is, this seems to be a new thing --- when i first got the flex I compared it a few times with google maps of known distances, and I wasn't getting these huge discrepancies. I tried manually entering stride length in the fitbit settings, but doesn't seem to have helped. Any suggestions as to why this might be happening? Has anyone else noticed this with their flex? Other notes: it's a bit off and on, this inaccuracy, and seems to be way worse with running than walking. For instance, I have about a 12 min walk between my subway stop and my office; google maps has this distance as .7 miles, the fitbit recorded me this morning as walking .74 in that 15 min stretch where I walked to work. <br> <br> Could it be that I somehow deeply fucked up my stride length measurements? When I first noticed the discrepancy with the running app and the fitbit, I went to their help forums, which suggested entering my stride length into the profile settings. I went to a local track, and went back and forth on a 100 meter stretch several times counting paces, first walking and then jogging at a moderate pace. I'm 5'4 and I calculated my walking stride length as 2'1.7" and my running stride as 3'1.9"<br> <br> I know there's some way of putting the device into "activity mode" to record workouts, but as I've mostly been using it for running and walking I've never bothered to figure that out --- would that help at all? <br> <br> I have been working on my running these past several months, and while I'm still pretty damn slow I'm certainly faster than I was when I first got the flex and was starting off with a run/walk program. Could it be that?,2014:site.259617 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 10:21:56 -0800 Diablevert Fitbit? One or Flex? Due to events beyond the scope of this AskMe, high-intensity exercise is currently off the table for me. I need to stay active in order to manage a bunch of minor but chronic health conditions, though, and I know from previous experience that gamification works really well to keep me on target. So I'm in the market for a Fitbit or something like one -- I have a pedometer app for my phone, but that doesn't work so well for on-all-day functionality. But which fitbit? The problem is, the Fitbit is so popular that I can only find them online, and the features I want aren't really called out very well in the online materials or user manuals. In a perfect world, I want:<br> <br> * Something waterproof<br> * Something that will count activity when I'm pushing a stroller or shopping cart, or when I'm on an exercise bike or elliptical or whatnot<br> * Something that will track my sleep<br> * Something that will buzz periodically throughout the day to remind me to get up and at least do some squats or something<br> * Something ACCURATE. This is my biggest pet peeve with the pedometer app on my phone, it will sometimes count my steps at 4x their actual rate, and sometimes I can walk from here to the library and back and it will claim I've taken 12 steps. This breaks my whole motivation.<br> <br> I'm having a very hard time figuring out which devices have which of these features -- I know the Flex is waterproof and the One isn't, but beyond that it's all very opaque. Anyone have any specific experience with either Bit?,2013:site.245901 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 13:14:47 -0800 KathrynT Fighting/rectifying a mistake made by FSA admins Asking for my SO. Short version: Because of incorrect information we received from ADP (our FSA administrators) in February, we're about to lose $1400 in SO's FSA that we had saved for her Lasik. We've contacted a healthcare advocate, and are trying to move up her surgery; in your experience, is there anything else we can do? Long version:<br> <br> My SO badly wants Lasik, and we decided the changeover between fiscal years this summer was the time to do it. The total out-of-pocket (to be covered/reimbursed by FSA) is $4400*. We had $2500 (her plan max) deducted from her pay over the past year; $1400 remains. We're now locked into deducting another $2500 this year.<br> <br> <small>* I know this may be expensive; she's very nearsighted, and is having it done at a highly-rated teaching hospital eye clinic. Ignore the amounts.</small><br> <br> She was not enthused about the idea of getting one eye done in June and one in July, which is what she thought would need to happen to use both years' FSA balances. In February she contacted ADP through her account on their website (so they have all of her plan information in the e-mail), and they replied <strong>saying explicitly</strong> that there was a grace period for spending the previous year's balance, so she could have both eyes done in July, exhausting the previous FY's balance, followed by the current FY.<br> <br> Today she was working on setting up her appointments, so she called them to ask about something else (using the FSA debit card for some of it rather than paying OOP, I think). The person she spoke to said that the e-mail she received was totally incorrect and that no such grace period exists on her plan. This means that unless we can get one eye done <strong>this month</strong> (an increasingly unlikely proposition), she will either have to spend the remaining balance on something else (and there is nothing that she needs, or even wants), or she will lose it.<br> <br> She spoke to a healthcare advocate that works with our insurance plan, who is equally baffled by the terrible miscommunication. I'm worried that since it's a tax issue, that there's no possibility of leniency owing to their mistake. And it's not like it's even a judgement call or he-said-she-said; she has the e-mail (with full headers, IP addresses, etc), and had she not gotten the incorrect information, would have scheduled her surgery (or rather, surgeries) around this restriction.<br> <br> <strong>Does anyone have experience dealing with FSAs over stuff like this? Is there anything else we can do in the meantime other than work with the advocate, or try our damnedest to get one of her eyes done in June?</strong><br> <br> <small>Worst-case scenario bonus question: Assuming that there's no room for leniency or anything from the FSA, and she can't get one eye done before July, does anyone have brilliant (expensive!) ideas for spending down an FSA (for a young childless female) other than glasses/sunglasses, contacts, contact solution, and contraception?</small>,2013:site.242193 Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:31:40 -0800 Anonymous Fixing a DDR pad: irritating flex cable edition. It looks <a href="">thusly</a>. My issue is that, despite the fact that it was originally barely taped down at all, I am unable to successfully, <i>reliably</i> reattach it using the same method. ("it" in this case being the printed black strips on the left). I am reasonably sure that lack-of-contact is my problem, because if I physically hold the cable to the board, it will reliably work when I push a button. Best I can do is that sometimes, after putting it all back together for the Nth time, one button will work. Maybe other buttons on its side will work, maybe not. Maybe it'll work for a few presses and then quit. The cable looks fine, the board contacts look fine, no amount of scotch tape is helping me out here. How do I affix these suckers but good?,2013:site.239459 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:30:23 -0800 curious nu Flash pointers for a Flex guy? Flash pointers for a Flex guy? I'm interviewing for a job that will involve Actionscript 3 development in Flash. AS3 is no problem, I've done Flex for three years or so. And I was doing Flash as far back as Flash 4. <br> <br> I don't anticipate any problems actually doing the job; I expect I could pick it up within the first two hours. What I need help with is navigating any "gotcha" questions I might get hit with in the interview, about how modern Flash/AS3 development works.<br> <br> I'm not actually sure what modern-day Flash projects look like. Is there still one line of AS code on the timeline, that instantiates the first class or movie clip? What does a "top level" clip or class look like? (In Flex you would start with a basic MXML layout and add objects via AS from there; so looking for equivalent to that.) How are objects typically added to the stage? That kind of basic stuff is what I need to know, so I don't sound stupid. It might also help to know how Unit Testing is typically done. Oh and does Flash have a good built-in AS editor by now? Or do people typically use Eclipse or something?<br> <br> I've googled but haven't found a tutorial that actually covers this. Anything you can link me to would be greatly helpful, or if you could just describe the process to me that would be awesome.<br> <br> thanks!,2010:site.165546 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:54:19 -0800 drjimmy11 What is the difference between flash and flex? What is the difference between adobe flash and adobe flex? I want to learn how to make some simple flash visualizations (interactive graphs with buttons for example) that I can put on a web-page. I'm a student in a .edu so I've applied for the free flex environment but I don't fully understand what I should be trying to learn first. Reading the adobe descriptions did not solve my problem.<br> <br> Any suggestions regarding the best tutorials to learn flash would also be appreciated - thanks.,2010:site.159903 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:32:05 -0800 a womble is an active kind of sloth Need money now thankyou. What are some good tech-centric temp agencies in L.A.? Hi! Yet another in my long series of job-trauma questions.<br> <br> I'm currently between jobs- I'm a web/software developer, specializing in flex/AS3 but with years and years of doing html/js/ajax/php type stuff too. I have a pretty strong resume, I like to think, going back about 10 years.<br> <br> I'm currently getting contacted by a lot of recruiters and going on a lot of interviews, but it's a very drawn-out process. Basically I need a gig to bring in some money now- cutting up PSDs or whatever is fine, I'm not proud at this point. I'm curious if anyone knows any decently reputable agencies who could get me something like this soon. Specific names of agencies are appreciated, referrals to specific people are even more appreciated. (meMail me if you like).<br> <br> (I'd also be interested in where I can advertise myself as a flex freelancer, but I'm more inclined towards W2 right now for a few reasons.)<br> <br> Thanks!,2009:site.135078 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:50:15 -0800 drjimmy11 What is the current state of Adobe Flex and what tools are commonly used? What is the current state of Adobe Flex and what tools are commonly used? Though most of my experience is in C# / C++, I have done a fair bit of development in Flash over the last few years. Despite the fact that the threading model is still crippled (compared to desktop technologies or even Silverlight), I have an idea for which I think Flash / Actionscript 3 might be an appropriate platform.<br> <br> Right now I am considering whether to base my app off of Flex 3 framework or just code directly with AS3 / Flash.<br> <br> (as an aside, I have read the answers to these questions on the Adobe website. However, years of experience working with Adobe products has made me extremely skeptical of anything they claim about their own products)<br> <br> So, I have two questions:<br> <br> 1) What are the advantages which Flex 3 offers compared to just Flash? Are the Flex user interface controls substantially better than what is available with Flash alone?<br> <br> 2) What IDE and other tools are actually worth using for Flex 3 development? Is Eclipse still the IDE of choice?,2009:site.134457 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:57:16 -0800 Riemann "Proactive? Paradigm? Aren't those just words dumb people use to sound smart?" Where does one proactively look for software (specifically Flex) jobs these days? So I'm on the market. I have about ten years web/software development experience overall, with the last 3 focused in Flex. I'm in Los Angeles and not keen to move.<br> <br> In the past I would just put my resume up on Dice and get bombarded by recruiters. This time though, the response has been a little more sparse, and I'd like to find something sooner than later.<br> <br> So:<br> <br> Are the major search sites (Monster, Careerbuilder) as useless as I remember them for tech jobs?<br> <br> Is there anywhere tech-specific besides Dice I should post my resume, or search for jobs? This would include job sites or message boards or whatever.<br> <br> Are there any other strategies I'm missing, or should I just browse the websites of specific employers who i think I might like?<br> <br> Thanks!,2009:site.132589 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:49:10 -0800 drjimmy11 Pay for Flex? What, anecdotally speaking, are Flex developers getting paid right now in Los Angeles or a similar city? I have been to the salary calculators and such, they tend to come back with a number up around $120k or so- but I'm not sure how "real world" that is. I'm a Flex developer with about 2 years experience in Flex, and 10 years programming overall. I consider myself an expert in Flex/AS3 (have written my own framework, used all the major ones, can explain their strengths and weaknesses, and stuff like that).<br> <br> I'm interested in knowing, if I put myself on the market tomorrow, what salary could I expect to find in Los Angeles for full-time? How about as a consultant? How high is the demand, really? Mostly just looking for anecdotes, but hard data is welcome if it's more specific than those generic salary calculators.<br> <br> Thanks!,2009:site.131056 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:58:42 -0800 drjimmy11 Should I use Flex to make a front-end for a job board? Are there any problems with building the front-end for a job board in Adobe Flex? The back-end for the site will be in Python (Django). And my programmer suggests to save time and money, we create the front-end interface with Adobe Flex. I know it used to be a bad idea to make an entire site in Flash... if I made the front-end in Flex, would I be setting myself up for problems? If so, what alternatives should I consider?,2009:site.119170 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:03:22 -0800 ckohrman What will they make fun of me for not knowing? Help me prep for an interview for a Flex job. I have an interview for a job doing Flex development in a couple of days.<br> <br> I'm not an established Flex developer. I've spent most of my career writing C++ code for Windows applications, with a couple of Flash proof-of-concept type projects here and there and some Flash toys I wrote at home. I got my foot in the door (I think) by writing an Adobe AIR application in the last month or so in Flex that interacts with social networks (and publicizing that to them) and by doing a Flex programming test for them.<br> <br> I feel pretty comfortable with Actionscript and haven't had much of a problem getting things done with it, but I still have no idea what the average Flex developer knows. What are the things they might expect me to know?,2009:site.111714 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:53:40 -0800 ignignokt TLS up my XIFF! I'm working on a Flex app, and I want it to interact with Google Talk. Are there any xmpp libraries for Actionscript that use TLS? <a href="">XIFF</a> looked good, but it doesn't use TLS encryption, which <a href="">Google Talk requires</a>. I suppose I could modify XIFF to use TLS with <a href="">as3crypto</a>, but getting into its guts could be a lot of trouble.<br> <br> Any ideas? I'm open to entirely different approaches. All my app needs to do is set statuses ("headlines" in xmpp, I think) on Google Talk accounts.,2008:site.109917 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:46:00 -0800 ignignokt Flex your brain! What's the best way to learn Flash/Flex? Books? Certificate program? Online tutorials? My goal is to make fun games/rich apps and websites.,2008:site.100189 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:26:27 -0800 scrumtralescent Exchanging £s Sterling to Yen / Getting cash out in Japan I'm going to Japan (from the UK) and want to arrange my cash for out there - I don't want to go down the traditional credit card route as they seem to sting you for allsorts of fees nowadays. 2 parts to this question: 1. Where would I get the better deal / exchange rate for changing my Sterling to Yen? In the UK before I go, or in Japan once I'm there? 2. (This one is very specific to a UK Bank) Does anyone know if a Nationwide Flex / current account Visa card will work in many cash machines in Japan? Any help gratefully received.,2008:site.96609 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:12:17 -0800 mairuzu Help me choose between these two jobs! I've got two great job offers on the table, but unfortunately, I can't figure out which I should take. One is with an amazing organization, but doing more J2EE work; the other is sexy Adobe Flex work, but Contract. Help me choose!!! I'm relatively new to the workforce -- been out of school a little over two years now -- and have moved into becoming a full time software developer. My current job is more consulting-y than I'd like, and I am forced to work with some unmotivated people, so I've begun looking for a new position. By my great luck, I've ended up with two job offers -- but now I don't know which to choose!<br> <br> The first offer is with the best run company I've ever encountered. To give you an idea of how on top of things they are, I went through four interviews, including a tech interview, and received a job offer from one of the most senior folks in the company -- before even one week had passed from first contact! Everyone I've met in the company is truly talented and passionate, and the company has a good reputation for itself. The only real downside is that I would be doing a lot of Java Spring / Hibernate work. My background is primarily J2EE, but I've really enjoyed working with Adobe Flex and I'm primarily interested in focusing on building sexy front ends. This company does do some of that work, but I would not have access to it for at least a year, and they tend to be more enterprise-y in general. <br> <br> The OTHER offer, conversely, is 100% Flex stuff, is really interesting, and focussed on front end work. It would also offer me more money than I currently make. Since I ultimately want to spend my time doing RIA development, I definitely want to further my Flex experience. The problem is that it's contract based. While I would have a full time position guaranteed for the next 6 months, I've never done contract work before, and so I'm a touch frightened by it. In my current job, I do most of my work alone as it is... but the thought of REALLY being a one man show is definitely a huge adjustment for me.<br> <br> <br> PLEASE help me make the right choice!!,2007:site.74732 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 06:45:32 -0800 SanctiCrucis05 Does anyone know of a book that covers Flash CS3 from the ground up? Does anyone know of a book that covers Flash CS3 from the ground up? I need it all, from beginner stuff to Flex. I'm hoping to find a book that has a general introduction to Flash, a language reference for Actionscript, and a thorough review of Flex. This is asking for a lot. Perhaps what I need is a series of books? I've already visited the O'Reilly site. Their books are responsible for my career as a web developer. But I found their offerings to be either too advanced (they assume you have knowledge of Flash and jump straight into the latest stuff in CS3) or out of date.<br> <br> Also, if this stuff is covered in detail on a particular website, I would be happy to ditch the dead trees in favor of something digital. So far, all I've found are sites for the seasoned Flash developer, and they're somewhat intimidating (the sites, not the developers).<br> <br> Thanks, MeFi!,2007:site.70673 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 08:16:04 -0800 jeffmueller Is the manager lying? Does the U.S. Dept. of Labor prohibit makeup hours for salaried employees? A co-worker was sick and took a half day. She told the office manager that she would make up the time by staying late for the rest of the week. She told her that the Dept. of Labor does not allow that, and the time would have to come out of her sick days.<br> I read through DoL regulations concerning hours and flex time, and it appears to be completely at the discretion of the place of employment.<br> <br> Has anyone ever heard of a DoL regulation stating this? Or is the office manager simply lying?,2007:site.66729 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:14:46 -0800 Cat Pie Hurts how to best use MVC architecture in flex 2 trying to set up MVC (model view controller) architecture for a Flex 2 project myself and a colleague are starting a flex 2 project. we are both new to Flex, and not all that experienced in OOP.<br> <br> Our question is about components: we have the overall application (the main mxml file) and then other components which are their own mxml files. One is the Controller and one is the DataModel.<br> <br> From a code point of view, it seems we can only go down: ie, if we put both components in the top level app, we can give them id's and talk "down" to them, but the components cant go "up" and reference a function or variable in the main app.<br> <br> So the question is, a) is there a way to go "up" and b) is it a good programming practice.<br> <br> I am currently arguing that the Controller should be called in the Application, and the Data Model called inside the Controller, because the Controller needs access to the data. This way the Application can call Controller functions which access the data and return formatted data to the app. Does this make sense and, if not, how else do we architect it? We initially tried putting both components at the top (application) label, but couldn't get them to talk to each other.<br> <br> hope that makes sense. thanks!,2007:site.61252 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:54:54 -0800 drjimmy11