KatnipsssThe Nix Pro's patented shape blocks out all ambient light from your surroundings. It has its own calibrated light source right inside the device for extremely high levels of accuracy. This means that the Nix Pro is not effected by ambient light or shadows at all. You can touch Nix to painted walls, fabric, wallpaper, tile or natural objects to instantly get the exact color in RGB, CMYK, Lab, XYZ, and even physical paints. The Nix comes with our free Android and iOS apps. Let me know if I can explain anything else! :)