jmili2020

[jmili2020]

MDD410: A reflection of Emerging Multimedia Technology

When I signed up for Emerging Multimedia Technology, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect since the last few semesters I’ve been deluged with all sorts of design and technological advancements that I wasn’t sure there was going to be anything else to discuss. From learning the complete Adobe Suite to learning to code websites I was still thinking too small.

Half way through the semester that all changed for me though. I’ve heard of 3D printing and I’ve seen some small 3D printed objects. My world was rocked the day I discovered you can 3D print a home. This is a total game changer for real estate, homelessness, and sustainability. I had no idea how you could 3D print a whole house. It's amazing to see how they combined traditional house building methods with 3D printing in order to sustainably build a home.

  With the environment the way it is, this could be a really cost-effective and sustainable way of home construction. It was after I overheard a Real Estate Agent talking about how the 3D printing of homes could collapse the housing market that things truly came full circle. I find it interesting that before this week I didn't even know such a thing is possible. This process is going to save a lot of trees and give people access to clean, safe living environments.

This realization was possible because of the conversations started in the discussion threads. I take these very seriously because I truly believe every person knows something you don’t. Without discussion, our worlds would be closed off to the knowledge of others and everything emerging in their own world.  Moving forward, my key takeaway from this class is to keep on talking to peers, networking worth potential clients. This boots on the ground approach will develop the power to constantly be evolving and integrating new technologies as they are developed.

[jmili2020]

5 Resources to Keep up With Emerging Technology

One thing that’s constant in technology is that it’s exponentially evolving. Twenty years ago people might have had a bulky Nokia cell phone or a slow DSL connection as an upgrade to their dial up internet service they started with, but technology quickly evolved to wireless internet and smart phones as a consumer staple. Keeping up with the evolution can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to look. Here are five resources to help you be in the know:

1. The best place to start is reading the technology news. I highly recommend the website called The Verge where you can find out the good, the bad, and the ugly in regards to emerging technology from tiny startups to massive enterprises like Google and Apple. https://www.theverge.com/

2. For tactile learners, I highly recommend heading to a big box store such as Best Buy or Fry's Electronics to get an idea of what current technology actually feels like in your hand and how it can make your life easier. Online shopping is convenient but being able to physically compare or even test out a product will allow for a deeper level of understanding. Find the nearest Best Buy location: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/store-locator

3. Developing a ‘never stop learning, approach to technology will set you up for success and open the door to conversations with your nerdy friends who follow the trends religiously and can help open up your mind to new technologies. 

4. Signup for notifications when technology platforms announce the latest developments and opportunities. By opting in, you will receive daily notifications that will keep you up to date. https://cloud.google.com/newsletter/

5. Create a technology board for your industry where you can make note cards or utilize a service like Method Kit where you can track and implement upcoming technology to evolve your business and stay ahead of the trends. This planning method will make it easier to integrate new technologies into your own workflow. https://methodkit.com/

For example, through The Verge, I discovered Amazon. Unveiled their AZ1 neutral edge processor that will speed up Alexa’s response time hundreds of milliseconds per response. This innovation is important because it will allow the device to understand spoken English in real-time where it can transcribe recordings without even having to be connected to the internet. https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21453205/amazon-az1-neural-edge-processor-echo-show-10-alexa-voice-on-device

[jmili2020]

Fad or Trend

Just as quickly as technology evolves, the technology itself either becomes a quick fad or a highly innovative trendy option. As we enter the next level of the industrial evolution we are either infatuated with a product for a short time only to have it sit on the shelf or we discover how a device can fill a gap we didn’t even know existed. Although some believe fads and trends are synonyms for each other a fad is actually short lived and a trend is something that will evolve or be apart of the market for a long time.

Looking back at the last decade as we close out 2020, the Hoverboard was a fad that faded out quickly. Kids and adults alike could be found shredding down the street but not long after they became popular the Hoverboard became infamous for bursting into flames.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jan/14/hoverboard-explodes-into-flames-on-first-run

One of the biggest trends to close out the decade that will continue to develop through the 20′s is Cloud Computing. Having the ability to access data stored on the cloud will help streamline and allow for more people to be able to actually have access to information or services. A perfect example of this is the Adobe Creative Cloud. By subscribing to the service,  you can have access to several Adobe’s applications and have a place to store images.

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud.html

[jmili2020]

Integrating Towards Mirrorless DSLR Cameras

Mirrorless Camera technology is more than just a fad. As companies like Sony and Canon continue to launch new Mirrorless products, we will see traditional mirror DSLR technologies begin to fade. In the photography industry, technology is constantly evolving. In the 1800s, photographers were using tin-type cameras to capture images. Today, Camera manufactures have developed hardware to take old concepts of centuries past and streamline them into compact and intuitive devices. 

Mirrorless cameras boast a lighter design with advanced autofocus. Canon and Sony both offer Eye-detection autofocus, which is an absolute game changer. This feature alone has made traditionalists who swore they’d never switch sides jump ship. This feature is especially helpful when trying to capture a fast moving subject and guarantees that you won’t lose as many shots to being out of focus. 

This year Canon released its R5 Mirrorless Camera with 45 megapixels. This truly refined and state of the art camera was developed using deep learning technology and was designed with a special feature to track the whole body or face of Animals regardless of size. In addition to supreme autofocus technology the camera shoots 8k raw video and can shoot 4K up 119 frames per second.

Check out more details about the R5 here: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/explore/product-showcases/cameras-and-lenses/eos-r5

I currently shoot with a Canon 5D Mark IV which I assume to be the last of Canon’s traditional mirrored cameras. As Canon continues to become the leader in Mirrorless camera technology I know that my next camera will be a Mirrorless camera! This trend is here to stay!