#Instant Object Recognition in Live Camera Streams | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

axontecs · 7 months ago

Text

Latest Trends in CCTV Technology in Saudi Arabia

The security situation in Saudi Arabia is dynamically developing, with more and more people paying attention to security and using increasingly sophisticated CCTV systems. The need for the latest security technology is to provide excellent security systems with added and better monitoring systems to suffice the new infrastructure developing in the world. In this blog, let’s review the up-and-coming development of CCTV technology in Saudi Arabia that is changing the market of security systems. For those seeking the most advanced solutions, partnering with the best CCTV installation company in Saudi Arabia ensures top-notch systems and professional expertise.

1. AI-Powered Surveillance Systems

AI capability integration in CCTV systems is one of the significant improvements that have brought analytic capability in security systems. Advanced technologies such as AI cameras have the capability to capture faces, identify abnormality and study behavior in real time hence identifying threats in good time.

In Saudi Arabia, AI-based surveillance is particularly beneficial for:

Facial Recognition: AI cameras are able to recognize authorized persons and alert security on suspicious persons, boost the effectiveness of access control and ht the security of hazardous zones such as airports, malls and governmental facilities.

Object and Motion Detection: These systems can identify arbitrary movements like trespassing and strolling which lead to instant notification.

Behavior Analysis: AI cameras can observe the motion and activity, and therefore, possibly notice dangers before they materialize.

AI incorporated CCTV systems, for Saudi Arabian businesses especially; these new changes are a game-changer for the better when it comes to future security developments.

2. Cloud-Based CCTV Solutions

Implementation of CCTV using cloud technology is widely expanding in Saudi Arabia. All these solutions allow users to stream footage without physically accessing the systems, store huge amounts of data, and grow security systems in capacity.

Benefits of Cloud-Based CCTV Systems:

Remote Access: The recorded footage and live feet can further be accessed from anywhere in the world through a secure cloud base platform.

Cost Efficiency: Major cloud systems are not expensive to implement since small and medium businesses do not need to invest in the local hardware and IT infrastructure.

Data Security: Present cloud based arrangements ensure that a particular footage is saved under encryption hence saving it from cyber threats.

Scalability: Cameras can be added or existing storage increased without causing much disruption to the operations of a business.

As Saudi Arabia increasingly focuses on smart cities and digitalization, cloud-based CCTV systems are one of the most popular solutions for organizations that want both flexibility and a high level of security.

3. Integration of Smart IoT Devices

The use of the IoT means that CCTV cameras can be linked to a wide range of smart gadgets and systems for simplified management. Recent development in remote monitoring with the use of CCTV through the use of IoT enhances productivity and security.

For instance:

Smart Homes and Buildings: CCTV systems connected to IoT technology can be connected to alarms, lighting and smart locks to create an automated reaction.

Smart Cities: Smart surveillance that connects to the Internet of Things proves vital in the operations of smart cities particular to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and the Line with respect to planning city infrastructure, traffic control, as well as public security.

Industrial Applications: Smart devices in camera form for controlling the production process and identifying system failures and potential risks.

The capacity to integrate CCTV cameras with smart systems means that monitoring processes are carried out simultaneously, thus increasing security and comfort for business people and homeowners.

4. High-Resolution and 4K Cameras

With the demand for better and higher quality visualization in video recordings the usage of high-resolution CCTV cameras and especially 4K and ultra-high definition cameras are also experiencing high demand in Saudi Arabia.

Advantages of 4K CCTV Cameras:

Enhanced Clarity: Another significant benefit is an increased image resolution because 4K cameras can provide clear images and characterize things, persons, and plates.

Wide Coverage: A larger coverage area can be photographed by using high-resolution cameras eliminating the need for several cameras.

Improved Evidence Collection: The sharp footage present in case of incidents is credible evidence in front of police and in the courts.

Whether it’s in business establishments, homes, apartment complexes, and other buildings, the use of 4K CCTV cameras is guaranteeing more precise surveillance, especially when installed by the best CCTV installation company in Saudi Arabia.

5. Thermal Imaging and Night Vision

Biometrics and thermal imaging security cameras and systems are helping in improving security in Saudi Arabia particularly for the companies that are using the services in harsh and insecure regions.

Thermal Cameras: In particular, these cameras rely on the recognition of body heat and outlines of objects to follow people, which allow using them in conditions of limited visibility.

Improved Night Vision: Certainly modern CCTV systems offer infrared and low light cameras to capture images even in total darkness.

Security, construction, oil & gas and border management companies can’t afford not to have round the clock protection especially in extreme conditions, and this situation dictates use of thermal imager cameras.

6. Wireless CCTV Systems

Current trends include wireless CCTV systems have received much popularity in KSA due to their applicability, simplicity and low maintenance costs.

Key Benefits of Wireless Systems:

Quick Deployment: The requirement of wiring becomes eliminated when using wireless cameras, meaning that installation becomes faster and cheaper.

Flexible Positioning: These systems enable business and homeowners to pan cameras in any particular direction.

Remote Monitoring: Wireless technologies can be used to relate to mobile devices allowing users to access footage from remote locations.

We soon discover that wireless CCTV systems are an effective way of establishing surveillance since they do not require stubby cables which limits distance when dealing with very large property or in situations where the security measure is only needed for a limited period of time.

7. Cybersecurity for CCTV Systems

CCTV in Saudi Arabia thus became a focal point when digital surveillance emerged and emphasized on the need to enhance the cybersecurity. CCTV technology in the current world combines enhanced security codes, two-factor identification, and safe storage of data to avoid the act of hacking a system.

Why Cybersecurity Matters:

Protecting Sensitive Data: Security video evidence invariably includes information that is sensitive and should not fall into the wrong hands of hackers.

Preventing Unauthorized Access: The main characteristic of secure systems is that only employees with permission are allowed to view real-time and past events.

Compliance with Regulations: Saudi Arabian data protection laws allow surveillance programs to be securely integrated because privacy enforcement needs to be ensured.

Conclusion

CCTV technology in Saudi Arabia is now experiencing extremely rapid growth, even compared to the global rate, thanks to such technologies as AI, cloud solutions, IoT integration, and high-resolution cameras. These trends are bringing about change in the security sector, providing business people and homeowners innovative and efficient ways of protecting their property.

With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opening up to innovation and smart city concepts, it is not an option for the kingdom to invest in the latest and most efficient CCTV technology. Companies who wish to remain secure in their positions should look for the best CCTV installation company in Saudi Arabia, which will be in a position to meet their needs and offer the latest technology in CCTV systems. Therefore, by applying these trends, organizations are assured safety, effectiveness, and no more worries in an increasingly complex world.

#saudi arabia #homesafety #businesssecurity #cctv installation #cctv camera #cctv installers

0 notes

johngarrison1517 · 8 months ago

Text

How Do HDR GigE Cameras with Machine Learning Enhance Surveillance?

Have you ever wondered how modern surveillance systems can detect and respond to potential security threats in real-time? Or, how do they manage to maintain image clarity and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions? The secret behind these advancements lies in the fusion of HDR GigE cameras with machine learning technology. But how do these two innovations come together to elevate security monitoring? And what challenges do they solve for organizations seeking better surveillance systems? In this blog, we'll explore the incredible ways HDR GigE cameras paired with machine learning are enhancing surveillance capabilities, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.

The Challenge of Traditional Surveillance Systems

For years, traditional surveillance cameras have been the backbone of security systems, offering a sense of safety for businesses, homes, and public spaces. However, as the threats to security become more sophisticated, many organizations have begun to realize the limitations of their existing setups. Traditional cameras often struggle with image clarity in low-light conditions or when capturing high-speed movements. And while security personnel can monitor live footage, they often miss subtle details that could indicate a potential threat.

These limitations leave organizations vulnerable to security breaches, theft, or even false accusations, ultimately impacting their bottom line. That’s where HDR GigE cameras with machine learning step in.

How HDR GigE Cameras Work: Capturing Every Detail

HDR GigE cameras are equipped with high-dynamic range (HDR) imaging technology, which allows them to capture a wider range of light levels compared to traditional cameras. Whether it’s bright sunlight or a dimly lit room, these cameras provide clearer, more balanced images by combining multiple exposures in real-time.

This means that HDR GigE cameras can adapt to varying light conditions, ensuring that every scene is captured in detail, whether it's day or night. For instance, in a surveillance setting, these cameras can clearly identify facial features or objects in low-light areas while maintaining clarity in well-lit zones. Without HDR, you'd either get too much light or too little, leading to blurry or overexposed footage.

The combination of GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) technology ensures that these cameras can transfer large volumes of data at high speeds, making them ideal for real-time surveillance monitoring. This means smoother video streaming and faster access to high-definition footage when you need it most.

Machine learning: Making surveillance smarter

While HDR GigE cameras offer outstanding image quality, the true magic happens when these cameras are integrated with machine learning algorithms. Machine learning involves training computers to recognize patterns and make decisions based on data without explicit programming. When applied to surveillance systems, machine learning can analyze camera footage in real-time and detect abnormal behavior, movements, or even identify specific individuals.

For instance, with machine learning, HDR GigE cameras can detect if someone enters a restricted area or if an object is left unattended in a public space. These cameras are trained to recognize normal behaviors and flag unusual activities, providing security personnel with instant alerts.

Machine learning can also enhance facial recognition technology, making it more accurate and reliable. In crowded environments, distinguishing between individuals can be challenging. But with machine learning, HDR GigE cameras can refine their ability to identify faces by learning from vast datasets, improving accuracy and minimizing false positives.

Solving Real-World Pain Points

For many organizations, traditional security systems have failed to provide the level of detail and accuracy required to ensure safety. From retailers trying to prevent theft to city planners monitoring public spaces, the pain points are real and urgent.

Low-light Conditions: Many surveillance cameras struggle with visibility at night or in poorly lit environments, leaving areas unmonitored. HDR GigE cameras solve this problem by offering enhanced performance in low-light conditions, ensuring a continuous and reliable security feed.

False Alarms: A common frustration with traditional surveillance is the high rate of false alarms. Often, cameras capture innocent movements, like a bird flying by, triggering unnecessary alerts. Machine learning, paired with HDR GigE cameras, can learn to distinguish between harmless movements and genuine threats, significantly reducing the number of false alarms and helping security teams focus on real issues.

Overwhelming Data: As surveillance systems collect more data, it becomes increasingly difficult for security teams to sift through footage and pinpoint critical moments. Machine learning can automate this process by analyzing footage and flagging suspicious behavior, reducing the workload for human monitors while providing faster, more accurate results.

High-traffic areas: surveillance in high-traffic areas like shopping malls, airports, or stadiums can be a challenge. HDR GigE cameras with machine learning can track individuals across multiple cameras, ensuring that potential threats are detected as soon as they arise. This level of precision helps prevent incidents before they escalate.

Real-World Applications: How Industries Benefit

Let’s take a look at some industries where HDR GigE cameras with machine learning are making a significant impact:

Retail: In retail, theft is a major concern. HDR GigE cameras with machine learning can track customers’ movements, detect unusual behavior, and alert store personnel to potential theft in real-time. The cameras can also help with crowd management during sales or events, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.

Public Safety: Cities around the world are increasingly turning to advanced surveillance systems to monitor streets, parks, and public spaces. With HDR GigE cameras, cities can capture clearer footage in various lighting conditions, while machine learning helps monitor public behavior and respond to potential threats quickly.

Transportation: Airports, train stations, and bus terminals are high-traffic areas that require constant monitoring. HDR GigE cameras with machine learning can help monitor passenger movements, detect any unusual behavior, and improve overall security without overwhelming human staff.

Critical Infrastructure: For businesses involved in energy, manufacturing, or other critical infrastructure sectors, monitoring machinery and facilities is essential. HDR GigE cameras can capture high-resolution footage of equipment in varying lighting conditions, while machine learning can detect early signs of malfunction, preventing costly repairs and safety incidents.

Taking surveillance to the Next Level

With HDR GigE cameras and machine learning, surveillance systems are no longer passive observers; they have become active participants in security. By offering superior image quality and advanced analytical capabilities, these technologies ensure that businesses, cities, and other organizations can respond to security threats with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Are you ready to elevate your surveillance system with cutting-edge technology? HDR GigE cameras combined with machine learning can transform your security operations, helping you capture every detail, reduce false alarms, and protect your assets more effectively than ever before.

Ready to Upgrade Your Surveillance System?

If you’re looking to implement HDR GigE cameras with machine learning into your surveillance system, don’t wait. Upgrade your security today and experience the difference. Reach out to us now to learn more about how these innovative cameras can enhance your surveillance operations and protect your valuable assets.

#Camera #Technology #Security #Machine Learning

0 notes

bestwificamera · 4 years ago

Text

Best Wifi Camera: Buying Guide for Home Surveillance

It has never been that easier to keep an eye on your home, thanks to the evolution of Best Wifi Camera for home security. These live streaming video security cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi network to send instant alerts, video and audio clips, and live video feeds directly to your smart devices, allowing you to monitor every ongoing activity while you’re away. That’s never a good point to say that home security cameras can’t provide peace of mind, as they provide you more than just peace of mind by letting you see that your kids have arrived home safely from school or classes, your elderly parents are safe and secure or that your pet walker has shown up as scheduled, or that an online package arrived.

Moreover, manufacturers like VMukti keep making these security cameras much smarter through software updates that enable to addition of more new and advanced features, such as object detection and facial recognition system. With so many varieties of models and features, it can get a bit hard to know what to look for. Here, we’ve enlisted everything you need to know to find the right Best Wifi Camera system to protect your home.

Read More Best Wifi Camera: Buying Guide for Home Surveillance

#BestWifiCamera

0 notes

grassroutes · 5 years ago

Text

This Smart Home Camera Detects Everything

Our verdict of the SimCam 1S Home Security Camera: Easy to set up and with a wealth of AI features, the SimCam 1S also offers a nice trio of mounting options. If you're looking for am affordable smart home-integrated internal security camera, this is a good place to start.710

Whether you’re looking for a cam to keep your premises secure or want to keep an eye on pets, a smart home camera can help.

They can be installed in almost any position, feature wireless internet, and send updates to your phone. Smart cameras are the ideal domestic security and monitoring solution—they’re even perfect as baby monitors.

Sometimes, though, smart home security cameras are a little too keen to inform. This is where the SimCam 1S AI Home Camera can change things, thanks to AI-managed recognition.

SimCam AI 1080 HP Home Security Camera 1S—Local Storage, Privacy-Protective, No Cloud Storage & 0 Subscription Fee, No lag, 2-Way Audio, Accurate Facial RECOG, Instant Alarm,Compatible with Alexa SimCam AI 1080 HP Home Security Camera 1S—Local Storage, Privacy-Protective, No Cloud Storage & 0 Subscription Fee, No lag, 2-Way Audio, Accurate Facial RECOG, Instant Alarm,Compatible with Alexa Buy Now On Amazon $119.39

SimCam 1S AI Home Camera Key Features

Rather than sharing every single detail with you, this device features facial recognition, person detection, and auto tracking.

It also makes some key boasts:

No false alerts

No detection miss-out

No storage subscription fee

No privacy compromise

Some of these are pretty brave. The lack of a subscription fee is welcome, for example. Avoiding false alerts seems difficult, however, while the privacy declaration seems to tempt fate rather than impress.

To avoid false alerts, the SimCam 1S AI is designed to recognize and learn body shape data. Shapes might be people, pets, or vehicles. The AI can recognize faces and distinguish between babies, pets, and strangers, and push alerts to your phone. Recognition—limited to 200 faces—is cited as 99 percent accurate. People can be recognized to 60 feet (18m), faces to 18 feet (5.5m). Meanwhile, a car can be detected at 20 feet (6m) and pets at 10 feet (3m).

Facial detection and recognition is measured at 30ms, although distance and light can slow this down. No training is required as SIMCAM has already trained the AI with millions of images.

Local AI processing ensures that the SimCam 1S maintains your privacy. Image data cannot be accessed by outside viewers. Further, the mobile app establishes a secured P2P (peer-to-peer) network with your phone.

100 Percent Privacy?

Manufacturers SIMCAM make a huge boast with the SimCam 1S: 100 percent privacy protection without data leak or reverse invasion of the camera. At the heart of the camera is an Ambarella CV25 SoC processor, managing image sensor, recognition, AI accelerator, and 1080p HD recording at 30FPS. Night vision is also included, for complete monitoring day and night.

The camera’s field of view is 120 degrees, but it is equipped with a motor for 360-degree coverage. It can also tilt to 22 degrees and has 4x digital zoom.

Mobile apps for Android and iOS are provided for control and observation on the move. Meanwhile, Alexa and Google Assistant integration is also supported.

Recorded data can be analyzed in the app, which means there is no need to upload it to the cloud server. Subscription fees can therefore be avoided. Local recording meanwhile reduces the need for a Wi-Fi connection, so the camera can keep observing even when offline. The SimCam 1S can connect to 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, maximizing your connection options.

SIMCAM also offers a 12-month warranty with this product.

In short, it’s a feature-packed bundle of home security magic. But does the SimCam 1S live up to expectations?

What’s In the Box?

Weighing 245 grams, the SimCam 1S measures 4.7 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches (121mm X 72mm X 72mm).

The light brown box holding the SimCam 1S is wrapped in a smart white sleeve detailing the contents. Protected by gray foam, inside you’ll find the AI camera and a mains power supply adapter.

For standard positioning on a cabinet or table, this is all you’ll need. However, the box also contains a wall mount, wall mount disc, and suitable 3M adhesive pad to secure it.

The SimCam 1S is IP54 rated which means that while it’s not weatherproof it can be used outside under an overhang.

For permanent placement, screws and securing anchors are also provided, along with a reset pin and Allen (hex) key. You’ve basically got everything you need to mount the SimCam 1S. Before proceeding with any sort of installation, it’s smarter to get any such device connected to your network.

Easy/Tricky Setup

Setting up the SimCam 1S is straightforward, if a little frustrating.

The process is straightforward, requiring you to boot the camera, run the app, follow the instructions to add a camera, connect to your network, then flash a generated QR code at the SimCam 1S.

So far, so good. However, it seemed the device isn’t at home on 2.4Ghz networks, failing to correctly connect. To use this smart cam successfully, you’ll need to connect it to a 5Ghz Wi-Fi network instead.

Where Should You Mount an AI Security Camera?

Getting the placement right is vital with any smart security camera. Sometimes it’s a trade-off between Wi-Fi coverage and power supply, for instance with external solar-powered cameras. At other times, the camera needs to be within reach of a power supply.

The SimCam 1S ships with three-meter long cable. Positioning is made easier with this length, and that’s where the mounts come in useful.

Rather than standing the camera on a shelf, you can fix it to a brick or partition wall with the included anchors. Then there’s the adhesive mount, for plastic, glass, and metal surfaces.

I tested the SimCam 1S on both a shelf, as well as mounting with the adhesive mount. Using the single 3M adhesive disc, the mount was reliable, and took some careful scraping to remove it without damage.

Using the SimCam 1S’s AI Settings

To help to avoid false positives and optimize your use of the SimCam 1S, some AI settings are available. Monitored areas can be set for person, pet, and vehicle detection, with a specific zone in the camera’s view set for identification. So, when the selected shape (body, pet, etc.) enters the zone, you receive a notification via the app.

Face recognition works in a similar way. You might use this to remotely alert you when someone comes home, or to highlight the presence of a specific individual in your property. All it requires is a photo of the person, snapped or uploaded via the app.

With face recognition enabled, the SimCam 1S alerts you when the face is spotted. This can prove a little annoying at times, however, so use only when you need to know who is in a specific area. Otherwise you’ll get notifications every time you walk in front of the camera.

Integrate the With Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT

Smart home integration is a useful feature for security cameras. While the SimCam 1S already has plenty of intelligent options, this can be further enhanced with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.

However, it is a bit unclear how these integrate. For example, while we set up the SimCam 1S with the corresponding Alexa skill, it didn’t actually do anything when summoned.

Google Home sets up with similar ease and thankfully works. The camera can be streamed to a Chromecast device on your network (the mobile Google Home app doesn’t support streaming).

IFTTT was more successful, however. Although it requires the IFTTT app to be installed (available for Android and iOS), the integration enables you to switch the camera mode upon entrance and departure into the area. This allows, for example, the camera to be switched off when you come home, switching on again when you head out.

Using the App to View the Camera Stream

As companion apps go for smart cameras, the SimCam app is up there among the best. It is functional, features a collection of easy to understand menu options and icons, and multiple cams can be added.

The app can also control the orientation of the camera if you choose to mount it on a ceiling. A swipe on the camera preview lets you swivel through 360 degrees, while pinch zoom can help you focus on specific objects.

Video recording settings, triggers, a gallery, and alerts can all be easily viewed in the app, along with the feed. The app also features a customer feedback form as well as a built-in guided mode to get you started.

While the app is useful and vital to the SimCam 1S, it can get a little disorientating. Some of the options seem repetitive, but this due more to the labeling than what they do. Another complaint about the app is that the while live footage can be observed in portrait mode, specific options cannot. You’ll need to flip the phone into landscape view to access the snapshot and video options. The same goes for the microphone, area and body detection, and alarm functions.

A Smart Home Security Camera to Consider

Among the best home security cameras we’ve reviewed, the SimCam 1S is functional yet anonymous.

After all, there is little point in a camera that everyone can see. Its compact dimensions and unassuming appearance convey a device that is clearly a camera, but one that is ignored.

Smart home integration is satisfactory; the IFTTT integration more so. The mobile app is perfect for controlling the security camera, and zone detection and the facial recognition are superb. Better cameras are available at a higher price—for an affordable smart home integrated security camera, the SimCam 1S should be near the top of your list.

Enter the Competition!

Simcam 1S AI Camera Giveaway

Read the full article: This Smart Home Camera Detects Everything

This Smart Home Camera Detects Everything posted first on grassroutespage.blogspot.com

0 notes

droneseco · 5 years ago

Text

This Smart Home Camera Detects Everything

Whether you’re looking for a cam to keep your premises secure or want to keep an eye on pets, a smart home camera can help.

Sometimes, though, smart home security cameras are a little too keen to inform. This is where the SimCam 1S AI Home Camera can change things, thanks to AI-managed recognition.

SimCam 1S AI Home Camera Key Features

Rather than sharing every single detail with you, this device features facial recognition, person detection, and auto tracking.

It also makes some key boasts:

No false alerts

No detection miss-out

No storage subscription fee

No privacy compromise

Facial detection and recognition is measured at 30ms, although distance and light can slow this down. No training is required as SIMCAM has already trained the AI with millions of images.

100 Percent Privacy?

The camera’s field of view is 120 degrees, but it is equipped with a motor for 360-degree coverage. It can also tilt to 22 degrees and has 4x digital zoom.

Mobile apps for Android and iOS are provided for control and observation on the move. Meanwhile, Alexa and Google Assistant integration is also supported.

SIMCAM also offers a 12-month warranty with this product.

In short, it’s a feature-packed bundle of home security magic. But does the SimCam 1S live up to expectations?

What’s In the Box?

Weighing 245 grams, the SimCam 1S measures 4.7 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches (121mm X 72mm X 72mm).

The light brown box holding the SimCam 1S is wrapped in a smart white sleeve detailing the contents. Protected by gray foam, inside you’ll find the AI camera and a mains power supply adapter.

For standard positioning on a cabinet or table, this is all you’ll need. However, the box also contains a wall mount, wall mount disc, and suitable 3M adhesive pad to secure it.

The SimCam 1S is IP54 rated which means that while it’s not weatherproof it can be used outside under an overhang.

Easy/Tricky Setup

Setting up the SimCam 1S is straightforward, if a little frustrating.

The process is straightforward, requiring you to boot the camera, run the app, follow the instructions to add a camera, connect to your network, then flash a generated QR code at the SimCam 1S.

Where Should You Mount an AI Security Camera?

The SimCam 1S ships with three-meter long cable. Positioning is made easier with this length, and that’s where the mounts come in useful.

Rather than standing the camera on a shelf, you can fix it to a brick or partition wall with the included anchors. Then there’s the adhesive mount, for plastic, glass, and metal surfaces.

Using the SimCam 1S’s AI Settings

Integrate the With Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT

Smart home integration is a useful feature for security cameras. While the SimCam 1S already has plenty of intelligent options, this can be further enhanced with Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.

However, it is a bit unclear how these integrate. For example, while we set up the SimCam 1S with the corresponding Alexa skill, it didn’t actually do anything when summoned.

Google Home sets up with similar ease and thankfully works. The camera can be streamed to a Chromecast device on your network (the mobile Google Home app doesn’t support streaming).

Using the App to View the Camera Stream

A Smart Home Security Camera to Consider

Among the best home security cameras we’ve reviewed, the SimCam 1S is functional yet anonymous.

After all, there is little point in a camera that everyone can see. Its compact dimensions and unassuming appearance convey a device that is clearly a camera, but one that is ignored.

Enter the Competition!

Simcam 1S AI Camera Giveaway

Read the full article: This Smart Home Camera Detects Everything

This Smart Home Camera Detects Everything published first on http://droneseco.tumblr.com/

0 notes

slrlounge1 · 6 years ago

Text

Sony Announces Major A9 Improvements, APS-C A6400, Impressive Digital Camera Market Statistics

Sony Imaging has just made its first three major announcements for 2019, and they are indeed impressive. We were able to watch the press release which streamed live from San Diego, CA, which provided some additional information on Sony’s overall market outlook. In short, outlook: positive!

First and foremost, let’s talk about what is going to be the most exciting news for current Sony A9 owners, or any action sports, portrait/wedding, and yes WILDLIFE photographers, who are thinking about going mirrorless with the A9.

Sony A9 Firmware Update | New Features

Available in March 2019, this firmware update (5.0) will provide major improvements to its AF and overall user experience. Here are the highlights from the press release, and what they likely mean in real-world use:

Real-Time Tracking Mode AF

“AI-based object recognition which processes color, distance, pattern and spatial information to ensure that all subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy.”

On the Sony A9, continuous AF in particular is about to get a lot better, thanks to the new ability to use eye and pattern/texture recognition in addition to its original AF tracking algorithm.

Also of note is the fact that, apparently, you can now control which subject should be tracked just by using the touchscreen. This means no more needing to dig into a menu to set which face should be prioritized! This sounds amazing for wedding, portrait, and action sports photography.

Real-Time Eye AF

“This exciting new capability employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye location data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF.”

Sony’s Eye AF feature has already been praised widely as the best eye AF around, and it’s clearly about to get a lot better, not just for new cameras in 2019 but also for the existing 2018 lineup, including the A9, the A7RIII, and A7III.

It is important to note that this comprehensive improvement to autofocus is going to work in ALL autofocus modes, and while recording video as well! Also, it is not going to just be better at Eye AF, but at tracking any and every type of subject, indeed. In the demo video below, the AF system does a downright jaw-dropping job of tracking a helmeted “rocket man” literally flying through the air, as well as using Eye AF on a skateboarder whose face and eyes are visible:

youtube

Animal Eye AF

For all you wildlife photographers out there, Sony has finished its rumored animal eye AF feature, which will offer wildlife photographers (and pet photographers) a whole new realm of possibility when it comes to tracking a subject in tough conditions. Note: This will arrive in the A9’s 6.0 firmware, available in the summer 2019.

This will clearly be great for canine and feline subjects; both wild and tame; we’ll have to test it for avian subjects too when we can get our hands on it!

Many More Features Coming to All The Current Full-Frame Bodies

As mentioned, the A9, A7RIII and A7III will all receive these new AF features, along with many others. The A7RIII and A7III firmware will be 3.0, available in April 2019.

Of particular note will be numerous additions to menu and button control customizability, plus the return of the built-in interval timer for timelapse recording. The grand total, for the A9 at least, will be more than 20 updated features from the 5.0 and 6.0 updates!

Sony A6400

The A6400 is Sony’s new mid-level APS-C camera, aimed at a wide range of photographers from action sports and wildlife photographers to vloggers, or of course any casual photographer looking for an affordable alternative to full-frame. The body will be available in February 2019, for just $900, or $1000 with a kit lens.

youtube

Considering its price, spec sheet, (notably missing IBIS, but not much else) It seems the camera is indeed aimed at A6000 owners who decided not to upgrade to an A6500 or even an A6300 due to the amazing value of the original A6000.

The A6400’s spec sheet is as follows:

425 AF points, covering almost the entire image area (84%)

0.02 second AF acquisition speed (Not sure with which lenses, but wow!)

Real-Time AF tracking

Real-Time Eye AF

Real-Time Animal Eye AF

Smoother, Stable AF for movies

11 FPS with full AF functionality (8 FPS in fully silent shutter mode)

ISO 100-32,000, 24 megapixel sensor

4K video (full sensor width)

HLG 8-bit video picture profile offers a simple HDR video workflow option

Built-in intervalometer for timelapse photography (Yay, it’s finally back!)

180 degree (vertical flip) LCD screen

48 Native E-mount lenses (Counting both FF and APS-C lenses)

youtube

Two New Mobile Apps, Update To Desktop App

Lastly, Sony has announced a revamp of its mobile and desktop applications:

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the release of new Imaging Edge mobile applications plus several updates to the ‘Remote,’ ‘Viewer’ and ‘Edit’ desktop applications that will bring exciting new features to all Sony imaging customers ranging from casual hobbyists to working professionals.

New Imaging Edge Mobile Applications

The newly introduced mobile application named Imaging Edge Mobile is the successor to Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app and will offer instant transfer of images from camera to a connected mobile devices while shooting. Images can be transferred when utilizing the new “Auto background transfer to Smartphone” functionality, allowing users to easily share content direct from their phone to social media platforms. The mobile application also supports 4K movie transfer and remote control functionality.

For professional photographers, Sony will be releasing a new mobile application ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ that will support instant delivery workflow by allowing users to transfer content to their mobile devices via the camera’s FTP background transfer functionality, without distraction from their shooting. It also enables voice input for text captioning to help streamline communication and overall workflow between photographers and other team members. There is also an online function that will allow you to sync a Caption Glossary between multiple devices.

Sony’s new Imaging Edge mobile application and ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ will be available in March 2019.

Enhancements of ‘Remote’ ‘Viewer’ ‘Edit’ Desktop Applications

The desktop version of Sony’s Imaging Edge application will be updated as well, with workflow support of time-lapse movie creation, making it an ideal match for Sony’s newest interchangeable lens cameras with built-in interval recording. Other new features to maximize usability have been added as well, such as comparison display and collection functions, as well as a new and improved user interface.

The latest Version 1.4 of Desktop Applications ‘Remote’ ‘Viewer’ ‘Edit’ will be available later this month.

For more information on the new application updates, please visit the Imaging Edge website at imagingedge.sony.net.

Sony’s Stance In the Camera Market

At the very beginning of today’s press release, Sony mentioned how well they did in 2018, since it was obviously a very wild year with so many other entries into the full-frame mirrorless camera market.

Sony’s share of the full-frame market, globally, grew(?) to 31% in 2018.

Of all the (non-phone?) digital cameras sold, 54% are mirrorless.

Sony is the #1 brand in the USA for full-frame cameras.

Sony themselves are up 97%, year-to-year.

Overall, this is a promising start to 2019, almost as if Sony is starting the new year with not just one new APS-C camera body, but three “new” full-frame mirrorless bodies, if the autofocus improvements prove to be significant enough!

We’ll be publishing additional reviews of both the Sony A7RIII and A7III as soon as possible, as well as a review of the A6400 whenever we can get our hands on one!

from SLR Lounge https://www.slrlounge.com/sony-announces-major-a9-improvements-apsc-a6400-impressive-digital-camera-market-statistics/ via IFTTT

#IFTTT #SLR Lounge

0 notes

web-mobile-applications-blog · 8 years ago

Text

10 best CCTV cameras of 2017

It’s fair to say that in recent times, there’s been an explosion of increasingly sophisticated IP (internet protocol) cameras – and in this guide to the best of CCTV, we’ve covered the smartest smart cameras on the market. You won’t find any analogue closed-circuit TV systems here, and instead of complex centralised IP systems, we have chosen decentralised devices that are equally effective on their own as they are in a pack.

These smart cameras can simply join the Wi-Fi network in your building in order to relay footage directly to your phone, wherever you are in the world, with no need for a networked video recorder, while any motion-triggered recordings can be saved in the cloud, or locally on a microSD card.

By using a smartphone as your interface, many new features are made possible. For instance, you can draw areas of active motion sensitivity within the camera’s field of view to limit the number of alerts that arrive on your phone, and some of these cameras have object recognition and can tell the difference between a person and an animal, or a car.

The most significant thing that these new IP cameras have in common is their accessibility. None of our top 10 selection require a professional installation and they all come with slick companion apps that make protecting your property easy and, if we’re honest, kind of fun. Let’s get things underway then, with our number one security camera of the moment, which is the (drum roll)…

1. Netatmo Presence

Netatmo’s sophisticated outdoor camera cum security light is expensive, but it has a lot to offer. As well as carrying out 24-hour surveillance in Full HD, it also acts as a security light whenever motion is detected. What’s more, it can differentiate between the movement of a car, a person, or an animal, so that your alerts are more specific.

The distinctive design will either look stylish or incongruous depending on your property and exactly where it’s installed, but regardless of any issues with aesthetics, the Presence will certainly make itself felt, and hopefully make potential burglars think twice.

2. Nest Cam Outdoor

Nest’s stylish camera is backed up by the slickest companion app we’ve come across, while its Nest Aware service, which stores up to 30-days of footage in the cloud, is the most reliable and accessible around. The only problem is that it’s also the most expensive and without paying for a subscription, you cannot access all of the camera’s features.

The camera itself is very well specified, and for some folks, its integration with other Nest products, like the brand’s smart thermostat, is what will give this device an extra edge over the competition.

3. Logi Circle

If you’re looking for a quick and easy option for surveying your office, then this all-seeing eyeball is an appealing solution. It’s not the cheapest option, especially as it works best with a paid monthly subscription, but Circle’s intuitive companion app makes it very simple to set up and stay secure.

The compact, swivelling form factor makes sense, especially with its magnetic base and built-in battery for truly wireless installation. For larger businesses, however, we’d recommend a camera that can integrate more readily with existing systems like HomeKit, or SmartThings, or at least other Logitech cameras, as the Circle works best on its own.

4. Netgear Arlo Q

With its smart, solid and compact design, the Arlo Q has instant appeal as a discrete security camera. And it’s backed up by the user-friendly Arlo app that enables you to access key features, like the push notification settings, with a minimum of fuss.

Our experience with getting the camera online didn’t go well and our Wi-Fi network struggled to stream its 1080p live view, but your mileage may well vary, and you might not find any such stumbling blocks. In which case, the overall usability of this product, combined with its relatively robust build quality and the generous seven-day free cloud storage plan, make this a good way to start protecting your property.

5. Hikvision Ezviz Mini Plus

The Ezviz Mini Plus is a discrete and diminutive IP camera that’s simple to install and easy-to-use. And while it looks like an entry-level model, it’s actually the model up from the Ezviz Mini and offers 1080p resolution, adjustable motion sensitivity and a microSD card slot. It’s really only missing motion zone adjustment and object recognition.

The picture quality has poor contrast, but high detail with reasonable night vision. However, it’s a pity there’s no internal battery and no integration with Nest, SmartThings, or HomeKit.

6. Foscam F19853EP

For outdoor, around-the-clock sentry duty, a tough dome camera like this is a safe bet, especially when it’s supplied by one of the big hitters of the security industry.

You won’t find any of the fancy features you get with the new IP camera crowd – things like object recognition and motion zone detection – and the app looks downright basic compared to that of Nest or Netatmo. But this camera is built to last and it hits a remarkably competitive price point too.

7. Sengled Snap

We found this logical fusion of smart light and IP camera to be an exceedingly convenient solution to a basic security problem. Simply screwing it in place of the pendant light in our reception area gave us not just a controllable energy-efficient smart light, but 24-hour surveillance with an all-around view.

The price is realistic too, but we cannot fully recommend this version with so many obvious omissions and design flaws. The lack of an IFTTT channel is trivial, but the omission of motion activation for the LED is more serious, and will be a deal-breaker for many. We’ll be very surprised if there isn’t a revised model in the pipeline that addresses all of these issues.

8. Samsung SmartCam SNH-P6410NB

With its appealing design, microSD storage slot and the surprise bonus of an audio out jack, this little camera is a cut above the most basic IP cameras. The 1080p video quality is up to scratch too, capturing video clips that show fairly crisp images.

While it is easy to set up, it’s not the most user-friendly design we’ve tested, but it does offer enough flexibility to suit many commercial and domestic situations. The fact that it’s backed by a major brand, and boasts good integration with products like SmartThings, Google alerts, and Picasa is also reassuring.

For a fairly modest outlay, this security camera delivers a reliable performance – provided you use the Ethernet cable, because Wi-Fi connectivity can be flaky – and a good set of features.

9. D-Link DCS-2530L

This little IP camera offers a simple and cost-effective springboard into the surveillance game, as it comes complete with local storage on a microSD card and a free app that makes it easy to monitor your property remotely. And by recording a wide 180-degree view whenever its motion sensor or mic are triggered, the DCS-2530L does its job quite well.

The plastic construction does feel a little vulnerable, however, and app support is decidedly less sophisticated than the competition, so we would advise spending just a little more if you’re serious about surveillance.

10. Panasonic KX-HN6002EW

As a holistic smart home solution, Panasonic’s system has lots of appeal for homes and businesses. The far-reaching DECT system has advantages over less secure Wi-Fi IP cameras, and the growing family of sensors Panasonic is offering gives you some confidence about buying into its smart home dream.

However, the cameras themselves are too limited in their picture and sound quality to compare well with the current competition, while the app doesn’t offer the same slick features of the latest IP cameras from Nest, Netatmo and others towards the top of this list. We’d recommend waiting for the inevitable mark II models.

Ref: http://www.techradar.com/news/10-best-cctv-cameras-of-2017

0 notes

bizmediaweb · 8 years ago

Text

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup

Facebook added closed captions for Live video, Twitter rolled out a redesign, Instagram added archive functionality, and Snapchat released a new map feature—June was a busy month for updates on social media.

Let’s dive in.

Table of contents

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Hootsuite

Snapchat

Twitter

Direct message buttons

On June 13, Twitter rolled out the ability for businesses to add buttons to direct messages. Businesses can add up to three buttons—to open any web URL, including links to other Twitter features—to any message. Button text is fully customizable, including the use of emoji.

The intent of the update is to make it easier for people to take an action outside of the conversation, such as composing a tweet, following an account, or opening a website within the Twitter app.

Image via Twitter.

Redesign

On June 15, Twitter announced a new look for the platform, across twitter.com, Twitter for iOS, Twitter for Android, TweetDeck, and Twitter Lite.

Some of the changes include:

A new side navigation menu featuring a user’s profile additional accounts, settings, and privacy

Links to articles and websites open in Safari’s viewer in the Twitter app

More consistent typography and bolder headlines

Rounded profile photos

Updated icons, including changing the reply button to a speech bubble instead of an arrow

Real-time updates of reply, retweet, and like counts on tweets

Increased color contrast

Image via Twitter.

Facebook

New tools for politicians

At the beginning of June, TechCrunch reported that Facebook has added several new tools for politicians and their constituents:

Constituent Badges—allow users to identify themselves as a person living in the district elected officials represent

Constituent Insights—helps politicians learn what news stories and content is popular within their district

District Targeting—allows elected officials to gather feedback from the constituents via Facebook using either posts or polls targeted only towards users who actually live in their district

Add representative info—when composing a message, U.S. users can now choose to add the contact information for their government representative to the post

New Facebook Album features

On June 1, TechCrunch reported that Facebook rolled out the ability to add videos, check-ins, and text posts to albums.

Users can also now display a featured album on their profile and follow friends’ albums to get notified when they are updated.

Image via TechCrunch.

Developer Circles

On June 1, Facebook launched Developer Circles, “a new program for developers all over the world to connect, learn, and collaborate with other local developers.”

Developer Circles are intended to serve as forums for developers to share knowledge, collaborate, and more.

Developing new messaging app for teens

On June 1, technology news site The Information reported that Facebook has begun working on a new messaging app for teens. The app, called Talk, will let parents monitor who their children are in contact with. Code for Talk was discovered on the flagship Facebook app.

Closed captions for Facebook Live

On June 6, Facebook rolled out the ability for publishers to add closed captions to Facebook Live video in an attempt to make the feature more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Publishers can use Facebook’s speech recognition service to automatically generate captions for videos on their Pages. Viewers who have captioning settings turned on will automatically see closed captions on Live broadcasts when they’re available.

Image via Facebook.

Disaster maps

On June 7, Facebook introduced disaster maps, a new feature that uses “aggregated, de-identified Facebook data to help organizations address the critical gap in information they often face when responding to natural disasters.”

The three types of maps are:

Location density maps—show where people are located before, during, and after a disaster

Movement maps—illustrate patterns of movement between neighborhoods or cities during a crisis

Safety Check maps—based on where users mark themselves as safe during a disaster

Updates to Canvas

On June 7, Facebook made Canvas available for every ad format in News Feed by opening it to the new “collection” function. Originally launched in March, collection “increases the likelihood of discovery and a purchase by featuring a primary video or image above relevant product images.”

Advertisers can now use collection for objectives beyond mobile shopping as well as attach a Canvas full-screen experience.

Facebook has also added easy-to-use full-screen templates for Canvas based on different business goals, such as getting new customers, selling products, and showcasing your business.

Image via Facebook.

Value optimization ads tool

On June 12, Facebook began rolling out value optimization, a new tool for advertisers that uses purchase values sent from the Facebook pixel to estimate how much someone might spend on a business in a week.

Facebook explained: “The ad’s bid is then automatically adjusted based on this estimation, allowing campaigns to deliver ads to people likely to spend more with your business at a low cost.”

Image via Facebook.

Updates to Safety Check

On June 14, Facebook introduced updates to Safety Check, the feature that allows people to communicate with friends and family during a crisis.

The new updates include:

Fundraisers in Safety Check—people in the U.S. can start a fundraiser within the Safety Check feature

Expansion of Community Help—making it available on desktop and for all crisis types once Safety Check is activated

Personal note—when people mark themselves as safe, they can also share a personal note to add additional context

Crisis descriptions—get more information about a crisis from NC4, Facebook’s trusted third party global crisis reporting agency, within Safety Check

Image via Facebook.

New Audience Network controls

On June 14, Facebook announced several new controls for advertisers in Audience Network:

Pre-campaign transparency—this will show advertisers a list of where their ads could potentially deliver before they push a campaign live

Blocking at the account level—advertisers can set block lists at the account level instead of logging into individual campaigns or sets of ads

Choice over video placements in Audience Network—advertisers can specify types of placement (such as in-stream, native, or interstitial) they want their video campaigns to run in using a simple opt-out format

Image via Facebook.

Profile picture controls

On June 21, Facebook added new privacy features for profile pictures. The new option will restrict who can download, send, or share the user’s profile photo, among other features. Currently available for users in India, Facebook says it plans to expand the profile picture privacy feature to other countries.

Image via Facebook.

Messenger video chat

On June 26, Facebook rolled out new features for video chats in Messenger:

Choose one of five Messenger emoji to animate your emotions on screen

Add a filter

Use a mask or animated effect

Screenshot Messenger video convos—to save or share in Messenger Day—using the new camera button

The new features are available in one-on-one and group video chats.

Image via Facebook.

Instagram

New feature to disclose sponsored celebrity posts

On June 14, BuzzFeed reported that Instagram is launching a feature to make it easier for celebrities and influencers to indicate when their post or Story is sponsored by a brand.

The phrase “Paid partnership with…” will appear at the top of these posts or Stories. The feature is currently being tested by a few brands and celebrities (including BuzzFeed).

Image via Song of Style on Instagram.

Archive

On June 13, Instagram introduced Archive, a new feature that lets users move previously-published posts into a new archived post tab. This allows users to save things they previously shared on Instagram while also hiding them. They can also choose to return an archived post to their profile.

Image via Instagram.

Live replay in Stories

On June 20, Instagram rolled out the option to share a replay of your live video to Instagram Stories. Initially introduced in November 2016, Instagram only added the ability to save a live video at the conclusion of the broadcast in March. Prior to that, live videos simply disappeared when they ended.

Live video replays will include the comments and likes from the original broadcast. View counts will include both people who watched the video live and those who saw it in Stories. A replay will show up slightly differently in the Stories bar and users’ profiles, with a play button appearing at the bottom of the Stories circle.

Image via Instagram.

Lens updates

On June 21, Pinterest rolled out a new look—and new tools—for Lens, the new visual discovery feature that allows users to search for real things on the platform.

The network has introduced a new interface, doubled the number of categories that Lens is trained to recognize, added zoom and focus features, and made “Instant Ideas” available for Lens search results.

Image via Pinterest.

New security features

On June 27, Pinterest rolled out several new security features:

Two-factor authentication

List of logged in devices

Email notifications for logins from new devices

Image via Pinterest.

YouTube

Developing VR180

On June 22, YouTube announced that they’re working on a brand new virtual reality format called VR180. The format, being developed in conjunction with Google’s Daydream team, is intended to make VR content easier to create.

Image via YouTube.

YouTube VR Studio

On June 21, AdWeek reported that YouTube has launched VR Creator Lab, a new program designed to help creators and brands learn YouTube best practices and make videos.

VR Creator Lab is a three day program that includes cameras and equipment, editing tools, and resources such as training sessions and talks from Google.

Images in comments

On June 20, LinkedIn added the ability to include images in comments.

Image via LinkedIn.

Search Appearances

On June 21, LinkedIn announced a new search feature called Search Appearances, which let’s users know how many people found them in a LinkedIn search, as well as the companies and job titles of people who found them in search.

LinkedIn explained that the feature is intended to help “signal what types of opportunities you might be a fit for.”

Image via LinkedIn.

Hootsuite

Independent research

We’re pretty thrilled about this.

Forrester recognizes Hootsuite as a leader in social media management: https://t.co/Pyrhg0wdDY #ForresterWave http://pic.twitter.com/zmd2gtHD9O

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 12, 2017

The Forrester Wave is one of the most respected analyst reports, helping enterprise organizations make informed technology purchases. Read all about the news here and download the full report (for free!) here.

New office in Mexico City

On June 15, Hootsuite announced that we opened an office in Mexico City. The new regional headquarters is part of the company’s expansion into Latin America, one of Hootsuite’s fastest growing markets with over 2 million existing users.

We're excited to announce our expansion into Latin America! Opening an office in vibrant Mexico City 🇲🇽 https://t.co/JBDzb1oe2J #HootLatam http://pic.twitter.com/0oW3smzlEf

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 15, 2017

Snapchat

Company acquisition

On June 5, AdWeek reported that Snap Inc. acquired Placed, a location-based data company. According to AdWeek, Placed uses “opt-in mobile panels to track foot traffic to stores for brands,”

In a statement to AdWeek, Snap explained that their latest acquisition would continue to operate independently with founder and CEO David Shim reporting to Snap’s CSO Imran Khan.

Ads updates

On June 12, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat has rolled out three important updates to how ads are purchased and run:

Ads Manager—a self-serve portal that allows clients to buy, manage, optimize, and view analytics about campaigns, use ad formats and targeting capabilities, and more

Snap Publisher—a browser-based tool that lets advertisers import existing brand assets, trim horizontal video to work for a vertical format, and access ad templates for different objectives, add motion to static images, A/B test ad variants, and buy ads through Ad Manager in a single click

Snapchat Certified Partners—a new program that provides extra training to certain top ad tech partners and favors them when referring clients; expansion of the standard partner program by adding 25 new partners

Image via TechCrunch.

Snap Map

On June 21, Snapchat introduced Snap Map, a new feature that lets users share their location with friends and see where people they know are posting Snaps from.

Snap Map also features the ability to add to and view collective Stories, which appear at the appropriate place on the map. For instance, if a user shares a Snap from a concert to “Our Story,” then it could appear in the concert’s location on the Snap Map.

Snapchat TV shows

On June 19, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat and Time Warner have announced a deal to create Snapchat original shows and ads.

Reportedly worth $100 million over the next two years, the deal features shows spanning a variety of genres, including scripted drama, daily news, and documentaries.

Image via TechCrunch.

Create custom geofilters in app

On June 28, Snapchat announced the ability to create custom geofilters in the app.

In addition to choosing a theme for their filter, Snapchatters can use many of the same creative tools available to decorate Snaps, such as text, Bitmoji, and stickers.

Custom geofilters were previously only available online via Snapchat’s website.

Image via Snapchat.

Social media moves fast and keeping up with the rate of change—new platforms and shifting best practices—can be tough. Learn the fundamental social media marketing skills you need to stay ahead of the pack with free training from Hootsuite Academy.

Learn More

The post Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup appeared first on Hootsuite Social Media Management.

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup published first on http://ift.tt/2u73Z29

0 notes

makeitwithmike · 8 years ago

Text

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup

By Kendall Walters

Let’s dive in.

Table of contents

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Hootsuite

Snapchat

Twitter

Direct message buttons

The intent of the update is to make it easier for people to take an action outside of the conversation, such as composing a tweet, following an account, or opening a website within the Twitter app.

Image via Twitter.

Redesign

On June 15, Twitter announced a new look for the platform, across twitter.com, Twitter for iOS, Twitter for Android, TweetDeck, and Twitter Lite.

Some of the changes include:

A new side navigation menu featuring a user’s profile additional accounts, settings, and privacy

Links to articles and websites open in Safari’s viewer in the Twitter app

More consistent typography and bolder headlines

Rounded profile photos

Updated icons, including changing the reply button to a speech bubble instead of an arrow

Real-time updates of reply, retweet, and like counts on tweets

Increased color contrast

Image via Twitter.

Facebook

New tools for politicians

At the beginning of June, TechCrunch reported that Facebook has added several new tools for politicians and their constituents:

Constituent Badges—allow users to identify themselves as a person living in the district elected officials represent

Constituent Insights—helps politicians learn what news stories and content is popular within their district

District Targeting—allows elected officials to gather feedback from the constituents via Facebook using either posts or polls targeted only towards users who actually live in their district

Add representative info—when composing a message, U.S. users can now choose to add the contact information for their government representative to the post

New Facebook Album features

On June 1, TechCrunch reported that Facebook rolled out the ability to add videos, check-ins, and text posts to albums.

Users can also now display a featured album on their profile and follow friends’ albums to get notified when they are updated.

Image via TechCrunch.

Developer Circles

On June 1, Facebook launched Developer Circles, “a new program for developers all over the world to connect, learn, and collaborate with other local developers.”

Developer Circles are intended to serve as forums for developers to share knowledge, collaborate, and more.

Developing new messaging app for teens

Closed captions for Facebook Live

On June 6, Facebook rolled out the ability for publishers to add closed captions to Facebook Live video in an attempt to make the feature more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Image via Facebook.

Disaster maps

The three types of maps are:

Location density maps—show where people are located before, during, and after a disaster

Movement maps—illustrate patterns of movement between neighborhoods or cities during a crisis

Safety Check maps—based on where users mark themselves as safe during a disaster

Updates to Canvas

Advertisers can now use collection for objectives beyond mobile shopping as well as attach a Canvas full-screen experience.

Facebook has also added easy-to-use full-screen templates for Canvas based on different business goals, such as getting new customers, selling products, and showcasing your business.

Image via Facebook.

Value optimization ads tool

Facebook explained: “The ad’s bid is then automatically adjusted based on this estimation, allowing campaigns to deliver ads to people likely to spend more with your business at a low cost.”

Image via Facebook.

Updates to Safety Check

On June 14, Facebook introduced updates to Safety Check, the feature that allows people to communicate with friends and family during a crisis.

The new updates include:

Fundraisers in Safety Check—people in the U.S. can start a fundraiser within the Safety Check feature

Expansion of Community Help—making it available on desktop and for all crisis types once Safety Check is activated

Personal note—when people mark themselves as safe, they can also share a personal note to add additional context

Crisis descriptions—get more information about a crisis from NC4, Facebook’s trusted third party global crisis reporting agency, within Safety Check

Image via Facebook.

New Audience Network controls

On June 14, Facebook announced several new controls for advertisers in Audience Network:

Pre-campaign transparency—this will show advertisers a list of where their ads could potentially deliver before they push a campaign live

Blocking at the account level—advertisers can set block lists at the account level instead of logging into individual campaigns or sets of ads

Image via Facebook.

Profile picture controls

Image via Facebook.

Messenger video chat

On June 26, Facebook rolled out new features for video chats in Messenger:

Choose one of five Messenger emoji to animate your emotions on screen

Add a filter

Use a mask or animated effect

Screenshot Messenger video convos—to save or share in Messenger Day—using the new camera button

The new features are available in one-on-one and group video chats.

Image via Facebook.

Instagram

New feature to disclose sponsored celebrity posts

On June 14, BuzzFeed reported that Instagram is launching a feature to make it easier for celebrities and influencers to indicate when their post or Story is sponsored by a brand.

The phrase “Paid partnership with…” will appear at the top of these posts or Stories. The feature is currently being tested by a few brands and celebrities (including BuzzFeed).

Image via Song of Style on Instagram.

Archive

Image via Instagram.

Live replay in Stories

Image via Instagram.

Lens updates

On June 21, Pinterest rolled out a new look—and new tools—for Lens, the new visual discovery feature that allows users to search for real things on the platform.

Image via Pinterest.

New security features

On June 27, Pinterest rolled out several new security features:

Two-factor authentication

List of logged in devices

Email notifications for logins from new devices

Image via Pinterest.

YouTube

Developing VR180

Image via YouTube.

YouTube VR Studio

On June 21, AdWeek reported that YouTube has launched VR Creator Lab, a new program designed to help creators and brands learn YouTube best practices and make videos.

VR Creator Lab is a three day program that includes cameras and equipment, editing tools, and resources such as training sessions and talks from Google.

Images in comments

On June 20, LinkedIn added the ability to include images in comments.

Image via LinkedIn.

Search Appearances

LinkedIn explained that the feature is intended to help “signal what types of opportunities you might be a fit for.”

Image via LinkedIn.

Hootsuite

Independent research

We’re pretty thrilled about this.

Forrester recognizes Hootsuite as a leader in social media management: http://bit.ly/2sZUOlz #ForresterWave http://pic.twitter.com/zmd2gtHD9O

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 12, 2017

New office in Mexico City

We’re excited to announce our expansion into Latin America! Opening an office in vibrant Mexico City http://bit.ly/2sZyFUB #HootLatam http://pic.twitter.com/0oW3smzlEf

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 15, 2017

Snapchat

Company acquisition

On June 5, AdWeek reported that Snap Inc. acquired Placed, a location-based data company. According to AdWeek, Placed uses “opt-in mobile panels to track foot traffic to stores for brands,”

In a statement to AdWeek, Snap explained that their latest acquisition would continue to operate independently with founder and CEO David Shim reporting to Snap’s CSO Imran Khan.

Ads updates

On June 12, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat has rolled out three important updates to how ads are purchased and run:

Ads Manager—a self-serve portal that allows clients to buy, manage, optimize, and view analytics about campaigns, use ad formats and targeting capabilities, and more

Image via TechCrunch.

Snap Map

On June 21, Snapchat introduced Snap Map, a new feature that lets users share their location with friends and see where people they know are posting Snaps from.

Snapchat TV shows

On June 19, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat and Time Warner have announced a deal to create Snapchat original shows and ads.

Reportedly worth $100 million over the next two years, the deal features shows spanning a variety of genres, including scripted drama, daily news, and documentaries.

Image via TechCrunch.

Create custom geofilters in app

On June 28, Snapchat announced the ability to create custom geofilters in the app.

In addition to choosing a theme for their filter, Snapchatters can use many of the same creative tools available to decorate Snaps, such as text, Bitmoji, and stickers.

Custom geofilters were previously only available online via Snapchat’s website.

Image via Snapchat.

Learn More

The post Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup appeared first on Hootsuite Social Media Management.

The post Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup appeared first on Make It With Michael.

from Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup

#Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup

0 notes

unifiedsocialblog · 8 years ago

Text

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup

Let’s dive in.

Table of contents

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Hootsuite

Snapchat

Twitter

Direct message buttons

The intent of the update is to make it easier for people to take an action outside of the conversation, such as composing a tweet, following an account, or opening a website within the Twitter app.

Image via Twitter.

Redesign

On June 15, Twitter announced a new look for the platform, across twitter.com, Twitter for iOS, Twitter for Android, TweetDeck, and Twitter Lite.

Some of the changes include:

A new side navigation menu featuring a user’s profile additional accounts, settings, and privacy

Links to articles and websites open in Safari’s viewer in the Twitter app

More consistent typography and bolder headlines

Rounded profile photos

Updated icons, including changing the reply button to a speech bubble instead of an arrow

Real-time updates of reply, retweet, and like counts on tweets

Increased color contrast

Image via Twitter.

Facebook

New tools for politicians

At the beginning of June, TechCrunch reported that Facebook has added several new tools for politicians and their constituents:

Constituent Badges—allow users to identify themselves as a person living in the district elected officials represent

Constituent Insights—helps politicians learn what news stories and content is popular within their district

District Targeting—allows elected officials to gather feedback from the constituents via Facebook using either posts or polls targeted only towards users who actually live in their district

Add representative info—when composing a message, U.S. users can now choose to add the contact information for their government representative to the post

New Facebook Album features

On June 1, TechCrunch reported that Facebook rolled out the ability to add videos, check-ins, and text posts to albums.

Users can also now display a featured album on their profile and follow friends’ albums to get notified when they are updated.

Image via TechCrunch.

Developer Circles

On June 1, Facebook launched Developer Circles, “a new program for developers all over the world to connect, learn, and collaborate with other local developers.”

Developer Circles are intended to serve as forums for developers to share knowledge, collaborate, and more.

Developing new messaging app for teens

Closed captions for Facebook Live

On June 6, Facebook rolled out the ability for publishers to add closed captions to Facebook Live video in an attempt to make the feature more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Image via Facebook.

Disaster maps

The three types of maps are:

Location density maps—show where people are located before, during, and after a disaster

Movement maps—illustrate patterns of movement between neighborhoods or cities during a crisis

Safety Check maps—based on where users mark themselves as safe during a disaster

Updates to Canvas

Advertisers can now use collection for objectives beyond mobile shopping as well as attach a Canvas full-screen experience.

Facebook has also added easy-to-use full-screen templates for Canvas based on different business goals, such as getting new customers, selling products, and showcasing your business.

Image via Facebook.

Value optimization ads tool

Facebook explained: “The ad’s bid is then automatically adjusted based on this estimation, allowing campaigns to deliver ads to people likely to spend more with your business at a low cost.”

Image via Facebook.

Updates to Safety Check

On June 14, Facebook introduced updates to Safety Check, the feature that allows people to communicate with friends and family during a crisis.

The new updates include:

Fundraisers in Safety Check—people in the U.S. can start a fundraiser within the Safety Check feature

Expansion of Community Help—making it available on desktop and for all crisis types once Safety Check is activated

Personal note—when people mark themselves as safe, they can also share a personal note to add additional context

Crisis descriptions—get more information about a crisis from NC4, Facebook’s trusted third party global crisis reporting agency, within Safety Check

Image via Facebook.

New Audience Network controls

On June 14, Facebook announced several new controls for advertisers in Audience Network:

Pre-campaign transparency—this will show advertisers a list of where their ads could potentially deliver before they push a campaign live

Blocking at the account level—advertisers can set block lists at the account level instead of logging into individual campaigns or sets of ads

Image via Facebook.

Profile picture controls

Image via Facebook.

Messenger video chat

On June 26, Facebook rolled out new features for video chats in Messenger:

Choose one of five Messenger emoji to animate your emotions on screen

Add a filter

Use a mask or animated effect

Screenshot Messenger video convos—to save or share in Messenger Day—using the new camera button

The new features are available in one-on-one and group video chats.

Image via Facebook.

Instagram

New feature to disclose sponsored celebrity posts

On June 14, BuzzFeed reported that Instagram is launching a feature to make it easier for celebrities and influencers to indicate when their post or Story is sponsored by a brand.

The phrase “Paid partnership with…” will appear at the top of these posts or Stories. The feature is currently being tested by a few brands and celebrities (including BuzzFeed).

Image via Song of Style on Instagram.

Archive

Image via Instagram.

Live replay in Stories

Image via Instagram.

Lens updates

On June 21, Pinterest rolled out a new look—and new tools—for Lens, the new visual discovery feature that allows users to search for real things on the platform.

Image via Pinterest.

New security features

On June 27, Pinterest rolled out several new security features:

Two-factor authentication

List of logged in devices

Email notifications for logins from new devices

Image via Pinterest.

YouTube

Developing VR180

Image via YouTube.

YouTube VR Studio

On June 21, AdWeek reported that YouTube has launched VR Creator Lab, a new program designed to help creators and brands learn YouTube best practices and make videos.

VR Creator Lab is a three day program that includes cameras and equipment, editing tools, and resources such as training sessions and talks from Google.

Images in comments

On June 20, LinkedIn added the ability to include images in comments.

Image via LinkedIn.

Search Appearances

LinkedIn explained that the feature is intended to help “signal what types of opportunities you might be a fit for.”

Image via LinkedIn.

Hootsuite

Independent research

We’re pretty thrilled about this.

Forrester recognizes Hootsuite as a leader in social media management: https://t.co/Pyrhg0wdDY #ForresterWave http://pic.twitter.com/zmd2gtHD9O

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 12, 2017

New office in Mexico City

We're excited to announce our expansion into Latin America! Opening an office in vibrant Mexico City 🇲🇽 https://t.co/JBDzb1oe2J #HootLatam http://pic.twitter.com/0oW3smzlEf

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 15, 2017

Snapchat

Company acquisition

On June 5, AdWeek reported that Snap Inc. acquired Placed, a location-based data company. According to AdWeek, Placed uses “opt-in mobile panels to track foot traffic to stores for brands,”

In a statement to AdWeek, Snap explained that their latest acquisition would continue to operate independently with founder and CEO David Shim reporting to Snap’s CSO Imran Khan.

Ads updates

On June 12, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat has rolled out three important updates to how ads are purchased and run:

Ads Manager—a self-serve portal that allows clients to buy, manage, optimize, and view analytics about campaigns, use ad formats and targeting capabilities, and more

Image via TechCrunch.

Snap Map

On June 21, Snapchat introduced Snap Map, a new feature that lets users share their location with friends and see where people they know are posting Snaps from.

Snapchat TV shows

On June 19, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat and Time Warner have announced a deal to create Snapchat original shows and ads.

Reportedly worth $100 million over the next two years, the deal features shows spanning a variety of genres, including scripted drama, daily news, and documentaries.

Image via TechCrunch.

Create custom geofilters in app

On June 28, Snapchat announced the ability to create custom geofilters in the app.

In addition to choosing a theme for their filter, Snapchatters can use many of the same creative tools available to decorate Snaps, such as text, Bitmoji, and stickers.

Custom geofilters were previously only available online via Snapchat’s website.

Image via Snapchat.

Learn More

The post Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup appeared first on Hootsuite Social Media Management.

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup published first on http://ift.tt/2rEvyAw

0 notes

slrlounge1 · 6 years ago

Text

Sony Announces Major A9 Improvements, APS-C A6400, Impressive Digital Camera Market Statistics

Sony A9 Firmware Update | New Features

Real-Time Tracking Mode AF

“AI-based object recognition which processes color, distance, pattern and spatial information to ensure that all subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy.”

On the Sony A9, continuous AF in particular is about to get a lot better, thanks to the new ability to use eye and pattern/texture recognition in addition to its original AF tracking algorithm.

Real-Time Eye AF

“This exciting new capability employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye location data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF.”

youtube

Animal Eye AF

This will clearly be great for canine and feline subjects; both wild and tame; we’ll have to test it for avian subjects too when we can get our hands on it!

Many More Features Coming to All The Current Full-Frame Bodies

As mentioned, the A9, A7RIII and A7III will all receive these new AF features, along with many others. The A7RIII and A7III firmware will be 3.0, available in April 2019.

Sony A6400

youtube

The A6400’s spec sheet is as follows:

425 AF points, covering almost the entire image area (84%)

0.02 second AF acquisition speed (Not sure with which lenses, but wow!)

Real-Time AF tracking

Real-Time Eye AF

Real-Time Animal Eye AF

Smoother, Stable AF for movies

11 FPS with full AF functionality (8 FPS in fully silent shutter mode)

ISO 100-32,000, 24 megapixel sensor

4K video (full sensor width)

HLG 8-bit video picture profile offers a simple HDR video workflow option

Built-in intervalometer for timelapse photography (Yay, it’s finally back!)

180 degree (vertical flip) LCD screen

48 Native E-mount lenses (Counting both FF and APS-C lenses)

youtube

Two New Mobile Apps, Update To Desktop App

Lastly, Sony has announced a revamp of its mobile and desktop applications:

New Imaging Edge Mobile Applications

Sony’s new Imaging Edge mobile application and ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ will be available in March 2019.

Enhancements of ‘Remote’ ‘Viewer’ ‘Edit’ Desktop Applications

The latest Version 1.4 of Desktop Applications ‘Remote’ ‘Viewer’ ‘Edit’ will be available later this month.

For more information on the new application updates, please visit the Imaging Edge website at imagingedge.sony.net.

Sony’s Stance In the Camera Market

Sony’s share of the full-frame market, globally, grew(?) to 31% in 2018.

Of all the (non-phone?) digital cameras sold, 54% are mirrorless.

Sony is the #1 brand in the USA for full-frame cameras.

Sony themselves are up 97%, year-to-year.

We’ll be publishing additional reviews of both the Sony A7RIII and A7III as soon as possible, as well as a review of the A6400 whenever we can get our hands on one!

from SLR Lounge http://bit.ly/2Fz39TX via IFTTT

#IFTTT #SLR Lounge

0 notes

bizmediaweb · 8 years ago

Text

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup

Let’s dive in.

Table of contents

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Hootsuite

Snapchat

Twitter

Direct message buttons

The intent of the update is to make it easier for people to take an action outside of the conversation, such as composing a tweet, following an account, or opening a website within the Twitter app.

Image via Twitter.

Redesign

On June 15, Twitter announced a new look for the platform, across twitter.com, Twitter for iOS, Twitter for Android, TweetDeck, and Twitter Lite.

Some of the changes include:

A new side navigation menu featuring a user’s profile additional accounts, settings, and privacy

Links to articles and websites open in Safari’s viewer in the Twitter app

More consistent typography and bolder headlines

Rounded profile photos

Updated icons, including changing the reply button to a speech bubble instead of an arrow

Real-time updates of reply, retweet, and like counts on tweets

Increased color contrast

Image via Twitter.

Facebook

New tools for politicians

At the beginning of June, TechCrunch reported that Facebook has added several new tools for politicians and their constituents:

Constituent Badges—allow users to identify themselves as a person living in the district elected officials represent

Constituent Insights—helps politicians learn what news stories and content is popular within their district

District Targeting—allows elected officials to gather feedback from the constituents via Facebook using either posts or polls targeted only towards users who actually live in their district

Add representative info—when composing a message, U.S. users can now choose to add the contact information for their government representative to the post

New Facebook Album features

On June 1, TechCrunch reported that Facebook rolled out the ability to add videos, check-ins, and text posts to albums.

Users can also now display a featured album on their profile and follow friends’ albums to get notified when they are updated.

Image via TechCrunch.

Developer Circles

On June 1, Facebook launched Developer Circles, “a new program for developers all over the world to connect, learn, and collaborate with other local developers.”

Developer Circles are intended to serve as forums for developers to share knowledge, collaborate, and more.

Developing new messaging app for teens

Closed captions for Facebook Live

On June 6, Facebook rolled out the ability for publishers to add closed captions to Facebook Live video in an attempt to make the feature more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Image via Facebook.

Disaster maps

The three types of maps are:

Location density maps—show where people are located before, during, and after a disaster

Movement maps—illustrate patterns of movement between neighborhoods or cities during a crisis

Safety Check maps—based on where users mark themselves as safe during a disaster

Updates to Canvas

Advertisers can now use collection for objectives beyond mobile shopping as well as attach a Canvas full-screen experience.

Facebook has also added easy-to-use full-screen templates for Canvas based on different business goals, such as getting new customers, selling products, and showcasing your business.

Image via Facebook.

Value optimization ads tool

Facebook explained: “The ad’s bid is then automatically adjusted based on this estimation, allowing campaigns to deliver ads to people likely to spend more with your business at a low cost.”

Image via Facebook.

Updates to Safety Check

On June 14, Facebook introduced updates to Safety Check, the feature that allows people to communicate with friends and family during a crisis.

The new updates include:

Fundraisers in Safety Check—people in the U.S. can start a fundraiser within the Safety Check feature

Expansion of Community Help—making it available on desktop and for all crisis types once Safety Check is activated

Personal note—when people mark themselves as safe, they can also share a personal note to add additional context

Crisis descriptions—get more information about a crisis from NC4, Facebook’s trusted third party global crisis reporting agency, within Safety Check

Image via Facebook.

New Audience Network controls

On June 14, Facebook announced several new controls for advertisers in Audience Network:

Pre-campaign transparency—this will show advertisers a list of where their ads could potentially deliver before they push a campaign live

Blocking at the account level—advertisers can set block lists at the account level instead of logging into individual campaigns or sets of ads

Image via Facebook.

Profile picture controls

Image via Facebook.

Messenger video chat

On June 26, Facebook rolled out new features for video chats in Messenger:

Choose one of five Messenger emoji to animate your emotions on screen

Add a filter

Use a mask or animated effect

Screenshot Messenger video convos—to save or share in Messenger Day—using the new camera button

The new features are available in one-on-one and group video chats.

Image via Facebook.

Instagram

New feature to disclose sponsored celebrity posts

On June 14, BuzzFeed reported that Instagram is launching a feature to make it easier for celebrities and influencers to indicate when their post or Story is sponsored by a brand.

The phrase “Paid partnership with…” will appear at the top of these posts or Stories. The feature is currently being tested by a few brands and celebrities (including BuzzFeed).

Image via Song of Style on Instagram.

Archive

Image via Instagram.

Live replay in Stories

Image via Instagram.

Lens updates

On June 21, Pinterest rolled out a new look—and new tools—for Lens, the new visual discovery feature that allows users to search for real things on the platform.

Image via Pinterest.

New security features

On June 27, Pinterest rolled out several new security features:

Two-factor authentication

List of logged in devices

Email notifications for logins from new devices

Image via Pinterest.

YouTube

Developing VR180

Image via YouTube.

YouTube VR Studio

On June 21, AdWeek reported that YouTube has launched VR Creator Lab, a new program designed to help creators and brands learn YouTube best practices and make videos.

VR Creator Lab is a three day program that includes cameras and equipment, editing tools, and resources such as training sessions and talks from Google.

Images in comments

On June 20, LinkedIn added the ability to include images in comments.

Image via LinkedIn.

Search Appearances

LinkedIn explained that the feature is intended to help “signal what types of opportunities you might be a fit for.”

Image via LinkedIn.

Hootsuite

Independent research

We’re pretty thrilled about this.

Forrester recognizes Hootsuite as a leader in social media management: https://t.co/Pyrhg0wdDY #ForresterWave http://pic.twitter.com/zmd2gtHD9O

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 12, 2017

New office in Mexico City

We're excited to announce our expansion into Latin America! Opening an office in vibrant Mexico City 🇲🇽 https://t.co/JBDzb1oe2J #HootLatam http://pic.twitter.com/0oW3smzlEf

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 15, 2017

Snapchat

Company acquisition

On June 5, AdWeek reported that Snap Inc. acquired Placed, a location-based data company. According to AdWeek, Placed uses “opt-in mobile panels to track foot traffic to stores for brands,”

In a statement to AdWeek, Snap explained that their latest acquisition would continue to operate independently with founder and CEO David Shim reporting to Snap’s CSO Imran Khan.

Ads updates

On June 12, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat has rolled out three important updates to how ads are purchased and run:

Ads Manager—a self-serve portal that allows clients to buy, manage, optimize, and view analytics about campaigns, use ad formats and targeting capabilities, and more

Image via TechCrunch.

Snap Map

On June 21, Snapchat introduced Snap Map, a new feature that lets users share their location with friends and see where people they know are posting Snaps from.

Snapchat TV shows

On June 19, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat and Time Warner have announced a deal to create Snapchat original shows and ads.

Reportedly worth $100 million over the next two years, the deal features shows spanning a variety of genres, including scripted drama, daily news, and documentaries.

Image via TechCrunch.

Create custom geofilters in app

On June 28, Snapchat announced the ability to create custom geofilters in the app.

In addition to choosing a theme for their filter, Snapchatters can use many of the same creative tools available to decorate Snaps, such as text, Bitmoji, and stickers.

Custom geofilters were previously only available online via Snapchat’s website.

Image via Snapchat.

Learn More

The post Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup appeared first on Hootsuite Social Media Management.

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup published first on http://ift.tt/2u73Z29

0 notes

bizmediaweb · 8 years ago

Text

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup

Let’s dive in.

Table of contents

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Hootsuite

Snapchat

Twitter

Direct message buttons

The intent of the update is to make it easier for people to take an action outside of the conversation, such as composing a tweet, following an account, or opening a website within the Twitter app.

Image via Twitter.

Redesign

On June 15, Twitter announced a new look for the platform, across twitter.com, Twitter for iOS, Twitter for Android, TweetDeck, and Twitter Lite.

Some of the changes include:

A new side navigation menu featuring a user’s profile additional accounts, settings, and privacy

Links to articles and websites open in Safari’s viewer in the Twitter app

More consistent typography and bolder headlines

Rounded profile photos

Updated icons, including changing the reply button to a speech bubble instead of an arrow

Real-time updates of reply, retweet, and like counts on tweets

Increased color contrast

Image via Twitter.

Facebook

New tools for politicians

At the beginning of June, TechCrunch reported that Facebook has added several new tools for politicians and their constituents:

Constituent Badges—allow users to identify themselves as a person living in the district elected officials represent

Constituent Insights—helps politicians learn what news stories and content is popular within their district

District Targeting—allows elected officials to gather feedback from the constituents via Facebook using either posts or polls targeted only towards users who actually live in their district

Add representative info—when composing a message, U.S. users can now choose to add the contact information for their government representative to the post

New Facebook Album features

On June 1, TechCrunch reported that Facebook rolled out the ability to add videos, check-ins, and text posts to albums.

Users can also now display a featured album on their profile and follow friends’ albums to get notified when they are updated.

Image via TechCrunch.

Developer Circles

On June 1, Facebook launched Developer Circles, “a new program for developers all over the world to connect, learn, and collaborate with other local developers.”

Developer Circles are intended to serve as forums for developers to share knowledge, collaborate, and more.

Developing new messaging app for teens

Closed captions for Facebook Live

On June 6, Facebook rolled out the ability for publishers to add closed captions to Facebook Live video in an attempt to make the feature more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Image via Facebook.

Disaster maps

The three types of maps are:

Location density maps—show where people are located before, during, and after a disaster

Movement maps—illustrate patterns of movement between neighborhoods or cities during a crisis

Safety Check maps—based on where users mark themselves as safe during a disaster

Updates to Canvas

Advertisers can now use collection for objectives beyond mobile shopping as well as attach a Canvas full-screen experience.

Facebook has also added easy-to-use full-screen templates for Canvas based on different business goals, such as getting new customers, selling products, and showcasing your business.

Image via Facebook.

Value optimization ads tool

Facebook explained: “The ad’s bid is then automatically adjusted based on this estimation, allowing campaigns to deliver ads to people likely to spend more with your business at a low cost.”

Image via Facebook.

Updates to Safety Check

On June 14, Facebook introduced updates to Safety Check, the feature that allows people to communicate with friends and family during a crisis.

The new updates include:

Fundraisers in Safety Check—people in the U.S. can start a fundraiser within the Safety Check feature

Expansion of Community Help—making it available on desktop and for all crisis types once Safety Check is activated

Personal note—when people mark themselves as safe, they can also share a personal note to add additional context

Crisis descriptions—get more information about a crisis from NC4, Facebook’s trusted third party global crisis reporting agency, within Safety Check

Image via Facebook.

New Audience Network controls

On June 14, Facebook announced several new controls for advertisers in Audience Network:

Pre-campaign transparency—this will show advertisers a list of where their ads could potentially deliver before they push a campaign live

Blocking at the account level—advertisers can set block lists at the account level instead of logging into individual campaigns or sets of ads

Image via Facebook.

Profile picture controls

Image via Facebook.

Messenger video chat

On June 26, Facebook rolled out new features for video chats in Messenger:

Choose one of five Messenger emoji to animate your emotions on screen

Add a filter

Use a mask or animated effect

Screenshot Messenger video convos—to save or share in Messenger Day—using the new camera button

The new features are available in one-on-one and group video chats.

Image via Facebook.

Instagram

New feature to disclose sponsored celebrity posts

On June 14, BuzzFeed reported that Instagram is launching a feature to make it easier for celebrities and influencers to indicate when their post or Story is sponsored by a brand.

The phrase “Paid partnership with…” will appear at the top of these posts or Stories. The feature is currently being tested by a few brands and celebrities (including BuzzFeed).

Image via Song of Style on Instagram.

Archive

Image via Instagram.

Live replay in Stories

Image via Instagram.

Lens updates

On June 21, Pinterest rolled out a new look—and new tools—for Lens, the new visual discovery feature that allows users to search for real things on the platform.

Image via Pinterest.

New security features

On June 27, Pinterest rolled out several new security features:

Two-factor authentication

List of logged in devices

Email notifications for logins from new devices

Image via Pinterest.

YouTube

Developing VR180

Image via YouTube.

YouTube VR Studio

On June 21, AdWeek reported that YouTube has launched VR Creator Lab, a new program designed to help creators and brands learn YouTube best practices and make videos.

VR Creator Lab is a three day program that includes cameras and equipment, editing tools, and resources such as training sessions and talks from Google.

Images in comments

On June 20, LinkedIn added the ability to include images in comments.

Image via LinkedIn.

Search Appearances

LinkedIn explained that the feature is intended to help “signal what types of opportunities you might be a fit for.”

Image via LinkedIn.

Hootsuite

Independent research

We’re pretty thrilled about this.

Forrester recognizes Hootsuite as a leader in social media management: https://t.co/Pyrhg0wdDY #ForresterWave http://pic.twitter.com/zmd2gtHD9O

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 12, 2017

New office in Mexico City

We're excited to announce our expansion into Latin America! Opening an office in vibrant Mexico City 🇲🇽 https://t.co/JBDzb1oe2J #HootLatam http://pic.twitter.com/0oW3smzlEf

— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) June 15, 2017

Snapchat

Company acquisition

On June 5, AdWeek reported that Snap Inc. acquired Placed, a location-based data company. According to AdWeek, Placed uses “opt-in mobile panels to track foot traffic to stores for brands,”

In a statement to AdWeek, Snap explained that their latest acquisition would continue to operate independently with founder and CEO David Shim reporting to Snap’s CSO Imran Khan.

Ads updates

On June 12, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat has rolled out three important updates to how ads are purchased and run:

Ads Manager—a self-serve portal that allows clients to buy, manage, optimize, and view analytics about campaigns, use ad formats and targeting capabilities, and more

Image via TechCrunch.

Snap Map

On June 21, Snapchat introduced Snap Map, a new feature that lets users share their location with friends and see where people they know are posting Snaps from.

Snapchat TV shows

On June 19, TechCrunch reported that Snapchat and Time Warner have announced a deal to create Snapchat original shows and ads.

Reportedly worth $100 million over the next two years, the deal features shows spanning a variety of genres, including scripted drama, daily news, and documentaries.

Image via TechCrunch.

Create custom geofilters in app

On June 28, Snapchat announced the ability to create custom geofilters in the app.

In addition to choosing a theme for their filter, Snapchatters can use many of the same creative tools available to decorate Snaps, such as text, Bitmoji, and stickers.

Custom geofilters were previously only available online via Snapchat’s website.

Image via Snapchat.

Learn More

The post Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup appeared first on Hootsuite Social Media Management.

Social Media News You Need to Know: June 2017 Roundup published first on http://ift.tt/2u73Z29

0 notes