Tech Goddess

By Shaun Parker

 This article explores the weird and the wonderful world of audio visual keeping a finger on the pulse of the latest technological developments. We are entering the realm of seriously scary with what can be done and this article is packed with CGI humanoids and robotic snakes.

Every year natural geometric disasters plague certain parts of the planet and although we cannot prevent this from happening , we can certainly be equipped to deal with the aftermath. This is where the 8 metre robotic snake comes in, which is designed to be controlled by an operator to locate survivors.

The snake uses an internal system of fibre optics which is a series of mirrored fibres that cause total reflection in order to transfer data via light at optimum speed. It can negotiate around complex obstacles and reach places that rescue workers and dogs cannot. The balance between flexibility, size and durability was paramount in the design and the Japanese developers hope that the technology will be developed further to help people all over the globe.

The use of CGI in feature films has thrown the gates of the imagination wide open, allowing directors to stage realistic fantastical effects from apocalyptic explosions to creating strange creatures from other worlds. The latest developments in this technology have seen CGI taken to another level by a company called Image Metrics and is set to revolutionise CGI computer gaming.

Image Metrics, producers of CGI for the cult gaming phenomenon Grand Theft Auto have developed a facial recognition system that builds facial expressions by focussing on individual pixels as opposed to targeted points on the face. The company states that the eye movements and lack of symmetry is what makes this new technique so effective and they have released a promotional video featuring an actress called Emily being interviewed about the technique although she is not really there.

These developments have to be sustained by hardware as previously graphics chips could not cope with this new technology. AMD has produced a chip with the equivalent processing power of a computer that would have filled a whole room twelve years ago, but the chip fits inside a standard PC. Although these images are a step up toward life-like photo imagery, it is believed the line between real and CGI will not be completely blurred until 2020.

CGI is big business and this facial recognition technique in theory could used for other facial recognition purposes such as security. The face has a fingerprint in it that is unique as no one face is the same, so the pixel system could in theory be adapted to monitor the movements of criminals or terrorists.

Shaun Parker is a correspondent covering Video News and all developments in audio visual technology.

Marketing Strategies: What’s In It For Me?
By Ramon Vela

 When I started working in the technology industry in the late 80’s to early 90’s, I had a great sales manager who used to say, “are your clients listening to radio WIIFM?”

At first I didn’t quite fully understand what this meant. In fact, it took a few years for me to completely wrap my head around it. I paid attention to the concept most of the time but, as we all do, I tended to let my ego get in the way and started showing people how much I knew about a product, about how much research I had done, instead of telling them about what my product could do for them.

That was 15 years ago and we could get away with it every once in a while back then. Now, however, the importance of keeping this principle in mind in sales and marketing activities is crucial. The market is so competitive and purchasing dollars are so closely guarded that we all have to remember what’s most important to the client: WIIFM, What’s In It For Me?

Here’s the concept in a nutshell. Your clients don’t care how good you say you are and they really don’t care what the horsepower is under the hood of the new program or piece of hardware. They only care about What’s In It For Me (WIIFM). In other words, how are you going to help them solve their problems, challenges, issues, etc? What can you do to make their company or home run smoother, easier, cheaper?

For example, does your web site talk about all the awards and certifications you get? Does your client really care? Probably not. What they DO care about is how you can help them implement a solution that can solve their problems and that you do it the way you say you can.

Position your website from the customers WIIFM standpoint. Whenever you plan to do anything in your business, think about WIIFM. Your clients or customers will be thinking about it. This way you can give them what they need to help make a decision without them having to either be a mind reader or taking the initiative to contact you to find out more information.

Create sales presentations the same way. What’s in it for your customers? Tell them before they have to ask you. It will come through clearer to them and make more sales for you and That’s What’s In It For YOU! See? Easy!

Ramon provides more marketing information, especially created for the IT VAR industry but also applies to everyone who wants to improve their sales. Stay up-to-date at StreetSmartVAR.com and while you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for Ramon’s popular, no-cost online marketing course!

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The Top Three GPS Models Reviewed
By Shaun Parker

 There is a standing joke that has been translated into many languages that tells of men possessing a genetic aversion to asking directions. Despite it being slightly prejudiced there is an element of truth that every man must face up to in their heart of hearts. Instinctual global geographical awareness is as much a trait of manhood than walking over hot coals, wrestling a rutting stag or leaving the toilet seat up.

With new satellite technology the Global Positioning Device, or GPS means that men never have to ask for directions ever again. This article examines three leading GPS models from three separate manufacturers in an impartial assessment of price against features.

The first is not technically a GPS model but a Bluetooth connection that will turn your mobile into a GPS. For 60GBP you can turn your mobile into a navigator with the Wayfinder Bluetooth GPS receiver. It is effective with quick satellite pick-up and it is compatible with any software. The issue is not the performance, but the cost. The initial outlay is reasonable however you have to pay an annual charge to avoid astronomical call costs in receiving.

The TomTom 1 is as no thrills as GPS gets. At an RRP of 150BGP which has now been dropped to 95GBP online it is by far the cheapest effective GPS system on the market. It is small, compact and accurate however the only drawback is that there is nothing beyond the GPS, so if you are looking for something more than basic destination access then this is not for you.

Finally the TomTom Go 730 is a step up in features from the 530 and a generation down from the 930. The only thing missing are the maps of North America and this combines the legendary TomTom simplicity with extra features such as Bluetooth and FM radio to keep you occupied, even your incoming text messages can be linked with GPS to be read out. The price is literally the only issue as 300GBP is a hefty price to pay for not asking directions.

Technology is changing the way in which we travel. The latter GPS model boasts advanced lane guidance which can instruct you which lanes to be in. That is pretty scary when you think about it, that satellites can monitor our every movements, however the loss of a little freedom is well worth it so long as we never have to ask directions

Shaun Parker is a correspondent covering GPS News and all developments in GPS.

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