Month: May 2021

Tech Review – FujiFilm Instax mini 40 camera. #FujiFilm #InstaxMini40

I am not a huge camera fan and I hardly use a proper camera if you will I have always been one to use my mobile phone and this was due to Nokia devices such as the Lumia 1020 for example and it pretty much has been the same since until Nokia/ Microsoft left the scene then I moved onto other devices and back to Nokia branded devices when HMD took the helm. I hold a huge collection of these phones and other brands and they have been pretty much the staple for photography and video for me and I know many others in the same boat and it will always be that was since mobile phones have got so good with their cameras.

I am a retro fan and collector when it comes to many things in life, phones is my main favourite then trainers and watches and I have amassed a huge collection over the years and these still grow today and this is why I like the Instax cameras and this model in particular even more so. These cameras are a niche product but a large niche and I can see why people love them, The INSTAX SQUARE SQ1 MINI LINK and MINI LI PLAY are previous models I have tested and have went down really well with 85K views alone on You Tube and over 250K site views combined which shows there is interest in these products and I can understand why and that is from someone who is not a DSLR/Camera fan to begin with but understands the technology behind such but they just never appealed to me but these cameras do.

It is a big camera lets not mistake this it is cumbersome you have to carry film with you it will take up room in your bag but the thing is you get your images there and then, when was the last time you actually went and got films developed?? Go on I will wait for that answer..  We are so immersed in our mobile phones today and even before the pandemic struck I really cant remember when I seen someone with an actual proper camera in their hand apart from tourists on O Connell st bridge and they where huge DSLR cameras and they both tie in together here when it comes to size but the outcome is different.

Ok so the deal overall here is this is a retro camera that takes decent images pending the conditions and it is a simple click and go, no messing around with settings like your phone or standard camera and so on, I find that things closer to the lens come out better and sharper and bright conditions the best but for a night out or a trip to the park or sea this is great for getting those family shots etc, the only caveat here is that film is expensive and at times images can get blown out but it is a really nice camera to have at your disposal and is fun to use and most importantly you get a credit card sized photo there and then rather than having to wait for them to be developed.

http://www.instax.ie/mini40

The Relevance of Live Streaming To The Future Of Sports Broadcasting

Sports fans from around the world spend thousands of dollars every year to gain access to their favourite teams’ games. Otherwise, if they’re not subscribed to the broadcasting channels, they would need to find a sports bar or hang out at a friend’s place to watch the games. However, a few years ago, with the rise of social media, live streaming came into existence and it completely changed the way things are done. Despite the resistance of major leagues and sports clubs, live streaming found its way into the fields and arenas and built quite the fan base posing as a real threat to the age-old sports broadcasting industry. However, live-streaming apps are only just starting so it’s a little early to claim that they will fully replace the mogul sports broadcasting industry. However, it’s worth considering that they’re going to have some major effects. If you’re interested to learn more about the relevance of live streaming to the future of sports broadcasting, continue reading.

It’s Not One or the Other

Even though live streaming might seem like it’s here to take over broadcasting and become the favoured medium for sports fans, their relationship is actually complementary. Live streaming plays a huge role in deepening the connection between fans and their favourite teams. It even has a direct effect on improving the popularity of underdog leagues and sports altogether. This only means that the sports industry as a whole including broadcasters is going to grow even further. Which is the main reason why established sports broadcasting channels are jumping at the opportunity to create their own streaming/OTT (over the top) platforms. 

It Will Make Way for Better Cost-Efficiency

The sports broadcasting industry is worth billions of dollars, it’s almost impossible to assume that all of this money is properly and fairly allocated. With live-streaming coming into the picture, fans are dropping their cable subscriptions in favour of the more engaging streaming apps, this will encourage broadcasters to change their ways and rethink their wasteful strategies. Experts over at Australia-based streaming platform https://blog.ligrsystems.com/customer-stories/cluch-tv-is-producing-over-100-live-games-a-weekend-using-ligr explain that as live streaming is becoming more dependent on cloud-based solutions, there’s an opportunity to produce high-quality content at the fraction of the costs incurred by major sports productions. However, the initial investment to set up the necessary graphics tools for an aggregated OTT platform should be taken into account for actual cost estimation. 

It Stimulates the Need for Better Content

One clear way where live streaming is completely dominating traditional broadcasting is the creative content. The spontaneity of live streaming makes for much more captivating content than that of the often rigid live production. After-match Q&As, exclusive interviews, and special footage have all become synonymous with live-streaming and are the primary reasons fans are hooked on this new sports viewing platform. This will only stimulate the need for richer content from broadcasters and force them to start moving out of their comfort zones to create a more interactive medium if they want their avid fans to stick around. In addition to content, live streaming is also excelling in automated graphics which significantly enhances the viewing experience. If broadcasting channels want to keep up with live-streaming apps, they will have to up their game in terms of the visual effects and graphics that they employ when airing important sports events.

It Will Attract More Fans

Live streaming allows the audience to watch games whenever and wherever they wish. This accessibility is likely to encourage the so-called casual viewers to follow sports more intently just because they’re in charge of the viewing terms. A casual viewer won’t commit to a monthly cable subscription to watch the premier league. However, the same viewer could be interested in following the league on their smartphone during their daily commute. This will increase the probability of more casual viewers turning into proper fans which in turn increases the likelihood of them activating a cable subscription so as not to miss out on their newfound obsession. 

It Might Steal Away Ads Deals

In recent years, there have been a number of incidents where live streaming platforms stole away ad deals from traditional broadcasters. Since ads are one of the most important sources of revenue for broadcasters, this might be a real challenge to try to overcome. However, competition only means better service and content for the audience who seem to be the only party benefiting in all cases.

 

 

Live streaming is indeed coming in with a bang. However, as mentioned above, it doesn’t have to be an ‘either/or’ situation where fans have to make a choice between live streaming and traditional broadcasting. Broadcasters can find imaginative solutions to use live streaming platforms to enrich their already-established market. If done right, all parties involved will benefit from this.

The Ultimate Guide To Understand Everything About Animation Production

The use of animation has brought a huge change to the visual industry. Animations bring ideas and stories to life. A good animation combines art, motion, sound, and narration to help get a message across viewers. Animations are used in a broad spectrum throughout different industries. The major use of animation production is in the film and gaming industry. The process itself comprises many components. For better understanding, here’s the ultimate guide to learn everything about animation production. 

 

Animation Production Basics

 

Animations are produced through a set of planned stages, each of which plays an important role in the quality of the final animation that is produced. An animation studio consists of different departments, projects, and people that come together to build animations. 

1. Pre-production

 

Pre-production is actually the earliest part of the film. It involves various activities such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, visual development, and others like it. The building blocks of the story are created here.

2. Production

 

Production is said to be the middle stage. This is the essence of a film. It mainly includes pieces such as characters, modelling, rigging which leads to animation. These people in production are responsible for producing an animation for any purpose, as this is where the story takes shape and by using the initial blocks set in the pre-production phase.

3.Post-production

 

Post-production is the final stage of filmmaking. It revolves around compositing, VFX, and color correction. This last step is used for the finishing touches. It’s used to polish the story and finalise it for the audience.

An Animator’s Job

 

Animators are considered Da Vinci’s of this industry. Their job is to bring life to the director’s vision. They do this by taking the script and the vision and breathe life into the characters. It is actually up to to the animators to sell the story to the audience using their characters. Their purpose is to shake the audience with their wonderful animations. They greatly influence the whole film as their role is to create dynamic and interesting character performances for various purposes such as Movies, TV shows, etc.

Animators

 

Animators have a huge impact on the film and their role is of the utmost importance. They generally have two main categories

1. 2D Animators

 

2D animators are considered old-school nowadays. This is because they use traditional methods. These methods may include hand-drawn techniques or modern digital tools to help tell the story. They use a specific strategy of making the most out of timing, spacing, and appeal to give life to characters. 

2. 3D Animators

 

3D animators are the real deal. They use the help of software to accomplish what the 2D animators do. They also work on the fundamental principles of animation but in addition to that, they use software to push their art to the next level. Softwares help push the quality up a notch. They are the ones who are responsible for the dragons and spaceships which you see in your movies and TV shows. At their core, they’re the same. Moreover, they can pursue several careers but below are the most demanded and sought-after roles.

a. Feature Film Animators 

 

FFA’s work on movies and TV shows. They display eye-catching and appealing performances. It’s them who are responsible for the famous character performances in movies like Frozen, How to train your dragon, and Spiderman.

b. VFX Animators

 

VFX animators use a certain level of exaggeration to animate their digital characters keeping in view their live-action counterparts. They usually bring superheroes and colossal robots. All the fantastic and mythical creatures you see in movies are their creations.

c. Game Animators

 

Game animators’ primary purpose is to focus on body mechanics and physical performance. This is done by emphasizing the weight and impact of the body. They are responsible for the dynamic animations by keeping both gameplay and storytelling in their mind.

How The Process Works

 

In the animation process, the story which your brand plans on telling comes to life using complex tools. Movements, audio, effects and motion, and well-chosen words are used to describe your brand. After the idea is set, a script is created, which is then followed by animators to create the best characters and storytelling possible. It is then finalised in the last step called post-production and given the finishing touches to present to the audience.

You need to make sure you get the attention of your target audience and animation is the best tool for that. It grabs the audience’s attention because it doesn’t involve old-school methods such as typically text-based storytelling. The chance of grabbing attention greatly increases by animation. It stands apart and has life. It moves and speaks for itself which is more appealing. If you’re a brand and you need attention, don’t worry, animation is there for you to get you the attention you deserve.

 

How to Download Videos from Any Website with SnapDownloader

There’s plenty of entertaining videos on the internet that aren’t offered for offline viewing. Here’s how you can get your hands on all of the high-definition videos to watch offline with SnapDownloader.

Ever since videos sharing websites like YouTube, Metacafe, and Dailymotion, along with social media giants such as Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, and others, took over, the content creation and sharing of videos have skyrocketed. It isn’t a secret that video content is growing on social media platforms, which is why services such as IGTV by Instagram and the video-centric platform of Facebook Watch were created in the first place. YouTube alone is home to more than 1 Billion active users, which means virtually unending videos that you could watch during your entire lifetime. 

Why SnapDownloader Video Downloader?

With thousands of big-time content creators out there, millions of up-and-coming independent content creators, and news organizations offering plenty of video content on these media platforms, you have all the reasons to download videos for viewing offline, and SnapDownloader is here to make it easier than ever. But there are already hundreds, if not thousands, of different video downloaders out there, so what makes SnapDownloader any better than the rest? 

SnapDownloader Features: 

Supports 900+ websites – SnapDownloader enables you to download video content not just from social media networks such as Facebook and Instagram but more than 900 websites, which includes the unconventional ones such as Reddit, TikTok, BBC, and more. 

Convert videos to MP3 audio – This distinct feature comes in handy when obtaining audio content on websites such as YouTube. Whether you wish to fetch audiobooks, podcasts, audio tracks, or documentaries, SnapDownloader helps you get it done. 

Download in 8K quality – While YouTube is currently the only platform that supports 8K streaming, SnapDownloader already supports downloading it. Additionally, you can fetch videos in 4K, 1080p Full-HD, 720p, and even other standard video formats too. 

Built-in proxy – SnapDownloader brings the ability to quickly set up a geo-proxy and get past the geo-restrictions on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you want to download a video from a website that is restricted in your country of residence, SnapDownloader will get the job done. 

Users love the UI – One of the biggest pain points with hundreds of other video downloaders is the dated user interface and a barrage of ads that cloud everything. SnapDownloader keeps it all neat and clean for you to enjoy the video viewing experience every time, and no unsolicited advertisements that could harm the device. 

Cutting-edge advanced features – Apart from getting the core features right, SnapDownloader adds a cherry on the pie with video editing features baked into the app. You also get a Bulk Downloads feature to fetch up to 15 videos from different sources, all at once. 

Download Videos from Any Website with SnapDownloader

Before you can begin enjoying the best of video content without an active internet connection, you will need to download the SnapDownloader app, and here’s how you go about it:  

 

 

  • Install SnapDownloader for Windows or macOS and launch the app to continue. 

  • Launch the web browser and open YouTube, Facebook, or any other video-sharing platform from where you wish to download the video.

 

  • Copy the video link by right-clicking on it and paste the link of the video in the SnapDownloader app.

  • Similarly, you can also use the search bar to enter a keyword and search the video online.

 

  • Select the option of Output (MP4 or MP3), where you can even convert the video to an MP3 file directly.

 

  • Now, choose the Video Quality in which you wish to download the video.

  • Press the Download button to begin right away, or select Schedule for later if you wish to fetch the video at a later time. 

 

  • The download will begin, and details such as the file size, download speed, and even the estimated time left will be showcased.

 

That’s all there is to it! You will now have the video ready for viewing offline. While one video is downloaded, you can also cue up to 15 videos for downloading on SnapDownloader, all at once!

 

Final Words

The complete process for downloading videos from any other popular social media platform like Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, and other video-sharing platforms is exactly the same. All you have to do to get started is fetch the video URL, enter it into the search field of the SnapDownloader app, and you’re all done. While there are plenty of video downloader services that tend to help you download YouTube videos, the number of service providers for fetching content from other social media platforms is fairly limited, which is why SnapDownloader comes in handy.

Are you hoping to give SnapDownloader a try and see how it can help you download any video from the World Wide Web with just one click? We would love for you to let us know your thoughts on SnapDownloader in the comments section down below. 

 

What Are the Main Use Cases of Proxies?

Have you ever tried accessing data on the internet only to realize that it is restricted to your location? In this case, a proxy server can be valuable. Other than unblocking content online, proxy servers can offer more benefits for businesses. This article will teach what you need to know about proxies, their uses, and how you can use them in accessing geo-restricted content.

What is a proxy?

The internet provides important data that can contribute to the overall success of your business. However, if you are unable to access data from various sites, tools such as a proxy server can be very useful.  A proxy server works by hiding your device’s original IP address and serves as a gateway between the website you’re trying to access and your device. 

Without a proxy server, it can be impossible to access restricted content. A proxy server will forward web requests on your behalf and get the web server response. Your request will be validated by HTTPS, which will hide your real information and allow you to access the data.

There are two ways you can use a proxy to unblock websites.

  • Web proxy

A web proxy works by unblocking sites accessed on public computers. To get this done, you will first need to connect to a proxy server. Your original location will be masked once you are given access to unblock a restricted site.  

These web proxies are usually free but can be tasking, especially when you want to stream content online. Also, before visiting the site, you need to navigate each tab of the web proxy every time you use it.

  • Proxy extension

This works faster than a proxy server, but the idea is basically the same. A proxy extension eliminates the need to navigate each tab when using a proxy server since it sits in your browser. This means that you can access blocked content easily whenever you need it.

When it comes to using proxies, you can choose between public and private (dedicated) proxies. Many companies and individuals prefer the latter for the added security. In this case, IPs are usually provided by your local Internet Service Providers. The main difference between the two is that public proxies are free while you have to pay to gain access to dedicated proxies.

Main use cases of proxies

Wondering why you need to use proxies for your business? Here’s a look at the top six use cases of proxies:

  1. Brand protection

Proxies provide an added layer of protection against data breach. Using proxies will allow you to gain control over brand reputation risks and manage your brand perception. If a hacker is trying to breach your data, the proxy servers will act as a buffer and your server will be less vulnerable to attack.

By using proxies, you will be able to check potential abuse of your brand. You will protect your company’s public image and have low chances of monetary loss or data breach.

  1. Market research

For your business to do well in a competitive landscape, it is important to acquire relevant market information including about your competitors. However, most websites have measures in place to restrict web scraping and this is where proxies come in handy.

Many businesses find it easier and faster to gather customer information and conduct data harvesting online through automated solutions they access through proxies similar to your static residential IP Proxies will allow you to collect real data about your target audience by accessing online forums and communities. The result will help you in forming wise business decisions.

  1. Access geo-restricted content

Do you need to access content from a website that has country restrictions? Different types of online content are hidden in geo-restrictions to prevent authorised users from accessing it.

Fortunately, you can use a proxy server to bypass these websites to get access to the geo-blocked content regardless of your geo-location. This is because the proxy server will hide your IP address. For instance, a Hong Kong proxy can prove useful when you are trying to gain access to restricted Hong Kong content. Visit this website for more information about a Hong Kong proxy or other types of proxies. 

  1. Ad verification

This is another way of protecting your brand through the use of proxies by improving ad performance and detecting ad fraud. Proxies will help you identify fraudulent marketing activities, such as fake traffic. It can also detect when your competitors place ads on sites that may harm your reputation.

Also, proxies have tools that gather data online to help you process measures in allocating ad budgets. These tools will perform an analysis of the ads you’ve done in the past. You can then use the results to tweak or retain positive points for the ads you’d run in the future.

  1. Pricing intelligence

There are proxies you can use to gather reliable pricing data in real-time. This will allow you to track your competitors to change your pricing based on the trend.

Conclusion

By learning how to use proxies to your advantage, you will explore various marketing solutions that will boost your business’ growth and success. You only have to find the right provider suitable for your business requirements. 

Good Reasons Why Having A Smartwatch Is So Practical For You

Watches have always been a unique feature of a person’s dress code. Whether it is a watch for a formal occasion or for everyday use, the right watch can add that extra touch to your overall persona.

For both ladies and gents, there are a plethora of watch styles available to suit every taste. However, some see watches as a piece of jewellery, while others see them purely as a functional piece of hardware.

Whether you are looking for style or function, the modern smartwatch caters to both requirements. This genre of watches incorporates cutting-edge modern technology, syncs seamlessly to your smartphone, and also serves as a great timepiece.

Here are four ways a smartwatch will sync with your iOS or Android mobile device and provide you with practical everyday functionality.

  1.   A Powerful Travel Assistant

When it comes to choosing the right smartwatch there are many options available in the market for every kind of budget, age, and taste.

Nearly all modern smartwatches have the ability to integrate into your mobile devices’ GPS. They can be synced to either your standard Map app that came with the device or a specialist third-party app you purchased separately.

Whichever navigation app you use, your smartwatch will act as an extension of the app and guide you through the speaker while you travel, instead of you having to look at your mobile screen constantly.

Through vibrations, the smartwatch can tell you whether you need to turn, and through the onboard speaker, it will also give you directions. You can even see the map on the smartwatch screen.

Additionally, your phone can be charging on the dashboard and all your navigation is taken care of through the smartwatch.

 

  1.   A Communications Panel

As the watch syncs to your phone, it also becomes a secondary portal through which notifications can be seen. You can even answer phone calls through the smartwatch, which is a fantastic feature to have, especially while you’re driving.

The smartwatch will show messages and social media notifications and also allow you to reply to messages without having to pick up your phone. If you are having a hard time deciding which watch to go for, have a look at this website where you can read about all the modern smartwatches available and even compare models. You can also do other basic things such as sending a voice note, listening to a voice note or delaying a notification to alert you later.

It’s a great way to stay focused on what you are doing whether that is driving, working, exercising, or studying because you don’t have to pick up your phone, and possibly get distracted by other things on it.

  1.   Health Monitor

There are some features and functions that aren’t available on every smartwatch but even the most basic smartwatches offer a good range of health and fitness-related features.

For many people being able to see their heart rate, the amount of oxygen in their blood, the distance they have walked, and the calories they have burnt are strong enough reasons to buy a smartwatch. Smartwatches today offer very in-depth stats about your overall health and can also work as high-tech fitness counters, whether you want to measure distance, calories, or any other bodily stat.

It’s also a great feature for the elderly or people with illnesses and would like to have a constant monitor on their body stats.

If you wear the watch while you sleep it can even give you a detailed report about your sleep pattern and how your body behaved during the hours that you slept, like your heart rate, oxygen, and blood pressure.

  1.   Business

As we pivot further towards digital payment methods smartwatches are a fantastic way to use NFC technology. Rather than having to tap your phone or use some form of plastic money, you can do all the buying you need using your smartwatch as the payment portal.

Like modern smartphones, smartwatches come with NFC technology onboard, which when synced to your phone, directly connects to your Google Wallet or Apple pay service.

It means your watch is an entire payment service in itself and you don’t need to have your phone with you if you want to buy some groceries on your way back from a morning jog.

Nearly everything in our everyday life is going digital, whether it is entertainment, communication, navigation, or even health. Many of these services are now available through mobile phones and a smartwatch is a great tool that acts as an extension of your phone.

Rather than having to use your phone for everything, and if you are a heavy tech user, a smartwatch will make life a whole lot easier for you. Moreover, it’s not only about the technology, smartphones accessorise your style indicating to the world that you’re a modern person in a modern world.

A Few Reasons Why You Should Invest in Digital Marketing

It is clear to see that the digital revolution is happening all around us. With the introduction of companies like Google, the internet is easily accessible and often acts as the first point of research for most consumers. Whether you need to find a nice restaurant to visit for dinner, or are wanting to compare health insurance quotes, the internet, aka “online”, has become the default search option. In order to be able to gain the upper hand, or even a place in the market, these days your business needs a strong marketing strategy. It makes sense to invest in a place that people spend most of their time. The digital space, an online platform.

Here are a few reasons why you and your business should invest in a solid digital marketing strategy.

 

The potential for mass reach and brand awareness

The internet is a platform that is becoming more and more readily available in most parts of the world. The sky’s the limit when it comes to the possibilities of new reachable audiences.

There are more than 1 billion active users on Facebook alone, which means that there’s a lot of opportunities to grow your business online. By utilizing a strategic approach to digital marketing, you unlock the potential for your business to tap into the masses and gain the ability to grow your brand awareness in both a simple and cost-effective way.Space City companies are often looking for the top digital marketing agency Houston can provide to fully maximize their online presence. Partnering with experts allows businesses to leverage targeted strategies that reach specific audiences, driving both engagement and growth.

Your ability to reach a more targeted audience

Digital platforms, like Google, Facebook, and YouTube, are well known for the algorithms they have created that give their users and consumers the best, and most personalised online experience. You can take advantage of these algorithms as they provide a platform that you and your business can use to target your digital marketing campaigns to their perfect audience.

By allowing a consumer to dictate their own interests, businesses can avoid interacting with the wrong audience through advertising that isn’t relevant to them. Marketing to the wrong audience can be potentially damaging to a brand’s reputation as well as providing no return on marketing investment.

The Stats

With every campaign you run online, whether it’s through a social media platform, AdWords, or re-targeting, your company is leaving a digital footprint and setting up for future analysis. Analytical tools such as Google Analytics are available online which enable you to accurately measure who your consumers are and where they are coming to you from. Benjamin Maynard from excitemedia.com.au/seo/ stresses the importance and relevance of knowing your analytics and how it will help you to see what your consumers are engaging with and at what point they disengage. Data analysis unlocks your ability to adjust and redirect your online activity based on the insights you are able to gain in real-time about your campaigns.

The rise of mobile

Did you know, there are more mobile users browsing online than there are people using desktops and laptops? In this age of immediacy Mobile smartphones have revolutionised how consumers interact with businesses. It has also affected the way they search, browse, buy and engage with the online world from wherever they are and whenever they like.

Modern-day consumers are constantly on the move. If you are able to reach them through targeted digital marketing in the space they spend the most time, you greatly improve your chance of making an impact.

Meaningful customer engagement

Digital marketing makes understanding consumer behaviour quite a bit easier. The interactive nature of the internet allows your business to connect with individuals on a more personal level. This allows you to break down the more formal barriers and makes it more inviting for consumers to build a relationship with your business.

Social media, blogs, and forums are all a space that you can use to interact with consumers. This gives them a platform to express their opinions, and comment, like and dislike content, allowing a business the opportunity to assess and react to their consumer base.

It’s cost-effective

There is a very simple reason why so many marketers believe that digital marketing is the way to go – it works and you can see real-time results. Traditional marketing mediums are usually very expensive and difficult and unreliable to measure. It is much harder to measure who listens to a radio station, or reads a newspaper compared to digital tracking.

A strong digital marketing campaign can yield a great return on investment, with little to no budget, with the content being seen by a much larger, targeted audience. Digital marketing is something that all businesses should be embracing in this day and age. Without it, your business may be missing out on opportunities to establish stronger connections with your current customers.