Category Archives: Technology

Multimedia, Photo, Social Networking, Technology

Your Guide to Instagram Carousel

In the latest update to Instagram, users are now finally able to upload multiple photos and or videos (up to ten) into one post, this is called carousel.  Let’s look at the good.  Not only can this help streamline your timeline of annoying friends, who like to flood your timeline and bombard you with post after post, it also gives you a solid view that will consolidate those multi posts.  However, this adds yet another gesture into Instagram’s once simple mobile application.
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Screenshot of the new carousel feature in Instagram.
When clicking the plus sign now, you simply click the “Select Multiple” option and grab all of the media you want. Simple, concise and easy.  How can you add this into your Instagram workflow?  Here’s a few scenarios that pass: going on a trip and you’ve captured the best photos of “insert museum here”, you’ve went to a sporting event the list goes on.  Here is how the carousel should NOT be used: “I’ve taken 4 shots of this thing and I don’t know which one is best….. “
No, please don’t.  This will make your followers hate you probably more than they already do.
TLDR: Instagram’s new carousel is a value add than can easily be killed by those who trash it and exemplified by those that use it in a more artistic manner.
Technology

Netflix as a Network

I predicted this years ago….. literally…..years ago. Although, Netflix had It’s humble beginnings as serving up content of popular movie studios and networks, giving us movies and TV shows that we love. Now it’s hard to scroll through the options without seeing the words “Netflix Original” — this isn’t a bad thing, just something that we should’ve seen coming.
With humble beginnings in 1997 (go ahead and admit that you didn’t know it has been around that long), Netflix has grown into a behemoth that’s almost single-handedly flipped the movie industry on it’s side (that along with piracy). Additionally, with a CEO like Reed Hastings, who knew that the video format DVD was headed to the grave, positioned Netflix to take down Blockbuster all while pushing the industry further.

Netflix interface highlighting the first original series on the service, “House of Cards”

So, in 2013, Netflix debuted it’s first original series, “House of Cards”, which essentially tested the waters — big hit. Now, with the combination of originals and other excellent titles available from other providers — how many times do you hear the word movie or show without Netflix in the sentence?

Rarely.

This is how Netflix has became THE network that we turn to for video content. Job well done, Netflix — job well done.

Software, Technology

Why automation makes life easier

Let’s face it, we carry super computers in our pockets.  Alright, not really, but although our smartphone companions are not super computers, they are still pretty darn smart and with that comes device and app automation that can drastically improve and simplify your life.  An app that I personally love is IFTTT (If This Then That), which brings a beautiful interface with jaw-dropping applets (recipes) that you put together according to your needs.
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IFTTT for iOS (Android interface is similar).
Need to know when you make it to the gym?  Turn on location services and add a quick note to your calendar whenever this happens.  Want the lights in your home to turn on when you pull into the garage?  There’s a applet for that.  Auto photo upload, auto WordPress posting, auto tweeting — you dream it (additionally you have certain accounts that can be linked together so that they can talk to each other) and IFTTT can make it happen.  Although from my screenshot you may assume that this glorious app is available on iOS only (you know what happens when you assume, right?)  — wrong it’s multi-platform available on iOS and Android — with a web interface!
Additionally, IFTTT isn’t the only player in this game, Microsoft recently introduced Flow, which has a unique spin on task automation itself.  And for those that are looking to get extremely granular on Android, there is one app called Tasker which essentially can do it all.  (Note: I advise only experienced users to play with this app).
Bottom line:  Everything is easier when magic “just happens” in the background for you, give IFTTT and other platforms a try!
Technology

How a “story” sells a product

We’ve all been there, captivated and enthralled in a newly released product ad from our favorite technology company that says “buy me now!!” — we gladly whip our our credit cards and make a purchase.  But what pushes us to do this?  The story that the company tells us as to WHY we need it, HOW it can be useful in our lives and WHO is the target audience is very important and without a story products don’t get sold or if they are successful they do not get the recognition that they are due.
What is this called?  It’s called story-telling marketing, which is a story-focused approach to your marketing and brand building.
Who’s been leading the charge in technology?  None other than Apple, others are trying to get better; however, do I need to point you to the iPhone introduction in 2007?
Can I also point you to AirBnb, who consistently preaches a customer first theology?
Want to hear an even deeper breakdown of story-telling marketing and more?  Subscribe to my podcast, Whaddup Tech on iTunes and other podcast apps or listen here.
Bottom line: Stories sell products and just by looking at two very successful companies that use these methods — the consumers are hooked.