A Practical Guide to SharePoint 2013

A Practical Guide to SharePoint 2013
A Practical Guide to SharePoint 2013 - Book by Saifullah Shafiq
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts

Monday, August 28, 2023

The Upcoming Solar-Electric Vehicles


Making the Future Pollution Free

Technological advancement has made individuals and companies more ecologically conscious. Traffic and vehicular pollution are escalating due to an increase in population and standard of living. Gas and petrol-powered vehicles have proved inefficient i.e. they are not just costly but also negatively impacts the environment. As a counter strategy, the world's renowned automotive companies, Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors, geared up to launch their solar charging vehicles to minimize the CO2 emission and improve mileage. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits and features that Hyundai Group Motors is offering in their solar powered vehicles. 

A Step Towards Nature

Hyundai has introduced its first ever solar electric car known as Sonata Hybrid with a translucent solar roof to absorb the sun rays that will charge the vehicle. This new system comprises a solar panel, a battery and a controller, giving a green message to the public. With the help of photovoltaic cells, the solar energy is converted into electrical energy which is then stored inside the batteries. The 100W solar panel generates an energy of 100Wh in an hour. On an average, it will charge 30-60% of the battery per day, adding 3-4 miles to its range. However, it also depends on the weather and the environment where you drive. These features can enhance the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as well.

While comparing it with competitors, some people argue that the transition between gas and electric is not seamless. Above that, such cars are fully optimal in sunny areas. But the bright side is that an increase in exports is expected, since environmental laws are being implemented worldwide. The other added features of this car include leather upholstery, a sleek exterior with a touch of sportiness, front and rear parking sensors, surround view camera, cupholders, LED lights, automatic passenger and driver windows, spacious and comfortable sitting that gives a sense of openness to the passengers. Unlike the traditional cars, it significantly reduces noise pollution, making your journey peaceful. Passengers can even enjoy a panoramic view from the sunroof.

A Choice of Green Minded Consumers

Solar vehicles are an exciting but an expensive innovation. It is a great buy for the customers who are safety conscious and concerned about the environment. With time these vehicles are getting more efficient, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and creating a sustainable future for the coming generations.


Friday, August 25, 2023

All About the New Minimis Glass

A gadget you must have!

Despite the years of backbreaking work, many smart shade companies have foundered in their mission to find a firm footing in the wearable industry. Their touted attempts were overlooked by the tech enthusiasts and users, presumably because they found them impractical and uninteresting. However, a Sydney based startup is quite optimistic to design, develop and sell its smart glasses, targeting the athletes (runners and cyclists). Let’s have a look at the features and benefits they will be offering to the users to attract them. 

What's new for fitness enthusiasts and athletes?

While cycling or running, it is quite distracting and risky to hold or use your phone. You might bump into a tree or a passing vehicle while you are fully engrossed in your phone, either monitoring your fitness or navigating the GPS. To end your problems, an Australian based company known as Minimis Technology has introduced its first finest smart glasses. This new gadget is called Minimis Glass that presents the statistics (speed, distance, time and heart rate.) maps and route information right before the wearer's eyes through the HUD navigation system. This gadget gives real time performance data, allowing users to track and monitor their health and fitness.

For the safety of the cyclists, this device offers Garmin Varia that enables the rider to detect the vehicle and track the traffic behind him/her. Whether you ride on a humid, foggy or a sweaty day, it won’t blur your vision with cloudy patches like the normal glasses. The polarized transition lenses, lightens and darkens according to the daylight. These features not just protect your eyes from the ultra violet radiations but also help you to see clearly while you perform exercise. These glasses are also water resistant and do not slip from your nose bridge. You do not require your phone while wearing these shades since it offers a number of features on a custom Android OS platform. These include Bluetooth, eSIM support, ANT+, Wi-Fi facility as well as music streaming for entertainment purposes. Lastly, one amazing thing to note is that its battery lasts for 7 hours and can be charged through its charging case. 

Final thought

The exact release date of minimis glasses is still not known as the product is still in the development phase. Its success largely depends on how well it will fulfill the needs of the target users. Only the future can tell whether it will be in the limelight or not.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

The Era of Cyber Crimes

In the last two decades, we have seen many positive contributions of technology. However, technology has also escalated and posed several threats in this modern world. One of those is cybercrime whose prevalence has increased the tension among the individuals, businesses and government. Cybercrime can result in devastating consequences if proper preventative measures are not taken. In this article, we will discuss some of the major cyber-crimes that have wreaked havoc and will also propose solutions that might aid in the creation of a secure digital environment. To learn more, continue reading!

The Rise of Data Breaches

The issue of data breaches has put individuals and companies in dire straits. Their personal or corporate data gets exposed when the attacker gets unauthorized access to their critical and confidential information. As a result of such vile acts, they suffer from financial losses and identity thefts. It also damages the reputation of a company in the long run. To prevent from being a victim of this malpractice, companies should take incisive cybersecurity measures including regular security audits and encryption. They must also create awareness among employees through data security training and implement multifactor authentication.

Ransomware Attacks and Identity thefts

Your data can also be encrypted through malicious software. This is called ransomware attack which can cause a major disruption in companies’ operations as the attacker’s demand ransom in return for data release. It is important to update your software regularly and keep data backups to prevent your critical systems from getting paralyzed. Your staff should also be well aware of phishing scams to avoid or combat initial infection. Fraud can also be committed in the form of identity theft that is stealing someone’s personal data, password, social security numbers or credit card information. So be alert and keep a check on your financial accounts. Make sure you do not disclose any personal information with others through social media. Also, the best way to secure your accounts is to enable two factor authentication and set a strong password.

Phishing Scams, Online frauds and Cyberbullying

You may also receive deceptive messages, emails or websites. The receiver is duped into sharing their sensitive information. So, be vigilant and careful before you open a link or download an attachment sent from an anonymous source. Moreover, there are online frauds that come in various forms i.e. shopping, work from home and even when you make investments. Those who apply for jobs or make online purchases should be sure to verify and check whether these websites and companies are authentic. Also, make sure to use secure payment methods. Individuals can also be subjected to humiliations and harassment through social media platforms. Anti-harassment policies are crucial to deal with cyberbullying. Above all, strict action must be taken against the perpetrators and every digital platform should have block and report policies to condemn and control vile acts.

Individuals, companies and governments are more vulnerable than ever, so they must develop a secure and robust digital landscape and remain cautious at all times. The above discussed solutions can significantly reduce the rising threats and challenges that they face every now and then.


Tuesday, August 15, 2023

The Benefits of Metaverse Technology


Embarking on the Metaverse Journey

In a few years of time, metaverse has gained immense traction, because of the way it takes us into a remarkable digital environment. This immersive technology is becoming a tangible reality with the technological transformation. In this article we will talk about some major advantages of metaverse along with some real work examples. So, let's discuss them in detail.

Delving into an immersive world

The level of immersion that metaverse offers is matchless. It takes users into a digital world that is a dreamy imitation of the real-world environment. This is of great help in the education sector since it allows students to learn and gain knowledge through interactive stimulation. For example, students enrolling in the medical institutes can perform complex surgeries in a riskless environment i.e. a virtual operating room.

No Geographical Restrictions

Metaverse eliminates geographical barriers so individuals can collaborate and connect without the issue of their physical locations. This has made remote work much easier as companies can engage with their remote team through a shared virtual space. The tech giant, Microsoft is working on its metaverse project through which they will be able to hold meetings with their employees and clients to work on different projects. This upcoming metaverse platform will provide a sense of presence.

Diverse Economies and Tailored Experience

Metaverse has also put forward new economic models including the virtual economies where individuals can purchase, give away or exchange the digital assets. Changing the way people earn and spend their money. It also provides personalized experience (according to individuals needs or preferences) to users. For example, while visiting a retail outlet to shop, customers can get personalized recommendations and can try apparels, shoes and accessories virtually before buying them. This advanced level of customization satisfies the users and leads to their retention.

Entertainment, Training and Therapy

There are no more physical limitations when it comes to entertainment. Sport events, competitions, concerts and exhibitions can be held in a virtual space and everyone can participate. It also enhances and promotes social interaction, allowing people to connect and be a part of different communities. Metaverse also allows companies to train their employees and people to enhance their skills. For example, in the aviation industry they train the pilots through a virtual cockpit. They learn to fly in changing weather conditions and prepare for emergency situations. Likewise, industrial workers are also trained for extremely risky scenarios in a controlled environment. Other than that, metaverse applications are also seen in the healthcare sector where virtual reality exposure therapy is used to treat patients suffering from disorders such as depression, phobias or PTSD. It speeds up their recovery process since they have to grapple with their weaknesses, insecurities and fears in a controlled virtual environment.

Final Thought

All in all, the benefits of metaverse technology are poised to alter the way we carry out different activities. It has huge potential since it takes us into an immersive and interactive world. With more and more technological progress, its impact on different industries will become more profound.

 

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Things that cripple software developer’s productivity

All software development companies, whether small or large, dedicate their time and energy on enhancing their team's productivity. If a team is productive enough, the chances of earning higher revenue will be more and the work efficiency will be better. To succeed in their motives, they must first give a thought to the trigger points that kills their developer’s productivity. So, let’s first figure out the root causes that pull them away from getting into the productive zone.

Needless meetings and vague instructions

Meetings between employees and project managers are often time consuming. Rather than briefing about the progress they engage in problem solving. Sometimes they lose track of time while highlighting the details of a task or an issue they face. Moreover, developers often lose focus when meetings are scheduled on a daily basis, so planning one weekly meeting is good enough. Also, it is better to stick to a specific agenda, keep them short and to the point. Instead of giving vague instructions, detailed descriptions of a task should be given to the developers to prevent redo and wastage of time and resources. 

Micromanagement and technical debt

When managers are tentative about their entry level development team, they spend hours on meetings and over monitor their performance. This pressurizes or demotivates them because under stressful conditions they are unable to produce quality work. Apart from this, the fix it later attitude of developers accumulates work because they look for shortcut methods or write suboptimal code which has to be reviewed later. 

Poor documentation and burnout

Software developers often face the constant pressure of tight deadlines while working on complex projects. The clients or managers demand high quality code which causes a decrease in their productivity because they are unable to fully pay attention to coding or building. This eventually leads to burnout. A major gap in the development cycle can occur due to the absence of clear documentation. Developers will require more time to comprehend the processes, codebase, project and alter the existing code will be challenging.

End Note

Behind the innovative software solutions there are brain racking efforts of software developers. Their productivity can be hampered by various factors, some of which are mentioned above. It is upon the businesses and firms to empower them by creating an environment where creativity along with sustainable growth is prioritized.

 

 

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Smart Glasses: Why is everyone drooling over it?

A game changer

We are living in a world of connectivity and innovation. Smart glasses are one interesting addition that technology has made in the realm of wearable devices. Its initial prototype that was produced in 2012 by Google was quite clunky and expensive. But the advancement in technology made it niftier and more useful, shoving us towards a digital-physical world. These smart glasses have become mainstay in various industrial sectors. In this article, we will discuss the major benefits and features of smart glasses and learn how it works. Let’s begin!

Features and Benefits

Smart glasses have evolved a lot with time, offering sleeker designs to users and enhancing their experience by combining Augmented Reality (AR). These AR glasses have several components including sensors, lens, display, camera, microphone and speakers. The display is fused with the lenses to provide the wearer with an incredible experience. They can view the digital content which is superimposed on the physical world surroundings. The embedded sensors and camera are used for object recognition and to control the gestures. Other features like speakers and microphones are used for audio output and voice control. Your AR glasses can also be synced with your smartphones with the help of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows you to enjoy streaming services or use GPS to determine any location. 

Uses and Applications

Smart glasses provide you with real time stats regarding your health and fitness. You can keep a track of your daily footsteps or monitor your heart rate. Similarly, this gadget entertains users by taking them into an immersive world of gaming or streaming services (Netflix or Amazon Prime etc.) You can make calls, take photos, post anything on social media platforms and ping someone in a touchless way i.e. without clutching your phone. It can also be used for weather updates, navigation and directions, or to get a view of nearby spots. It has also improved the efficiency of various sectors. For example, retailers can get real time information related to the inventory while medical practitioners can access patient’s data. Even employees working in the manufacturing sector can receive incisive instructions which minimizes the chances of errors.

Finishing up

AR glasses are already transforming our interaction with the surrounding and the way we communicate and access information. With time many new and impressive features of smart glasses will come up i.e. smart designs, powerful processing ability and better battery life.

 

 


Thursday, August 3, 2023

Easing the Employee Training: Augmented Reality


Technology has made many invaluable contributions in our society. Augmented Reality (AR) is one of those useful technologies that provides interactive experience to the users. This immersion is the result of visual elements, audio, graphics and other effects which are superimposed to provide an enhanced version of the real world to us. This article will emphasize on the benefits of Augmented Reality (AR) and how it helps in employee training. So, continue reading.

The Benefits

In the business environment, Augmented Reality (AR) improves the comprehension and learning of the employees. Companies have witnessed an increase in their employee engagement and the safety awareness among them has also increased. This has led to a reduction in their training cost and better performance due to a lower learning curve. There is no pressure from the manager or customer side since new workers have physical devices through which they can practice, learn and perform new job activities in real time. 

One major advantage of Augmented Reality (AR) is that employees can even practice the risky tasks without any harm or injury. Though the initial cost of purchasing AR training equipment might be exorbitant, they can be used over and over again such as the AR headset. Above that, most of the employees have their own smartphones which can be used for AR training. They can simply install the apps, freeing businesses from the need of holding costly workshops or seminars. They can take time to see how things can be done and handled.

How different sectors are using Augmented Reality (AR) for Employee Training?

In medicine, hands-on learning and conducting experiments is very challenging and risky. AR allows medical students to comprehensively understand anatomy and perform surgeries to enhance their learning. Anatomy apps and many AR technologies help them in training. They can also use mirroring holograms to learn about body structures. Similarly, in the aerospace industry, trainers can prepare the future pilots or engineers for real situations. AR makes prototyping easier and helps them in maintenance operations. AR glasses help the crew to quickly get acquainted with parts of a new aircraft and enhance safety. 

In the manufacturing sector, AR headsets allow instructors to give feedback during the employees practice sessions and provide them detailed instructions. This is really useful for welders to learn new skills quickly through voice features, videos and images. AR has also assisted the retail sector in onboarding. Your employees can see and get familiarized with all the products without them being there in the store or on the shelves.

Final thought

AR technology has immense potential as it allows companies to polish the skills of their employees without the risk of real-life dangers. The technology improves employee efficiency, makes the training phase more exciting, transforming the way they learn and work.

 


Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The world of 3D animations and modeling

Let’s revive our childhood memories!

As kids, we all have enjoyed watching animated movies, delving into a dreamy world full of horror, excitement, adventure, wittiness and blues. When technology was in its nascent stage, there were monochromatic visuals and later on multi-hued characters and vivid imagery filled us with wonder. From gruesome monsters to dainty and adorable tots, each and everything was created artistically to fully grasp the attention of the audience. Take the example of Chicken Run, the imaginary representation of paradise at the end of the movie is something that you might like to choose as your eternal abode. In this blog, there is a lot to learn about 3D animations, so keep scrolling and reading.

Isn't it amazing to see things popping out, as if they are alive and real just like us. All this is the outcome of the 3D technology, latest software and the animators who are working at the back end. 3D animation is the process of creating moving objects, characters and places by using 3D software and graphical techniques. This form of animation takes less time, is easy to make and does not require redrawing while rigging, unlike the 2D animations that are hand drawn, plain and flat. It imitates reality by portraying compelling characters, objects and views in a way that people can see unreal things moving; as if they have come to life. These things can be created in  a tangible form through 3D printers and modeling tools too. 

The Benefits and Uses

3D animation engrosses the audience, keeps them engaged and also gives them ideas which they can implement in real life scenarios. For example, a 3D animated model of a house that you see in a movie might inspire you to create an actual one with the same interior, helping you in decision making. Similarly, if a digital billboard that displays 3D animations is placed near a traffic signal for the purpose of advertising, the stunning imagery will capture the attention of the crowd and would be enough to mesmerize them. Thus, it is a great branding tool and the most effective way to communicate with the viewers. 3D animations also offer a sense of depth to the target audience by presenting images that are close to reality. It also highlights the intricate details of a product by giving a 360 view, including its width, breadth and height.

Marketers can also create a product prototype with the help of 3D printing and animations. 3D games have also become popular since they entertain, immerse and connect the players on an emotional level, as the action within the game intensifies. The content quality also gets elevated with the use of 3D animations, evoking interest of the subject. With a blend of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), it has enhanced the work of architects, too. They get a clear picture of designs and insights into their work. Likewise, medical teachings and employee training have become time and cost saving since a detailed explanation of procedures is given to the students and employees, just like a real-life setting.

3D animations are applicable in every industry, whether companies or individuals have to create games, movies, prototypes or advertisements. If you want to come up with something unique with 3D modeling and animation then creativity, dedication and good investment are the building blocks. 

 

 

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

How Technology can solve Supply Chain Issues?

Supply chain is the most volatile and vulnerable sector all around the world. The worldwide logistical turmoil has aggravated due to some growing issues i.e. labor and raw material shortages, changes in weather conditions and continuous fluctuations in the demand of goods and services. Above that, the forecast variations are a major rift in the supply chain resilience. Furthermore, companies are using complex IT systems and inefficient data. There is a dire need for the supply chain to come up with robust and agile ways to deal with such challenges and that’s where technology creeps in to pull organizations out of crisis. Below are some steps that they can take to cope with uncertainty within the supply chain.

1. Effective Data Utilization

The vast amount of data that companies have will be of no use if it is not utilized efficiently to make decisions. To identify the cause of disruption in the supply chain, data backed insights are of paramount importance. Globally, millions of unfilled containers are shipping per year. Businesses do not consider their operations from all angles (i.e. inventory and production management or shipping processes). Their software is not updated to inform whether capacity is available for orders. Companies can make proactive decisions and adjustments by monitoring all processes and shipping capacity. This will reduce the cost and carbon footprint (reduction in transportation cost and less fuel consumption) as empty containers will be utilized and less number of containers will be shipped.

2. Use of Artificial Intelligence 

The use of Artificial Intelligence for supply chain management has become inevitable, since some areas require quick and effective decision-making abilities. AI can be adapted to specific supply chain situations to give accurate predictions. With the power of this technology, process mining will give more valuable data insights. Sensors backed by IoT can be used for tracking and digital twin technology can be used for prior testing.

3. Stick to Sustainable Supply Chain

Companies must follow the course of sustainable supply chain. From an economic perspective, inflationary pressure will be reduced if supply chain practices are eco-friendly. Such approaches will cause a reduction in the cost of waste and emissions. More revenues will be generated for the companies through customer retention and loyalty. By taking advantage of machine learning technology, the time of delivery will be exact, which will satisfy your customers in the end.

Now is the time that businesses should ameliorate their supply chain through optimization of technology. They should make it more data driven, sustainable and transparent. With the use of process mining, inefficiencies, delays and cancellations caused by human negligence can be reduced and it will be easier for them to tackle global challenges.

 


Monday, July 24, 2023

The Uses of Metaverse Technology

The future is right before us!

In a few years of time, a bunch of new and exciting technologies have emerged and altered our lives dramatically. One among those is Metaverse which is overwhelming the tech lovers, taking their experience to a next level. The point of distinction that existed between the real world and the digital world has become indistinct since the day Metaverse has dawned. People can make use of the digitized content, experience a virtually immersive world and also interact with one another. In this post, we will discuss the prime applications of metaverse and see how it is helping businesses to move forward by making their tasks hassle-free and unstoppable, even when onsite work is impossible. 

Training the workforce for practical knowledge

During the pandemic that caused unsettling tension around the world, many businesses came up with the idea of training and educating their staff virtually. Metaverse became very useful for them at that time and encouraged remote work by offering training much like the physical work space. Employees can learn and grasp new skills in a highly interactive, engaging and an immersive environment, remotely. They can practice recurring and real-life situations in a safe and smoothly administered way. Such training is of great help in the healthcare, manufacturing and aviation niche where precision is crucial.

Real Estate Management

Metaverse is the best solution for those who want to engage in the buying, selling or investment of property. In the hard times (i.e. Covid) many people were unable to visit, buy, rent, or sell land or property. But with metaverse, individuals and companies were able to work jointly with one another through virtual co working space. Property agents saw that as an opportunity to market their properties by presenting a virtually realistic 3D view of the space to those who wanted to purchase or were looking for rented property. This gave them a 360 view and all the details of the area without them being physically present at the location.

Online Promotion and Marketing

Ad blockers have become a major hurdle in capturing the attention of the target audience. However, Metaverse allows you to promote your products and services and reach out to them in a unique manner. Brands that are selling apparel and accessories can create a virtual 3D store for online shoppers so that they can try outfits, buy items and delve in an immersive world. Similarly, those who are interested in buying a vehicle can visit virtual car show rooms and explore new features without physically stepping in a real car. This way of advertising also allows marketers to gain new customers that prefer convenience. 

Metaverse is reaching sky rocketing heights, allowing people to attend digital conferences, visit virtual shops or showrooms and even reach out to their doctors for consultation in an utterly immersive way. The uses of metaverse are diverse, but it is upon businesses how well they make use of this technology.

 

 

Thursday, July 20, 2023

The Future of Communication

Back in the day, connecting with our loved ones was not as easy as it is today. Postmen and pigeons were used to send letters to distant areas and this was very slow. With time and technological evolution, smartphones, landlines, 4G networks, GPS and a number of other tools helped us to track their location, connect and reach out to them almost instantaneously. In today’s developing world, we require communication on a day to day or hourly basis. Whether we have to meet someone, send an offer letter, or guide someone, nothing can be done without communication.

Various ways used to communicate today

Email is one of the most common and professional ways to communicate. Work oriented individuals have been using email to engage with clients or companies. Even students use it to share and receive documents, submit their projects or any other important information. Another, fast and efficient way to send and receive messages is through SMS or texting. For this, WhatsApp is the most popular app. You can upload your profile photo, make a call, send links, documents, videos, images and even update status, but you require a stable internet connection for that. Furthermore, with the emergence of pandemic and the rise in remote work, video conferencing became inevitable. Apps such as Skype, Google classrooms, and Zoom are used by businesses and various other institutes including schools and universities. The audio and visual features allow people to arrange meetings or presentations, conduct interviews and even train employees. 

The present-day devices

Television is another way to communicate with individuals that has now evolved into LCDs and Smart TVs. It is used to inform, educate, entertain and give them the latest updates without receiving feedback from the receiver. On the other hand, a mobile is an easy to use device that you can carry at any time and anywhere for two-way communication. You can watch anything, connect with people through social media, use it for work or entertainment etc. However, all this will only work if your smartphones are backed by the internet. 

What's Upcoming?

In the future we can see that human interference will considerably diminish as the machines are now performing many humanly tasks automatically. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies are helping us to transfer and receive data between networks. With IoT, humans will interact with different gadgets through sensors. This will enhance connectivity and assist us in remote working.

Future predictions can either be right or wrong. The science and technology are going beyond our expectations so there is uncertainty as to what is going to happen exactly. But the brain computer interface might pick up pace to transmit information via electronic signals.

 

 

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Best Animation Software to Use

Tools that won’t cost you a dime!

As an animator or a graphic designer, you have to sift through a lot of animation software before you decide which one is the best in terms of quality, cost and features. There are plenty of 2D and 3D animation software to use, however, not all are budget friendly. But don’t get into a flap because we have got a list of tools for you which will be very useful to create free animations on both Mac and Windows. Another good news is that these programs will enhance the skills of beginners as well as professionals. The list of these software programs is mentioned below. So, keep reading!

Synfig Studio

This software is used for Mac to make animated videos. But it might be a bit tricky for beginners as it takes time to learn and get accustomed to its features. However, there is a detailed guide available for them on Wikipedia. They can even take video courses or tutorials which are available in different languages. The good side of this software is that you can create multiple layers at a time, add filters, transformation, audio, geometric, or other sound effects to give a vibrant touch to your animations. The bone system allows you to create animated videos through vector art or the bitmap images. It has two downloadable versions, one is the stable version which you can use for seamless animation editing while the development version helps you to use the latest features.

DAZ Studio

If you are a 3D animation lover then this is the finest option for you to create 3D games for entertainment on Windows. This program has an easy to understand interface but initially you might face difficulty in learning. Moreover, it is royalty free and the interactive lessons it offers, can make you a professional 3D animator. The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) gives better rendering results and you can avail the benefits of 3D morphing, video editing and animation.

K-3D

This is a perfect tool for those who want to design and create simple 2D or 3D models, though it has a quite old interface. This software can be downloaded on your Mac without any charges. Also, it can be installed on your Windows or Linux systems. Its undo and redo features allow you to make changes and corrections. With its parametric workflow you can get immediate results and get used to the features in real time. Furthermore, its node-based visualization pipeline helps you to create diverse combinations of animation.

Wrapping up

The list of such software is exhaustive, but it is up to you to choose the best software that is in line with your requirements. By using your creative mind and these animation maker programs you can surely create something out of the world. 



Tuesday, July 11, 2023

How Brands Are Using Augmented Reality?

All around the world, Augmented Reality has dazzled people with its stunning features (many people call it the "technology of the moment"). Multinational corporations and their customers are drooling over this powerful technology because of the way it mingles the virtual world with the physical world. Customers who love to try and use new gadgets and technologies have also expressed a strong desire to personally experience it. Thus, almost every brand is incorporating AR technology in one way or another, so let’s see how it has evolved them.

A number of brands are increasingly relying on AR to form an emotional connection between their target audience and the brand. Such ads are attention grabbing and provide real time interaction to the viewers which lead to higher conversion rates. 

L'Oréal Paris

LOreal initiated its ModiFace experience in the year 2018 by introducing an AI and AR powered app through which the customers could check which makeup shade suits them. This app allowed them to apply and test makeup on their photos or video clips. Users don’t have to apply and then remove makeup from their face over and over again. Instead, they can choose the foundation shade that perfectly matches their skin tone by relying on their pictures.

Adidas and Gucci

We all have seen how the pandemic deprived us from visiting a store to shop or make a purchase. It was at that time when Adidas came up with its iOS app by taking full advantage of Augmented Reality Technology. This app allowed customers to check how a pair of sneakers looks on their feet, even while running or walking. Similarly, Gucci was amongst the first companies to use AR as its digital marketing tactics. Users were allowed to virtually try on a pair of shoes before deciding whether to purchase it or not. This in turn led to customer satisfaction and retention and ultimately increased their sales.

Burberry

Consumers can experience Augmented Reality both in stores and online through a company’s app or website. Burberry decided to increase the number of their customers paying a visit at their stores prior to the launch of their Olympia bags. The fascinating thing about this was that visitors could witness statues moving around in stores which they could capture in their smartphones and later post it on their social media. This was a powerful strategy to increase its brand visibility.

In essence, Augmented Reality is both sophisticated and budget friendly for businesses. Marketers should not be tentative in adopting this technology because it offers an interactive experience to their customers that boost their sales.

 

 

Friday, July 7, 2023

Top 3 Augmented Reality Apps for Shopping

Nowadays, consumers are techy and want to keep themselves up to date with the latest gadgets and technologies. Likewise, they have been curious to learn about the much-awaited Augmented Reality Apps. Marketers know their customers’ psyche well so they are unfailingly surprising them by using AR technology, both online (through their websites) and in their stores.

We all are well aware that AR refers to the placement of 3D visuals in our real world to make our experiences more interactive and realistic. It has been widely used in the gaming industry but now it is making your shopping experience worthwhile too. There is no need to go to the try room and don the clothes over and over again. Through this technology you can have a look at yourself from head to toe and see whether a shirt suits you or not. You can even check if a chesterfield perfectly fits in your living room. Let’s have a look at some AR apps and see how some of the prominent brands are incorporating this technology.

1. IKEA Place

The Swedish furniture company IKEA is known for its exquisite quality and minimalistic designs. IKEA Place offers AR apps for interior and home décor. Shoppers whether they are Android or iPhone users can check and place the products at their homes, prior to buying and without worrying about its assembly. This app gives you a wall to wall view and includes the entire floor plan of your home, so that you can check which thing suits or fits where. This app offers a number of features including color, size and drag and drop option, making your experience more engaging, just like that of a physical IKEA store.

2. Walmart

Walmart, the multinational retail corporation has implemented AR technology as its chief strategy to attract customers. The company recently purchased Zeekit which is a virtual try room to change and try outfits. They can even ask for suggestions by sharing their snaps or videos with their dear ones. Their new app called the "Me@Walmart" has amazing Augmented Reality features which reduce the time for retrieving products from the warehouse. This associate app allows their employees to check which items are currently in stock for sale. Walmart has given 740,000 new smart phones to their workers for this purpose.

3. Sephora Virtual Artist

Sephora Virtual Artist app allows customers to try and get a virtual makeover. They also provide you a customized and step by step guide according to your facial tone and features. The app detects an individual's face including the eyes, eyebrows, cheeks and lips, jawline and forehead. Customers can even get a makeup look that matches with their outfit and later share it with their friends. 

There are tons of other companies and apps that are incorporating AR technology to provide customers a multidimensional way to interact with a brand, enhancing their shopping experience.

 

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Technology and Economic Development


Technology is the backbone of all countries and their economies. The profound role it has played in the progress of every developed and developing country can never be belittled. We have seen that global trade has improved, industries have changed the way they operate, productivity has been enhanced, manufacturing processes have boosted, digital transformation has increased connectivity and a lot of other significant changes have occurred in just a decade. The way nations are heading towards economic growth and prosperity is incredible, so let’s see how technology has revolutionized them.

Automation of processes and improvement in productivity

With the rise in automation, mechanization and robotics, manufacturing and production of goods have become faster. In turn, the cost of production has reduced and efficiency has increased. Workers can focus on the tasks that are critical and of high value. Monotonous and repetitive activities can be performed by automated machines which allows companies to achieve better output. Overall, the country's GDP per capita increases which in turns raises the standard of living of people. Countries become competitive enough (in terms of quality and quantity) to take part in global activities such as trade.

Global Reach for SMEs

Technology and digital platforms have eliminated the barriers to entry. Therefore, small and medium enterprises can market and sell their products and services to their global target market or customers. The growing use of cloud computing and technologies such as Software as a Service (SaaS), has helped companies in activities such as finance or operations. Also, this has minimized cost and created employment opportunities for people. 

Reshaped Industries

The emergence of a number of technologies such as Augmented Reality, Internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics and Blockchain have improved sectors such as healthcare, transportation, education, finance and agriculture. With all this, service delivery has become more efficient and decision making is now more effective. Digital governance has streamlined activities and it has become easier for businesses to work and operate. Government can keep a check on corruption and considerably reduce it. In turn, more investors will be attracted which will give way to economic development (i.e. foreign direct investment contributes to infrastructure development) and reduces the unemployment rate.

In a nutshell, countries all around the globe are installing advanced technologies and investing in them in order to update all of the sectors of their economy. This has allowed them to achieve economic growth and be more competitive, globally.

 

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Applications of IoT in Health care

Globally, the healthcare sector is facing a number of challenges which has unlocked the doors of new technologies for us. Not all individuals can afford the healthcare services to shield themselves from the lethal illnesses, even basic health facilities are out of reach for many. Other than that, there has been a significant increase in the number of chronic diseases making people more vulnerable than ever. The population around the globe is aging which means without proper health care services many people will become unproductive. Thus, it has become crucial for service providers and doctors to come up with lifesaving treatments and quality services that improve people's health.

The Internet of things (IoT) has considerably eradicated the aforementioned issues with its innumerable benefits. Let’s see what role IoT is playing and discuss some of the new technologies or devices that have been introduced in the healthcare industry.

1. Robotic Surgery

Medical practitioners can now perform complex surgeries through the internet-based robots which can be embedded in the human body. These small IoT devices are less painful for patients, results in quicker healing as the incision is smaller and requires minimal human interference. Such robots allow surgeons to diagnose the illness and proceed with the surgery. With precision, complex internal issues can be detected and doctors can make better decisions.

2. Ingestible sensors

Collecting data related to the unseen internal human body parts is a very complex procedure. The insertion of a camera or a probe inside their digestive organs is a risky way. With the help of ingestible sensors, medical experts can monitor their PH level, check their heart rate, and can also tell about the internal bleeding etc. These are ingestible and non-invasive pills with sensors inside them that detect digestive disorders, once the patient swallows it.

3. IoT connected inhalers

There are some conditions i.e. asthma, bronchitis or emphysema in which the attack can be triggered by factors such as pollution, dust mites or cold etc. The cause of such sudden attacks can be detected by IoT connected inhalers which monitor and gather data from the environment that is useful for pulmonologists to diagnose their patient’s illness. They can even learn about the intensity of the attack and in case patients forget to take their inhalers when going outside or do not use it properly, it automatically alerts them.

4. Detects depression 

There are certain disorders whose symptoms cannot be interpreted easily and gathering such data is also cumbersome for medical practitioners. For example, sometimes patients are not able to articulate or express their feelings and if they do, those are not accurate. So, psychiatrists use a mood aware device backed by IoT technology which allows them to check their pulse rate, eye movement, body temperature and blood pressure. This clearly tells them about the condition the patient is suffering from. Other than that, they can perform brain scanning to better understand their mental condition.

5. Reminders for hand hygiene

In hospitals we often see boards with instructions or reminders to wash our hands frequently in order to prevent the spread of diseases. Many hospitals now use advanced IoT technology and devices to remind people who enter the hospital to wash their hands and how to properly sanitize them. This has significantly reduced the spread of diseases and infection rates.

IoT has been very much beneficial for the healthcare sector. It is not just assisting the healthcare professionals but also informs people about the preventative measures they should take, thus saving lives of many individuals.