Year in PREview
Rather than look back at all the water under the bridge that made up 2007 I’d like to simply say thanks. Thanks to all the clients, assistants, models, athletes, editors, and absolutely everyone else who has made this year the great one it was.
And in that vein, here’s a few ideas of what 2008 may hold in store. This is my take on a few concepts that have started to make an appearance this year and lead the way for visual media improvements in the next. Keep in mind, as David Pogue says, it’s not the products we’re looking at it’s the features. There’s no science here, it’s actually rather rash. Sitting in JFK has left me with a bit of imagination so indulge me and enjoy.
Zonbu Mini :: green/subscription computing. This is small computer lives up to design cues ala apple but not their prices ($99) and has raised the bar in a different direction. It’s an open source system that relies on a subscription plan ($15 a month). On top of that it’s getting points as a green machine with it’s environmentally friendly low power consumption of just 10 watts.
2008 will have to keep shifting the focus of our computing to alternative and greener methods. As the consumption increases it will be great to look back on 2007 and realize how slow all our hardware was and how small our upload speeds were and how power hungry all the machinery was. Green directions with regard to studio and travel power options are forthcoming. Likewise, the subscription ideas is interesting and though it in itself may not make a huge dent the concept of zero-gravity thinking that it promotes will open new doors.
Wireless Image Transfer :: moving images instantly*. Professionally we may all stick with our Canon wifi but I think this technology is pushing changes. There are two product series here with different takes. The Eye-Fi Card is a wireless memory card ($100) that beams images directly to your computer from your camera. No more ‘I’ll email that to you later’ kinda thing. Second are some of the latest Fujifilm cameras. They allow camera to camera transfer of images. No more sharing after the fact. A simple way to pass off a few images post shoot to an AD catching a rushed flight back to headquarters.
*well not quite instantly yet but that’s the idea for the next year
Biomimicry :: efficient designs from nature. The time has come and this is a design notion that’s been in the works for ages. Examples exist now but the next few years will undoubtedly see a recognition of the efficiency of nature. According to the Biomimicry Guild right here in Montana, “Biomimicry is a new discipline that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems.” The Biomimicry Institute also promotes ideas and designs from biological sources. Could you imagine life without Velcro?
Tighter Travel :: safe and smooth travel. Japan being the tech marvel of the world it is has been the first to introduce new measures aimed at security in airports. They recently passed a new law (Nov 2007) that’s part of their Immigration Control & Refugee Recognition Act. Essentially what this does is upon entering Japanese Customs is subject each visitor to a digital scan of both index fingers and a photograph of your face. There’s no doubt that this is the tip of the proverbial iceberg with more coming. As location shooters and photographers everywhere expend an unusual amount of energy on travel as it stands now, there is hope that programs such as this (and others such as Clear in the US) will only improve travel efficiency. [Ironically enough I'm waiting for luggage to show up from three days ago as I finish this.] 2008 will no doubt host a slew of travel changes and hopefully they’ll all be ushered in in a smooth and timely fashion …. though I really doubt it.
Touch Screen :: push what you want. Watching my father in law print his pictures at Costco recently I couldn’t help but notice how much easier the touch screen world is. Not just for him but for anyone that can’t become completely absorbed in the keyboard / screen disconnect. With the touch screen phenom that apple has started, we’re all part of the party now. Whether it’s mac or not the touch world will only increase our efficiency - particularly in the field. Location work with a touch style tablet or conference calls with touch screen sharing will happen and be great.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here’s to the best one yet.
