Why is iOS7 so different?

So now that iOS7 has made its debut and everyone that's anyone has updated to the new software. When talking about functionality in software programming, iOS7 is a more intuitive upgrade from older versions of the iPhone.  Many of the features work more like a computer providing easier learn-ability, multitasking efficiency, and even more organized photo browsing. 

However, I cant help but question as a graphic designer, the reasons behind the completely altered interface.  The design of the icons is completely transformed and ...flatter.  Coming from a designers standpoint I was intrigued by the simpler, 2 dimensional versions of the traditionally highly detailed Apple icons.  The realistically rendered graphics of a compass, newsstand, calendar and camera etc. seemed to me as a trademark of Apple design.  So why did the development of the design seem to be reverting?  I decided to research this further and found that there is a new movement in interface design toward a simpler and cleaner aesthetic.  Instead of high digital realism the icons merely suggest a pictorial resemblance to the object represented on the app button.  Apple isn't the only company flattening its operating systems as Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google have seen design changes in the past few months towards less dimensional design. 

Some major reasons behind this transformation include the need to increase reader legibility especially for smaller interfaces such as mobile phones.  The constraints of smartphones leaves designers with the problem of presenting a plethora of information in an organized way.  Flat design leaves a neater, less cluttered space for users to work in.  Withe less distractions and unnecessary ornamental decoration users can receive information in the most efficient way possible.  Some designers feel that this new type of clean, modern and simplistic interface design is also more sophisticated.  As this new era of interface design begins it will be interesting to note where else we will see this change in our society dominated by technology.

PhotoShop Basics!

    Photoshop is truly the "swiss army knife" of all multimedia software.  Regardless of one's major or work, learning the basics of Photoshop is crucial.  Recently, the University's Multimedia Center hosted three Photoshop workshops. The  “Adobe Photoshop: The Basics” and “Adobe Photoshop: Beyond the Basics” helped a huge variety of individuals. From the inexperienced amateurs  to those who wanted to brush up their skills, these workshops proved to be truly useful.

    If anyone missed these workshops, there are plethora of sites on the internet to help you learn Photoshop processes step by step. For the visual learners there are many YouTube videos as well.  Furthermore, are also example photos to work with and interactive learning websites.

Web links:http://www.photoshopessentials.com/

Vidoe linkshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4EooYoYYTQ

Studio 5's Cintiq

Upon doing my studio checklist in Studio 5, I got to know the Cintiq and Cintiq pen better. For people that have been working here for a year or more, this may be old news, but for the newbies, understanding how to use the pen and the Cintiq in general is a helpful skill.

The Cintiq pen (in drawer #2) comes in a white box with both the pen itself and a pen stand. Inside the pen stand are three different types of pen nibs: one black standard nib, a light gray stroke nib, and a grey felt nib. The stroke nib allows the pen to feel softer as you press it and the felt nib adds more friction. The pen itself has a good grip which allows easy use.

All of the information on how to use each of the Cintiq's various buttons and knobs is available on the poster in Studio 5. Most of it is self-explanatory and easy to figure out. Some great apps to use on the Cintiq are Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. If you don't know how to navigate these apps, I highly recommend playing around with them or going to a workshop!

If you're not sure what you should create using our Cintiq, here are some great tutorials on how to make lots of different things on tablets!

GoPro Hero

So I have recently become obsessed with the GoPro hero and its capabilities as a video camera and I think a few people underestimate it. The link above shows some of the amazing footage that can be taken with this little guy, and I have to say, it looks spectacular. I am close friends with both the president of the tennis club and the president of the water polo team and I have been trying to sell them the idea of using this to advertise their teams. If you play any sports, or know anyone that is really into them like I do. You should also recommend this item that we've had on our shelves for a while to them. It'll get the word out on what we do around here, and also benefit students in all sports organizations on campus!

SketchUp Pro Workshops

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is sponsoring 2 ninety minute workshops on SketchUp on October 23 at 2:00 and 3:30.  The workshops will be run by Dan Brown, an experienced designer and SketchUp expert from the SketchUp Pro and Layout Visiting Professional Program.

SketchUp is a 3-D Design and Layout Software that is useful for professionals in fields such as architecture, engineering, interior design, construction, video game design, and many others.  SketchUp Pro has many new and improved attributes that facilitate and simplify design and modeling for both beginners and experts.

This workshop is open to all students and gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn the features of SketchUp Pro from a professional designer.  Interested students should email cee-info@udel.edu to reserve a seat as spaces are limited.

For more information on the software visit: http://www.sketchup.com/

Quick download of videos from websites

As users are permitted to use videos from websites in their academic projects, the Center has included a plug-in for Firefox that makes downloading videos quite simple.  In the past, one would normally copy the URL for a video to a third-party web site, enter some file specifications, and then get a download.

With the "Download Helper" plug-in, located to the left of the address bar, one simply needs to bring up a web page containing a video, click the little down arrow next to the swirling colored circles, point to the version to be downloaded, then slide over to and click on the "Download" item in the context menu.  In a few moments, the file will be available on the computer for use in iMovie, Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or even for audio only via Audacity (just start Audacity and open the MP4 file).

Quick note - the videos are usually listed with best quality versions on the top and lower quality ones on the bottom -- in the example, the "mp4" files are large HD format while the "3gp" ones are cell-phone quality.

Go ahead, try it at the desk, then use the video in Premiere Pro or Final Cut to get some editing experience too!

Lots of Apple Hate Following iOS 7

Microsoft, and specifically Windows, has a storied history of criticism and dissidence.  98 was too buggy, ME was a train-wreck, and Vista was like halfheartedly trying to control that train-wreck, but all the controls had been rearranged, so all the engineer could do was watch it burn.  At least, that's what I hear.  I never experienced anything horrendous at the hands of any of them, but that's besides the point.  What I'm saying is that we've grown accustomed to the complaints about Windows to the point of not even hearing them anymore.

Which is why iOS 7 is so interesting.  For what feels like the first time, Apple is finally the victim of a disastrous Windows style unveiling.  Reaction to iOS 7 hasn't been quiet or complementary.  Sure we live in an age of exaggeration, but there's something to be said for Huffington Post's recent article about the release.  And then their followup.  The new operating system is actually making people sick.  Like, call out of work and lay at home all day sick.  It's interesting to see how consumers have turned on Apple so quickly

I've only caught glimpses, as I'm a Windows phone guy, but I did have an iPhone circa iOS 5 and 6, and 7 does seems like a step backward, but maybe there just needs to be a little trust in the company.  So far I haven't heard anything from the rabid fanboy base Apple is infamous for, and the system is certainly workable, albeit with the exceptions linked above.  Most of Apple's most impressive innovations weren't innovations at all, just minor to moderate alterations to perfect their machines.

But there is the chance that this new surge of criticism is just a vocal minority.  After all, iOS 7 has been downloaded much faster than previous upgrades.

Delaware Coast Day Multimedia Contest

You still have five whole days to enter a multimedia contest for Delaware Coast Day.  Videos have to be under 30 seconds in length and the top two videos each win a $100 gift card. Hit the coast this weekend with some equipment borrowed from the Student Multimedia Design Center for your chance at the prize! Open to all Delawareans!!

The Tape Based Video Camera Kits

This past week, during my Studio Maintenance Checklist Assignment, I noticed that the tape based video camera that I was trying to use was losing it's power almost instantly from the point of me turning it on. While I was not too surprised that I was experiencing this problem, due to the less frequent use of these cameras and type 4 batteries, I thought that this experience of mine could be valuable information to everyone else at the center. Therefore, I would like to take a moment to remind everyone to make sure that if and when you do check out a tape based video camera kit to a student you replace the battery that has been sitting in the video camera to a newly charged type 4 battery from the drawer.

(PS one last note for those of you who may be new to the center or do not feel as comfortable with the studios and have not done your Studio Maintenance Checklist Assignment yet - I found this assignment to an extremely beneficial learning experience and I highly encourage you to look forward to your chance to do it!!)

- Melissa

Overwhelmed in the Multimedia Center?

Since I started working here at the Multimedia Center, I’ve literally learned something new every day—scratch that—TONS of new things every day. From lighting, sound and video, to the simple things like remembering what equipment is in which studio, ‘information overload’ is what I’ve been feeling lately. I realize this is all a learning experience for me, but I can’t imagine how big of a mountain hill this must be for students coming in with no experience pertaining to what they’re trying to accomplish. Our purpose here as student assistants is to provide guidance and assistance with these technological issues. When students come up to the counter and ask questions about things I don’t understand, my first instinct is to run to a staff member for help, until today I thought that maybe I should let experience be the teacher. By that I mean working through the problem with the student could be more beneficial than just finding out from someone else. Not only does this teach you the solution, but it also shows the student that they are just as capable. Technology will forever evolve and you’ll never know anything, however the willingness to learn will keep you “in the know” and is an essential part of keeping up.

Contest: Turn in Your Video for the UD Talent Challenge

"University of Delaware students are invited to submit a video on Instagram or Vine showcasing their talents. The student or students in the winning video will perform a five-minute spot at the second annual Homecoming Pep Rally. The deadline is Oct. 4." -From UDaily. I know that students use their phones for Instagram, but to make a really good video shouldn't they use the equipment, software, and expertise in the Student Multimedia Design Center?

Paths in Photoshop

Hey Guys,

I had someone approach me today explaining that they had been using the pen tool in Photoshop to create selections but after they deselected the path would go away and they couldn't find it again. I figure this is something that a lot of people might find difficult so i thought i would give a few pointers.

First of all, paths are great because they never really go away. You can make a selection using the pen tool by 1st) creating the out line of the shape --  2nd) right click on the inner part of the object and select "make selection" option. this will give a nice outline of the object. If you deselect, you can go back and select the path again by looking in the bottom right box of Photoshop and hitting the "Paths" tap, this will bring up a look that is similar to the "Layers" panel. You then can right click on the rectangular layer icon to the left of the panel and that will select only the indivual path, so you can go back and work wholly within that shape again.

Hope this helps!

The iOS 7 iPhones are now waterproof!

No the new update does not actually make your iPhone waterproof. However, there is a very convincing ad that has been circulating the internet claiming that once you update your iPhone to the latest software update, it will now have waterproof capabilities. The ad states that a new emergency shut off switch will activate if it detects that it is in water to protects its delicate circuits. It even claims that this new waterproofing technology is covered by Apple's warranty. Please note that a change in software could not make the hardware running it impervious to water. Even if the power was shut off, the phone could, and most likely would, still end up damaging the device. So please, if you do have an iphone, have upgraded it to iOS 7, and have seen this ad, DO NOT try testing out its waterproofing capabilities or you will end up being a very sad iPhone user.

To see the full ad please visit on the following link:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-57604306-71/ios-7-makes-your-iphone-waterproof-ad-a-scam-dunk/

More than Mac Adaptors?

We've all had students come in and ask for "Mac Adapters." Probably around ten times per shift! And we all know they are referring to the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapters for laptop connection to classroom projections (most of the time at least; there are those few who need the Mini DVI to VGA adapter). While yes, this is predominately for Macbooks, Microsoft actually has a product that is compatible for Mini DisplayPort to VGA. This is the Windows 8 Surface Pro. Relatively new, we probably aren't going to see the same amount of students with Surface Pros as we do with Macbooks. However, if we do, we can now offer these adapters to them if they need one.  

Here is the official Microsoft adapter.

What does this mean for the future of Windows 8 products? Will all the new Windows laptops offer a Mini DisplayPort? The answer for some of them is yes, as Dell and Lenovo have announced laptops with Mini DisplayPort capability.

Another consideration is the price. The price for an Apple adapter is $29.00 and the Microsoft one is $39.00. Why? I'm not quite sure. At first I thought they were not interchangeably used--can a Mac take a Microsoft adapter and vice versa? After looking through online forums, it seems most people are not having trouble with doing so. Does anyone know a reason why they wouldn't be interchangeable? If not, the next time someone comes to the desk with a Surface Pro, remember they have the Mini DisplayPort that we usually associate with Apple users!

New Arrival: Raspberry Pis!

Within the next few weeks, we will be installing Raspberry Pis to the GroupLink Tables. What is a Raspberry Pi? It's a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and keyboard that can be used for many things that your desktop PC does. For example, it can be used to create spreadsheets, word-processing files and to play games as well as high-definition video.

We will be using the Raspberry Pis to play video and slideshows promoting the use of the GroupLink Tables. To learn more about these impressive little devices, click here!

Could you survive a day without even glancing at your smartphone once? What about without your laptop, iPod, tablet or HD TV? What about a year? One Ontario family has taken a pledge to go a full year living with only technology that existed in the year 1986. This is because the parents Blair McMillan and his girlfriend Morgan could not believe that their kids, aged 5 and 2, refused to play outside or put down their parents iPad or iPhone. Blair and Morgan were both born in 1986 and spent their time as kids outside and listened to music on a cassette player. The family gave up their touch screen and high definition devices for land-line telephones, encyclopedias, and sports equipment if their kids want to go outside and play. Even visitors have to leave their electronics at the door if they want to come into the McMillan household.
Nowadays, all the multimedia equipment that is readily accessible is taken for granted. The ability to make a Star Wars like movie in the basement of your university library no longer seems like a feat to be accomplished only by the most talented individuals. The McMillan family though, is going to have to play with foam swords for the next year instead adding light sabers to that video of their kids fighting each other.

For the full story: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/03/family-living-1986_n_3860365.html

Smartphone Multimedia Acessory Kits

With the increasingly incredible new multimedia capabilities of smartphones, accessories are becoming more important to fully flesh out their potential. In this post I present the Mojo camera accessory kit. This kit facilitates steadier filming and higher quality imaging with the attachments. There are also cables to allow for lavalier and handheld mic capabilities, in addition to a small light to illuminate some shots. How many of you would invest in a multimedia accessory kit like Mojo for your smartphone? Would you find it useful for Instagram and Vine? http://store.vericorder.com/products/Mojo-Kit-iPod-Touch-5G.html

The Onion Skin tool in Flash

Basic frame by frame animation of any complicated movement is, not surprisingly, daunting for first time animators. Adobe Flash gives users a huge number of tools for making this process easier. Often times these tools are analogous to what traditional hand drawing animators use. Traditional animators use light desks and translucent paper, allowing them to see through their current drawing to see the previous ones. 

Traditional frame by frame animation with a light table and translucent paper.

This makes drawing a complex animation much easier because you can immediately grasp how the new frame should look in relationship to the previous ones. But how can we do this in Adobe Flash?