Technologies

Augmented Reality: Next Generation Apps

12 Sep 2016, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

I started working on Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) almost two years ago. At first I focused on creating demos, proofs of concepts that could serve to spark the imagination. Later I joined Google’s Project Tango initiative and began looking at the possibilities more in depth. I examined HMDs (head-mounted displays) and various technologies, learning about new approaches to UI (user interface) and UX (user experience). I was immediately fascinated by the possibilities, imagining a future where computers and mobile devices are replaced by something as simple as smart glasses. I continued learning about the finer aspects of…

Thinking of Doing a Soft Launch for Your Mobile Game or App?

01 Apr 2016, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

One of the great things about creating products and services is that every day is a learning experience. I love that about my job. I learn from our clients and their initiatives. I learn from my team, the experts and the interns. I have learned to appreciate that everyone has something to offer. I guess it’s part of growing (That’s a lesson that I started learning long before this, but truthfully it took me a while to master it.) I recently released a new mobile game. It’s a puzzle game named “Tolaca Rocks.” While this is not the first game…

Augmented Reality the New Marketing Frontier

10 Mar 2016, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

In the many years I have worked in the digital arena I have worn several hats. I have overseen technical projects, designed games, acted as a creative director, and handled financial modeling. But no matter what hat I have had to wear, essentially my role has always been to help people and businesses launch and promote products and services. One of the most frequent challenges I face is working with people who don’t know how to use media to best tell a story or should I say, sell a story. Writers love words and sometimes they forget the old axiom…

Augmented Reality is Here

19 Oct 2015, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

Many years ago I was blessed with participating in the launch of Philips CD-I. CD-I was the precursor of DVD and many set top boxes. Philips pioneered the use of full screen video playing from a disc. At the time, it was a quantum leap from VHS and Betamax technologies. Little did I know that the platform was the first step in what would become a once unimaginable technology revolution. Recently I visited Magic Leap and this time, having worked on launching a platform in the past I quickly recognized that we are on the eve of another exciting revolution….

Good Process Management is Good Project Management

24 Aug 2015, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

All of us producing mobile applications, web apps, and software in general are always focused (or should be) on user experience—bringing relevant content to viewers in the best possible way. Whether you are working on a game, an educational product, an ecommerce site, or any other type of product, the common thread is that you are conveying an idea, information, and often a call to action. Top executives (no matter what size the company is) often spend a lot of time defining the strategic market, and selecting the “right” developer for a project. Once they select that developer they try…

Innovations in Video Streaming

21 Oct 2014, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

 The growth and popularity of services like Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and ESPN, have been instrumental in positioning video streaming as the new way to deliver video content. Recent announcements by HBO and CBS about soon-to-be launched streaming services confirm that video streaming is not only new, but perhaps on its way to becoming the preferred delivery system. In a prior post, see Good News for Video Content Creators and Distributers, I described several of the services which enable video streaming and I explained criteria for selecting the best one for you.  Today I would like to talk about how you…

What is the Best Way to Start a New Project?

22 Jul 2014, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

So you have a great idea for a new digital product or service, but you are not a developer and don’t know much about technology.  How do you get started? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Most entrepreneurs are not necessarily techies. The secret to successfully building a new product or service is all about strategy and identifying what is needed to succeed. It always comes down to three simple questions. What need or problem are you solving? Who is the product or service for? And, what do you need to make it happen? Let’s expand on these.   Step…

Fixed, Fluid, Responsive, Adaptive? Which Technique is Right for You?

11 Jun 2014, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

    Nowadays designing websites and web apps requires more planning than ever before. New techniques and delivery devices can sometimes raise confusing questions. So where do you begin? Of course, as always, everything starts with understanding your business. Before you push the first pixel you need to understand your audience, what problem your product or service solves, what the value is to the target user, and what it will take to get there both financially and logistically. Once your business objectives and resources are clearly defined, you are ready to move on the actual design of the product. To…

Need to Start a Movement?

27 May 2014, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

Have you ever had to start a campaign? You know, for a school or other worthy cause, or perhaps just a movement to make people aware of something? If you ever have you already know this is really hard work and often a labor of love. When you engage in these types of activities you have to face numerous challenges—how to get the word out, how to make it easy for people to participate, how to collect donations or engage in other styles of fund raising etc. Then you also need to be able to manage your supporters, followers, and…

Say Good bye to Batteries

13 May 2014, Posted by William Newell in Technologies

If you have travelled by air in recent years, you are probably familiar with this picture. You are the terminal, you pass through security, and now you are finally at your gate. Then you notice your smart phone is about to die. You think,”No big deal, I will charge it at the free charging island”. However, you soon realize ten or more people had the same idea and all the outlets are in use. Yes, my friends we live in the era of electronics. Whether it is your smart phone, tablet, laptop, or all of the above, we are more-connected…