Soundslides.

This week, we learned to create audio slideshows for J2150 lab class. Initially, I was intimidated with the idea of creating a slide show as I haven't used or seen a slide show software. When Professor Rice showed us the "Hungry" slide show, I was worried for myself because there were many components needed to be present in a good slide show. However, to my surprise, I actually find the software user-friendly after Dr. Tsai showed us the methods to create an audio slide show on Soundslides.

I thought the program was really easy to use in comparison to the programs we have learned such as Photoshop and Audacity. I like the fact that it is straightforward and does not have complicated settings. I really liked the movement and transition tabs because it allows the photos to change creatively. I thought the lower thirds feature is rather cool because users can add names and titles to their pictures. I think the lower third feature actually save the hassle of having to add fonts on Photoshop. Besides that, organizing the sequence of the picture in Soundslides is pretty easy too. The timing for every picture can be easily adjusted by dragging the time line. However, the draw back of Soundslides is it does not support features to edit the audios. If I were to edit my audio, I have to do it using an external program such as Audacity. I thought it would be better if Soundslides provide basic editing for pictures and audios. With all these features, users are able to save time when creating an audio slideshow they desire.

My top iOS7 features.

On Wednesday, Apple released  the new iOS 7. Similar to many Apple users, I have been anticipating to upgrade to the new iOS7 as it incorporates many new features.
Overall, the features had lived up to expectations. These are my few favorite features iOS 7 has included:


Blocking calls and text messages.



Finally, Apple has incorporated this feature to the iOS7. This is by far the most relevant feature that should be included since ages ago. It gets annoying when advertisers or random numbers are calling every day. As for now, problem is solved as it is possible to block unwanted calls and text messages just by hitting Settings>Phone>Blocked.


Control Center.



Swipe up from the bottom, and you will see this control center. This is by far one of the most convenient feature iOS7 has included. I like the fact that the air plane mode can be turned on from this control center. Prior to the iOS7, to turn on the air plane mode, users had to go to Settings. Besides that, I thought including the torch light mode in the control center was really smart. In case of any emergency, pulling out the torch light would not be a hassle anymore.


Taking Square Pictures.



Exactly, how can I not love this feature?  This feature enables the camera to take square pictures regardless of the orientations whether on portrait or landscape. Being an Instagram addict, this feature makes my life a lot easier as I am able to share photos without editing it on Squaready (an app to shrink pictures to square in order to fit into Instagram's frame).

In summary, I am pretty satisfied with what iOS7 has offered. Being a consumer, a change is always good, regardless if a brand has lifted any ideas from other brands.

To upgrade or not?

iPhone 5S (left) and iPhone 5C (right)

On Tuesday, Apple announced the release date of its groundbreaking iPhone 5S and 5C.

Being an iPhone 5 user, I was contemplating on whether to upgrade to either iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C. However, after a deliberation of the pros and cons, I am unsure if it is necessary for iPhone 5 users to upgrade their phones. Initially, I was attracted to the 5C which happens to be the colorful iPhone because of its vibrant pastel colors. I thought the 5Cs were stylish and age appropriate for me. I did some research, and it was rather a turn off to find out that the 5Cs are plastic built. In my opinion, plastic built phones are rather toy-ish and unsophisticated. Also, it made me questioned about the durability of the phone. Will it break if I were to drop it? What is the level of resistance to the environment?

Then, I further researched about the 5S which is said to be the greatest. The 5S includes 64-bit processing and a built-in fingerprint scanner. Indeed, the features sounded advanced and appealing. After all, the 5S is more elevated in comparison to 5 as the 5S has a faster processor, improved camera, and fingerprint scanner. What bothers me is the 5S costs twice of 5C. Are any of these improved features worthy enough for me to spend a costly amount of money? To upgrade or not, that's the question. As for now, I will wait until the phone is out in the market, and read reviews from tech experts. 

Instaddict

Being an Instagram fanatic, I was drawn to read this post. After reading it, I realized  I am quite a decent Instagram photographer as I have a few pictures that actually fulfilled the few tips.

Here are a few photographs taken by Instagram camera:

Famous korean dish known as bibimbap. Taken in close shot

A bowl of asian salad. Taken in a close shot

Picture taken when I was on my way to downtown of L.A. Focus point was at the Hollywood sign.

This picture is taken in Jamaica. No filter and unedited, shot in golden hour.

This picture is captured when I was on a Caribbean cruise trip. No filter and unedited, shot in golden hour.

Memorial Union. This shot is taken in golden hour.

So, why am I a big fan of Instagram?

Firstly, I think Instagram is a great tool for me to keep up with people's life. Forget about blogging because as an audience, I prefer looking at pictures rather than reading lengthy posts. Personally, pictures paint a thousand words and I think photography it's a form of art in expressing thoughts and emotions. Sometimes I find that communicating with words is much harder, thus, photographs are great substitutes for words. Because photographs tend to draw attention, it is no surprise that blogging outlet such as tumblr is more favorable than blogger or wordpress. In my opinion, I think Instagram is also a great marketing tool for businesses that are targeting young consumers. Being a frequent user of Instagram, I keep myself informed with trends and new products through Instagram. For instance, I would follow fashion brand names on Instagram and be updated with their products. I think marketing products on Instagram is much more effective than sending emails because it is faster and no possibilities of consumer disregarding email. I believe many consumers of my age also keep themselves updated through Instagram. 

Another reason why I think Instagram is favored by many is because of its simple features. Honestly, there aren't many things you can do on Instagram except for following, liking and editing pictures. Regardless, people are still hooked to this social media app because it is a great tool to stay connected. Not to mention, it is user friendly, and its simplicity made it easier for users to understand the app. Lastly, I think Instagram provides opportunity for everyone to be a photographer. It is amazing how its basic features can convert a mediocre photograph to a dslr quality photograph. In addition, the edit features such as the filters are fun and pretty to use. It is no surprise why there are 40 millions photos uploaded on Instagram each day. No doubt, Instagram is definitely growing, and possibly be one of the top social media platform.