Apple Intending to Update its Library of Emojis

Apple, Google and Microsoft together with other tech firms design their own versions of their 800 basic emoji characters and how they ought to appear. Apple it was reported has vowed that it will now update its library of emoticons and smileys called emojis to fill the diversity gap after the complaints of celebrities about the cartoon emoticons lacking diversity which was conveyed through email by MTV Act blogger Joey Parker to Apple CEO Tim Cook and received a reply from Katie Cotton, Apple’s Vice President of worldwide corporate communication, stating that their emoji characters were based on the Unicode standard which was necessary for them to be displayed properly across many platforms with a need of more diversity in the emoji character set and that they have been working closely with the Unicode Consortium in an effort to update their standard’. Cotton though did not make a mention on when Apple intends to update its emojis.

More Ethnic Diversity in Range of Emoji

Apple it was said wants more ethnic diversity in the basic range of emoji that are available to text messaging apps, adding that it was operating the body responsible in deciding the range of standard graphic symbols which could be added to text messages. Presently the characters have dozens of faces of people which appear white though only two of the symbols are said to be Asian and none are black. A list had been developed and maintained since 2010 by the Unicode Consortium, a Silicon Valley based nonprofit organization consisting of major computer firms, software producers, user groups and several others to ensure that different devices and mobile carriers can altogether share a basic set. Emojis which are based on a Unicode character set allow them to be displayed across platforms where the changes or any type of addition to these characters need to go through the Unicode Consortium.

Emojis – Text with Expressive Power

Apple’s emojis depict a variety of objects, moods together with people including art for LGNT couples some of which was included in its last update. Several users have observed lack of diversity with regards to emojis especially African-Americans. The fact that emoji had become popular first in Japan; the current list of Unicode has only two Asian people; a man with a turban and a man with Gua Pi Mao which is a type of a Chinese hat. Broadcaster had approached the company after the petition had been posted informing Apple to increase the ethnic diversity which was found within its emojis keyboard. It was stated that the keyboard has already offered a graphic which shows a same sex couple and informed the company to present people with skin tone on a wider range. An Oxford University research, Bernie Hogan has been studying the use of emoji as a part of his research on how the users represent themselves on the internet. According to him it seemed to be a trivial problem since many device owners were now more reliant on the tool stating the emoji existed first and foremost as a purpose to augment text with expressive power and if they restrict the sort of people who are used in the images it may restrict the expressive power of the user and would not feel that emoji speak for them.

Best Tips for Beginning Digital SLR Photographers

Many beginning photographers adore DSLR cameras. DSLR cameras for beginning photographers give them the opportunity to learn the nuances of manual photography without having to go through an extensive learning process upfront. Photographers can use auto features on digital SLR cameras almost literally right out of the box. Digital SLR cameras offer the best of both worlds for beginners.
New photographers can use smart features to get clear images right away and start working on composition as well as other fundamentals of photography that do not have a lot to do with the camera used. As new photographers gain more interest and advanced skills, digital SLR cameras provide a little extra help. For example, the autofocus feature is almost always good to use, no matter what the skill level of the photographer is.
Below is a list of some of the best tips for DSLR photography beginners.
1.Understand ISO Setting Principles
Using a DSLR camera on automatic settings will not work in all instances. Understand the basic principles behind ISO. A few decades ago, ISO was a method used to understand film speed. The same basic ideas still apply to digital photography, especially when taking action shots or shooting in low-light settings. In short, the shutter speed combined with the aperture settings results in how much light reaches the image in what amount of time.
A high shutter speed can allow photographers to snap pictures without much of a chance that they will be blurry. The aperture can be set to allow more or less light in by changing sizes. Focusing on aperture settings can allow photographers to alter the focus in pictures. DSLR cameras allow beginners to play with settings that are not purely manual for optimal results. After all, incorrect manual settings can result in images that are overexposed or underexposed to the point where the image is not discernable.
2.Change Perspectives and Paradigms
One of the best parts of photography is the ability to capture images in a different way than people normally see them. One of the best tips for beginners is to get close. Find out how interesting pedestrian items can be when photographed up close. A bell pepper or a highway might be more interesting than first thought. Expand artistic ability by focusing on everyday items instead of impressive monuments. Find out how to make a wooden patio or a coffee cup interesting. Look up, or take a picture of the sidewalk. Find out what photography is all about by taking away focal points that are naturally interesting.
3.Take Many Photos, Then Take Some More
Have fun taking photos. Take photos of the same scene using different camera settings, and see what happens. One of the best parts of digital photography is the ability to experiment with new techniques and ideas. There are conflicting views on whether or not photographers should stay true to legal rights when taking pictures of a building on the street. Some argue that rights are rights, and others argue that respecting others is the way to go.
Form an Individual Style and Philosophy
Create a unique style and philosophy as to what photography should be all about. Learn the basic principles behind ISO photography, and go from there. See what new creative avenues a DLSR camera can open, and see what unique images a DLSR camera can take.

How To Market Your IPhone App With A Wacked-out Teaser Video!

You've come up with the perfect idea for an iPhone app.  Yeah, right - you and 33 million other enthusiasts.

Ah, but you are different.  You've raised some funds on Kickstarter.com and you've shaken down a few of your favorite relatives.  With that  money, you've hired yourself an iPhone App Developer and you app is so close to fruition that you can almost taste it.
That means you will soon have to market your app.  Uh-oh.
No worries, I am here to give you some one-of-a kind app video marketing tips that you can take to the bank.  If you can make a video that is creative enough, put it on YouTube , then get it shared through places social media channels like, Buzzfeed, Digg and Reddit ... you should get plenty of downloads for your app.
Tips to make a creative teaser video
Act crazy.  The last thing you want to do is to sit in front of the camera and talk.  If you can pull it off, get into a medieval costume and sing like a minstrel.  Or get into caveman attire and ugh your way through demonstrating your app.

What you do should of course depend on the app itself, but some common elements that are good to work in as best you can would be outlandish costumes, music and possibly slightly crazy singing of funny lyrics, acting and jumping around, props, other folks in costume.  Using a green screen, you can edit the video to be doing all this in mid-air or under the sea or deep inside a cavern.
Interview random people.  Got a demo?  Take it to the streets.  Bring along a filmer friend to capture your moments of triumph in the streets.  Who can you interview?

• Try a hobo.  Seriously, anything unexpected. 
• Hit up strangers in the bus or train. 
• Ask shoppers in the dairy aisle. 
• Pull up beside a marathon runner - what a great video clip as the runner is trying figure out why this guy with an iPhone is trying to show him an app while he's running. 
• Approach someone at the cinema - while a movie is playing.  And when someone says, "Shhh!", take that as a queue to demonstrate the app to them. Sure, they'll never let you in again, but you'll have some great footage.
• Ask a foreign tourist who can't speak English. 

You could have a lot of fun creating a video that keeps people watching.  Just make sure that along the way, you have enough clips of what your app does, how much fun it is, and how useful it is.
Play the straight man. What you could also do is explain the virtues of your app - from the iPhone app development process right through to how people get to zap their enemies or call up the ghosts of their great grandparents or whatever your app does.  You could do this in total deadpan while clowns surround you and try to distract you.  Or while movers come and remove all your furniture and replace it with a totally different furniture.
If you record against a green screen, there is no end to what could be going on in the background.  Perhaps a murder.  Perhaps a war.  Perhaps somebody gagging from a horrid smell.
The specifics should depend on exactly what your app does.
Fundamentals of a creative video
Whatever approach you take, there are a few fundamentals to remember.  You want good quality clips, so please use an iPhone 5.  An iPhone 2 or 3 or 4 just won't give you the same quality image.
Make sure you enunciate when you speak.  All the filming is useless, if all we hear you say is, "...aun wee huff ih aln iln hiss..."
In most cases for something wild and crazy, you and a friend can shoot the footage.  There might be some situations where you might be better off with a professional videographer.
For editing, however, get a pro.  You want someone who can put together your somewhat unconventional footage in a way that pulls viewers through and leads them to go download the app. A professional video editor can also handle music and other sound effects, maybe even add voiceover narration if needed.
So get crazy.  Be creative. Create a teaser video for your app that nobody will forget and everybody will share.  If you've managed to explain your app amidst the craziness - and explain the amazing benefits of the app! - you should be on the road to the download fast lane.
Melody Spikes has been an iPhone fan since her first iPhone 2.  "I take it everywhere, I live and breathe my iPhone," she has been overheard to say.

Where To Buy Designer iPhone Cases?

With each individual in possession of their own personal devices, they can be treated with care in the form of custom phone cases from reputed service providers who have engineered an innovative powerful print technology to cater to the needs of consumers. Provider with the largest range of cases for Smartphone, iPhones and other devices in India are the first online site selling these accessories on custom cases. With Micron Transmat Thermal Technology – MT3 the image which combines various leading printing process in grafting designs on the surface of the case, that does not peel off or get erased. Individuals can give their phone a personalized touch by creating an image which may be dear to your heart providing opportunities to live those moments on glancing on these images on these amazing custom cases. Since they are thermal printed, the images printed are permanently embedded on the case never to disappear.

After deciding on a case for the device it is essential to choose a case which would be appropriate for your device in possession, after which designer mobile cases, could be checked from the various templates that are made available to the user at the site. This could be of one’s choice followed by photos and added with personalized text. The providers are equipped with a wide variety of choices to choose from wherein their designs are hundred percent original besides being exclusive and will not be available at any other store anywhere. These designs have been created with the individual in mind which is all together unique and long lasting.

Mobile Cases comes with peerless print quality with brilliant lasting finish which can enhance the look of your personal device. To get further advantage on the purchase of their product, users could also opt on the opportunities of discounted coupons made available at the site and benefit from the same. Testimonials from existing users have given great insight on their products which speaks for itself on their quality and performance. Great products offered at attracting price enabling users to add color, image with a combination of class, style and a personal touch.

Apple and ReSound’s New Hearing Aid

Apple together with Danish hearing aid company, GN ReSound has announced a new hearing aid which would be compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Named LiNX, the device can sync wirelessly with Apple’s latest mobile devices taking advantage of the accessibility options of iOS 7 for hearing impaired. The LiNX functions like a hybrid of hearing aids with stereo Bluetooth headphones. It also has the capabilities of streaming phone calls, Face Time chats, movies, music, turn by turn navigation or any other audio directly to a small earpiece and when the hearing aids are not pulling in audio from any tablet or Smartphone, the same works like normal, picking up conversation and the surrounding sounds. Being an Apple products, it is packed with plenty of bells and whistles and a feature called Live Listen turns an iOS device into a microphone.

Streaming Directly from Smartphone’s Mic to the Ears 

When a person is in an environment which would be loud, or a busy meeting or a noisy car and would like to focus on single voice cutting down on the background noise, they can get a stream directly from the Smartphone’s microphone in to their ears. Apple and the device maker are hoping that it will encourage people with hearing problem in getting help with their hearing aids. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorder, more than 36 million people in the US have some sort of hearing loss though few of them who really need a hearing aid actually have them.

Control Device Setting Directly from the Phone 

With the help of GPS, one can save custom settings for any location, a movie etc and get pop up notification on the mobile device asking whether the user would like to switch every time they return to that spot. Most of the advanced current hearing aids tend to draw unwanted attention when people reach out to change the settings and for most of the hearing impaired people, the best advantage of Apple’s hearing aids will help to control the device settings directly from the phone. Wearers can now make adjustments as they can check email or even watch a video with Apple integration. Basic setting such as volume and battery life, are directly built into the operating system of the iOS 7. Apple’s hearing aids are specialized medical devices and one will not find them on the shelves of local Apple store since customers should get their hearing tested and fitted for the devices by an audiologist.

Hearing Aids with System’s Accessibility Features 

With Apple’s added support for the new technology when the iOS7 was released, this seems to be the first hearing aids to really work with many system’s accessibility features. Due to the specialized technology, no third party hearing aid maker can come and create devices which work with iOS 7 without partnering with Apple. Executive of ReSound has not disclosed anything regarding developing hearing aids for Android devices or any other platforms. ReSound has worked for a long time on this new technology and the entry of the hearing aids would be welcomed by many hearing impaired people. Do come back to Macmyth for latest Apple news and information.