Latest news with #digitalstorytelling
Tahawul Tech
4 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Beyond Pixels: How next-gen LED displays are powering immersive brand experiences
Dubai — In a region where innovation is not just encouraged but expected, immersive digital experiences are fast becoming the new language of brand engagement. Across the Middle East, from the glittering retail boulevards of Riyadh to the ultramodern hospitality destinations of Dubai, next-generation LED technology is transforming spaces into dynamic storytelling platforms. This momentum reflects the broader aspirations of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Smart City strategy, which place customer experience, innovation, and measurable impact at the core of national progress. Fine-pitch LED displays are at the heart of this transformation, enabling a shift from static signage to full-sensory digital storytelling. These high-resolution, dynamic surfaces are not only capturing attention, but they are also retaining it. In retail, hospitality, and corporate spaces, they're helping brands move beyond one-way communication to create immersive environments that respond to visitor behavior, mood, and motion. According to the International Market Analysis Research and Consulting (IMARC) Group, the global digital signage market is expected to reach $45.5 billion by 2032i, with the Middle East seeing double-digit growth driven by smart infrastructure investments and a booming retail sector. This evolution is not just about technology; it's about human connection. In a world where consumers are inundated with content, creating physical spaces that evoke emotion, surprise, and delight can make all the difference. Research from PwC shows that 86% of buyers are willing to pay more for a better customer experience, and 65% find in-store digital engagement to be a key differentiator. Whether it's a hotel lobby that adapts visually to the time of day or a flagship store that immerses visitors in interactive brand stories, LED displays are becoming central to how experiences are designed and remembered. In this landscape, Unilumin's latest innovation, MIP-Visualperfect, represents a pivotal leap forward. Engineered for the demands of Gulf climates, MIP-Visualperfect combines the modular flexibility of traditional SMD technology with the high contrast and visual consistency of COB while avoiding the drawbacks of both. It delivers superior color consistency, flatness, and resilience across indoor and outdoor environments, offering businesses a display solution that is not only visually striking but also commercially scalable. It is more than a screen; it is a medium for real-time storytelling, analytics, and adaptability. As the 'metasight' concept gains traction in the region, the role of digital surfaces is expanding. Walls, ceilings and windows are no longer passive; they're part of the narrative. Unilumin's displays are enabling this shift by providing the visual infrastructure for environments that can sense, engage and evolve. Looking ahead, as AI, spatial computing, and digital twins become part of the built environment, LED display systems will act as interactive bridges between digital intent and physical reality, turning public spaces into intelligent, responsive experiences. Retail in the Middle East isn't just a transaction; it's a destination experience. As competition intensifies and consumer expectations evolve, immersive visual environments powered by advanced LED are turning storefronts into storytellers. MIP-Visualperfect allows retailers to not only capture attention but to sustain engagement measurably and memorably. 'The Middle East is undergoing a visual revolution not just in what people see, but in how spaces perform. The MIP-Visualperfect doesn't just meet today's immersive expectations, it anticipates tomorrow's.' As this next chapter of digital infrastructure unfolds, the opportunity for brands and businesses is clear. In a market defined by innovation and high consumer expectations, the spaces we create must be as intelligent and expressive as the people who move through them. Because in the end, it's not just about being seen, it's about being felt, remembered, and chosen. This opinion piece is authored by Zac Liang, General Manager – Gulf Area, Unilumin Group.
Geeky Gadgets
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Incoming Midjourney Video Updates : Native HD and Possible New Features Explored
What if creating high-definition, professional-grade videos was as seamless as generating an image? With Midjourney's latest Native HD Video Update, that vision is becoming a reality. This new advancement is poised to transform how creators approach video production, offering tools that promise smoother motion, sharper resolution, and unprecedented control. Imagine crafting a visually stunning narrative with seamless transitions, or upscaling your content to enterprise-level quality—all within a single platform. These updates aren't just iterative improvements; they're a bold leap forward in the realm of AI-driven creativity, setting new benchmarks for what's possible in digital storytelling. Future Tech Pilot takes you through the exciting features that make this update a fantastic option, from Native HD image-to-video capabilities to innovative tools like looping animations and ambient sound modeling. Whether you're a filmmaker, marketer, or hobbyist, these enhancements aim to empower your creative process, offering both precision and flexibility. But what challenges lie in delivering such innovative functionality? And how might these tools reshape workflows for both individuals and enterprises? As we explore the details, consider how these advancements could redefine the way you tell stories, one frame at a time. Midjourney Creative Updates Video Model Features: Smoother Motion and Enhanced Control Midjourney is advancing its video generation tools to offer you greater control and flexibility in your creative process. The platform is working on key features designed to elevate the quality of motion and storytelling: Start and End Frame Functionality: This feature will enable you to create seamless transitions between frames, making sure smoother and more cohesive narratives in your videos. This feature will enable you to create seamless transitions between frames, making sure smoother and more cohesive narratives in your videos. Looping Capabilities: A potential addition that could allow for continuous playback of animations or repetitive sequences, making it ideal for presentations, social media content, or creative loops. These updates are designed to improve the technical precision of your videos while maintaining their visual appeal, giving you the tools to craft more engaging and professional content. Upscaling and Native HD: Elevating Visual Resolution Midjourney is prioritizing advancements in resolution with two powerful tools currently in development: Upscaler: A versatile tool aimed at enhancing the clarity and detail of your images and videos, making sure sharper visuals for any project. A versatile tool aimed at enhancing the clarity and detail of your images and videos, making sure sharper visuals for any project. Native HD Image-to-Video: A high-resolution feature tailored for professional video creation, offering enterprise-grade quality for demanding projects. While the upscaler has experienced delays due to technical challenges, it is expected to launch within the next month. The Native HD tool, however, may be reserved for higher-tier subscription plans due to its computational intensity. These tools will empower you to produce visuals with exceptional detail and clarity, whether for personal use or professional applications. Native HD Midjourney Video Update Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on AI video generation. Model Training and Real-Time Generation: Accelerating Creative Outputs Midjourney's commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing efforts to improve its models. The recent 7.1 training run focused on enhancing coherence and anatomy, though it was ultimately rejected due to shortcomings in texture and style. This decision highlights the platform's dedication to maintaining high standards in its offerings. Additionally, Midjourney is exploring faster image generation modes, with the potential for real-time outputs. This development could significantly accelerate your workflow, allowing quicker iterations and immediate feedback, which are crucial for time-sensitive projects or rapid prototyping. Enterprise API: Seamless Integration for Professional Use For businesses and enterprise users, Midjourney is considering the introduction of an API tailored to professional needs. This API could enable seamless integration of Midjourney's capabilities into larger workflows, benefiting industries such as: Marketing: Streamline the creation of high-quality visuals for campaigns. Streamline the creation of high-quality visuals for campaigns. Design: Enhance creative processes with advanced image and video generation tools. Enhance creative processes with advanced image and video generation tools. Entertainment: Develop visually stunning content for films, games, and media projects. The API is expected to provide scalable solutions, allowing you to integrate Midjourney's tools into broader organizational processes efficiently and effectively. Expanding Creative Horizons: Innovative Features in Development Midjourney is actively working on a range of new features designed to expand your creative possibilities and enhance your projects: Mood Board Update: Set to launch within a week, this tool will help you organize and visualize your ideas, making it easier to plan and execute your creative vision. Set to launch within a week, this tool will help you organize and visualize your ideas, making it easier to plan and execute your creative vision. Style Explorer: Currently in its early stages, this feature will allow you to experiment with various aesthetics, adding depth and variety to your creative process. Currently in its early stages, this feature will allow you to experiment with various aesthetics, adding depth and variety to your creative process. Ambient Sound Modeling: Focused on enhancing sensory experiences, this audio feature will provide effects rather than speech, complementing your visual projects with immersive soundscapes. Focused on enhancing sensory experiences, this audio feature will provide effects rather than speech, complementing your visual projects with immersive soundscapes. Chaos Functionality: A potential addition to the video model, this feature will introduce an element of unpredictability, allowing you to create dynamic and unique content. These tools are designed to inspire creativity and provide you with more options to customize and refine your projects, whether you're working on personal or professional endeavors. Collaborations for Voice Mode Development Midjourney is exploring partnerships to accelerate the development of a voice mode feature. While specific details remain limited, this collaboration could lead to faster implementation of audio capabilities. By combining visuals and sound seamlessly, this feature would provide you with a more comprehensive set of tools for multimedia projects, enhancing the overall impact of your creations. Shaping the Future of Digital Creativity Midjourney's latest updates underscore its commitment to equipping you with innovative tools for video and image generation. By focusing on motion refinement, resolution enhancements, and workflow optimization, the platform is setting new standards for quality and functionality. Whether you're a professional seeking enterprise-grade solutions or a creative individual exploring new possibilities, these advancements are designed to elevate your projects and broaden your creative horizons. As Midjourney continues to innovate, it is poised to redefine the boundaries of digital creativity, offering tools that empower you to bring your vision to life. Media Credit: Future Tech Pilot Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Mail & Guardian
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Digital storytelling can contribute to indigenous knowledge
Digital storytelling, particularly via social media, helps indigenous communities preserve and share their knowledge and histories, fostering decolonisation 'I saw a TikTok the other day …' These are words frequently uttered by young people. It is the fifth most used social media platform in the world and joins YouTube and Instagram as sites where people create skits and structure narratives through images, video audio and text as a form of digital storytelling. Digital storytelling can be defined as the making of a short, narrated film, often by people with little or no professional media production experience. Around the world, storytelling has always been oral, taking place at gatherings or rituals tied to identity and belonging and used to teach values and morals. Such storytelling methods are common in indigenous communities to explain their way of life and how everything came to be, maintaining symbolism, preserving community knowledge and history. While much of this continues to be practised, given the digital world, there are projects afoot to integrate indigenous knowledge with digital storytelling as a form of documenting and preserving it. This is seen as indigenous communities leveraging digital media as a tool in their ongoing struggle for decolonisation. Indigenous digital storytelling One of the many ways indigenous communities seek justice and promote self-determination and self-preservation is through various forms of storytelling, shared within a group of people and their ancestors. Indigenous storytelling nurtures, educates, serves as a form of resistance and communicates the experiences of colonial oppression, dispossession and injustice. Indigenous storytelling positions and exposes multiple truths and meanings to knowledge, foregrounding the indigenous ways of knowing and doing that colonial projects sought to erase. Indigenous storytelling, grounded in history, is about understanding lived experiences and realities from the vantage point of the downtrodden and accentuating the beliefs, values and traditions of diverse indigenous peoples. Because colonialism invades a people's mental universe, displacing what they previously knew, replacing it with what colonialism has brought in, indigenous knowledge promotes knowledge that is relevant within certain cultural contexts and advocates for indigenisation of knowledge as well as the multiplicity of knowledge. Digital storytelling brings together narratives with audio and visual content. Thus, its role in indigenous knowledge is that it offers opportunities for rich, intergenerational exchanges that promote locally relevant insights. Digital storytelling foregrounds specific issues from specific perspectives, promotes critical thinking and fosters knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Moreover, digital storytelling delves into the narratives of indigenous people by amplifying their voices and experiences in such a way that their realities are not distorted or erased. Decolonial digital journeys: The Popi Show Indigenous realities, experiences and knowledge filtered through Western negations are subject to distortions, fabrications, omissions and erasures. Drawing from Rediscovering is creating digital stories of indigenous peoples where their perspectives, their culture, identity and expressions are the centre of the recordings and visuals that are featured on digital platforms such as social media. The role of social media in the rediscovery and recovery of indigenous knowledge in a digital world is important to disrupting Western distortions of indigenous peoples and remembering indigenous ways of knowing and doing. Young content creators across the African continent are actively remembering the stories of their ancestors by using social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to disseminate this knowledge for larger audiences to learn and engage. Among them is Popi Sibiya, a South African content creator and traveller, who has a unique way of sharing indigenous stories on TikTok and YouTube. Through her online series Her journey across the African continent and South America centres the spiritual, cultural and historical roots of the indigenous peoples. In her unconventional means of travel — boats, bikes, buses, walking or even asking the locals for lifts — Sibiya listens to indigenous stories and shares indigenous knowledge, captures and partakes in traditions as a form of participatory memory. In one video, Sibiya visits the San people — the indigenous hunter-gather group of Southern Africa — in Botswana. When she spends time with the San, dressed in their traditional attire and participating in their ways of finding subsistence through eating things like berries and wild spinach, consuming water plants, and learning how to light fires, she is bearing witness to cosmologies that survived colonialism, forced removals from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and centuries of silencing. She engages in what can be described as reciprocal documentation — filming trance dances, story-circles and language rituals with the awareness that the stories belong to the people, not to her camera. Some of the many stories Sibiya documents are those of the people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country that has been experiencing ongoing violence, human rights violations, mass displacements and colonial traumas. She spent days at camps for internally displaced people in Goma, highlighting the everyday struggles of the people, from children who do not have access to education to those learning in precarious conditions, from farmers who have lost their land to people who have lost their livelihoods. She engages with the local communities, where people speak of war, displacement, mining exploitation and gender-based violence. The Popi Show is actively filming, platforming and archiving local legends, spiritual cosmologies and clan histories which are passed down orally by the elders. This demonstrates that social media can be a site of learning, critical thinking and a safe space for sharing of indigenous stories. Because decolonising knowledge means challenging the dominant narratives that distort those of indigenous communities, the role of social media in documenting, sharing, reclaiming and memorialising indigenous knowledge is the process of rediscovery and recovery neglected by mainstream media and education systems. Kgomotso Komane is a PhD candidate and writes on behalf of at the University of Pretoria.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Canadian content creator talks about his love for, and challenges with Canada
When Canadian nurse Hamza Aziz started asking strangers one simple question on camera—'What motivated you?'—he didn't anticipate launching a viral movement. In less than two years, his social media pages accumulated over 2.5 million followers and he was able to raise close to a million dollars for people in need. Aziz is now one of Canada's most impactful digital storytellers—and he's just getting started, he told Yahoo Canada. n our new series 'My Canada", we spotlight Canadians —born-and-raised to brand new — who share their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. I'm happy to be Keny cause, you know, like, the, the perfect example is my dad. He gave up his education back home in Pakistan to come to Canada just for him to work in, in a factory, so his kids could have a better life, right? So for me to be Canadian, it's basically, we have these opportunities that other people in other countries don't have, and we, you know, it's, it's up to us to take it and to Take those opportunities and do something with it. And I'm proud to be Canadian because uh, I would not have these opportunities if I was in another country. The biggest challenge was just dealing with a little bit of, uh, bit of racism growing up. And even till now, it's actually quite bad. I, I've noticed in the past year, I don't know, maybe some stuff's going on, uh, locally in Canada. There's so much like hate and racism going right now on social media, and you'll notice, especially, I even experienced. the size of South Asian now, even the public for some reasons. Uh, but it's like, I, I want to show that like, listen, there's people from all around the world that live in Canada, and they all have these amazing stories. And as I said from the start, you should never judge a book by its cover, and these people are all doing these like different odd jobs that, you know, like, just to support their families and, uh, it's, uh, and that's, that's what I do.
New York Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Broadway's Season of Screens
Sarah Snook screen-sharing selfies from a face-filtering phone app. Nicole Scherzinger getting her close-up via movie cameras. George Clooney making onstage television. Robert Downey Jr. superseded by a digital puppet. High-tech storytelling is surging on Broadway. Over the last year, stages have been brimming with large-scale and high-resolution videos, deployed not simply for scenery but also as an integrated narrative tool. It is all made possible by the growing availability, affordability and stability of the cameras, computers, projectors and surfaces that are utilized as part of today's stage sets. The phenomenon, which is presumably here to stay, also reflects the ubiquity of digital devices in contemporary life. In an era when we are rarely separated from our smartphones or smartwatches, and video greets us in our cars and supermarkets, the latest technology is transforming stagecraft and storytelling. 'The majority of Americans' waking, conscious moments are looking at screens,' said the designer Jake Barton, who last fall worked on 'McNeal,' a play that starred Downey as a novelist whose entanglement with generative artificial intelligence is woven into the scenic design. 'On one level,' Barton said, 'this is just theater naturally evolving.' Just two weeks ago, the Tony Awards gave the coveted best musical prize to 'Maybe Happy Ending,' in which actors playing robots share a stage at times with massive videos depicting their digital memories. The best musical revival Tony went to 'Sunset Boulevard,' where performers holding camera rigs film part of the action for transmission to a giant screen that swivels into the audience's view. And the best play revival honor went to 'Eureka Day,' which featured a reliably gut-busting scene in which chat comments posted during a school board meeting were projected above the cast. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
