Peak Design Announces Mobile Product Line

I’ve been fortunate enough to be acquainted with Peak Design for a couple of years. Recently, they reached out to share with me their pre-production products designed for the mobile content content creator. It’s the new Peak Design Mobile line of products. The new product offerings will be available via its Kickstarter found here.

I created a short video below walking through what was presented and some hands on footage, but if you want to read what was presented, here it is via the Peak Design press release:

Peak Design Launches a Complete Mobile Accessory Ecosystem An innovative connection system unites beautifully designed cases, mounts and accessories

San Francisco, CA (October, 2020) –Peak Design, the worldwide leader in crowdfunding and everyday carry solutions, has launched a revolutionary ecosystem of mobile cases, mounts, and accessories. Built around a proprietary low-profile connection system, Mobile by Peak Design aims to make your phone a better tool for everything you use it for, from navigation to communication, creativity to recreation.

Prior to the release of Mobile by Peak Design, clunky, bulky, unattractive mobile accessories hindered users’ attempts to obtain a seamless, compact mobile carry experience. Peak Design addressed this with a groundbreaking piece of mounting technology named SlimLink. With a stack height of just 2.4mm, SlimLink minimizes bulk on your phone and mounting devices, and facilitates both soft-locking (magnetic) and ultra-secure, hard-locking (mechanical) mounting functionality. To achieve the SlimLink architecture, a zirconia ceramic insert is surrounded by an array of magnets and then embedded into each Peak Design Everyday Case. “Phones are the most powerful tools in the world, and our goal was to create the most powerful accessories for them” commented Peak Design Founder and CEO Peter Dering. “We’ve been developing the SlimLink architecture for 4 years, and we didn’t stop until our cases and mounts looked better, felt better, and worked better than anything else out there.”

The consumer starting point for Peak Design’s mobile accessory ecosystem is the Everyday Case, a durable polycarbonate phone case wrapped in Peak Design's custom high-performance nylon canvas fabric. The case—available for iPhone (including iPhone 12) and Samsung devices—supports wireless charging and strikes an ideal balance between ruggedness, protection, and refined aesthetics. A slim, adhesive-backed Universal Adapter is also available that works with nearly any phone or hard, non-textured case. Peak Design intends to support additional phone models in the months and years to come.

To complete the ecosystem, Peak Design has launched a wide array of instantly-swappable accessories, including mounts for cars, bicycles, motorcycles, home/office, a mobile wallet, and accessories for photographers and filmmakers. Each accessory was developed by a team of engineers over the course of 2 years and designed to outperform leading competitors in ease-of-use, form factor, ruggedness, and aesthetics. All accessories are built from premium materials, individually serialized, and guaranteed for life. The range of products illustrates the versatility and security of the SlimLink mounting technology, which supports activities from Facetiming to downhill mountain biking.

Mobile by Peak Design will be available for presale on October 19, 2020 as part of Peak Design’s monumental 10 th Kickstarter campaign (peakdesign.com/ks). Following the launch on Kickstarter, the mobile system will then be available for purchase online at Peakdesign.com and through major retailers beginning Spring 2021.

Product MSRP (USD) Presale Discount (Kickstarter)

Everyday Case $39.95 $32

Out-Front Bike Mount $59.95 $50

Universal Bike Mount $49.95 $40

Mobile Tripod $54.95 $45

Car Mount $39.95 $32

Kickstand Wallet $49.95 $40

Mobile Creator Kit $39.95 $32

Wall Mount (2pack) $29.95 $16

Charging Car Mount $69.95 $58

Motorcycle Bar Mount $69.95 $58

Motorcycle Stem Mount $69.95 $58

Wireless Charging Stand $89.95 $72



BRANDING: My Chat With the Fantastic Miss Mary Jo Foley

No. I didn’t bring up beer with Miss Mary Jo. This is from her podcast on Petri called MJF Chat where she sits down with some interesting people from the world of enterprise tech. Somehow, I was able to weasel my way onto her show. Ha! Kidding. She asked that I join her show to discuss personal branding. Check it out here with full transcript or on the link below. THANKS for the support and I appreciate Miss Mary Jo having me on her show.

Image via Petri and MJFChat

Image via Petri and MJFChat


Listen on Spotify

Latest Adobe Video Update Adds More AI Integration

With Adobe Max just around the corner, Adobe announced some updates to its video processing software. As usual, performance boosting is always the biggest want from content creators and Adobe usually announces added performance with its updates. So what was announced today? More AI integration and yes, general performance boost.

Premiere Pro Updates

HDR is a more common phrase today when it comes to video. About as much as you hear about it in photography. As I’ve explained here, HDR equates to being able to see details in the darker and brighter parts of a scene or image. Adobe has added HDR for broadcasters support which supports the Sony’s XAVC in a .mxf wrapper as well as Apple ProRes in .mov. Pretty common CODECs for HDR and are fully color managed. When you add your footage to your sequence, Adobe is able to determine your codec and apply the Rec 2100 HLG color space. This is great for not only keeping the fine details visible, but great for artistic color grading. If you need to mix Rec 709 footage with some HDR footage, Premiere will automatically map the footage into a HLG format as an “HDR Graphics Lite” color space footage format. This update is also a part of After Effects.

Image by Adobe

Image by Adobe

Scene Edit Detection

This is a simple use of AI to help find where a video was previously cut. When clip cuts are detected, markers are added to the timeline to help you speed through any new edits needed on the clip.

Quick Export

This has been added to the Adobe public BETA. Pretty simple, actually. This allows you to export a project with about two clicks based on a predetermined set of parameters that you use most often. The regular export menu will still exist.

After Effects Update (Beta)

The UI is still the overwhelming dump of menus we all know and love, but now we more 3D object controls are implemented. This is for your objects as well as the 3D camera you use in your scene. The new interface adopts the same interface found in Dimension, Adobe’s 3D modeling software.

Image by Adobe

Image by Adobe

Oh yeah, performance boost for both

Yes there’s supposed to be a boost in performance as the software continues to harness the power of CPUs and GPUs .As a Ryzen user, I wish Adobe was more vocal about its support of Ryzen systems. Intel gets all the press, but Ryzen is just as good if not better and usually costs less.

You can find out more about the Adobe updates over on the company’s blog.


An Amazing Talent and Inspiration For So Many People

So on yesterday’s recording of This Week in Google, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts and respects for the late Chad Boseman. I appreciate TWiT giving me the chance to share my message. Also, I appreciate all of the support I’m seeing on Twitter. Wow. Some really kind people out there. And the messages are still coming. Thank you, everyone. I’m sure the Boseman family appreciates your kind support of his legacy.

If you’re interested in my brief acknowledgment and condolences shared, you can watch it on YouTube here. Thank you. Be well, yall. DO well, yall.

Don't Forget About Panasonic

With all the madness and going on with year 2020, it didn’t mean the camera companies were going to stop production of their consumer or professional products. Today, Panasonic announced its latest s-series camera body with the S5*. Another full-frame mirrorless option for today’s consumers.

The content creation industry continues to grow. Creators are constantly looking for the best tool to suit their needs. Some from Canon, some from Sony or Nikon, some from Panasonic. The S5 is popping into a sweet spot touting high quality performance at friendly price.

Tech Specs

  • 24 megapixel full-frame sensor, native 3:2 aspect ratio

  • Full-frame 4K (UHD), 10-bit, 30 frames per second video

  • HD video up to 180 frames per second

  • 2.3 million dots electronic view finder

  • dual SD card slots (1 UHS-II, 1 UHS-I)

  • in-body stabilization

  • WiFi and bluetooth connectivity

  • Seven frames per second high speed burst mode shooting

  • HLG and V-log video profiles

  • micro HDMI I/O

  • fully articulating rear screen

From the looks of this camera body, it’s checking all the applicable boxes for enthusiasts and content creators to take great photos and film good looking video. The body seems a bit smaller than what I’d like, but the advantage is the weight will be much lower at less than two pounds (body only). Perfect for most. I’d probably struggle with it in my large hands, but this is definitely looking like a capable body from information shared in the tech specs. You’re not going to get ALL of the video shooting capabilities of the S1H* such as 6K video, but you’re also not paying the same premium price. But, being able to shoot video in LOG is awesome.

(All images provided by Panasonic)

Pricing starts at $1998 for pre-order.* Check out the video demo from the squad at Adorama* down below. I’ve reached out for a loaner to play with for myself and maybe do a segment on Hands On Tech. I’ll keep you posted.





*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

Adobe Gives Props To Some Up and Coming Photographers

Adobe has been giving recognition and props to up and coming photographers around the world for the last four years. Today it featured this year’s noteworthy photographers. All with not only a beautiful portfolio to their credit, but also fascinating back stories.

I’m not going to share any of the photographers’ images here. I’d rather you click through on the image below to see them on Adobe’s blog. The photographers are:

Lia Clay Miller - The first trans woman to photograph a back-to-back cover for Out Magazine.

Andrew Morócho – An Ecuadorian photographer on a mission to empower BIPOC empathetically by evoking strength in feeling, through use of color and symbolism

Lara Jackson – A wildlife photographer and devoted conservation biologist who aims to share important conservation success stories.

Now-a-days, there’s ample time to learn a new craft or skill. Photography is one of them. Photography is so much more accessible now. Smartphones are the gateway. If you’ve been curious about photography, I say start now. You’ve got nothing to lose. Heck, maybe you’ll be featured by Adobe one day.

Image via Adobe

Image via Adobe



Official

This morning was the official anniversary of us unloading our moving truck in California. It’s been an unbelievable year. Lots of highs & some unfortunate lows. Thx to the neighbors, TWiT, Petaluma and everyone that has shown love to us. Here’s to prosperity and health.


Smooth Video For Your Smartphone With the DJI Osmo Mobile 4

During quarantine, creators are having to make more out of the limited resources they have on hand. This means shooting more at home and using their smartphones more often for photo or video content. Today, DJI launched its latest tool for mobile content creators - the DJI Osmo Mobile 4*.

image via DJI and Adorama

image via DJI and Adorama

I’ve used gimbals before and they’re great for getting smooth footage for your project. I also own a couple smartphone gimbals. As a matter of fact, one is the Osmo Mobile 2 and the Zhiyun Smooth 4. I enjoy using both of them. And now-a-days, I’d use them more for shooting clips around the house.



The Skinny On the Osmo Mobile 4

So there’s not much to say on the tech specs because gimbals aren’t anything new to the creative space, but what DJI did to make this new product newsworthy is change up the ease of use. DJI added a magnetic clip allowing you to connect your smartphone in a few seconds. No more battling with clips and clamps. No more hoping your external microphone doesn’t get caught up in the clamps or arms of the gimbal. Nice. You’ll get your typical calibration tools for the motors as well as features such as time lapse mode and gesture controls. All of these are useful when trying to make your Instagram stories or TikTok videos pop. I also like the foldable form-factor that was present on the previous version of the Osmo. Great for packing and portability. Nice move, DJI.


I’m not sure if I’ll buy one of these since I already have two gimbals on my shelf as I write this, but I am definitely curious about the quick connection magnet. Looks like a great idea. Hopefully it has a great battery life and still allows you to charge it while being used as an added convenience.

You can get the DJI Osmo Mobile 4 for $149* online. Let me know if you decide to order one or have any questions about using a smartphone gimbal.

Image from DJI and Adorama

Image from DJI and Adorama










*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

Ted Chin Challenges You To Create

If you’re a creative artist or aspiring creative artist these days, keeping your creative juices flowing can be a bit of a challenge. Sometimes you have to think outside of the box to get content created. It can be both a thrill or a mound of stress, depending on the day of the week. With that in mind, some heavy hitters in the creative industry have teamed up with Adorama* and Ted Chin to challenge you as a creator to #CreateNoMatterWhat. The challenge is all about creating your world by way of composite photography. This includes a prize packaged valued at over $3000.

This is a free challenge where Adorama has partnered with my beloved Wacom as well as BenQ. Wacom is known for its prowess in pen displays and pen tablets used in the world of illustration and photography. BenQ specializes in beautiful monitors designed for visual artists. And I know yall know how much I love using my Wacom tablets* and the beautiful pen displays* in my workflow.

How Do You Win?

To win, just create a “beautiful world.” However you see your version of a “beautiful world.” Use some compositiing techniques to put scenes and effects together. You can submit up to five images as of now and up to 11:59PM ET on September 2nd.

Let me know if you enter. I’m curious to see what you all come up with. Click below to enter.

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.