Author Archives: David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

Posted on by

IK Multimedia announces iRig PRO, the “all in one” universal audio/MIDI interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IK Multimedia announces iRig PRO,
the “all in one” universal audio/MIDI interface
for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac

iRig PRO allows professional recording musicians to connect
microphones, guitars, line instruments or MIDI devices on the go

September 5, 2013 – IK Multimedia, the global leader in mobile music-creation apps and accessories, is proud to announce iRig® PRO, the universal digital mobile audio/MIDI interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac.

Pocket-sized, battery-powered and fully portable, iRig PRO is designed to give mobile musicians and songwriters an interface that can handle the widest variety of audio input signals, so they can create music and audio on the go anywhere, any time.

iRig PRO accepts virtually every type of audio and MIDI input, making it the most versatile compact interface on the market. Users can plug in a dynamic or condenser microphone; a guitar, bass or other Hi-Z instrument; or any line-level source.

Additionally, iRig PRO is equipped with a MIDI input for keyboards, pads and controllers, making it a truly universal compact interface for recording and composing on the go or in the studio. Its audio and MIDI inputs can be used simultaneously, for example, to control guitar or vocal software with MIDI foot controllers or pedals, for switching presets or controlling effects levels.

Plus, iRig PRO comes with a suite of IK’s best music-creation apps like AmpliTube, VocaLive, SampleTank, iGrand and iRig Recorder, and is compatible with most audio and MIDI processing apps for the mobile musician. Mac users will also enjoy the inclusion of premium software with iRig PRO, like AmpliTube, T-RackS and SampleTank, and will appreciate the unit’s compatibility with any type of music-creation software.

Universal Inputs
iRig PRO features a high-quality 1/4″-XLR combo input connector for connection with standard XLR cables, 1/4″ mono line or instrument signal cables, and a switchable 48V phantom power supply for use with studio condenser microphones. It has an ultra-low-noise, high-definition microphone-and-instrument preamp; a high-quality 24-bit A/D converter; a preamp gain control; plus LED indicators for device status, MIDI, phantom power and signal level.

iRig PRO is powered by the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, or USB, when used with instruments or a dynamic microphone. A 9V battery (included) provides phantom power to compatible microphones. iRig PRO also features a standard MIDI input for connection of MIDI devices like drum machines, controllers and MIDI keyboards.

Universal Compatibility
iRig PRO comes with three detachable cables, compatible with Lightning, 30-pin and USB connectors, respectively, allowing for digital connection to every model of iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac, out of the box, with no need for adapters. A MIDI cable with a standard MIDI jack is also provided to connect the widest variety of MIDI-compatible keyboards and controllers.

iRig PRO is class compliant and compatible with Core Audio and Core MIDI, so it can be used with any audio and MIDI processing apps for iOS and Mac OS, for true plug-and-play performance without additional hardware/software.

Universal Apps and Software Included
For iPhone and iPad users, iRig PRO comes with a suite of IK Multimedia’s most popular apps for mobile music creation on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, including AmpliTube FREE (the #1 app for guitar players) for guitarists and bass players, VocaLive FREE for singers, SampleTank FREE and iGrand Piano FREE for keyboard players and iRig Recorder FREE for recording engineers.

Plus, all these apps work together with Audiobus integration, offering a truly complete set-up for making any type of music. Additionally, exclusive AmpliTube gear and SampleTank sounds are available as free add-ons for iRig PRO users.

For Mac users, iRig PRO includes AmpliTube Custom Shop, the industry standard guitar-and-bass processing software; a free version of AmpliTube Metal; T-RackS Custom Shop, the mixing-and-mastering effect suite with a free version of T-RackS Classic; and SampleTank XT, a sound workstation that includes over 1GB of sounds. All these software titles are available both as plug-ins for the most popular digital audio workstations (including GarageBand), or as standalone applications for immediate plug and play.

Pricing and Availability
iRig PRO will ship in September from music and consumer electronics retailers worldwide for $149.99/€119.99 (exc. taxes). iRig PRO can now be ordered from the IK Online Store and select retailers.

For more information on iRig PRO, please visit
www.ikmultimedia.com/irigpro

Posted on by

FUJIFILM LAUNCHES ULTRA FAST FUJINON XF23MM F1.4 R WIDE-ANGLE LENS

New Fuji Lens For X series cameras!!
New Fuji Lens For X series cameras!!

FUJIFILM LAUNCHES ULTRA FAST FUJINON XF23MM F1.4 R WIDE-ANGLE LENS

New lens features outstanding speed for stunning photography, even in low light

Valhalla, N.Y., September 5, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJINON XF23mm F1.4 R, a premium wide-angle lens designed to work seamlessly with the award-winning line of X-Series compact system cameras.

The FUJINON XF23mm F1.4 R has a focal length equivalent of a 35mm lens, and is ideal for a wide range of applications including portraits and landscapes, as well as everyday photography. The fast maximum aperture of F/1.4 allows users to shoot hand-held in low light conditions and achieve sharp images, while also delivering beautiful bokeh for artistic images.

“Fujifilm is committed to expanding the X-Series line of high quality FUJINON lenses, and today’s announcement brings the total number of available lenses to nine,” said Manny Almeida, senior vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “The new XF23mm gives photographers everything that they want in one lens: speed, performance and versatility, and we know this new lens will exceed our users’ expectations.”

Ideal Lens for Everyday Photography

The new FUJINON XF23mm F1.4 R provides enhanced resolving power with crisp contrast to draw maximum performance out of the highly descriptive X-Trans CMOS sensor. The fast F/1.4 aperture allows the user to reduce blurring in low light conditions and achieve stunning shallow depth of field photography.

The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R features a camera-to-subject distance indicator and a depth-of-field scale on the barrel. Both are useful when manually pre-focusing to capture a fast moving subject, or minimize the shutter lag to capture a fleeting moment.

Lens distortion has been reduced to an absolute minimum using only optical rather than digital correction, thereby delivering the highest possible picture quality. The rounded seven-blade diaphragm ensures smooth bokeh even when shooting portraits or product shots at a medium aperture to maintain reasonable depth-of-field.

High Speed Autofocus

The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R uses an internal focusing system which incorporates a lens group consisting of three cemented lens elements and one aspheric lens element in order to keep weight down. Additionally, the built-in high-torque DC coreless motor delivers ultra-fast AF performance for the most demanding shooting opportunities.

All lens elements are treated with Fujifilm’s multilayer HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) which delivers enhanced durability and ensures an even spread of light across the sensor.

Compact Size and Premium Design

The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R weighs 10.6oz and measures just 2.48” in length making it the most compact and lightweight lens in its class. Metal parts are used for the focus and aperture rings, which are designed to give just the right amount of torque and feel.

FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R key features

  • 35mm equivalent F1.4 lens

  • Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount

  • 1 lens group consisting of 3 cemented lens elements and 1 aspheric lens element

  • Built-in high-torque DC coreless motor

  • Seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 22 stops in 1/3 EV steps

  • Lens elements treated with Fujifilm’s multilayer HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating)

The FUJINON XF23mm F1.4 R will be available in October 2013 for $899.95.

The current Fujifilm lens family includes the following FUJINON XF and XC lenses:

  • XF 14mm F2.8

  • XF 18mm F2.0

  • XF 27mm F2.8

  • XF 35mm F1.4

  • XF 60mm F2.4

  • XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS

  • XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 OIS

  • XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2012, and in the year ended March 31, 2013, had global revenues of $26.7 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 83 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

###

CONTACT:

Matthew Schmidt

Fujifilm

(914) 789-8529

[email protected]

Posted on by

6 Ways to Detect Early Signs of Autism

Some people say that autism is becoming more prevalent in today’s society, and others are saying that it is just easier to find these days. Whatever the case may be, these six wayscan help you to detect early signs of autism.

Regular Doctor’s Visits
When you need medical advice, the best person to consult is a professional in the field. Be sure that your child is going to the doctor on a regular basis, and do not be afraid to call to ask for questions. Making assumptions about your child’s state of health could lead to more stress and aggravation for the both of you.

Verbal Development
So many different factors are signs of autism, but issues with verbal development is definitely a large one. Remember, all children are not going to start speaking at the exact same time. However, if your little one has not uttered at least a few words and you are starting to get worried, it could be a sign of autism, a speech delay or other condition.

Regression Issues
Let’s say that your child started to speak and then he or she suddenly stopped. Whenever a child has this type, or any type, of regression issues, he or she may have autism. In sum, regression basically means that your child has moved backwards. At some point, he or she had a particular skill. However, instead of continuing to build upon that skill, it actually went away in part or entirely. This is often a major indicator of autism.

Lack of Interaction
Consider the ways that autism affects children as they develop, and you’ll start to recognize how these issues are manifested in early symptoms. Perhaps your baby does not seem to respond to touch or does not appear interested in engagement and interaction. Many youngsters with autism struggle with their social skills and interactions, so this can be a major indicator of that.

Sensory Issues
You have probably heard of sensory issues as a major sign of autism before, and you can look for these types of occurrences in your little one. Of course, no one likes a loud noise, but children with autism are often extremely sensitive to these types of occurrences. Sensory issues can manifest themselves in other ways as well; your baby might not like the texture of certain foods or the feel of certain objects.

Trusting What You Know
Above all else, you really need to trust your gut when you feel like something is wrong. No book or guide knows your baby as well as you do, and you can likely tell when something is not quite right. Again, do not be afraid to call your doctor. If early signs of autism or another condition are noticed, early intervention can be an excellent way to help your child cope and acclimate.

Realizing that any of these signs is not an immediate indicator of autism is important. Many other conditions can cause these signs, and some of them are just related to different personalities and speeds of development.

Author Pam Johnson is a special education teacher who specializes in working with autistic children. She obtained her online masters in special ed from Saint Joseph’s University online.
Posted on by

How People with Asperger’s Experience the World-A guest post

Asperger’s syndrome is categorized as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Kids with Asperger’s (for short) often have difficulties socially engaging with others and correctly reading non-verbal environmental cues. Some with Asperger’s report unique hobbies or patterns of behavior, such as being interested in an esoteric musical genres or remote galaxies in the universe. If you’re interested in how those born with this condition experience life, read on for some insight into their perception of the world.

 

Asperger Syndrome: Really Autism?

Neuroscientists have confirmed with brain scans that kids with Asperger’s retain many cognitive and linguistic abilities that kids with traditional autism do not. At times, however, odd prosody or an idiosyncratic use of language can accompany the condition. A less reported finding is that those with Asperger’s will often display physical clumsiness, restricted empathy and difficulty sustaining eye contact.

 

Roots of Asperger syndrome

Asperger’s was “discovered” by an Austrian pediatrician in the 1940s. Hans Asperger, after whom the condition is named, noted that some children displayed consistent difficulties with deciphering non-verbal cues, like hand gestures or lack of interest in the audience. Hans Asperger also noted that children with this condition were more physically maladroit on the playground and showed an inability to empathize with other children and their problems. That said, Asperger’s Syndrome took another forty years to take hold in the public consciousness and did not become canonized in the DSM until the early 1990s.

 

Its Etiology

The exact causes of Asperger’s syndrome are currently unknown. Results from extensive brain imaging reveal no single commonality across all sufferers of the condition. That said, Asperger’s is treated by most psychologists as a pervasive developmental disorder. By doing so, psychologists can study and assess a constellation of symptoms and developmental abnormalities in lieu of pinpointing one all-encompassing etiological factor.

 

For instance, a psychologist would look for poor eye contact, an especially straight posture, problems with emotional reciprocity and out-of-place facial expressions instead of one behavioral giveaway. The “social awkwardness” of those diagnosed has been deemed “active but odd” by many psychologists. This denotes the fact that kids with Asperger syndrome very often want to fit in and feel included, but remain unsure of how to accomplish smooth social interaction. Kids often display trouble modulating the pitch and tone of their speech, and some even display echolalia, or the repetition of another’s speech.

 

Theory

The prevailing theory explicating Asperger’s among social psychologists is theory of mind (TOM). Theory of mind postulates, in part, that Asperger syndrome sufferers have trouble ascribing mental states to other people. In many respects, theory of mind is the lynchpin that explains an Asperger’s syndrome sufferers’ social difficulties.

Through further understanding the treatment options and mechanisms of this relatively newfound syndrome, psychologists can help kids with Asperger syndrome lead more fulfilling lives. That said, many with Asperger’s don’t feel any “different” from those without the condition, and many of the most intelligent and successful individuals in history likely would have been diagnosed with it. It’s not uncommon to hear someone find out their child or friend has this condition, yet they just assumed this person was “awkward.” So while they may have distinct experiences due to the condition, the way they perceive the world isn’t exactly “different” from how you or I do so.

Joseph Rodriguez writes about child development and psychology. His recent work is about the best online counseling degrees in the US.

From Josh Anderson…

Posted on by

My recent review of the Powerock’s Magic Cube

I recently had the opportunity to test and review the Powerocks Magic Cube. They are available in 4 colors and 3 capacities. In this day and age of carrying many devices and not always being near a power source, these devices are great to have available. The one I am testing has worked very well. Please check out other reviews from the aspie tech guy, https://technewszone.com

Magic cube

Capacitance：5200mah / 7800mah / 10400mah
Input：5V / 2.1A (max)
Output：Micro USB:5V/1A、USB:5V/1A
Color：dreaming pink, flowery blue, classic black and faddish silver!
Dimension：52.4 * 24 * 86.5mm / 71.6 * 24 * 86.5mm / 90.8 * 24 * 86.5mm
Net weight：150g / 220g / 290g
Certification：MFI、CE、FCC、ROSH
Standard Configuration：One black Micro to 30 pin apple connector、Storage Bag
Applicable products：compatible for most USB charging mobile phones, all digital products and apple products.

Products description：
1.Classic built in USB input and output design makes you free from taking USB cables trouble.
2.Duel outputs, one Micro USB cable output and one USB port output, can charge two devices simultaneously.
3.Standard package includes one Micro to apple 30 pin connector, which could work with all apple products, most USB charging mobiles and electronic devices.
4.High capacity and it takes only 2 hours to fully charge iPhone5.
5.Intelligent charging and discharging protection design and intelligent low self-consuming in dormant status design. It can save the power more than half year without using.
6.4 LED power indicator blinks when charging. Knowing the remaining power by pressing at any time.
7.Green energy product, self-consuming lower than 50uA, recyclable.

Package：Apple authorized professional MFI package ( packages has MFI logo )
I was impressed with the design and ease of use of the Magic Cube. It was able to charge 3 of my devices, 2 smart phones and an Ipad Mini with an adapter that I bought at the electronics store.
The one I tested was the blue colored one, which I found to be a excellent product that was very impressive in its’ simple design and high level of utility as far as its capability to recharge ones electronic devices.
I recommend the Power Rock Magic Cube to anyone who needs to recharge devices on the go.
Here is a brief YouTube video that I did in regards to the device that I had the opportunity to test and evaluate.
Watch this video on YouTube.

For more information on the Power Rock’s Magic Cube and their interesting products go to–>
Your Editor,
David J. Berkowitz
Posted on by

Father’s Uplifting Memoir Depicts Journey to Understanding Thoughts of Autistic Son

Father’s Uplifting Memoir Depicts Journey to Understanding Thoughts of Autistic Son
Father's Uplifting Memoir Depicts Journey to Understanding Thoughts of Autistic Son (via SBWire)

Daniel James Wilson’s compelling book tells the self-searching story of the author’s need to understand his own thoughts in order to embody those of his autistic son. Written to help others find themselves and become wholly honest, the book is expected…

Continue reading →

Posted on by

Why #Autism Awareness is still broken in 2013

Why #Autism Awareness is still broken in 2013
Why #Autism Awareness is still broken in 2013 (via www.lostandtired.com)

A couple years ago, I wrote a story on Why Autism Awareness is Broken. This was actually one of my more popular articles and it garnered a lot of attention. I wanted to follow up with my thoughts on how things are going with Autism Awareness in 2013…

Continue reading →

Posted on by

Delaware organization matches people with autism and tech jobs

Delaware organization matches people with autism and tech jobs
Delaware organization matches people with autism and tech jobs (via NewsWorks)

August 28, 2013 By Maiken Scott, @maikenscott One year after coming to Delaware, an international program that aims to find tech jobs for individuals with autism is seeing its first successes. The program is called “Specialisterne,” which means “The…

Continue reading →

Posted on by

Autistic Children Can Outgrow Difficulty Understanding Visual Cues And Sounds

Autistic Children Can Outgrow Difficulty Understanding Visual Cues And Sounds
Autistic Children Can Outgrow Difficulty Understanding Visual Cues And Sounds (via PR Newswire)

Download image Albert Einstein College of Medicine Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Albert Einstein College of Medicine) BRONX, N.Y., Aug. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have shown that…

Continue reading →

Posted on by

Dad with Autism’s Online News Company Launches online Campaign to do a Documentary Movie to Help Autism via the Arts, Technology and Music

Dad with Autism’s Online News Company Launches KickStarter Campaign to do a Documentary Movie to Help Autism via the Arts, Technology and Music

Dad with Autism’s Online News Company Launches online Campaign to do a Documentary Movie to Help Autism via the Arts, Technology and Music

 

In April 2012, the Centers for Disease Control announced that 1 in 80 children are diagnosed with autism. This has drawn global attention with over 71 percent of Americans expressing interest in learning more about autism alone. Arts4autism’s aim is to capture how real autistic people in Las Vegas, NV are dealing with the realty of autism. The owner has a vested interest in bringing attention to autism since he and his children are on the autism spectrum.

Las Vegas, NV, July 26, 2013 –(PR.com)– Founder of www.technewszone.com, part of Autism Advocacy and Technology News zone as well as Arts4autism goes on the record to talk about the company’s forthcoming autism documentary. The company is using Kickstarter to gain initial funding to get the documentary started.

David Berkowitz took a few years to get his pet project off the ground. The founder of TechNewsZone.com (www.technewszone.com) had more than a few challenges to overcome: to be specific, he is an high functioning bright autistic adult whose accomplishments brought him within shot of an M.B.A. and he had 8 years Army service with an honorable discharge.

The company is currently in the process of doing a Kickstarter campaign to produce a documentary movie on autism, the people, the programs and the arts to help people with autism in Nevada initially and nationally as time goes on.

https://technewszone.dntly.com/#/

A summary–

Arts4autism’s/Technewszone.com’s goal is to make a documentary about autistic people in Las Vegas, what is being done to help, the programs, people & results, real life.

The aim of the movie is to capture how real autistic people in Las Vegas, NV are dealing with the realty of autism. Mr. Berkowitz and the company as a result has a vested interest in bringing attention to autism. David is a high functioning father of 3 autistic kids and the movie will to tell the story of their lives with autism as well as others in Las Vegas and their experiences with autism. In addition they will illustrate what is being done to help autism in Nevada especially in programs targeted to music, the arts, dance, music therapy and theater related programs. This film is targeted towards those families impacted by autism. David and the company truly have a vested interest in helping bring exposure to autism, autism awareness and the autism programs in Nevada.

David met Temple Grandin twice and she is said to have made the statement that arts saved her life. David was in band for 7 years and it certainly had a positive impact on his life.

In regards to the documentary, it consists of:

1) A overview on some of the autism for profit and nonprofit in the Las Vegas especially the ones that are focused around the arts, music, technology and music therapy as well as respite programs. It will detail what is being done now as what will be done in the next 12 months to improve the lives of people with autism.

2) Interviews with 10+ families that have been affected by autism and their stories especially ones that have experienced beneficial programs involving music and the arts and what can be done to improve them as well as what has been effective.

3) Information on his experience with autism and his family as well as his intentions as far as trying to help people with autism via tech, music and the arts. The movie will elaborate as to their desire and initial plans and long term goals to help autistic people via technology, music and the arts and what it will take to make it happen and the impact on the local autism community as well.

The organization plans to do local interviews with autism programs that are involved with tech music and the arts. They will meet and will talk to families of people with autism, and their friends to determine what has been favorable and what can be improved with current programs. They also plan to meet and talk to the people with autism as to their thoughts and opinions of the benefits that the arts, autism programs and music have added to their lives and quality of life.

This film explores and will show how art, music and technology can help individuals with autism communicate and express themselves. The movie once complete will also illustrate the benefits that the families of the folks with autism have as a form of respite and culture too.

They need people and companies help to illustrate how the arts, music and tech have and can improve the lives of those with autism as well as their families.

The following is what is needed to complete the documentary:
They want to get the message out there to as many people as possible. The intent is to submit the film produce a finished DVD for sale, on the web and maybe a film festival as well.

– The movie needs backers
– It needs exposure
– It needs people to support and guidance during the production of the movie

The project falls under the auspices of Technewzone.com, part of Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone.

The company has been a news site and autism advocacy news site for nearly 3 years. The organization is hoping to gain exposure, and help the autism community as a result of the documentary.

https://technewszone.dntly.com/#/