Final Summary Post

Throughout the semester, my IST 195 entrepreneurial idea, Scribbler, has evolved from being a mere vision to actually becoming a potentially real idea for an app. Specially formulated for the iPhone or iPad, Scribbler integrates the freedom to draw and the ability to share one's artwork with their peers via Facebook, Twitter, and Scibbler itself.  Scribbler will include a number of effects, tools, colors, and texts to apply to each Scribble, similar to Photoshop.

Professor Rubin stressed about the importance of social networking in one of the class's lectures, which is why I wanted Scribbler to have special outlets that can be shared on other websites. But, Scribbler will be a public or private application, depending on the user's preference. Public is defined as being accessible for all users to view, comment, tag, etc., on other user's profiles. While private means that one can control who views, comments, tags, etc., on their profile. There are also blocking controls that allow one to block another user who do they do not want to have access to their profile.  

Combining the concepts of the Draw Something and Drawing Pad Apple applications, Scribbler will allow its users to create their own drawings using their finger or a stylus against the screen.  Scribbler will also  incorporate most if not all professional imaging effects of Photoshop. Photoshop enables its users to transform images using professional effects, layering and masking, and illustrating tools. Each piece of artwork will be posted as a, "Scribble." Users can also use a Text tool to write captions or funny titles anywhere on the picture. There will also be the ability to draw on top of photographs and to add backdrops, similar to Photo Booth.

There are numerous apps designed for drawing, painting, sketching, and doodling. After much research, I found two applications that were close to succeeding, but did not make the cut to being like Scribbler.  I found the app Squiggles after searching through the App Store under "art." Squiggles, is similar in name and in techniques used for the application. Users are able to choose a photo from their library and apply different effects or start with a blank canvas. A comment led me to research deviantART, a website and app that enables its users to surf through artists in categories of art, films, and literature. 

Overall, I believe that my entrepreneurial idea would benefit a number of users. The app would be similar to extremely popular Instagram, but would incorporate all the Photoshop tools and social networking outlets galore! Although there is not one app identical to Scribbler, I do think that eventually one of the similar existing applications will update and evolve into what Scribbler could be. I definitely would need help in finding computer program developers to create the application, as well as people to run and keep the application updated and virus-free. 

Operating Systems

Scribbler is an app specially formulated for the iPhone or iPad that integrates the freedom to draw and the ability to share one’s artwork with their peers via Facebook, Twitter, and Scribbler itself. Scribbler will include a number of effects, tools, colors, and texts to apply to each Scribble, similar to Photoshop.

This past week in our IST 195 lecture, we covered the material on operating systems. An operating system manages a computer's hardware and software while also acting as an intermediary between the two. The main component of an operating system is known as the "kernal." It is known for managing memory, order of processes executed, and receiving information. The operating system has numerous jobs such as providing utilities, a user interface, automatic updates, etc. 

We also learned about stand-alone operating systems, server operating systems, and multi-tasking. A stand-alone operating system is full operating system that works with a desktop computer. On the other hand, a server operating system manages multiple user accounts with high levels of security. Multi-tasking is known as programs voluntarily giving up CPU control to other processes. I hadn't known that when a computer goes "to sleep," all opened documents and programs are saved to RAM. I thought that the computer just stays the way it is and if it happens to die that the open information was lost. It's great to know these little tricks!

Scribbler is an app specially formulated for the Apple iPhone and iPad. The Mac operating system was invented by Steve Jobs. When applying the information learned in this week's discussion to Scribbler, it is necessary that the app be up to date on it's latest apple operating system. The iOS 6 update for the iPhone has provided a number of new capabilities for the hardware. The retina display, the multi-touch interface, and not to mention the glorious iCloud. With iCloud, Scribbler users are able to upload videos, pictures, artwork, etc., wirelessly. This way users can create a scribble on their iPhone and upload it to their Mac computer without a problem. 

Blog Review

Scribbler is an app specially formulated for the iPhone or iPad that integrates the freedom to draw and the ability to share one’s artwork with their peers via Facebook, Twitter, and Scribbler itself. Scribbler will include a number of effects, tools, colors, and texts to apply to each Scribble, similar to Photoshop.

Recently, we were instructed in our IST 195 course to research well-known bloggers in either the technology or entrepreneurial industry. After searching the database of bloggers on http://technorati.com, I stumbled upon a few blogs that would be of interest to explore. Being that my entrepreneurial idea is to create the Scribbler app for iPhones and iPads, I wanted to check out blogs that featured articles on new mobile technology. In 2010, Mike Macias started the Mobile Fanatics blog after gaining experience in working for other technology related blogs. The blog can be found at http://www.themobilefanatics.com. He is now the Editor-in-Chief alongside his Managing Editor, Timi Cantisano.

The Mobile Fanatic is a blog that reports on the latest reviews, products, and editorials in the mobile news. I personally found the Best Deals tab to be very informative and helpful for those who like to get the most for their money! There are three sections for follower’s to read from: Windows Phone Fanatics, Android Fanatics, and Apple Fanatics. The site has a common theme of black, white, and red. The font is large and easy to read. The right side of the blog features a handful of advertisements, which probably allows for the site to be so successful. 

Relating to Scribbler, I chose to critique the Apple Fanatics platform on the blog. This page is dedicated to bringing updates on the newest iPhone and iPad apps, games, and reviews. I really found the topics of blog posts to be very interesting. Most of the latest posts were discussing the iPhone 5. The posts read as if he is explaining the facts to you in a personal conversation. I enjoy the use of photos and videos that reemphasize the points he was creating in his text. Specifically, the "IPhone 4 vs iPhone 5 hands-on photos," article was extremely informative on the unique differences between the two phones I am on the brink of  being due for an upgrade with my Verizon iPhone 4. My next step would be to order the new iPhone 5 phone, but I wanted to make sure I truly needed the phone. Although the newer phone is bigger in size, it is definitely thinner, which makes it easier to slide into slim pockets. I find myself struggling to get my phone in my jeans pocket. But, overall the blog is innovative and helpful, definitely should check it out!

Photoshop

Scribbler is an app specially formulated for the iPhone or iPad that integrates the freedom to draw and the ability to share one’s artwork with their peers via Facebook, Twitter, and Scribbler itself. Scribbler will include a number of effects, tools, colors, and texts to apply to each Scribble, similar to Photoshop.

The past week in lecture, we reviewed the topic of Photoshop, the world’s most popular digital imaging software. Photoshop enables its users to transform images using professional effects, layering and masking, and illustrating tools. One can even create 3-dimensial photos! Photoshop is even able to produce videos. Users include: architects, graphic designers, scientific researchers, and even astronomers. Nowadays, students are introduced to the computer program in grade levels as low as middle school. I remember learning the basics of Adobe Illustrator in seventh grade and later moved on to Photoshop my freshman year of high school in a Graphic Design class.

Recently, there has been an updated version of Adobe Photoshop Touch application in the App Store. It was released September 5, 2012 for the Apple iPad. The app is specially designed for the personal tablet and provides all the necessary tools that are on the computer version. Camera images up to twelve megapixels are supported. All actions are controlled through one’s fingertips. Finished artwork can be shared through Facebook, saved with the use of Cloud Computing or wirelessly printed through AirPrint.

While comparing the Photoshop Touch app with my project idea for Scribbler, it is easy to see that both applications share similar uses and editing capabilities. Scribbler will incorporate most if not all professional imaging effects of Photoshop, but also provide the ability to share photos on its own application, like Instagram. Peers will be able to review and comment on other’s artwork and are able to post the finished work via Facebook and Twitter. The difference between the Touch app is that it is only readily available with the iPad, not the iPhone. Scribbler will be able to be used on both. With the constantly updating Apple iPhone software and physical phone design, it will be expected that Scribbler will update its system as well. Which will provide its users with the most up to date imaging techniques. 

Competition

Scribbler is an app specially formulated for the iPhone or Ipad that integrates the freedom to draw and the ability to share one’s artwork with their peers via Facebook, Twitter, and Scribbler itself. Scribbler will include a number of effects, tools, colors, and texts to apply to each Scribble, similar to Photoshop.

With over 500,000 apps in the AppStore, it seems almost impossible to find a truly unique app, unlike any other. Therefore, as our projects for IST 195 develop further, it is necessary to complete a competitive analysis. In order for my app to be successful, it has to differ from its competitors. There are numerous apps designed for drawing, painting, sketching, and doodling. But, each app offers almost the same exact product to the consumer, a piece of personal artwork. After much research, I found two applications that were close to succeeding, but did not make the cut to being like Scribbler. 

I found my first competitor when I searched the App Store for art. The one application that stood out to me was Squiggles. The name is similar, but definitely not as cool as mine. ;) hehe. It is defined as being a paint and image app specially designed for the Iphone. Users are able to choose a photo from their library and apply different effects or overlay images and users may also choose to start with a blank canvas. Scribbler is able to do all of those tasks, would provide more freedom to create the pieces of artwork. My app provides an array of tools, effects, texts, borders, etc., but is not limited to painting. Being similar to Photoshop, Scribbler users will be able to create any type of art, as well as photo editing. (just like the magazines!)

The second competitor is the deviantART app for Iphones. Known as, “The world’s largest online community of artists and art-lovers!” deviantART began as a website for sharing and selling art. Formulated into an app, it enables its users to surf through artists in categories of art, films, and literature. Users create their own profile complete with a gallery showcasing ones artwork and a journal for discussion. Scribbler is similar to deviantART in the ways that they both allow users to share artwork. But, deviantART is known for its sale of one’s personal artwork. Scribbler is not designed for the sale of its user’s artwork, but to simply create original pieces of art and to share it through Facebook and Twitter. In conclusion, there is no single app that is identical to Scribbler. Though, combining the main functions of Squiggles and deviantART could produce an app that would be like Scribbler. But, no app allows its user’s to have the freedom to create any type of artwork and to share it with social media outlets.

Computer Forensics

Scribbler is an app specially formulated for the iPhone or Ipad that integrates the freedom to draw and the ability to share one’s artwork with their peers via Facebook, Twitter, and Scribbler itself. Scribbler will include a number of effects, tools, colors, and texts to apply to each Scribble, similar to Photoshop.

This past week in my Information Studies and Technology Class, we discussed the topic of Computer Forensics. According to Computer Evidence Collection and Preservation, by Chris L.T. Brown, the subject is defined as, “the art and science of applying computer science to aid the legal process...” Relating back to last week’s post about privacy, we learn the in’s and out’s of computer parts to fully understand their processes. A hard drive is the number one culprit in the recovering and reading of old data on one’s personal computer. Our professor presented the class with shocking statistics like, “74% of the hard drives sold or given away contain data that can easily be recovered and read,” and “36% of those hard drives have been reformatted but still contain old data that can be recovered.” Many of those drives contained financial personal, or medical records, credit card numbers and even pornography.

The scary part about those statistics is that most computer owners do not realize how much of their data is stored on their hard drives. This makes it especially important for when you are getting rid of an old computer or laptop. When simply hitting delete on a file or putting it into your trashcan, the file does not permanently erase. In computer speak, when one deletes a file, the operating system takes note that the erased space can be reused. The only true way to delete a file off of your computer’s hard drive is to destroy it. The hard drive can only not be recovered if it is completely broken, melted, or shredded! Pretty intense, huh?

So, how does this relate to Scribbler? Well one reason being that the difficulty in truly deleting files should remind user’s to be aware of exactly what they are posting. Once it is posted on the internet, even on an app, it is forever saved somewhere in cyberspace. Would you want your Grandma to see the piece of artwork you posted? Secondly, it allows Scribbler user’s to be careful of identity theft. On the user’s profile, one should not disclose personal information such as one’s social security number, home address or telephone number. Scribbler is not an app directed for the use of buying and selling one’s artwork. It is to simply create, customize, and share the scribbles. Therefore, it is advised that users do not disclose one’s credit or debit card information within the app. Identity theft, is a serious and life-changing crime that can affect you for your whole life. Keep in mind what you are posting and who is able to view it.

Privacy

Scribbler is an app specially formulated for the iPhone or Ipad that integrates the freedom to draw and the ability to share one’s artwork with their peers via Facebook, Twitter, and Scribbler itself. Scribbler will include a number of effects, tools, colors, and texts to apply to each Scribble, similar to Photoshop.

During this week’s IST 195 lectures, we explored the topic of Social Media. Being that we are living through the social media revolution, it only makes sense that I apply the concepts to my entrepreneurial idea of Scribbler. One of the major issues revolving around social media is the aspect of privacy. Although social media networks positively connect people from all over the world, promote businesses, and provide instant breaking news, they lack depth in their privacy controls. Most social networking sites allow its users to choose to be either public or private. Public is defined as being accessible for all users to view, comment, tag, etc., on other user’s profiles. While private means that one can control who views, comments, tags, etc., on their profile. There are also blocking controls that allow one to block another user who they do not want to have access to their profile.

Instagram and Twitter have similar privacy settings. Both applications give its users the blunt option of being public or private. While, Facebook provides the options of public or private as well as custom controls that enable its users to display, hide, or block certain features or sections of their profile for specific people or a large group. For example, Facebook users can block “Friends of Friends” from viewing their page. Or if you don’t want your parents seeing all of your pictures you can specifically block your “tags” from being visible to Mom or Dad. But, Facebook is known as having the weakest privacy settings for its users out of all other social networking sites. Unless one is properly informed on how to successfully privatize their Facebook page, it might be a difficult and confusing task to complete. Thankfully, my IST 195 course has provided me with the right knowledge to make sure my real “friends” view my page.

Here are a few tips to make your Facebook profile more private:

1.     Check through your Friend List and remove people who you do not personally know.

2.     Set your default privacy setting to be either Friends or Custom.

3.     Check the individual settings for How You Connect, Timeline and Tagging, and Ads/Apps and Websites. Review each option and select one’s that pertain to your preference.

4.     Block users who you don’t want to view your profile.

5.     Be mindful of what you post. (And who is viewing the posts.)

Scribbler will enable its users to select between a public or private profile when they create an account. The account will include a username and profile. The profile will display a default picture, a “Lookbook,” a list of “Followers,” and who you are “Following.” After selection, there will be a further set of options that allow the user to control:

• Who views their “Lookbook” (folder of one’s posted artwork)
• Artist Requests (approve or deny other artists’ to follow your profile)
• Tags (approve or deny other artists’ tagging of you in their scribble or themselves in one of your scribbles)
• Sharing (approve or deny your posted scribbles to be uploaded on other social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram)
• Comments (approve or deny comments before they are posted on your scribble)
• Search (approve or deny other artists’ to find you) 

Privacy is very important amongst social media. Always be mindful of what you post and who can see it. Future employers will be searching for you!!