Video editors are constantly demanding more of their computer’s software. So it’s been interesting to note that in a coincidentally close space of a couple of days, two of the world’s largest software manufacturers released new operating systems. Windows released a sneak preview of their newest operating system, Windows 8, while Apple just released their newest iteration of Mac OS X code named Lion at their WWDC conference today.

Taking a close look at both operating systems, it is clear that the latest trend in Silicon Valley is to make operating systems for PCs that are either similar or downright copies of tablet and phone operating systems. The most visible example is Window’s newest operating system. It has adopted the colorful modern tile look of both its discontinued Zune player and its newest Windows Phone operating systems. Though this hasn’t fared well in the cell phone market (some carriers are calling Windows Phone sales “disappointing”), Windows is hoping it will catch on with PC users. That’s one steep hill to climb, but since Windows will no doubt be looking to avoid the type of drama surrounding the release of Vista, they have all the motivation in the world to get it right the first time.

Similarly, Apple’s announcement of Mac OS X Lion at WWDC 2011 showed that Apple is either trying to kill the mouse or is headed in a similar direction as Windows. Apple introduced integrated multi-touch “gestures” into their latest operating system allowing users to keep windows in full screen without closing them, t0 scroll a webpage quickly, and to keep windows organized all with the use of the computer’s trackpad. Though these are great features, one has to wonder how enticing the software will be for those working on a more traditional style PC like the Mac Pro. Nonetheless, it was interesting to note how similar the presentation for Lion and for Apple’s iOS 5 for the iPhone actually was. There’s no doubt these companies are trying to close the gap between cell phones, tablets, and PCs. The only question is, by joining the software from three very separate devices with three distinct uses, are they sacrificing too much for the PC user to be satisfied? Only time will tell.

As 3D entertainment makes its move from the theater to the living room, there is still some hesitation from the general population to fully embrace the new technology. There has always been complaints about 3D. A common gripe is having to wear those ridiculous glasses in order to see the image. Some companies have put their efforts into creating more stylish 3D glasses, while others have created outrageously expensive, proprietary shutter glasses. While these “advancements” are welcomed by most, we still dream of the day when glasses are no longer required. Fortunately, the wait may be shorter than we thought.

Microsoft’s Applied Sciences Group recently developed a new way of watching 3D video that doesn’t require the viewer to wear any glasses. Unlike other prototypes, which required the viewer to stay in a fixed location in order to view the image, Microsoft’s prototype uses a camera to track the viewer’s position. The tracking information then allows the display to project a 3D video at each person (up to two people). The display emits one video for each individual eye, which creates a 3D image that can be seen without the aid of glasses.

According to an article in Technology Review, “the image quality is affected by screen’s refresh rate. A normal 240 Hertz LCD can accommodate two 3D views, meaning that each viewer’s eye receives a video that refreshes at a rate of 60 Hertz. Any slower, and the frames [of] the video would be jerky.” Since this new technology is somewhat limited to what the current LCD panels will allow, Microsoft’s Applied Sciences Group is currently trying to push manufacturers to improve their displays by making faster LCDs.

The good news is we’re headed in the right direction. One day, hopefully soon, we’ll be able to watch 3D movies without the inconvenience of wearing silly glasses. However, until then, we’ll have to settle with being “3-D Four-eyes”.

Could it be that Steve Jobs just ‘broke up’ with Mac for iOS 4? Steve Lyons of Newsweek seems to think so. As much fun as watching the ‘I’m a Mac’ Fanboys tear their shirts while running through the streets screaming “Why?”, I take a more sobering look at the possibility of Apple allowing their long premiere line of products to ‘wither on the vine’ in favor of their new mobile tech. According to the article ‘Steve’ (as Mac fans like to call him) said the following at the World Wide Developers Conference;

“We are focusing primarily (though not exclusively) on iPhone OS this year. Maybe next year we will focus primarily on the Mac. Just the normal cycle of things. No hidden meaning here.”

Despite what any Fanboy or recent market growth report will tell you, Apple has taken one long and irritating butt-whuppin’ against it’s rival Microsoft. Even with their popular (and equally annoying) ‘I’m a Mac’ ads bringing in converts from the PC community, MS significantly dominates the Personal Computer Market. However, Apple now sees themselves making advances into the Mobile Device Market with the huge successes of their iPods, iPhones and now iPads the probability of Apple focusing exclusively in that arena shouldn’t be taken lightly. With Apple already having not made any significant improvements in their Pro Hardware / Software products though there be naysayers, just like with any ‘break-up’ it’s the little things that lead towards ‘lowering the boom’.

________

H. Wolfgang Porter is a former US Naval Combat Cameraman who now produces independent films, published works and teaches video/photographic production.

Not sure if many of you have heard about Microsoft’s new development in video editing technology, but I just ran across a couple of very impressive articles about it. The idea is to be able to edit on a 3D surface by flattening it.

This is very new to the consumer market and I found it interesting that it seemed so easy to work with, (although we don’t actually see any operation). The other goal Microsoft is working at with this new development is to eliminate specialized software for different editing scenarios. For example, instead of having to use Photoshop, Ultra and then Encore you would just use the individual program for everything.

Take a look at this video on posted on BoreMe and this blog from NewScientist for more!