Futures Lab update #51: SXSWi recap and text searches for audio and video

This week we present some key takeaways from the annual South by Southwest Interactive conference in Austin, Texas. We also visit a startup that is making it possible to add a text search function to audio and video files.

PART 1: SXSWi 2014 recap

Wearable technology, automation powered by big data, and multimedia creation tools were among the top things we spotted at the South by Southwest Interactive conference in Austin, Texas. We piece it all together and present a few big themes that emerged at this year's annual gathering of digital creatives from across different industries.

Reporting by Reuben Stern and Olga Kyle.

[To skip directly to this segment in YouTube, click here.]

A few of the specific technologies mentioned in our report:

• Wristbands/heart-rate monitor that can detect who you are (Nymi by Bionym)
• Another example of emerging wearable sensor technology (Kiwi Move)
• Solar clothing that charges cell phones (Pauline van Dongen/Wearable Solar)
• Pants that can predict/protect someone from a fall (Active Protect)
• Light-up t-shirts (Switch Embassy)
• Transmedia storytelling (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries)

Additional coverage from RJI: To get more SXSWi conference insights and reflections from the team at the Reynolds Journalism Institute, click here.

PART 2: Text searching media files with OP3Nvoice

A new platform called OP3Nvoice is making it possible for developers to integrate text searches of audio and video files into websites and mobile apps. We visit the startup's office to learn how it works from CEO Paul Murphy.

Reporting by Tatiana Darie and Reuben Stern.

[To skip directly to this segment in YouTube, click here.]

Related examples:

Calltrunk, from the same founders as OP3Nvoice, provides recording and search capability for phone and Skype conversations. The tool could be potentially useful for journalists, as it allows users to record multiple interviews and browse through the library to jump to the segments they need. You can sign up for a trial and get 30 minutes of phone and 60 minutes of Skype recording for free.Mobento curates educational videos by speakers from places like Stanford, Yale, Khan Academy and TED. The Mobento search function, powered by the OP3Nvoice platform, enables users to find instances of specific words or phrases inside the entire video library.

Reuben Stern  
 
Director of NYC Partnerships

Reuben Stern is RJI’s director of New York City partnerships and is the director of the Missouri School of Journalism’s New York program.