Tag Archive for: Drone

What Realtors Can Learn from Ryan Serhant: Building a Path to Success in 2025 and Beyond

November 14, 2024/0 Comments/in Technology/by Ukela

Ryan Serhant, one of the world’s most renowned real estate agents, has captured the attention of millions not only for his million-dollar deals but for his ambitious spirit, persuasive charm, and his ability to teach aspiring realtors. With over $5 billion in closed sales, Serhant has set a high standard in high-end real estate sales, and realtors everywhere can draw important lessons from his management style, strategies, and adaptability. But real estate is an evolving field, and even Serhant’s level of success comes with its own set of challenges. As we move toward 2025 and beyond, realtors will face emerging obstacles that will demand the adaptability, charisma, and technological savvy that Serhant has mastered.

Lessons from Ryan Serhant’s Success

1. Mastering the Art of Persuasion

Serhant’s persuasive skills are legendary. In the world of high-end real estate, he is often tasked with selling properties priced well into the millions, sometimes with unique features that might appeal to only a small niche of buyers. His ability to build rapport quickly, ask the right questions, and, crucially, identify what the client truly values in a property is key. Serhant often talks about “finding the ‘why’ behind the buy,” a principle that helps him match clients with properties that go beyond just square footage and amenities.

2. Building a Personal Brand

Serhant’s approach to personal branding is another major takeaway for realtors. He has crafted a brand that exudes luxury, energy, and reliability—a brand that helps him stand out in an industry with over 3 million licensed agents in the U.S. alone. Realtors today must go beyond traditional advertising and leverage social media, public relations, and digital platforms to create a unique brand image. According to the National Association of Realtors, 44% of buyers now start their search online, making a strong online presence more essential than ever.

3. Expanding Through Teaching and Empowerment

One of Serhant’s most remarkable qualities is his willingness to share his knowledge with others. Through platforms like his “Sell It Like Serhant” courses, he imparts his wisdom on negotiation, relationship-building, and deal-closing. This not only adds to his brand but helps build a loyal following of aspiring real estate agents, positioning him as a thought leader in the industry. Realtors today can benefit immensely by taking on similar mentorship roles, as clients increasingly gravitate towards agents who are not only knowledgeable but educators in the field.

4. Relentless Ambition and Continuous Growth

Serhant is known for his relentless ambition. He built one of New York’s top real estate firms from scratch and consistently finds ways to expand. His motto, “Expansion always, in all ways,” captures his approach to growth, emphasizing that he’s never content to settle. Realtors can apply this mindset by constantly looking for new opportunities, whether that’s expanding to new neighborhoods, targeting different demographics, or exploring emerging property trends like eco-friendly builds or smart homes.

Serhant’s Approach to Managing High-End Real Estate

Working in luxury real estate requires exceptional attention to detail and an understanding of unique client needs. Serhant’s management style is defined by a combination of rigorous attention to every client interaction and a positive, empowering work culture that allows his team to thrive. He encourages a high level of autonomy while setting high standards, which fosters innovation and a sense of ownership in his team members. This management style is something any realtor can adopt, especially when building or growing a team.

Serhant is also not afraid to spend money on technology that enhances the client experience, like virtual tours, high-end photography, and 3D renderings. This allows him to showcase properties in a way that resonates with affluent buyers and outshines the competition.

Challenges in Real Estate Today

While Serhant has mastered many aspects of real estate, there are significant challenges facing the industry today:

Inventory Shortages: Inventory shortages have impacted real estate markets worldwide, making it harder to meet buyer demand and pushing up prices. This is especially challenging for new agents trying to break into the industry, as securing listings has become more competitive.
Interest Rate Increases: Mortgage rates in 2023 reached levels not seen in decades. For many buyers, this has decreased affordability, and for sellers, it has led to a reluctance to list properties and give up their lower rates. Realtors must be prepared to counsel clients on alternative financing options or negotiate deals that can help mitigate these concerns.
Economic Uncertainty: With economic changes impacting everything from lending policies to construction costs, realtors are navigating a much more volatile market. High inflation and concerns over economic slowdowns mean that deals may take longer to close as buyers become more cautious.

Anticipated Challenges in 2025 and Beyond

1. Increasing Demand for Tech-Savvy Realtors

Clients today expect more from their real estate agents than ever before. High-quality video tours, drone footage, and even VR home showings are becoming standard. According to the NAR, 73% of buyers say they are more likely to choose agents who use virtual tours and videos. Agents who resist integrating technology may find it difficult to stay competitive.

2. The Growth of the Digital-First Buyer

Millennials and Gen Z are expected to make up a large portion of the housing market in 2025 and beyond. These generations are digital-first and expect a seamless online experience, from browsing listings to signing documents. A report by Zillow shows that 68% of younger buyers would consider buying a home entirely online. Realtors must invest in digital skills and partner with tech-forward companies to meet these expectations.

3. Increasing Competition from Real Estate Tech Platforms

New platforms like Zillow Offers, Opendoor, and Redfin are changing the landscape, offering buyers and sellers alternatives to the traditional agent experience. As these platforms become more robust, realtors will need to offer added value to justify their commissions.

4. The Rise of Remote Work and Shifting Buyer Priorities

As remote work continues to shape the housing market, buyers are now seeking properties outside major urban centers, opting for locations with more space and lower costs. This shift means realtors must adapt to working in a broader range of areas and catering to different types of housing needs, from city condos to suburban or even rural homes.

How Tech-ke Can Help Realtors Build Their Brand

In this rapidly evolving market, having a professional, tech-forward website is crucial for any realtor. Whether you’re new to real estate or have been in the industry for decades, Tech-ke can create a site that sets you apart. We specialize in designing visually stunning websites that incorporate high-quality videos, drone footage, and the latest technology to help you attract more clients.

Let’s build something great together. If you’re ready to grow your business, get in touch with us at Tech-ke today and learn how we can help you create a website that resonates with the buyers and sellers of 2025 and beyond.

8 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Improving Real Estate

January 2, 2023/in Technology/by Ukela

Are you following Artificial Intelligence’s (AI’s) upward trend in popularity? It is rapidly transforming industries across the globe, The real estate industry is no exception. With the ability to analyze and interpret vast amounts of data, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we buy, sell, and rent properties. In this blog, we will explore 8 ways artificial intelligence is improving real estate.

1. Chatbots

The first of the 8 ways artificial intelligence is improving real estate are chatbots. One of the most significant ways in which AI is being used in the real estate industry is through the development of virtual assistants and chatbots. These AI-powered tools allow real estate agents to handle a large volume of inquiries and tasks. This frees up time for more complex and high-value activities. For example, a chatbots are used to answer frequently asked questions about properties. They can also schedule viewings, or even assist with the negotiation process.

2. Machine Learning (ML)

Another way in which AI is being utilized in the real estate industry is through the use of machine learning algorithms. Machine learning analyzes and interpret large amounts of data. For example, a trained AI system analyzes past sales data to predict which properties are likely to sell quickly. They can also predict a higher price for that same property. This information can be invaluable to real estate agents and investors.. This tool will help them to make more informed decisions about which properties to target.

3. Search

AI also improves the search process for potential buyers and renters. Many real estate websites now use AI-powered search tools that can understand natural language queries. Then they return results that are more relevant to the user’s needs. For example, a user might search for “properties with three bedrooms and a yard within a 10-mile radius of downtown,”. The AI system returns a list of properties that match those criteria.

4. Virtual Reality (VR)

In addition to improving the search process, AI is also creates virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences for real estate. With VR and AR, buyers and renters get a more immersive and interactive view of a property before they visit in person. This is especially useful for people who are unable to physically visit a property due to distance or other constraints.

5. Early Detection

Another potential use of AI in the real estate industry is in the area of property maintenance and management. AI-powered systems monitor the condition of a property and identify potential issues before they become major problems. For example, an AI system detects the early signs of a leak and alerts the property owner or manager before it becomes a major issue.

6. Saving Time

One of the primary benefits of AI in the real estate industry is the ability to save time and reduce the workload of agents and other professionals. AI automates tasks such as answering frequently asked questions, scheduling viewings, and analyzing data. This helps real estate professionals to focus on higher-value activities and better serve their clients.

7. Accuracy and Efficiency

AI also improves the accuracy and efficiency of various processes in the real estate industry. For example, AI-powered systems are used to analyze large amounts of data. AI uses this data to identify patterns that would not be immediately obvious to a human. This helps real estate professionals to make more informed decisions about which properties to target. It also helps them price a property for sale or rental.

8. Drones

And the last of the 8 ways artificial intelligence is improving real estate is drones. One potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the real estate industry is the use of drones for property photography and video. Drones equipped with cameras can capture high-resolution images. They also capture video of a property and its surroundings, providing buyers and renters with a more comprehensive view of the property.

AI is used to analyze the images and video captured by drones. AI identifies specific features of a property, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size of the yard, and the condition of the exterior. This information is invaluable to real estate agents and buyers. This helps them to make more informed decisions about which properties to target.

In addition to property photography and video, drones equipped with AI-powered sensors are used for property inspections. For example, a drone is used to inspect the roof of a property for damage, or to check for pests or other issues. This saves time and reduces the risk to property inspectors. After all, they do not need to physically access the property.

History: 8 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Improving Real Estatee

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the real estate industry is a relatively recent development. The first AI-powered real estate tools appeared in the late 2010s. However, the concept of using technology to improve the way we buy, sell, and rent properties has a much longer history.

One of the earliest examples of technology being used in the real estate industry is the multiple listing service (MLS). The MLS was developed in the United States in the 1940s. It is a database of available properties, used by real estate agents to find and list properties for sale or rent. This was a significant step forward in the real estate industry, It allowed agents to share information about properties. It also solidified a reach of a wider audience of potential buyers and renters.

In the decades that followed, the use of technology in the real estate industry continued to evolve. In the 1980s, the first real estate websites began to appear. These websites provided buyers and renters with an alternative to traditional methods of searching for properties. They no longer relied solely on newspaper classifieds or visiting open houses. These websites were followed by real estate apps in the 2010s. This made it even easier for buyers and renters to search for properties on the go.

It was around this time that AI began to be used in the real estate industry. The first AI-powered real estate tools were virtual assistants and chatbots. These were designed to assist agents with tasks such as answering frequently asked questions, scheduling viewings, and negotiating offers. These tools were followed by machine learning algorithms. The algorithms were used to analyze large amounts of data and identify trends and patterns that might not be immediately obvious to a human.

Today, AI shines in a variety of ways in the real estate industry. AI produces virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. It is also efficient in property maintenance and management. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more in addition to these 8 ways artificial intelligence is improving the real estate industry.

Statistics: 8 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Improving Real Estate

There are several statistics that highlight the potential of AI to improve the real estate industry:

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, 44% of buyers used a website to search for a home. 40% used a real estate app. This demonstrates the importance of technology in the real estate industry. It also cements the potential for AI to improve the way buyers search for properties.
A report by PwC estimates that the use of AI in the real estate industry could increase productivity by up to 40%. This will be achieved through the automation of tasks such as data analysis and property maintenance, freeing up time for real estate professionals to focus on higher-value activities.
The same PwC report estimates that the use of AI in the real estate industry could lead to cost savings of up to 30%. This will be achieved through the optimization of processes such as property management. It will also support the identification of cost-saving opportunities.
A survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 57% of buyers are willing to use virtual reality technology to view properties. This demonstrates the potential for AI-powered VR/AR experiences to improve the way buyers view properties. In turn it will guarantee that they make more informed decisions.
A study by the Urban Land Institute found that the use of AI in the real estate industry could lead to a reduction in transaction times of up to 25%. This could be achieved through the automation of tasks such as document preparation and the streamlining of processes such as contract negotiation.

Overall, these statistics demonstrate several of the 8 ways artificial intelligence is improving the real estate industry. This includes the search process, property management, and transaction times. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of the technology in the real estate industry.

Current Use of Companies: 8 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Improving Real Estate

Redfin: Redfin is a real estate brokerage that uses AI to help buyers and sellers find the best properties. Redfin negotiates the best prices for them after that. The company’s AI-powered tools include Redfin Estimate. This tool uses machine learning algorithms to predict the sale price of a property. It also included Redfin Now, which uses AI to make cash offers on properties.
Zillow: Zillow is a real estate company that uses AI to improve the search process for buyers and renters. The company’s AI-powered search tool is called Zillow Home Search. It allows users to search for properties using natural language queries and returns results that are more relevant to the user’s needs.
Compass: Compass is a real estate brokerage that uses AI to improve various aspects of the buying and selling process. The company’s AI-powered tools include Compass Concierge. This tool helps sellers to prepare their properties for sale. Another tool, Compass Offer, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze past sales data and make personalized offers to buyers.
Purplebricks: Purplebricks is a real estate company that uses AI to assist with the property management process. The company’s AI-powered tool is called Smart Vendor. It monitors the condition of a property and identifies potential issues before they become major problems.
Realtor.com: Realtor.com is a real estate website that uses AI to improve the search process for buyers and renters. The company’s AI-powered search tool is called Matchmaker. It allows users to search for properties using natural language queries and returns results that are more relevant to the user’s needs.

These are just a few examples of companies in the real estate industry using AI to improve various aspects of their business. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more companies adopting AI in the real estate industry.

Conclusion of the 8 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Improving Real Estate

In conclusion, artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly improve the real estate industry in a number of ways. They include virtual assistants and chatbots to machine learning algorithms and VR/AR experiences. AI is already being used to improve the way we buy, sell, and rent properties. The ability of AI to analyze and interpret large amounts of data, automate tasks, and optimize processes will save time. It will also reduce the workload of real estate professionals. It will free them up to focus on higher-value activities. Additionally, AI has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of various processes in the real estate industry. Two such are property management and contract negotiation. Drones are also proving invaluable with the maintenance and sales of properties. Technology will continue to advance and become more widely adopted. Then we will see even more than 8 ways artificial intelligence will improve real estate.

5 Ways To Tap Into The BMW Experience

September 12, 2021/in Technology/by Ukela

5 Ways To Tap Into The BMW Experience will explore the many ways that BMW demands a quality experience for us.

The Technology Experience

The technology in BMWs have been widely known as “far ahead of the competition” for years. Some proclaim that that is debatable in 2021, but I drove a 2006 3 series until two years ago and was still experiencing the same level of technological comfort as other manufacturer’s 2010 vehicles and beyond. Great technology is (in my opinion) the most important of the 5 Ways To Tap Into The BMW Experience.

I was able to connect my mobile device to my car’s AUX port in a 2006. I had a BMW iDrive Screen in a 2006. Most cars that my family and friends were driving were later models and they had no screens. I also had a sunroof, which is an option with many manufacturers, I’m just giving you the vision. It had alloy wheels and leather seats. My current sports model has “8-way adjustable seats”, I believe my 2006 had “6-way adjustable seats”—still extremely comfortable and tailored to my size.

Last but not least, the 2006 BMW 3 series had hip and curtain airbags in addition the steering wheel airbag when my son needed them.

I am loyal to the Bayerische Motoren Werke (or Bavarian Motor Works) brand. Period.

Silver BMW Experience
Photo: Jakob Rosen

First Class Comfort Experience

Lumbar seat support, that is one of my favorite features in the “8-way adjustable seats”. I’m 5’3″ and as you can see it the pic below, I have created a snug fit between the seat and the steering wheel. I love to sit up straight— sometimes to humorous, non-stop, mocking of my family,(strangely enough mostly from my mother) but this series gets me there.

BMW Interior Experience
Photo: Ukela Alred

Years of Top-Notch Documentation = Dependability

Dependability should probably not come after great technology on the list of the most important of the 5 Ways To Tap Into The BMW Experience, but you should know me by now. Technology is automatically what I think of first. However, I have been on the side of the interstate before—not fun! So even though I sometimes complain that this brand is the most sensitive brand I have ever had because a warning light is constantly coming on, I appreciate it. It makes me feel safe.

Now, I mentioned that I have been on the side of the road before. I am about to let you in on the absolute best resources for BMWs hands down. If you own a BMW, you already know what I am about to say. If you are considering purchasing a BMW, you’re welcome because you will be cozied up to this for hours in your spare time and pulling it up before you call your insurance company or the repair shop. BimmerFest BMW Forum. You’re welcome. The documentation on this website is positively mind blowing. I once spent an entire Friday night reading a back and forth on the diagnosis of a transmission issue. Fascinating. Entertaining. Informative.

Interior

I have been the owner of 3 BMW vehicles. I have owned two 3 series vehicles and one 5 series vehicle. Their interiors were gray interior and (2 with) black interior. I have had absolutely no complaints on the interior of either of them. I went over some of the “6-way adjustable seats” and “8-way adjustable seat” features in my 2006 325i and my 2016 BMW M3 Sedan above at length. The arm rest is plenty wide enough for two people to share without that awkward feeling of one person taking up too much space. There same goes for two backseat passengers—that’s for the both the 355i, the 328i and the 5 series. Just superb comfort.

I do want to chat later about the BMW knee airbags. Have you ever even heard of knee airbags? It’s new to me. I’ll be on Bimmerfest preparing for our future chat about it.

VIP Experience

Although this is last on the list of the 5 Ways To Tap Into The BMW Experience, it is just as important as the others.

Buying my car this year at BMW of Nashville was a different experience than a high-volume dealership in the area. I have been in other showrooms. I have been in other sales and financing offices. This experience was head and shoulders above. I will not lie to you and say that it was shorter. It was not. But the time that I spent there was better spent. Let me explain. I am a busy woman. I had my laptop, phone and lunch sprawled out at a table in the showroom so that I could make calls and program. My sales agent checked on my constantly, as did the finance manager and about 3 other salespersons that had absolutely no interaction with me at all. I walked over to grab a magazine and the service manager needed to know if I needed anything. I loved it. The customer service is amazing and now I’m spoiled.

Drones

If you are missing our drone experience, do not fear, I’m back next week with another drone post. Here’s 2021 Will Make You Give Drones The Respect They Deserve until then. I do hope you enjoyed the BMW piece though. We love the brand around here.

Conclusion

Do you have any BMW Experience stories? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Ukela is the founder of Tech-Ke Solutions. A programmer from a rural Tennessee town, she’s worked her way through a degree and a half, studying business and computer science and information technology. She and the Tech-ke team love discussing, debating and blogging about technology. They are Drone, BMW and Programming enthusiasts but love educating and sharing just about anything tech-focused. New posts every Sunday!

Manna Drone Delivery is Coming for the U.S., Aggressively and Without Apology

September 5, 2021/in Technology/by Ukela

Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna Drone Delivery and successful businessman of other technology companies, has his eye on the United States. He is currently operating Manna in Ireland and the UK.

“What areas are you guys planning to go into, is it mostly in Europe or do you plan to jump the pond here and come into the U.S.?” – Paul Barron

“Yeah, we’re 100% focused on the U.S., that’s our biggest target market. If it wasn’t for the regulatory stagnation in the U.S., we would already be there, we want to be there in 24 months.” – Bobby Healy

“Manna Drone Delivery is Coming for the U.S., Aggressively and Without Apology” will explore the actions that Bobby Healy has taken in Ireland. Consequently, that will be the plan he will emulate in America.

Straight to the Consumer

So, you are probably wondering, if Manna was currently in the U.S., what food could we have delivered to our houses? Do they deliver other things? How long would it take to arrive?

Well, they currently have agreements with Ben & Jerry’s. They have agreements with CoCa-Cola and they even deliver medication. They also have an agreement with Samsung. For example, they are delivering Samsung phones, chargers, etc. to consumers directly from the online store. Need grocery items? “We fly off the roof of our partners. We’re on the roof of Tesco, one of the larger grocery chains in Ireland and the U.K.” – Bobby Healy says.

Drone Neighborhood Delivery
Photo: Ameer Basheer

Service Delivery Stats

“We fly at an altitude of 80 metres and a speed of over 80kph – delivering within a 2km radius in less than 3 minutes.” Out of a town of 10,000, they have hit 35% of homes already. There are 75% of them participating repeat delivery. They also had a 65% approval during Covid, 2020, now that number is 98%. The goal is to scale Ireland and parts of the UK in ’21, ’22; ’22, ’23 and onward, with an eye on U.S., according to Bobby Healy, Again, “Manna Drone Delivery is Coming for the U.S. Aggressively and Without Apology” points out his constant focus and mention on scaling the business into the U.S.

“One person can do anywhere from 2 to 3 deliveries per hour, a little bit less in the suburbs. With our system we can do about 20 deliveries per hour, per person. The aircraft is totally autonomous. It has on board three flight computers and each flight computer can independently fly the aircraft. It has three sets of sensors, gps, lidar and radar…that obviously has connectivity to our cloud. One person is responsible for 15-20 aircraft at a time at mission control.” – Bobby Healy

Drone Noodle Delivery
Photo: Sestrjevitovschii Ina

Committed to Drone Delivery Safety

“Actually, the important thing is safety. There is no way to scale in this industry if you don’t have aviation levels of safety and engineering in your aircraft. That is where we are different…We’re going to be flying at scale 10 million plus flights a day. Therefore, the law of large numbers dictates that you don’t need a drone or something that takes a year to build, you need something that takes you generations of education from aviation best practice to engineer…When you are flying over a community, or suburb of 50,000 people, you need to be pretty sure that there is no possibility of a failure.” -Bobby Healy

In The 3 Biggest Reasons We Are Afraid Of Drones, I detailed some of the privacy concerns that the public had expressed. However, it seems that of the people that were concerned in the beginning, more people (in Ireland and the UK at least) have opened up and either (1) value the convenience of the service over the privacy concerns, (2) have researched and trust Manna, or (3) experienced it and the experience changed their minds.

“Manna Drone Delivery is Coming for the U.S. Aggressively and Without Apology” has given some insight into Bobbly Healy’s plans for a new way to get us our food in America. However, I do wish that there were some harder questions asked in interviews. For instance, “Where are the statistics on trust and privacy, as Manna rolls out this service in multiple areas?” I realize that approval ratings, based on surveys, have increased over time, but it would be nice to see the time-stamped data as it progressed and is progressing.

Also, Mr. Healy says that he is “creating jobs” but he also stated that he is placing one person at the mission control desk for 15-20 drones? He said, “the only loser in this is the guy on the bicycle, the guy on the motorbike, or the guy in the car, the [low-wage] gig economy job anyway and what we’re doing is we’re creating jobs for well-trained employees of a drone delivery company.”

Also, I wish that he was asked how well he thinks he will do in competition with Amazon’s years of infrastructure and chain supply that is, by the way, already trusted and established?

Lastly, do Manna drones deliver in rain or storms? We know that drones are sensitive to high winds and weather.

What steps has Mr. Healy taken to move into the US marketplace or is he just watching regulation? If you have run across any of these answers, feel free to start a discussion in the comments.

Drone Delivery Competition

There are delivery companies operating in California and other places currently. Some are food delivery only and others extend outside of food delivery. I am working on another blog addressing these. Meanwhile, here are Mr. Healy’s thought on China.

“China is a closed market for companies like us. We don’t look at them as an opportunity, but we certainly look at every other continent in the world as an opportunity.” – Bobby Healy

The reason that he said this is because China already has formed its delivery service called The Standard. Here’s a bit about it. “The Specification for Express Delivery Service by Unmanned Aircraft (the ‘Standard’) issued by the State Post Bureau of PRC will be effective from January 1^st, 2021. The Standard was jointly formulated by industry-leading players including EHang (Nasdaq: EH), JD.com (Nasdaq: JD), and ZTO Express (NYSE: ZTO). As China’s first industry standard for express delivery service by unmanned aircrafts, the implementation of the Standard is of great significance for improving the last-mile delivery service, ensuring the safety of operations, as well as promoting the development of intelligent aerial logistics of urban air mobility (‘UAM’) industry.” –EHang

What’s Next for Drone Delivery

Keep your eyes peeled for another blog that I am developing on the many other drone delivery companies. These are companies that are currently operating or are soon beginning operations. Tripp Shannon, CRO of DroneUp, is quick to point out that “drones are the future of developing smart cities”, so we will also delve into that.

Conclusion

Would you like to hear more details on Manna’s plans to come to the U.S.? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for visiting, y’all!

The 3 Biggest Reasons We Are Afraid Of Drones

August 29, 2021/in Drone, Technology/by Ukela

Between blockbuster movies with drones as the villian, privacy questions, and new rules and regulations, The 3 Biggest Reasons We Are Afraid Of Drones, provides a look into today’s popularity (or the lack thereof) of the new tech.

Introduction

In my last article, 12 Reasons You Must Educate Yourself About Drones (2021), I explain, in detail, why drones are currently important and why they are becoming more important in our daily lives. However the general public is only slowly warming up to them or not warming up to them at all. I am writing The 3 Biggest Reasons We Are Afraid Of Drones in an effort to understand—and maybe get to the bottom, of the resistance.

1. Movies And The “Afraid Of Drones” Factor

Drone Warfare-Angel Has Fallen Drone Attack Scene
Source: Movie Relishers

Unfortunately, the above clip was the introduction of drones to a massive amount of people. If images of drones with sonar and lidar, performing search and rescue missions to save lives and securing the safety of the rescue workers had been shown, public opinion may be different.

“Angel Has Fallen grossed $69 million in the United States and Canada, and $78.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $147.5 million.” – Wikipedia

Below, we find another example of a movie casting a drone as its villain. Could this be one of The 3 Biggest Reasons We Are Afraid Of Drones?

“This terrifying, outrageous tale takes flight as a serial killer is struck by lightning while holding his precious drone. Weeks later, the drone shows up at the home of newlywed couple Chris and Rachel. Without them realizing it, the drone films the couple and takes control of their TV, computer, security system, and car. Soon Chris and Rachel fear that the device may be connected to them… and is out for horrific, hovering revenge.” – FilmIsNow Movie Trailers

The Drone
Source: FilmIsNow Movie Trailers

Let’s dissect this trailer for a moment if you don’t mind. Let’s talk about the personification of the red lights that look to be where eyes should go. How did it turn itself on without instruction? What gave it the ability to control the tech in their house? And for the life of me, how did it get into the bedroom and underneath the sheets to trick her into believing it was her husband? I too, would be terrified of a drone if this was the first time I had laid eyes on it in action. Terrified.

The Drone grossed $20,093 worldwide, not as much as Angel Has Fallen, but that equates to hundreds of fresh new eyes, and thus impressions, on drones. As a matter of fact, I scrolled through the comments of this trailer (as I always do) and there I found this comment, “Never buy a drone“, with a couple of people that agreed with him.

Two examples of a few million people (according to the box office results) that saw these films—and maybe a drone in action for the first time. This is definitely a solid argument for The 3 Biggest Reasons We Are Afraid Of Drones.

2. Privacy, One of The Biggest Reasons We Are Afraid Of Drones

“According to our survey, 88% of Americans don’t think a neighbor’s drone delivery should be able to capture footage on their property, yet the FAA currently doesn’t have any regulations in place to restrict these actions.” – The Zebra

On the Government Technology website, writers bring to our attention two incidents of questionable drone use in Minnesota. The first one was the action of flying over a protest and the second was “flying drones to detect illegal nudity” at a beach. Some considered this “questionable” and received the following response.

” ‘To help prevent breaches of trust with drone technology, DRONERESPONDERS might point to its fourth principle for responsible drone use: clear oversight and accountability. We really recommend that you periodically audit your program so that you can reinforce that you’re using these principles,’ Werner said. ‘If drones are going to be used, there better be a good reason why they’re being used,’ Guariglia said.” – Jed Pressgrove, Government Technology

Drones are useful. They are useful in many different professions. I do believe that it will take time to decide on the best methods for use for the professions and the public. That brings me to my final topic.

3. Distrust Or Disagreement of Rules/Laws Applied, Another One of Our Biggest Fears Of Drones

As with most rules guiding technology today, rules follow slowly behind technology…sometimes a great deal behind. As a result, we’re all hanging on to each and every piece of news released about drones. I have even been keeping up with the Federal Aviation Administration channel on Youtube lately. They have over 40k subscribers (and climbing). To date, they have 49 videos about drones. You can find the laws, regulations as well as tips, there.

One of the basics, is that you need to register your drone. ” All drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers.” – Federal Aviation Administration.

You also need to earn your Part 107 license. “In order to fly your drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This certificate demonstrates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.” – Federal Aviation Administration.

As I mentioned above and will go into a bit more detail here, there are individuals that have already been accused of misusing this technology. Police in a Minnesota Community used a drone to monitor nudity at a lake beach.

For instance, here is one of the comments. “ ‘It makes you feel uncomfortable to just think like, oh, how often am I being watched? And what kind of authority is going on here,’ said Paula Chesley.”

There is simply no straight answer in most situations like those. Drones are so helpful to professionals that are attempting to do a job, in a more effective way. Citizens also have the right to speak out regarding the impact they may feel. Movie makers have the right to be creative and keep us glued to the screen. Lots of potential—lots of future discussion.

Conclusion

Are you afraid of drones? Why or why not? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

2021 Will Make You Give Drones The Respect They Deserve

August 22, 2021/6 Comments/in Drone, Technology/by Ukela

Introduction

From the 2021 Olympic opening show to the bowling alley drone footage that impressed Hollywood, 2021 will make you give drones the respect they deserve.

Drones are a huge part of this new era that we have entered. In my last article, 12 Reasons You Must Educate Yourself About Drones (2021), I explain, in detail, why drones are and are becoming more important in our daily lives. The things that they can accomplish and the things that they can show, are phenomenal. Here, I showcase four awe-inspiring examples.

Respect for Flying Creative Art

Here’s an interesting fact, did you know that the 2018 Winter Olympic drone show set the Genius World record for the most drones flown at the same time at 1200 plus drones? The number in 2021 was over 1800.

2021 Olympic Opening Ceremony
Source: NBC

Like the Olympic Winter games, drones demonstrated a super impressive opening at the 2021 games, as shown above. Twenty years ago—even ten years ago, we could not even fathom what we are witnessing from these flying pieces of technology today.

Olympic Night Scene
*Photo: Ryunosuke Kikuno*

Respect for Video

The drone raced from the tree line outside the bowling alley, through the front door, under tables and through the back room where the pins are kept, and repairs are made. One minute, plus, of electrifying movement, dazzled in a place where family fun is usually the primary focus. Watch it below.

Minnesota Bowling Alley Drone Video
Source: The Guardian

Quotes:

Some of the quotes for this fpv (first person view) drone project were:

“This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen,” – Lee Unkrich, director.

“Holy S**t”. – Elijah Wood, actor, Lord of the Rings.

“Stupendous” – James Gunn, director, Guardian of the Galaxy.

“This kind of wonderful photographic innovation adds to the language and vocabulary of cinema, just beautiful”. – Todd Vaziri, digital artist, Transformers.

So now that I have shown you two of drones’ greatest accomplishments of the year, do you think that 2021 is giving drones the respect they deserve?

Bowling alley — Bowling Alley Photo
Photo: Todd Diemer

If not, let’s move on to a couple more examples of footage that will resonate with you nature fans.

Respect for Nature

If sports don’t interest you, maybe this footage of nature will. Feast your eyes on footage that captures robust waterfalls, and coasts over wide rivers laying between mountains while remaining steady and stealth-like.

If you grew up in the country, as I did, some of this footage may seem quite normal. If you had a more urban upbringing and only got to the countryside to visit a grandparent, aunt, uncle or other family member, then you may only see these wonders of nature on vacation or video.

Amazing Nature Video
Source: Free HD Videos

Sacrifice for Education

Volcanoes. Who can get close enough to return ample data to create a 3-D image that will ensure that scientists understand them better than ever before? Not one human; but a drone can. Even if the actual drone is lost in the volcano’s inescapable heat, the footage that they drone pilots get, is recorded in real time.

Volcano Drones
Source: National Geographic

“We were able to take a series of thousands of photographs around the top of the [Marum] crater [in Vanuatu] and then process those using a specialized software to render the first of its kind 3-D model of the volcano from inside.” -Sam Cossman, National Geographic.

Scientists noted that they are able to go back and measure things that could be “done in the moment”. An example of that would be the microbial life that lives the on the sides of the rocks after the volcanic ash has cooled. Drone footage gives them the ability to go back and study everything about microbial life there. They also insist that using this video to pair with other research that is going on in the world surrounding this topic, is how an unbelievable amount of progress will be made in science. Their goal of “Merging worlds of exploration and tech” is precisely how (in my opinion) America became an economic and technological powerhouse. Throughout history, this formula is used over and over again to create, build, license, and sell, etc. We are doing precisely what we have always done before, only now, we are using the newest, innovative vehicle.

Conclusion

Never before have we had these viewpoints. Whether it is an athletic event, a causal afternoon of a popular family sport or insight about nature, we simply have not been getting these frames. This is enough to give drones the respect they deserve in 2021 and beyond.

Which area piques your interest most? Moreover, will you start researching drones for yourself? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

12 Reasons You Must Educate Yourself About Drones (2021)

August 15, 2021/in Technology/by Ukela

According to the Pew Research Center, “average citizens see a revolution coming in the workplace, and they are concerned. The average hourly cost of a manufacturing worker is $49 in Germany and $36 in the U.S. The hourly cost of a robot is $4.” Like robots, humans use drones to perform a different set of actions or tasks. The 12 reasons you must educate yourself about drones gives a wide range of examples.

1. Amazon Patent (delivery)

Imagine seeing an Amazon or Walmart labeled drone flying through the air, just as often as you see Amazon, FedEx and UPS trucks on the road. We will. More importantly, it will be sooner than we think. “The PrimeAir program remains in development. The company has been filing applications for patents (since 2013) at what appears to be a faster rate than any other company working on drone technology today. “

2. Walmart Patent (delivery)

Walmart is not willing to let Amazon have all of the fun or get a head start this time. They are moving just as quickly, and just as seriously, as Amazon in this revolution.

“Groceries make up 56 percent of the company’s total revenue and Walmart may see drone technology as one way to get food from farms to store shelves faster and more cheaply to compete with Amazon.com Inc, following its purchase of Whole Foods Market. Walmart has applied for 46 patents for using drone technology, mostly to facilitate its delivery and logistics operations, or for use within warehouses to do things such as track inventory, according to data from CB Insights.”

3. Weddings

The third topic on the list of “The 12 reasons you must educate yourself about drones” may hit close to home. Today’s bride and groom demand a show-stopping wedding. With the assistance of drone photography, we will.

According to experts, outdoor weddings are the best way to go; ” ‘400 feet, which is the maximum height [the law allows],’ says Markham of Celebrations Tampa Bay…’Drones work best at wedding venues with large outdoor areas to capture those grand, sweeping views.’ ”

4. Military Use

We don’t think of our national security on a daily basis. When others threaten our country, it is nice to know that we are doing everything possible to ensure our own safety.

Importantly, drones are now a part of that effort. “The roadmap envisions a follow-on program calling for a reusable unmanned aircraft with Mach 6 speeds. At that speed, intelligence can be gathered or weapons delivered before enemy air defenses are even alerted.”

5. Agricultural Use

Several articles online are talking about farm to table. It’s a hot topic. The competition will become steeper to get fresher food on the table faster.

“They are playing an increasingly important role in precision farming, helping agriculture professionals lead the way with sustainable farming practices, while also protecting and increasing profitability.”

6. Search and Rescue

They have equipped drones for sonar and lidar now for rescue missions. This technology is a much more efficient and safer practice to use. “We are focused on the first responder community – fire, police, and emergency management departments – and we are assessing small UAS. They are much cheaper than manned aircraft, [and are] an ideal tool for response agencies.” We are halfway through “The 12 reasons you must educate yourself about drones”. In the same vein, drones will help aid communities medical necessities.

7. Humanitarian Drones

I have found in my research that companies usually have a way of performing the tasks that I’ve been talking about, with pretty good efficiency. Drones only serve to make the process better, safer or faster. But not in this case. In Africa, remote and rural communities are going without. Drones are becoming the only way. “We have already used drones as part of our flood response and we can see the potential for further uses, such as transportation of medical supplies, which could transform lives in remote rural communities.”

8. Journalistic Use

“CNN has received a first-of-its-kind Part 107 waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) over people.” CNN Air’s Snap drone fulfills the duty of covering natural disasters, war zones, etc. for reporting purposes. I agree that this is an important role. We would not be able to experience and empathize what is happening in our world without this tool.

9. Real Estate

Drone photography in real estate may be on the greatest incline for the use of drones. People want to see all angles of their potential home because “according to MLS statistics, the properties photographed by drones sold 68% faster.” In addition to plush insides, buyers demand all views.

10. Film and Movie

Drones have mastered this arena for decades. According to experts, “the global cinematography drone market [will grow] from less than 100 million U.S. dollars in 2020 to over one billion U.S. dollars by 2030.”

I have noticed, and I am sure that you have as well, that movies images are only getting crisper, brighter more “larger than life” than they have been before. As the technology for drones gets better, so will our movie experience.

11. Drone Taxis

We are almost to the end of our list. Meanwhile, can you see how quickly our airspace is filling? “The market for flying cars, now known as electric air taxis, should continue to mature during this decade, soaring to $1.5 trillion globally by 2040, according to a Morgan Stanley Research study.” Even if you are not the “flying taxi type”, we will all be glancing up to see them, right along with our groceries and personal product packages.

12. Law Enforcement Use

Our law enforcement is not new to the adoption of drones. As a result, “currently, 347 law enforcement agencies in 43 U.S. states are using UAVs to assist officers in the field.^“

Conclusion

In conclusion, “the drone services market siz e is expected to grow to $63.6 billion by 2025, and Insider Intelligence predicts consumer drone shipments will hit 29 million by 2021. Sales of US consumer drones to dealers surpassed $1.25 billion in 2020, according to Statista. Goldman Sachs forecasts the total drone market size to be worth $100 billion—supported by this growing demand for drones from the commercial and government sectors.” This is why “The 12 reasons you must educate yourself about drones” is important. Therefore, general public must not be afraid of the changes that are coming.

In other words, there is no stopping the progress of this new and fast-growing technology. Not only are drones here to stay, they are growing by leaps and bounds.

Which area piques your interest most? Moreover, will you start researching it for yourself? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Little Women Love Technology Gifts Too

December 26, 2019/in Technology/by Ukela

Why Technology Gifts are for Girls Too (2021)

Little women love technology gifts too. This is especially true if we are developers, web designers, graphic artists or gamers. So if you have a little woman in your circle and feel as if you bombed in the Christmas gift category this year, Christmas is over but you can make up for it during the “after Christmas sales” or on Valentine’s Day!

We are all old enough to know that Christmas is not about the gifts. It is about togetherness and thankfulness. The reality is, however, that there is still a level of expectation around this holiday and if we are going to participate, we’d all like to feel good about our participation. If you do not feel good about it, all is not lost. This is the post that will get you back on track. Let’s try a little bit harder to match her up with the perfect gift.

Women and girls are often miscatergorized as far as what we truly like. Many assumptions are made and they are often not challenged. A good deal of the time, we are the ones buying the gifts, so the dialogue about our wishes may be overlooked or not discussed at all. This is an issue. As you will see later, the overlooking of the true wants and needs of women and young girls when it comes to technology, leads us all on an path of living, unfortunately, in an underserved community and world.

Technology girl

Love Tech but Often Overlooked

Quite a few of us love or loved technology at a young age but, sadly, were encouraged to go in different direction. Maybe we loved math but were shuttled into a helping field. Or we were quiet and loved science but were encouraged to speak out more and steered into an art field.

Forbes magazine has a blistering article about the subject. “Women are creating smartphones, website software and a variety of programming languages and are still representing a far smaller percentage of those working in IT than their male counterparts. Given that we know there is no “lady brain,” what could be driving this disparity?” Vigo, Forbes

Could it be that the next inventor of a ground-breaking technology is currently seven years old and is being encouraged against her interests? As I mentioned above, it only underserves the community around us for girls and women not to connect with our passion and gifts. Connecting with these technology skills could advance so many ills that plague our society, from medicine to environmental issues.

“We know that women’s and men’s brains are not different when it comes to mathematical or logical skills. Still, some of the best IT platforms widely used today are coming from countries like India where the awareness of the rights of women and girls is expanding within social and legal structures as much as within the field of IT.” Vigo, Forbes

That is encouraging. But how can we make it a worldwide trend?

Verbalizing our interest and/or love for technology can be difficult for a girl. It is nice to have our families behind us, supporting us and paying enough attention to us to know where our interests lie. Either at an early age or a more seasoned age, the time for girls and women in technology is right now.

Little Women Love Tech

Our Shopping Habits

Often, we love the same gifts as the guys. In fact, we upgrade our phones as much or more than guys. We want cutting edge technology too. We shop for tech items for ourselves and we buy tech items for ourselves. If we are too young to buy them, we are just as fascinated as the boys around us when encountered with the same devices online or in stores. And we also buy technology for others. Studies show that not only do we research what those around us like and want, but those same persons are not afraid to also let us know what they like and want. Sometimes we are more reserved, either by learned habit or bashfulness, and do not take that same approach. But I can tell you this, little women love technology too!

Women do not all want the same things. Perfume, clothing, shoes and makeup do not live at the top of all of our lists. Those things are nice, however, if boyfriend, dad or anyone in our circle acknowledges our interest in a drone or sees us doing complicated math or science problems and enjoying it. If so, that is a sure sign to begin shifting buying habits.

Christmas Redemption

So if you have a tech girl in your circle, here is your second chance! There are a little less than 2 months to make this happen for Valentine’s Day or you can catch the after Christmas markdowns. It would be great to find a way to ask about her technology interests, however, if you just want to be especially attentive over the next few days or weeks, the answer will be clear to you by then.

Little Women Love Technology gifts Too

Technology Gifts

Here are some examples of a computer that she may benefit from in order to excel in complicated math, science or work problems or research. Or she may want to take a break from it all and disappear into virtual reality. Finally, she may want to learn to fly a drone for the adventure or for the amazing photography. Little women love technology gifts too!

Gaming:

Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset – 32GB

LHTC Vive Cosmos – PC

HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality System

Computers:

Dell OptiPlex Desktop Complete Computer Package with Windows

2018 Dell Alienware 17.3 Inch FHD Laptop Computer

Perhaps you’d like to buy her a drone…

DJI Mavic Pro 4K Quadcopter with Remote Controller, 2 Batteries, with 1-Year Warranty – Gray

SIMREX X11 Upgraded GPS Drone with 1080P HD Camera 2-Axis Self stabilizing Gimbal

If you see a gift or a talent in a little woman in your circle early on, or even if we are seasoned, a well thought out technology gift would be the best encouragement ever toward our passion and maybe our future career!

Also, if the little woman is a developer, check out this post on why she should be using a Mac.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay

Image by Afishera from Pixabay

Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay

2021: Drone Footage for your Website

February 20, 2019/in Business, Drone, Technology/by Ukela

The Drone Trend

“We’re at the very beginning of the drone revolution.” David Pierce, Wired Magazine. Drone footage on websites are on the rise because drone footage gets attention. Incorporating movement of all types into websites is becoming more and more popular. 2020 is the year that your website can take off, with the assistance of drone footage.

“You have probably seen websites that already use drone footage on their homepage. This is becoming a trend now with more and more website owners being able to afford such unique and stunning graphics.” Web Anywhere

Drones are a Part of Tech-Ke

At Tech-Ke, we want your website to be at the forefront of your industry as the attention grabbing website. The web design approach of a responsive website coupled with drone footage gives your audience optimal viewing experience. And now that you have their attention, so does your product and/or service offering.

Whether it is the background of a city, or something more specialized, take a moment to imagine the effect that a Tech-Ke website or a redesign of your current website will make. For example, the Tech-Ke website features the Manhattan background via drone and we have received more than a few compliments on it.

Why Fly

“Drones, by one definition, are neither high-tech toys nor lethal weapons. They are worker bees that are the foundation of a colony… The Belgian-based Flying-Cam, an early innovator, has received two Oscars, including the Scientific and Engineering Award for the Flying-Cam Sarah 3.0 used in the 2012 James Bond movie Skyfall.”~ Steve Goldberg, Inc Magazine. And worker bees they are when it comes to the entertainment industry. Drone footage in sporting events, drone footage in music videos and drone footage during weddings…now is the time to jump in and make sure that your company is a part of the drone revolution.

2020 is the year that drone footage helps your website and your business to take off!

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Credits:

David Pierce, Wired Magazine, Guide to Drones
Steve Goldberg, Inc Magazine How Drones are Shooting Movies…
Web Anywhere, Unique and Stunning Graphics