Technology That I Could Not Live Without

Photographer

Oh, how technology has ramped up during my lifetime - and it's only been 32 years so far! There are a lot of things that I could not live without like my smartphone or an Apple watch, but there are certain things that I would be 100% lost without. Here are a few pieces of technology that I could not live without today - 

The internet

I don’t think there is an explanation needed here, but the internet is revolutionary. I mean, think about it. How did we EVER know things before the internet? How to roast a chicken? Would we have to have a cookbook on hand? How to get rid of aphids in the garden? No clue. With a quick Google search, we have so much information at the tip of our fingers right now. I could not imagine life any other way!

 

GPS

Do you remember traveling with a map? I don’t understand how people did it! I know that I would definitely get lost. PTL for GPS systems and things like Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps. I would be lost without them (pun intended).

 

Netflix

Last but not least, Netflix, Amazon prime, and other streaming apps. Thank goodness for them! 

 

Security cameras

Think about this for a minute. We can go anywhere in the world and still see what is happening at our homes or our business. Isn’t that wild to think about? You can see your backyard, your front door, a nursery, a living room, a business or different offices, and more. It is just crazy to think about! Cameras are something that most of us have around us daily, but there are a few safety flaws with them. Sometimes, they can be easy to hack into, which is not good at all, ESPECIALLY if you have it in an office or a private living space. Another issue with them could be that they are easy to remove and/or break. I’m not sure how to 100% fix the first issue, but with the second issue, Criterion Technology, Inc. has created a way to keep your security cameras safe, no matter what. Criterion Technology, Inc. offers Injection Molding Optics, thermoforming, surface finishes, and more. Criterion is the leading manufacturer in the plastics industry and they offer best-in-class windows, lenses, and enclosures. Here’s a little more about them, from their site: 

 

“Criterion Technology is the industry leader of the highest quality clear component parts molded out of polycarbonate, acrylic, and an exclusive optical grade nylon. Specializing in optical injection molding and enclosures, Criterion displays supreme material expertise, vast technical knowledge, a robust commitment to R&D, and optimum onsite testing. The Criterion team is a group of experienced and resourceful individuals who work together to create a welcoming environment where innovation flourishes. Criterion backs their products with 100% paid tooling maintenance. A North American partner, Criterion fortifies partnerships with design and development aptitudes, prototyping, low and high volume production, and turn-key assembly.

 

As a DNV-certified ISO-9001:2015 manufacturer, Criterion specializes in optical quality products – video security, subsea systems, LiDAR (autonomous vehicles, cloud point measuring), mining and safety, and LED lighting. Criterion excels in any application that requires the optical enclosure to be as high-end as the product it is protecting. Criterion’s injection molded optical domes and enclosures provide excellent coverage and protection for high definition cameras up to the latest 4k camera technology. Criterion uses a variety of materials that offer a customizable product. From the appearance of the product to the light transmission, countless configurations are available in different colors such as, smoke tint, bronze tint, IR transmissive, and custom colors.

 

Criterion Technology has proven to be successful through commitment to continuous research, advanced technology, and automation. Criterion has pioneered the use of durable materials to offer clarity, safety, and strength since 1990. Criterion aligned with the best material suppliers to co-develop an optical grade of nylon that exhibits some of the best characteristics of both acrylic and polycarbonate. In addition to its durability, nylon is chemical resistant, offering customers the best protection. The same development process was used to test and perfect a UV applied, scratch resistant hard coat for polycarbonate and acrylic domes and an electro static discharge (ESD) coating for sensitive applications. Criterion’s products are tested to withstand the rigor of high temperatures, rough ocean conditions, mining and oil drilling conditions, as well as prison and military environments, all while delivering superior optical performance and image clarity. Domes and enclosures can be designed for impact, shock absorption, and explosion upon request.

 

Criterion is consistently recognized for excellent customer service, process flexibility, on-time delivery, and product precision. Criterion recognizes the importance of utilizing technology and automation to improve product quality. Criterion’s goal is to provide customers with continuous improvements in optical performance and manufacturing processes. The best camera or optical sensor is only as good as the dome that covers it.”