I have the distinct pleasure every January of informing our readers of the latest offerings from Microwave Journal. It’s been a fun exercise, especially during recent years with the ever-evolving media landscape. There’s much more to talk about these days, as we leverage the latest technologies to deliver your information on new platforms and in enhanced formats.
Two years ago, we announced the launch of our redesigned website. The new site organizes content by technology and products “channels,” allowing users to better locate information relevant to their needs. The site also provides an archive of white papers, webinars, videos and a robust Buyer’s Guide. We’ve just added a “Classifieds” section, where you’ll find job postings and products for sale. If you haven’t visited lately, I encourage you to do so.
Last year, we announced the MWJ Mobile App, which provides the latest issue of the magazine, archived issues, a news feed, executive interviews and blogs. Almost 5000 subscribers have downloaded the free app to date, with new users signing on daily. Recently, we launched a video series titled “Frequency Matters” in which MWJ editors David Vye and Pat Hindle discuss current articles in the magazine, the latest industry news and events. It’s a quick and casual format that I hope you find informative and entertaining. 2013 also featured the debut of the Electronic Design Innovation Conference (EDI CON) in Beijing, China. This industry-driven event attracted nearly 2000 engineers in the growing Chinese RF/microwave industry with presentations from international and domestic experts and exhibition participation from many of the world’s leading manufacturers. Lastly, our social media platforms continue to expand, especially the “RF and Microwave Community” on LinkedIn, which just surpassed 20,000 members.
I am really excited about this year’s news and this issue in particular. I’m pleased to announce the first-ever “Augmented Reality” issue of MWJ. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, the basic idea of augmented reality is to superimpose graphics, audio, video and other sensory enhancements over a real-world environment in real time. A simple example might be the super-imposed first down line that appears on televised U.S. football games. A more complex example would be Google Glass, which will display augmented reality in a smartphone-like, hands-free environment. With Microwave Journal, this technology allows you to bridge the print world to the digital world like nothing before. By using the Layar App and your mobile device, you can scan the augmented pages and video and other rich media spring to life. It’s really incredible stuff and very easy to access.
I hope that you enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it for you. As always, I welcome your feedback.
On behalf of the entire MWJ team, we wish all of our readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
