Tag Archives: webcam

Impact for business post cookie changes

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When we think about cookies, most of us equate that to an American term for a sweet biscuit. In the internet and marketing world, cookies have become a billion-dollar business driving advertising and are a way to spy on an individual’s internet habits. Big cookie changes are occurring, and in this guide, we will demystify what is happening and how it might affect you and your business.

Cookies are small text files with pieces of data (for example, a username and password) that will identify you and your computer. Cookies were designed to improve your web browsing experience. When your cookie is exchanged between your computer and the network server on the internet, the server reads the ID and knows what information to specifically serve to you.

WHY should I care about cookie changes?

Internet cookies are built for web browsers to track, personalise, and save information about your browsing. Your browser stores cookies on your PC, tablet or phone, and a web server will send and read cookie information when you visit a website.

Another way of thinking about it is a trail of bread crumbs (or cookie crumbs) left behind and can be followed.

A session cookie is deleted when you leave a website, however, a persistent cookie may remain on your computer forever.

Personal

Websites use cookies to improve your web browsing experiences. For example, cookies save you from logging into a site every time you visit, personalising how a page appears or remembering a shopping cart if you accidentally close a page.

Business

As a business, you can target customers with personalised advertising. This can take the form of sending ads to an individual on other sites after visiting your site, known as retargeting. Alternatively, you might target someone who has seen a competitor’s website or may be interested in your offering based on their internet browsing.

If you run an online store, a cookie will track items users previously viewed, allowing you to suggest other goods or services they might like.

Why are cookies Bad?

Cookies are bad due to their ability to track your browsing history. There are two types of Cookies:

First-Party Cookie created by a website you are directly using. Collects and saves data directly associated with you using only that website. Assuming you are visiting a reputable website, these are considered safe.

Other 3rd party web servers create third-Party Cookies, generally from advertisements appearing on the page you are surfing. 3rd party cookies let advertisers and analytics companies track your long-term browsing history across the internet on any sites that contain their ads. Thus, your personal information is collected and shared even if you did not think you had given permission.

Security vulnerabilities may allow a cookie’s data to be read, allowing unauthorised access to data or the website to which the cookie belongs.

WHAT is changing for cookies?

Put simply; your privacy will increase with the drop of support for 3rd party cookies by the major browsers.

Announcements so far:

  • Browsers Apple Safari and Mozilla Firefox have already blocked 3rd party cookies
  • Google has announced it will restrict 3rd part cookies from the end of 2023
  • Many companies are now asking for permission to use first-party cookies when you first visit their site
  • Apple iOS14 now requires users to opt-in for information to be shared with publishers
  • Apple iOS15, yet to be launched, will hide IP addresses. Users will see how often apps access their personal information, for example, location.
  • Due to these changes, Facebook is asking its users to allow “Facebook” to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites.
  • The Australian Federal Government is currently reviewing the Privacy Act. In addition, the ACCC is taking submissions to its digital advertising services inquiry – due late August 21.

With the removal of this tracking (remove 3rd party cookies), you will no longer see a creepy advertisement for those shoes that you looked at online two weeks ago. Also, with governments worldwide reviewing their citizens’ privacy policies, your data will remain more secure and more private and require a business to jump through more hoops.

HOW will cookie changes affect my business?

The biggest business change will be the ability to target appropriate customers, as the 3rd party data will not be as readily available.

How should I respond:

Build out 1st party data – This is building your own database of your customers and relevant information. When you have this, you don’t have to pay others.

Use First party cookies to improve your customers’ experience on your website and to provide them with a journey that will benefit them and hopefully make you a sale.

Reward customers in some way for providing their data, like discounts or information.

If you don’t have first-party data to communicate with your customers, the targeting advantages of digital marketing versus traditional media will still be available. Companies such as Google and large media players like Nine in Australia will sell you access to their large private databases.

For a small business that is buying some keywords and possibly doing a few Facebook or Google digital advertisements, it is unlikely you will see a great deal of difference. Still, for those more advanced advertisers, how you take your advertising to market will be turned upside down.

As an individual, you will still have advertisements targeted at you. Still, it is likely to happen more anonymously and less creepily.

HINTS

Cookies can be deleted from your browser at any time. If you surf the web incognito, cookies will not be saved. However, remember not all cookies are evil and can actually be helpful.

Apple refers to 3rd party cookies as Apple’s identifiers for advertisers (IDFA).

Also, read Small Business Answers guide to advertising for better sales.

SUMMARY – Cookie removal changes digital advertising

Cookies enable a web browser to keep track of our user data and activities. From 2023, using this data to track our browsing habits and be targeted will be removed to increase privacy. However, consumers will still benefit from first-party data enabling an improved website experience. Still, businesses will need to look to other means than 3rd party cookies to find and target customers with advertising.

Angus Jones, the author of this guide and all guides on Small Business Answers, is a marketing veteran of more than 30 years and is available for consulting projects. I can be contacted at angusojones@optusnet.com.au

Webcam, Mouse and Keyboard for productivity

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If you are like most people, you will have bought a new PC or laptop and never considered those extra computer peripherals.  After all, they probably came with the unit or were built into your laptop. Specifically, we are talking about a webcam, mouse, keyboard or even a headset or separate microphone.  In this how-to guide, we will look at why you should consider spending some more money, what you need to understand about peripherals and how to buy the right item.

WebCam: A video camera either integrated or connected to a PC allowing images to be seen normally over the internet.
Mouse: A small handheld peripheral that when moved will cause the cursor on a computer screen to also move.
Keyboard: a set of keys allowing alphanumerical communication on a PC.
Microphone or Speaker: A mechanical device to turn audio sound waves into signals that can be transmitted by your PC or vice versa.

WHY should I buy a Webcam, Mouse and Keyboard?

 Your brand-new PC comes with an included mouse and keyboard.  Your brand-new laptop comes with a trackpad (mouse), keyboard, webcam and microphone.

However, there are a few reasons why you should consider buying a separate Webcam, Mouse Keyboard, Microphone, Headset, Speakers etc

  1. They did not come in the box
    Chances are if you bought a freestanding computer an accessory such as a webcam is not included.
  2. Quality
    A PC manufacturer will typically only ship the most essential quality accessories to keep their and your costs down. This would influence the touch and feel or how the product looks. In the case of a microphone or webcam, it will impact how you look and sound.
  3. Ergonomics
    This can be considered two ways:
    • With a laptop computer, the peripherals are build-in; therefore when you use it remotely it is convenient, but if you are at home, ergonomically a separate keyboard and mouse will allow you to find a much more comfortable position
    • The design and shape of a keyboard can reduce the stress and strain placed on your hands, fingers and back.  Many people, after years of operating a computer develop an RSI or repetitive strain injury.
  4. Functionality
    A third party peripheral may come with extra buttons or features that allow you to become more effective. Examples include scrolling left and right from a mouse, zooming a webcam, and pressing a button on your keyboard to open an app.
  5. Durability
    A cheap accessory is built to a price, and its performance may deteriorate quickly with use.  Ensure your products will survive a fall and potentially put up with the abuse from working at home.

More and more people are now working from home (COVID has undoubtedly accelerated that) but for most small businesses that was already a reality.  However, what has changed is the use of your computer to make video and voice calls.  To be seen as a professional, you need to ensure your video image is sharp and your voice is heard clearly.

WHAT do you need to know about computer peripherals?

An essential product we have not covered in this guide is computer monitors. We have a separate guide available here.  If you are also in the market for a new computer, be sure to check out our guide on buying a new PC.

No matter what accessory you buy for your PC, they will be connected to your PC in some way and also powered.  This is likely to occur in one of two ways.

A wired connection will pass information back and forth and also provide power for the device.  The advantage is you don’t have to worry about batteries or to recharge. Still, you do have to worry about an ugly cable.  You also need to consider whether your PC has enough USB sockets or buy a hub (same concept as a power board).

The second method is a wireless solution that will typically connect to your PC by Bluetooth and require disposable or rechargeable batteries.  The significant advantage here is no cords, especially for a mouse.

HOW to pick the right Webcam, Mouse and Keyboard

Below we have listed the key features you should consider when buying a:

Webcam
  • Quality of video capture. Measured as resolution and frame rate. Look for HD or Full HD at 30fps.
  • Field of view. Measured in degrees will determine if you are captured as a wide (> deg sees more of the room) or closeup shot.
  • Autofocus. Ensures the image of you is clear
  • Light correction. If you are in a dark or bright room, how well the camera compensates
  • Quality of lens. Glass is better
  • Compatibility with Zoom, Teams, Skype etc
  • Mounting. Does it come with a bracket to attach to a monitor or tripod
  • Microphone. Determines how you sound and what other noise is picked up. Consider a stereo mike for natural sound with noise cancelling.
  • Software control.  Manual adjustment, video capture, and even changing the background, so people do not see your unmade bed.
Mouse
  • How you hold the mouse – fingertip grip, palm grip or claw grip.  Also consider if it will be small enough to travel with if required.
  • Feel – comfort, scrolling action and buttons
  • Cable or wireless
  • Sensitivity – for precision mouse movements if editing images, video or audio.  Measured in Dots Per Inch, look for one with at least 1200 DPI
  • Will it work on different surfaces?
Keyboard
  • Cable or wireless – if wireless consider battery life
  • Compatibility with Windows PC or Apple Mac
  • Extra function keys – to open apps or perform tasks
  • Ergonomics of keys – position and feel
  • Sensitivity and noise – avoid mistypes and disturbing others
  • Do you want illuminated keys for night use
Headset
  • Over-ear – on-ear – in-ear. – Personal preference
  • Sound quality
  • Comfort including lightness and after long periods
  • Fashion – How will you look on a video call
  • Microphone quality and placement
  • Features including mute, volume or even noise cancelling
Microphone (stand-alone)
  • More expensive the better you sound
  • Usage – video calling versus recording a podcast
  • Size
  • Does it connect via USB or 3.5mm jack and include software to adjust the sound
  • Portability if you need to travel
Speakers
  • More expensive may not mean better but cheap is generally cheap
  • Do you just need noise or will you also listen to music
  • Cable or wireless connection
  • Dedicated volume and possibly base control
  • How big and how do they look
  • Other uses such as a smart speaker
  • How loud they are, measured in wattage
  • Try to listen before you buy

HINTS

If you are in the market for a new computer accessory, unfortunately, you are unlikely able to test drive it at your local retailer or office supply store.  We do recommend you visit our sister site Gadgetguy.com.au for unbiased reviews and comparisons.

The key players in the peripherals market are Microsoft and the key PC makers themselves like HP and Dell. Still, we highly recommend you check out the vast range available from Logitech. The latter specialises in this market and make products to suit many needs.

SUMMARY – Improve your PC productivity

Buying a new Webcam, Mouse ,Keyboard etc for your computer is one of those things that you do not know what you are missing out on until you experience what better looks/feel like.  The accessory may seem expensive but remember it is the primary connection for you to connect with your PC and possibly your customers.

When deciding what to buy always consider what you need, how it will help your productivity, improve your impression on others, and be more comfortable for you to use.