Dan Baker

Last night I attended the May edition of React Native London, in which Daniel Gibson, software engineer at At Last, gave a great talk on building streamlined video feeds with Mux. Below are my main takeaways from the talk. Video consumption has exploded over the last few years, particularly via mobile phones. Instagram pivoted to having reels, TikTok is expanding to long form video soon to compete with Youtube, and Youtube has introduced shorts. This all pushes the boundaries of what mobile user consumption looks like. With this comes an expectation from users of high quality, fast video that seamlessly works. How do we get videos into mobile applications that still meet the above standards of users? Videos can be quite complicated. Concerns include storage, formats (different ways of recording videos across devices), thumbnails, streaming, buffering, delivery to phones, level of quality, and capturing metrics. But there exists great tooling for developers to integrate them simply into apps. The focus in this instance is Mux, which has an accessible $10/month tier which allows uploading up to 10,000 minutes of video, storage, and delivery of 1200+ hours of said videos. Expo and Firebase (Oauth, cloud services) can be used as tools to help build this infrastructure. To record a video, Expo’s camera component can access the phone camera, preview video capture, have buttons to record the video, and store the video file on the device. That file can be uploaded via first generating a signed url (via Mux) and then attaching the video file to it for delivery to the backend (created with Firebase). Mux also has webhooks that upon determining a ready status of this process will then show the video to the user. On the backend, Mux provides a node SDK. A function (generateSignedUrl) can be defined in which the video variable from this SDK can be called, in which an object is given that will then sign the playback URL. When this signed URL is delivered to the frontend, Expo’s file system can grab the recorded video and attach it to this url to upload it via a PUT HTTP method request to the backend. Mux webhooks can also be integrated in the backend to listen for any instances in which the video file is changed/updated. The playback id of the video can be used to call the API from Mux to show said video to the user. This means the video file itself doesn’t touch the backend itself, it rather goes straight from the device to Mux’s storage, achieved via the playback id (which is the only thing really stored in the database). This makes it a scalable solution that’s easy to implement.   Expo’s video component (Expo AV) can be used to display the video on frontend with the variables poster source (thumbnail) and source that are filled by calling the MUX APIs (specifically Image and Stream) with the playback id. Thank you Daniel for your informative talk, and to the organizers, hosts, and facilitators of this React Native meeting for a great evening!

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Upskill Fast with Our Frunded Short Courses We’ve got two short courses starting next week 👉 Intro to Web Development 👉 Agile Project Management —and a whole range launching in January These are hands-on, practical courses designed to give you maximum impact for minimal time - just two sessions a week over four weeks. Perfect for anyone looking to: 1. Take on more responsibility at work. 2. Build confidence with new skills. 3. Move your career forward - quickly and effectively. 💡 Bonus Round - these courses are: - Taught by industry pros who know what works. - Designed for busy professionals - delivering the essentials without dragging it out. And this is just the start. From data analytics to team building, UX, and web accessibility, there’s a load of other courses starting in January but recruiting NOW Places are limited, and funding ends in March, so don’t miss your chance to get involved. https://lnkd.in/eMpSzp2g

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I do love a good stat. Of the 654,000 interactions on our live platform last week, 40,800 were over our API. If your supplier doesn't offer open APIs included in the base product, and you're thinking "meh maybe we don't need em" then you are stuck in legacy la la land. API's bring the efficiency and interaction products need in a modern adaptive platform. That 1992 CSV FTP Ping Pong you are pretending works fine will bite you on the behind one day. If you'd like to learn more about how Rubixx interacts with third party systems, slide in my DMs or ask one of our clients who used to have whatever you have now.

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‼️3 MISTAKES BUSINESSES MAKE:‼️ 1.Not using Dev Partners Ltd for their CRM software. 2.Not using Dev Partners Ltd for their CRM software. 3.Not using Dev Partners Ltd for their CRM software.

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Last week I opened Amplifi’s Good Data Day. Here are 4 signs of a great brand…. For context, Amplifi’s team are Data Consultants - Every time I talk to anyone in the “Data World” and mention Amplifi, it is met with instant positivity. 🌟 WHY ⁉️ Here is what I have noticed they have been doing consistently for years… 1️⃣ They are genuinely market leaders - So many brands say this, but Amplifi are always trying to do things differently and find new ways to engage with their community. 2️⃣ They strive for excellence - “Mediocracy” is not in their vocabulary! The team at the top know exactly what their brand stands for and what they expect from their team. 3️⃣ They are never complacent - they are always reviewing their efforts and looking to better it next time. (I guarantee they have already talked about ways to improve this conference next year…and they will!) 4️⃣ Having fun is built into their DNA - From the moment they started, their social events became “the talk of the town”. They haven’t lost that, and still strike a perfect balance between high performing and having fun. They know that if you want to keep the team and customers engaged, you need to do both! It’s been such a pleasure watching this journey. You should all be very proud. Sam Goss, Callum MacBurnie, Stuart Squires, Michael Evans.

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There was so much more to say about last week's funding announcement than we could fit into a blog, to really express our vision at Tessl to deliver an AI Native Development platform - so I recorded a special podcast episode about it, with Ben Galbraith and Simon Maple. We had a great discussion around: - What is AI Native Development and how does it redefine the traditional software development workflows? - What distinguishes Tessl's approach to AI Native Development from existing AI-powered tools? - Insights into a spec-driven, pluggable, and open ecosystem model - What role do LLMs play in filling gaps in specifications, and how does Tessl address challenges like validation and randomness in AI-generated code? - How does Tessl's platform approach spec generation, decomposition, and system validation? - What are the goals and timelines for Tessl's product release?  👉 Full Episode: https://tessl.co/4fvfXJ4  🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://tessl.co/4fYeuem 🎙 Spotify: https://tessl.co/48XGDjk #AINative #Tessl #SpecCentric #Funding #AINativeDev

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🚀 Why Wales Needs More Tech Entrepreneurs to Prosper in the Age of AI This post was inspired by the recent Welsh tech event organised by Technology Connected and hosted by Ogi, which highlighted critical issues and brought together venture creators Ben Allwright, Mark Sweeny, Sophie Mason (thediffabledceo), VCs, Daniel Sawko, and others to discuss the future of tech in Wales. I often ponder: why does Wales underperform in most economic indicators in the UK? Where are the jobs of the future going to come from? As a founder of Presto Dental, a pioneering dental software startup, I reflect on these questions while we build our tech company from Cardiff to export worldwide. 📊 Let's look at the facts: 👉 The tech sector in Wales contributes only 6% to the economy, compared to 10% in London. 👉 Only Admiral has IPOed among Welsh companies. Why does Wales struggle to create global tech companies? What needs to change? Here is my take on creating a blueprint for a thriving tech ecosystem in Wales: 1. Embrace Entrepreneurial Spirit: Wales needs to unleash its entrepreneurial spirit. We need more courageous tech entrepreneurs to build future companies. 2. Foster a Risk-Taking Culture: Support those willing to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. 3. Increase Investment: In 2022, only 1.5% of UK venture capital was invested in Wales. We need policies and incentives to attract VCs to early-stage startups. 4. Attract Talent: Position Wales as a top destination for global talent, leveraging our high density of knowledge and skills. 5. Diversify the Economy: Move away from relying heavily on government jobs. A varied economic base will drive innovation and growth. Welsh founders often sell more equity when raising funds compared to their counterparts in England, hindering future growth. There's also a lack of competition among VCs investing in Welsh tech startups. What is stopping us from building a tech hub like Estonia, Israel, or the Silicon Valley model? Here’s what we need more of: 👉 Leverage Our Talent: A high density of talent and knowledge is our advantage. 👉 Encourage Bold Risk-Takers: Support and celebrate risk-taking entrepreneurs. 👉 Attract Venture Capitalists: Incentivize VCs to invest in Welsh tech startups. Remember, Michael Moritz, the chairman Sequoia Capital one of the world’s most successful VCs, is Cardiff-born and has strong ties to Wales. 👉 Foster a Culture of Paying It Forward: Encourage successful businesspeople to invest in the next wave of tech companies. 👉 Government Support: The Welsh government must incentivise tech companies that are founded and HQ in Wales to flourish and compete globally. At Presto Dental, we aim to push boundaries and reverse the trend, proving that Wales can be a hub for groundbreaking tech companies. As founders, what actions do you think we need to take to create a thriving tech ecosystem in Wales? #Wales #TechEntrepreneurs #Innovation #AI #Startups #DentalTech #FutureJobs

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Our webinar for all you eCommerce folk starts in 10 minutes. Loads of tips on making more money with the tech stack you probably already have. https://lnkd.in/e3GWvUCH

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How I started The Developers Network Birmingham 👇 GROWTH happens outside the comfort zone. Have you ever been given an opportunity but felt unworthy due to a lack of experience? 😵‍💫 We've all been there, feeling like frauds. But the solution = action.  You have more to offer than you realise. 💪 The next time you're handed a chance despite perceived "shortcomings", say yes first and figure it out later. #property #developers #network #growth #takerisks #impostersyndrome

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Another reality check graph... If you're in the blue slice (as you probably are, if you're reading this) and this graph is even remotely surprising to you, it's well worth dwelling on it. How does this data adjust your understanding of the wider UK jobs market? How does it shift your understanding of your own job? What are the productivity and supply/demand implications of this (ease of competition from overseas etc)? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -> Hi, I'm Tom, MD at Alvius. Follow me for labour market, workforce & staffing sector insights.

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Another great mentor magic day at Block Dojo cohort 8, meeting great startups to 👀 and a wonderful fellow mentors. Thank you to Jan McGinley for always hosting us beautifully. Always blown away at the level of support mentors want to provide and what an incredible asset they are for startups. Blockdojo programme is ideal for any businesses exploring blockchain or AI enabled businesses. #startups #accelerators #blockchain #blockdojo #ideavalidation

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Where has AI taken us in recent years? A question that tends to come up time and again when we speak with clients… ‘How can we use AI in our product or to improve our service for customers?’ Well, as you’ll probably know, it’s as as broad as it is long and there never tends to be a one size fits all answer. But, without most even realising it, more and more businesses have started adopting AI into their daily lives through various means. And this is where it gets interesting! This Thursday in Watford (Herts) we will hear from the incredible Dave Birss on a reflection of AI over the last 12 months and where we stand today. Have our predictions come true or do we still have a long way to go in truly understanding what innovation can mean for us / our organisations?! If you’re in Herts or surrounding areas this Thursday (6th) evening, this Digi-Cluster | Hertfordshire's leading digital network event is one not to miss! 🙏 Dave is genuinely one of the most enigmatic and interesting speakers I’ve come across, and he never disappoints. So, if you’re in digital and up for hearing more about the ever changing landscape that is AI, then grab yourself a ticket: https://lnkd.in/evqS5RWv Thanks as always to our fantastic sponsors Nimbus Hosting! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ And a huge thanks to the people behind the event: Syd Nadim Tom Kingham Amy McMillan Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce (W3RT) #agency #ai #innovation #watford #herts #digiclusterherts #networking

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In this clip, Mellonie reflects on the tough journey of finding a development team for her MVP. She shares her struggles with understanding development costs and how the process of selecting the right team and technology seemed overwhelming at first.   💬 “I didn’t know how much an app costs... the prices were very varied and very high…” 💬   As non-tech founders, these are common challenges. The good news? DevReady can help you avoid these pitfalls. With DevReady, you can clarify your vision, generate comprehensive project briefs, and get the right support to select a development team that fits your budget and your needs. Start here: https://lnkd.in/gXXYg6a7   Don't waste time getting lost in technical details – we guide you through building a development-ready plan that helps avoid the confusion and surprises that come with MVP development.   🎧 Listen to the full episode. Links in comments!   #DevReadyPodcast #NonTechFounders #MVPDevelopment #TeamSelection #StartUpLife #DevReadyAi #TechDevelopment #BusinessGrowth

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This week, we’ve taken Zoë's admin panel to the next level! We now have a new view for the admin panel which focuses specifically on feedback business users have left for Zoë. This lets the data team do two things: 1. They have an amazing LEADING indicator of exactly what their business teams want to know. 2. They can see and triage all feedback that business users give when Zoë doesn’t understand something or doesn’t answer their question. This lets data teams know what context they need to add, so Zoë can answer all the questions business users are posing to her.

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Elevate your business strategy with our Bespoke Software that targets your goals, Score Big! Just like a football team needs a playbook tailored to its strengths, your business needs our Bespoke Software that targets your goals. One-size-fits-all software is like running the same play every time– it just won't get you to the end zone. Our Custom Software solutions are your personalised game plan, designed to optimise operations, enhance productivity, and drive success. Whether you're looking to streamline workflows, improve customer interactions, or scale your operations, custom software is the most valuable player that helps you reach your business goals. Get ready to tackle challenges and score big with software tailored to your unique needs! 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬! 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝗯𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝘂𝗸.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁

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I've managed to get an early onboarding to ZeroTouch.ai and had a good look at what it does. Read all about it in my latest post https://lnkd.in/eyZSWHiB

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At Vervaunt we've been much more hands-on with Shopify Flow over the last 6-9 months after seeing some big improvements, leading to much more useful and complex flows being achieved. I still think there's a few big improvements needed around the UI and configuration before it becomes a real Zapier-esque self serve system, but hope that will eventually come (Gavin Ballard posted about this a few weeks ago which had a lot of good context and discussion). But one element i'm a big fan of are the ready-to-go Flow Templates. This is going to be the common route of connecting vendors in the tech stack together in the medium term. It makes so much more sense handling these fully within the Shopify infrastructure and the days of an app having a big private library of integrations as a USP are numbered. I've cobbled together a quick video of connecting Census > Slack in about 3 clicks to highlight the ease of this for a merchant.

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❓ Developers - how do approach starting a new role❓ I'm thoroughly enjoying my new role and as expected, there is lots to learn. I've been taking notes, pairing, asking questions as well as signposting areas I need to delve into further, but it got me thinking, are there any strategies/opportunities I'm missing? So, I thought I would open the question out to my network. How do you approach starting a new role? #womenintech #careerchanger #developer #advice

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