This year SXSW was bigger than ever – 300,000 people attended Austin’s famed conference boasting big name speakers and companies such as Bill Gates and Google. Though it was quite overwhelming we did walk away from the mega-convention with a wealth of knowledge about technology and we had the opportunity to network with a variety of inspired individuals.
Keynote speaker Bre Pettis and creator of Makerbots started off the week with an announcement introducing the MakerBot Digitizer, which allows users to scan 3D objects about 8 inches around and 8 inches high and eliminates the need for computer aided design or CAD. He spoke of different industries using Makerbots 3D printing technology – from creating sets for Broadway to developing parts for prosthetic limbs. These printers have the ability to change the way we create in a very big way.

We combed through a pile of exhibits at the coveted four-day long trade show, and found that tons of the thinkers behind the startups and companies present were creating cutting-edge apps that would make everyday life easier or more fun (given the funding.) One of the most notable being PartyTapper: this app allows you to request songs from live events, experience parties remotely and, share photos/videos from events.

The abuse of QR codes was a hot topic of conversation with Scott Stratten, author of The Book of Business Awesome/Unawesome. He spoke about the misuse of these informational squares in settings such as billboards, buses, bananas and lost dogs. One particular setting was on a Chiquita banana and the sticker said scan qr code for recipe, so he tried it and a video popped up with the message: “sorry not playable on mobile device.” This was just one of many hilarious examples of failed QR codes. Overall, he believes there are very few settings where QR codes are not a nuisance.