Charlotte Tech Digest #2

Your monthly dose of the latest in Charlotte's tech scene

In this issue:

- Community Spotlight: Shining a Light on Cristina Bolling, Championing Local Journalism and Education

- Tech Shockwave: Discover the innovative project from two Harvard juniors that’s poised to disrupt the tech landscape

- Featured Business: The Charlotte Ledger: Transforming Local Journalism in the Digital Age

- Upcoming Events Around Charlotte: Join these must-attend tech gatherings in Charlotte.

- Tool of the Month: A powerful tool that offers real-time transcription, collaborative note-taking, and seamless integration with video calls.

🌟 Community Spotlight: Cristina Bolling¹

Cristina Bolling is the Managing Editor at The Charlotte Ledger and an Adjunct Professor at Queens University of Charlotte, where she teaches Entrepreneurial Journalism. With a passion for storytelling and community engagement, Cristina's journey into journalism has been both impactful and inspiring.

The Spark of Interest:

Cristina's interest in journalism was sparked during her high school years, where she quickly recognized the power of the press to inspire change. One notable experience involved conducting a data-driven investigation to highlight gender bias in her co-ed Catholic school, showcasing her belief in journalism as a tool for social accountability.

Educational Journey:

After earning a degree in Technical Writing from James Madison University, Cristina pursued a master's degree in Journalism at Syracuse University. This experience paved the way for her first professional role at the Associated Press, where she honed her skills in fast-paced reporting, covering significant events in New York State politics.

Professional Journey:

Cristina's journey eventually led her to The Charlotte Observer, where she covered various beats, including race, immigration, real estate, and arts, while cultivating a deep connection with the communities she reported on. Today, as Managing Editor of The Charlotte Ledger, she is at the forefront of local journalism, focusing on hyper-local news and entrepreneurial stories that resonate with Charlotte residents. Cristina emphasizes the importance of building trust with the community and empowering others to share their narratives. In her editorial role, she is leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and collaboration within her team, ensuring that the voices of Charlotte's diverse communities are heard.

Inspiring the Next Generation:

Cristina's dedication to nurturing the next generation of journalists at Queens University reflects her commitment to fostering a vibrant media landscape in Charlotte. Through her work, she continues to inspire both her students and the broader community, advocating for the importance of local journalism in driving meaningful change.

🚀 Tech Shockwave: This Month's Groundbreaking Innovation ²

Meta's Orion AR Glasses: A New Era of Augmented Reality:

Meta’s new Orion AR Glasses aim to make AR a part of everyday life. With features like neural hand-tracking, eye-tracking, and wireless computing, Orion is set to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. Meta is focusing on affordability, with pricing between a smartphone and a laptop, while Apple is targeting a luxury market with a $3,499 price tag.

How Harvard Student's Facial Recognition App for Orion AR Glasses:

Harvard juniors Anhphu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio developed a facial recognition app that retrieves personal info, like names and addresses, using Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. In just minutes, it scans a face and pulls data from public sources—sparking major privacy concerns.

(Click here to see how they built it)

Why it matters:

This app shows the growing privacy risks tied to smart tech. While legal, it highlights the need for stronger protections around personal data. The debate over how much access tech should have to our personal lives is just beginning.ment in tech.

Tech Innovation vs. Responsibility

As AR and facial recognition tech evolve, balancing innovation and privacy becomes crucial. Developers need to consider the ethics behind their creations, and consumers must stay vigilant about protecting their data.

🏢 Featured Business: The Charlotte Ledger ³

In recent years, the media landscape has seen a transformation, particularly with the rise of newsletters. This shift was notably influenced by hedge funds acquiring newspapers and other legacy media companies, which sparked a wave of entrepreneurial news ventures. The demand for localized, relevant content has led to the emergence of numerous startup news platforms, each aiming to serve specific communities and interests.

Founding The Charlotte Ledger

Amidst this backdrop, The Charlotte Ledger was established to fill a gap in local journalism by delivering in-depth coverage of Charlotte's unique stories and issues. Founded in 2019 by longtime Charlotte-based journalist Tony Mecia with a mission to provide accurate and engaging news, The Charlotte Ledger has quickly become a trusted source for residents seeking information about their city.

Diverse Digital Products

To cater to the diverse interests of its readership, The Charlotte Ledger has developed several digital products. The flagship newsletter is released four days a week, offering daily insights and news updates. On Saturdays, a weekend edition is published, providing a feature piece along with a recap of the week’s most significant stories.

In addition, The Ledger has introduced other specialized newsletters, including

• Ways of Life: A unique obituary newsletter that tells the stories of everyday individuals, showcasing the value of each life lived.

• Transit Time: A collaboration with local NPR station WFAE, focusing on the evolving transit landscape in Charlotte.

• Football Friday: A newsletter dedicated to soccer, highlighting Charlotte FC and written by seasoned sports journalist Carol Walton.

Leveraging AI Tools for Advanced Productivity

To streamline operations and enhance productivity, The Charlotte Ledger has embraced AI tools. These technologies assist the editorial team in various aspects, from content creation to audience engagement. By utilizing AI-driven insights, The Ledger can better understand reader preferences and tailor its content accordingly. This adoption not only optimizes workflows but also ensures that the newsroom remains agile and responsive to the community's needs.

Community Impact and Engagement

The Charlotte Ledger has made a significant impact on the local community by fostering connections and encouraging civic engagement. By providing high-quality journalism focused on Charlotte, the platform not only informs residents but also amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard. The Ledger's commitment to covering underrepresented issues, such as affordable housing and local arts initiatives, has resonated with its audience, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Additionally, through community events and initiatives, The Charlotte Ledger has built strong relationships with its readership, encouraging discussions that lead to positive change in the city. (Click here to visit The Charlotte Ledger)

🔍 Upcoming Events Around Charlotte ⁴

1. The Future of Business: Leveraging AI and Cybersecurity in Charlotte (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM)

Date: October 17th

Dive into the latest trends at The Future of Business: Leveraging AI and Cybersecurity event in Charlotte on October 17th, 2024. This exciting session brings together industry professionals to explore how AI and cybersecurity are shaping the future of business. Featuring two key discussions, "Harnessing AI for Business Growth" and "Cybersecurity in the Age of AI," attendees will gain valuable insights into leveraging these technologies for success. Join us for an evening of networking, learning, and staying ahead of the curve. (Get Your Ticket Here)

2. UX Community Monthly Meetup (6 PM - 8 PM)

Date: November 6th

Join the Dark Mode: UX Community Meetup at BeSocial, where the Charlotte UX community gathers monthly to discuss all things user experience. Whether you're a pro or a newbie, this event welcomes all UX enthusiasts! You’ll get the chance to participate in design challenges, share insights, and network with others passionate about user experience. Bring your laptop and be ready to dive into a collaborative, engaging environment. It’s the perfect space to learn, connect, and enjoy some drinks while you’re at it! (Reserve Your Spot Here)

3. Tech After Five – Charlotte (5:30 PM – 7 PM)

Date: November 12th

Join us at Hickory Tavern for Tech After Five, the ultimate in-person networking event for Charlotte’s tech community. Designed to connect IT professionals, startups, entrepreneurs, and their support networks, this event offers a platform to foster meaningful professional relationships. Whether you're searching for job opportunities, talent, customers, partners, or mentors, Tech After Five has you covered. Custom badges and curated attendee lists ensure you're networking with the right people. Don't miss this chance to join a vibrant tech community and make impactful connections! (Attend This Event)

🛠️Tool of the Month: Otter AI⁵

Revolutionize your meetings and workflows with Otter AI, the ultimate transcription tool for capturing conversations and turning them into actionable insights. Whether you're in business, education, or media, Otter AI saves time by providing accurate, real-time transcripts.

How it works:

• Record meetings, interviews, or lectures and transcribe in real-time.

• Share live notes and transcripts with collaborators instantly.

• Search through transcriptions easily and highlight key points.

Why you’ll love it:

• Time-saving: Automatically generate meeting summaries and action items.

• Real-time collaboration: Share live notes, allowing everyone to stay on the same page.

• Seamless integration: Sync with Zoom, Google Meet, and other apps for smoother workflows.

  

  Example of Otter Ai running during a meeting showcasing its many helpful features.

👥 Connect with Charlotte’s Tech Community: Get Involved and Stay Engaged!

Charlotte’s tech scene is vibrant and full of opportunities, and we want you to be a part of it! Here’s how you can stay connected and make a difference:

• Stay connected with CyberHype Charlotte by following us on Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. Engage with our content, join discussions, and be part of the vibrant tech community we’re building in Charlotte. Your involvement helps us grow and continue to bring valuable updates to everyone in the tech scene.

• Visit Our Website: Dive into our website to access valuable resources, upcoming events, and the latest tech news that matter to you. cyberhypeclt.com is your go-to spot for everything tech in Charlotte!

• Share the Newsletter: Make sure your network has this essential resource for all things tech in Charlotte. Sharing our newsletter ensures that more people stay informed and engaged with the latest trends and innovations.

Charlotte’s tech scene is buzzing with innovation and opportunity. Stay engaged, keep exploring, and join our 9 tech enthusiasts as we continue to push the boundaries of technology. See you next month!