America! Heck yeah!
Few holidays bring out as much enthusiasm and hardcore partying as Independence Day.
It has become an annual rite and ritual to bring family and friends together, grill some hot dogs and burgers, and look up into the sky as incendiary devices blow up all around the community.
Yes, it's fireworks time in America so rejoice!
As with most holidays, technology has been slowly creeping into 4th of July celebrations, offering new ways to commemorate the special day, entertain the family, and boost the recognition of community gatherings.
Here are a few ways that technology is changing the way we celebrate our independence, nearly 250 years later.
Fireworks Displays: The granddaddy of all 4th of July celebrations has had a tech-infused resurgence in the last couple of years. It's the tried-and-true tradition that even the smallest of towns can participate in.
But because of technology, immaculate and elaborate showcases are more possible than ever. Oftentimes, when you see the celebration light up the sky, it comes long after the planning and "execution" have already been tested several times in simulations.
Programs like Finale and ShowSim, as well, allow choreographers to design intricate displays with 3D renderings and precise music synchronization, resulting in more spectacular and synchronized shows. And we benefit.
Live Streaming and Virtual Gatherings: If there is an event going on, whether in town or not, there is usually an option to live stream it, as well. If you cannot attend your city's fireworks or a 4th of July parade, the cost of entry has lowered for municipalities that want to offer this for its residents.
Because of this, you can celebrate remotely with the community. All you need is a live stream and an internet connection. Video conferencing tools like Zoom or WebEx also enable virtual gatherings with friends and family on the 4th of July.
Drones and Light Shows: Yes, there are real, impactful, and potentially life-saving ways that drones are being deployed in the world today. But, then again, there are also some really fun ones!
Drone light shows have grown in popularity across the country, with companies deploying hundreds of display drones simultaneously, executing a choreographed pattern of movements and light flashes to create some of the more artistic displays of today.
Drone light shows are replacing or supplementing traditional fireworks displays.
Augmented Reality Fireworks: All right, let's be clear here. This is one of the more anti-social options on this list but it's a good thing these are not as widespread as the others.
That said, there are a good number of people who love augmented reality and AR companies are not disappointing them. Apps allow people to virtually experience fireworks displays on their smartphones or tablets.
These apps can project realistic-looking fireworks onto your screen, adding a fun, interactive element to the celebrations. Of course, it's a one-person show but sometimes that's what you need on a holiday, right?
Social Media and Communication: This one is more of a generic suggestion but the growth in both the number of social media platforms and the percentage of the population who uses them has created an opportunity during the holiday.
Social media now plays a big role in connecting people and sharing the 4th of July spirit. People use these platforms to share photos and videos of fireworks displays, barbecues, and celebrations, fostering a sense of community and togetherness even if geographically apart.
