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Gloss Staff

Gloss Staff

An incredible, slightly terrifying story from The Verge on the undersea cables that make all of this possible.
The invisible seafaring industry that keeps the internet afloat
How one crew risked radiation, storms, and currents to save Japan from digital isolation.
The VergeJosh DziezaBy Josh Dzieza Art by Kristen RadtkeArt by Kristen Radtke Photography by Go TakayamaPhotography by Go Takayama

As the feature piece says, you’ll only notice the industry if it breaks.

The lifestyle can be an obstacle. A career in subsea means enduring long stretches far from home, unpredictable schedules, and ironically, very poor internet. “Everyone complains about that,” said Kaida Takashi, a senior advisor at KCS, who is trying to get the Ocean Link set up with Starlink. It’s a generational difference, he said. For someone like him, a 62-year-old ham radio enthusiast, Wi-Fi barely fast enough to email is a luxury. Other industry veterans reminisced about the days when they felt fortunate to get faxes on board, or waiting for the mailbag in port, or the novelty of using the very cable they were laying to make calls from the middle of the ocean. But for people who grew up with an expectation of constant connectivity, the disconnection of shipboard life can cause visible discomfort. “It’s a part of them,” one industry veteran marveled of his younger colleagues. “They can’t let it go.”

Why designing for and on a tablet is great for business.

Tablets are becoming an increasingly popular tool for designers and artists, as they offer a range of benefits compared to traditional desktop and laptop computers. Here are some of the key reasons why tablets are great to design for:

  1. Portability: Tablets are lightweight and easy to carry around, making them ideal for on-the-go design work. This is especially useful for designers who are always on the move, or for those who work in different locations.
  2. Touchscreen Interface: Tablets feature a touchscreen interface, which allows designers to interact directly with their creations. This is a more natural and intuitive way to work, as designers can easily draw, paint, and manipulate objects directly on the screen.
  3. Precision: Many tablets now come with stylus input, like Apple Pencil or Microsoft Surface Pen, which provide precise control over the design process. This allows designers to create fine details and intricate designs, which can be difficult to achieve with a mouse and keyboard.
  4. Accessibility: Tablets are becoming more affordable, making them accessible to a wider range of designers, including students and independent artists. Additionally, many design apps are now available for tablets, making it easier for designers to work on their projects without the need for a powerful desktop computer.
  5. Battery life : Tablets come with good battery life which means designer can work anywhere, anytime.
  6. Software: Many graphic design software are now compatible with tablets, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Procreate. This means that designers can use the same tools and features that they would on a desktop computer, but with the added convenience and portability of a tablet.

Overall, tablets offer a range of benefits for designers, including portability, a touchscreen interface, precision, accessibility, battery life and software compatibility. These features make tablets a great option for designers who are looking for a more flexible and intuitive way to work on their projects.

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