Makers: The New Industrial Revolution
Chris Anderson
Random House
As editor-in-chief of the award- winning tech magazine Wired and author of the New York Times bestseller The Long Tail (about how the internet is changing business), Chris Anderson is keenly aware of the most cutting-edge trends in e-commerce, computers, social media, web-surfing and related topics. That is both the strength and weakness of his latest book, Makers: The New Industrial Revolution.
The book describes a future where do-it-yourself (DIY) technology, cooked up by amateurs and solo entrepreneurs on their home computers, will radically alter research, design, manufacturing, finance, marketing, employment, global trade and even the human body - a future "where western countries like the United States regain their lost manufacturing might".
Indeed, in Anderson's view, the world is well on its way to that arrangement. Small fabrication machines can already create what he calls "Real Stuff" - from plastic toy blocks to dental fillings - directly from relatively simple software instructions, almost as easily as a printer can whip out a document.
Aficionados send their computer codes, ideas and designs across the web via open-source communities, freely available to all. As Anderson defines the "Makers" of his title: "By simply bringing the web's culture and collaboration to the process of making, they're combining to build something on a scale we've never seen from DIY before."
Anderson's knowledge of technology - both the broad sweep of potential applications and the intricate mechanical details - is impressive. Yet his glowing vision seems to be based in part on the questionable assumption that the rest of humanity lives in a rarefied culture similar to his own neighbourhood just north of Silicon Valley in California. In this tech-enabled world, everyone apparently uses Adobe Illustrator's drawing programme and a Ning platform, sharing their designs with each other in the Cadsoft Eagle format and then uploading the files to a company like Ponoko or Pololu to manufacture, if they don't have their own CNC router such as ShopBot.
"That is just the first wave of what is quickly becoming a mainstream phenomenon," the author claims. "We are all designers now."
Mainstream? All? Well, no doubt that's true of Anderson, who started two tech companies in his spare time. But he might want to step outside the confines of California to take in a more balanced view of the world.
To be fair, the second half of Makers ignores those assumptions and delves into a much more wide-ranging analysis of the implications of the technology.
Anderson goes back into history to find the roots of the electronic DIY movement in the mass production of the Industrial Revolution, as well as the workbench tinkering of his own grandfather, who patented an automatic garden sprinkler system in 1943. In the bad old days, he writes, "My grandfather could invent the automatic sprinkler system in his workshop, but he couldn't build a factory there. To get to market, he had to interest a manufacturer in licensing his invention. And that is not only hard, but requires the inventor to lose control of his or her invention." It is also a rigid system, because the only way the manufacturer can make a decent profit is to churn out huge quantities of identical products.
Modern electronic technology is changing this mentality by giving companies more flexibility, according to Anderson. Merely by rejiggering software codes, manufacturers can profitably make - and constantly readjust - small batches of customised niche products. More important, the shrunken scale opens the door to individual inventor- entrepreneurs.
A key turning point was the introduction of Apple's powerful desktop laser printer, the LaserWriter, in 1985. Now anyone could write, design, and roll out multiple copies of a "newspaper", without the need for massive paper mills or printing presses.
That simple concept of printing from your home keyboard has branched out into multiple ramifications. On the hardware side, more elaborate versions of the printer now allow "printing" in 3D - in other words, fabricating a three-dimensional object. Where a traditional laser printer follows computer instructions to squirt ink onto paper, a 3D printer "just does the same thing with more motors and squirts more than just ink," as Makers puts it. For instance, the 3D version may squirt melted plastic in layers to gradually build up a shape.
Meanwhile, in the area of communication, the desktop printer led to Twitter, blogs, eBay and Facebook. "Once people were given the power of the press, they wanted to do more than print out newsletters," the book says. "So when the web arrived, 'publishing' became 'posting' and they could reach the world."
Inevitably, as Anderson sees it, some people moved beyond posting gossip and chitchat online, and started sharing business concepts. As inventors post their drafts and concepts through various open-source communities, and suggestions bounce back and forth among whoever happens to log onto that conversation, the inventors "get feedback as well as help in promotion, marketing, and fixing bugs".
One example of such crowdsourced creativity is the "Pivot Power" flexible power strip, an upgrade of the standard block of multiple outlets. Each outlet in this new version can pivot, thus allowing a couple of small plugs to squeeze in between one bulky adapter. A programmer from Wisconsin tossed the idea into the virtual suggestion box of a website called Quirky, and after enough people expressed interest, the Quirky staff refined it and found a factory to make the gadget.
But all that is so 20th century. "You think the last two decades were amazing?" Anderson asks rhetorically. "Just wait."
For instance, he sees a need for better group-financing tools. Right now there are websites like Quirky and Kickstarter, where creators post their ideas and seek contributions. A new US law, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, allows small companies to raise a maximum US$1 million (Dh3.6m) from crowdsourcing websites without going through the elaborate financial disclosure usually required for stock market listings. However, these existing methods have size limitations.
And the concept of planned obsolescence will disappear, now that it's so easy to rewrite software to make improvements, with the open-source community constantly feeding ideas, the book predicts. "As products like cars become more about their software than their hardware, … they can get better after you buy them, not worse."
Many commentators have noted that manufacturing is inching back to the US, for a variety of reasons, including rising wages in China; increased automation, which makes labour costs less important anyway; and a growing realisation of the advantages of locating factories near the end-user. To that, Anderson adds another explanation - the nimbleness and creativity of the US crowdsourcing movement and bootstrap inventors like his grandfather.
Makers is a surprisingly easy read despite its technical basis, because Anderson is very good at explaining the concepts in lay terms. To illustrate his points, he brings in not only his grandfather, but also his daughters and his attempt to build them an auto-piloted airplane out of Lego blocks.
However, the author's blithe optimism seriously weakens his case. His assumption that "we are all designers" who noodle around with 3D printers and CNC routers, making customised Lego M1 infantry rifles for our kids (yes, that's in the book), is only part of the problem.
It's rather surprising that someone who earns his living through traditional media - his magazine and books - seems so unaware of the downside of online self-publishing, including the uncontrollable spread of misinformation, embarrassing photos and content theft. Actually, Anderson sometimes seems unaware of the need to earn a living at all. "Such entrepreneurs often state that their first obligation is to serve their community, and to make money second," he writes, without any apparent scepticism.
He also evinces no queasiness as he describes the potential for genetic engineering, casually predicting that as the technological tools get more powerful and inexpensive "people will start hacking life".
Another serious problem, mainly in the first part of the book, is repetition. Indeed, this already short volume could probably be cut by about one-third, making it a perfect candidate for a technological innovation that Makers doesn't discuss: short e-books such as Amazon Singles.
In the latter sections, Anderson finally seems to acknowledge that his DIY marketplace is a small one and that "99.9 per cent of users would rather pay someone to do it for them". But that doesn't negate his predictions. His vision of a world of small-batch, personalised, home-based manufacturing could come true even if only a small percentage of laypeople did the initial tinkering, another small percentage chimed in with suggestions, another small percentage provided seed money, another small percentage spread the word, and a slightly larger customer base simply bought the stuff.
Such an outcome would be good for the world in many ways.
It would revitalise manufacturing, inspire creativity, save resources, and democratise business. For all this book's flaws, Anderson makes a persuasive case.
Fran Hawthorne is an award- winning US-based author and journalist who specialises in covering the intersection of business, finance and social policy.
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
New schools in Dubai
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Remaining fixtures
- August 29 – UAE v Saudi Arabia, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
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Winners
Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
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Player Career Award: Ronaldinho
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
The Kingfisher Secret
Anonymous, Penguin Books
Company%20profile
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ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
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The specs: 2017 Maserati Quattroporte
Price, base / as tested Dh389,000 / Dh559,000
Engine 3.0L twin-turbo V8
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Power 530hp @ 6,800rpm
Torque 650Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel economy, combined 10.7L / 100km
The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
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Rating: 4/5
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Opening day Premier League fixtures for August 9-11
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
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- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Profile of Tamatem
Date started: March 2013
Founder: Hussam Hammo
Based: Amman, Jordan
Employees: 55
Funding: $6m
Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Teri%20Baaton%20Mein%20Aisa%20Uljha%20Jiya
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amit%20Joshi%20and%20Aradhana%20Sah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECast%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shahid%20Kapoor%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%2C%20Dharmendra%2C%20Dimple%20Kapadia%2C%20Rakesh%20Bedi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Primera Liga fixtures (all times UAE: 4 GMT)
Friday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (10.15pm)
Real Betis v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Saturday
Alaves v Barcelona (8.15pm)
Levante v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm)
Girona v Malaga (10.15pm)
Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (12.15am)
Sunday
Espanyol v Leganes (8.15pm)
Eibar v Athletic Bilbao (8.15pm)
Getafe v Sevilla (10.15pm)
Real Madrid v Valencia (10.15pm)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000, 2,400m
Winner: Recordman, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer)
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000, 2,200m
Winner: AF Taraha, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m
Winner: Dhafra, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000, 1,400m
Winner: Maqam, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000, 1,600m
Winner: AF Momtaz, Fernando Jara, Musabah Al Muhairi
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000, 1,600m
Winner: Optimizm, Patrick Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi