Optimize Cloudinary Media: DeepMind Blog Header Image + Google I/O Audio Brief

[jeromehardaway]

🛠 Description

Optimize both the header image and the embedded audio file used in this blog post for fast load times, responsive performance, and proper display in social media previews and in-browser streaming. The image currently lacks transformation controls and the audio lacks streaming optimizations. These updates will align media performance with Vets Who Code’s standard for high-impact blog content.

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✅ Acceptance Criteria
• The image.src in the frontmatter is updated with transformations: f_auto, q_auto:good, dpr_auto, c_fill, g_auto, w_1200, h_675.
• The audio file includes optional vc_auto for video codec and fl_progressive for smooth playback if necessary.
• The image loads and scales correctly across all devices and platforms.
• The audio file streams properly and displays a valid player in all modern browsers.
• The post still passes Open Graph previews (Twitter, LinkedIn, Slack cards) with the updated image.
• All changes are committed under a descriptive message, such as: chore: optimize blog image and audio for DeepMind post.

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📋 Implementation Notes

✅ Replace This Image:

image:
{
src: "https://res.cloudinary.com/vetswhocode/image/upload/v1747965846/google-deepmind-team_rtepag.jpg",
}

✅ With This Optimized Version:

image:
{
src: "https://res.cloudinary.com/vetswhocode/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto:good,dpr_auto,c_fill,g_auto,w_1200,h_675/v1747965846/google-deepmind-team_rtepag.jpg",
}

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✅ Audio Optimization (Optional Enhancements):

Current URL:

https://res.cloudinary.com/vetswhocode/video/upload/v1747973916/google-io-2025_dvdmck.wav

Suggested if reprocessing via Cloudinary:

https://res.cloudinary.com/vetswhocode/video/upload/f_auto,q_auto:good,vc_auto,fl_progressive/v1747973916/google-io-2025_dvdmck.wav

•	vc_auto: Allows automatic selection of the most compatible video/audio codec
•	fl_progressive: Ensures the audio buffers smoothly for better user experience

If you’re already seeing good playback, the current file may be sufficient—but the optimizations above will future-proof it.

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🔗 Related Issues or PRs
• Cloudinary Audio & Video Optimization Guide
• Cloudinary Image Optimization Parameters
• No related PRs at this time

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