New communication technologies. i don't really know what i expected when i enrolled in this course at the start of the semester. mostly because i didn't know how to get information about the courses. but i knew to expect something about technology... surprise surprise. the reason that i took this class up was that i wanted to take an art course. i am studying a bach. of psychology, and there weren't really any electives that were related to my area of interest... crime and forensic science. (although now i have decided to take on the bach. of forensic science by the horns) i also was working previous to study at a school organinsing the promotions and design adds and having the free creative licence to do as i wish (they still commission free lance work off me every now and again). so communication technology sounded good. and i could always fob it off as helping me to gain a more modern form of communication skills.
i dont really know whether i have gained more communication skills. but i know i have an elevated interest in things like the history of computers, open-source software, the internet, computers and even playing games... we bought a wii... i'm not really all that fond of writting essays and putting my thoughts onto something more material, or letting people see my thoughts before i express my ideas in the material. but i have actually had a heap of fun writting this blog, and through writing my essay (i don't think i've ever wanted anyone to read an essay that i have written before, its amazing). even though i didn't get to read the text book much during the semester i might actually pick it up for a read another time. maybe.
all in all i really liked studying this course. now that the essay is done and marks are back, and are great enough for me to be proud of. and after i have finished the exam, and it was actually less worrying then i first anticipated and very entertaining with all the puns... especially the one about the open source... i think if i had to choose again, yep i would. the only thing at one point that might have made me feel a little adverse was the long lectures, especially when i didn't quite understand a little bit of the content. but all is good.
hey, even if nothing else came out of this course for me, at least i will never have to pay for software again... or i won't.. unless i really like it. or maybe if i'm pressured, or win the lottery. yeah, bill gates is going to have to make me win the lottery to buy any of his software now. maybe we can all win the lottery and "give him the bird".
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
eXistenZ
well well well... i thought this movie was cool. or what i saw of it anyway (I wasn't at the lecture to see the last of it due to unforseen have to sleep-in ness.) i'm definately going to track it down and watch it, and make everyone i know whatch it. the idea of the gaming consoles made of actual felsh and bones was awesomely gross. the grudeiness of the scenes of the game were awsome. so underground, now i know it had a huge twist at the end... something about a game in a game. but i gotta watch it...
ooo... noooo... microsft excel
yeah these programs are good if you are using them for work, or personal budgets, but that's about it... i found this tutorial on excel rather boring. for me i had already learnt this is year 9. other than that microsoft have wizards and what not to help you along your journey to excel and word literacy. yay... we are all little microsoft vegetables...
Thursday, May 10, 2007
ooo... microsoft word...
microsoft word is really a good program for admin. while performing the mail merge exercise it made me think of so many times when this would be useful. i worked in admin for a year and the traking tool would be great if i knew it exsited. i don't know how many times i maually went and put my new writting in red and put lines through old ones so that i could show what corrections i had made... idoit. we'll i will definately use it now though. i don't know when i would use a mail merge on the other hand, but i'm sure now that i will use it if i get a chance to... oh i know, when we send out the thank you letters after the wedding.. oh yay i'm excited now. mail merge here i come...
The Nintendo Wii is Changing our Gaming Experience
When Nintendo had fallen out of the market their only hope looked like joining their competitors in filling their consoles with high-definition graphic chips, but they chose a different scope with their Nintendo Wii, appealing to a wide market with their motion-controlled machine (Gaudiosi 2007, pg 35). Their unique controller offered a fun approach to video gaming for not only serious gamers but undiscovered gamers as well. The interactions of the players with the games are much more physical (Lehrer 2006), offering a more realistic experience, but where can and will this technology go?
Nintendo knew they had to provide something unique and innovative to the table if they still wanted a piece of the video game market, so they looked to upgrade their controller design that was long overdue for a change (Gaudiosi 2007). They changed how controllers interacted with consoles with wireless Bluetooth. This allowed the detection of the motion of the player, enabling playing of tennis by simply swinging the remote as a racket, opening all alleys of possibilities for game designs (Gaudiosi 2007). The one-handed remote felt natural to hold, but made it difficult to complete more complex task like walking around while pointing the remote as a gun. This was solved with the addition of a ‘Nunchuck’, an extension of the remote held in the other hand with a joystick to control movement of the character. This could also be used for tasks like wielding a sword in one hand (Wii Remote) and a shield in the other (Nunchuck) (Canadian Press 2006), enhancing the realistic experience. The unique movement of the Wii Remote is also used in mini arcade-like-games where you preform a move with the Wii Remote to preform a task (repeatedly shaking to ascend in Sonic and the Secret Rings), and if you turn the Wii Remote on its side it can be used to steer in race-like games. Lastly the Wii Remote contains speakers and a rumble feature. The speakers emit sounds, like noises made hitting a ball with bat or blades touching in swordfight, that you would hear locally, and noises like the ball hitting the ground or the sound of a fallen enemy are made by the TV. In the same way the Wii Remote vibrates accordingly when you hit a ball. Both these features and the inventive design of the Wii Remote further enhance the realism experienced by video gaming on the Nintendo Wii.
The Physcial nature of the Nintendo Wii has been looked upon as a possible answer to solve some issues of childhood obesity (Henderson 2007, pg. 33). If not solve it completely it may eliminate some aspects of obesity that video gaming itself creates. Since the Wii was released numerous studies of the physical benefits of the console have come to light (Henderson 2007, pg. 33). It makes you wonder whether this was just an effort to get the fat fit, but the new Wii offers more than just a workout. Ever since it was release it has been viewed as inferior in high-definition graphics to its competitors, but it makes up for that with the unique interaction it offers and the realism of feeling like playing the game literally (Lehrer 2006). It is already know that our bodies are closely liked with emotions (Lehrer 2006), that the beginning of an emotional experience begins with the body. How do we know if we are nervous if we do not feel the ‘butterflies’ in our stomach? Through exciting our body, getting it up off the couch and interacting with the game, the Nintendo Wii excites our minds and our emotions, making the experience a more real and emotional one, surpassing the realism of high-definition graphics.
So the Nintendo Wii has shown innovation with its Wii Remote design and innovation with the way and amount that a player interacts with games, but how will it influence the way games are designed and presented. At present the Wii is viewed as a party sort of gaming console, purely for fun, and when it comes to serious gaming other consoles come first (Molyneux & Tucker 2007). Other machines are viewed as more powerful and more advanced, but Nintendo have a unique connection between their console and controller which may be wasted if they do not then do something unique with the games played on this unique console. We have already seen some innovation with the way the Wii Remote is used in such games as Sonic and the Secret Rings (Corbett 2007). The Wii Remote being used on its side to steer Sonic left and right, different buttons perform different jumps, slides and grinds, and when in the air by plunging the Wii Remote forward you can lock-on to an enemy and perform a homing attack (Corbett 2007). At times the Wii Remote is not entirely flawless, and there is room for improvement. With improvements to the remote’s accuracy there is possibility for improvement to the gaming experience. But what can they do that is really innovative? Something to really change the way we interact with and view video games. Creating some form of controller that is sensitive to movement of every part of the body may create a real feeling of control and realism right in your own living room. It is important to the Nintendo Wii’s success that this new technology is seized and used in a way entirely unique to video gaming.
The face of video gaming has changed drastically over its existence, but every improvement has only been in baby steeps. Nintendo have blown their competitors out of the water with their unique motion-sensitive controller, offering a more emotional and personal experience while playing video games. The possibilities of what will come next are limitless, only limited by the creative brains behind this development. Nintendo have all eyes on them at the moment, but not forever. What will they do to keep this fun little console beside everyone’s TV?
References
Canadian Press (2006) ‘Nintendo Wii Controller Turns Heads at E3’ CTV http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060512/nintendo_E3_060512/20060512 (accessed Monday 7th May 2007)
Corbett, Anthony (2007) ‘Sonic and the Secret Rings’ Gamer Iss. 3; pg. 36-39
Gaudiosi, John (2007) ‘Why Wii Won’ Business 2.0 May 2007, Vol. 8, Iss. 4; pg. 35
Henderson, Tim (2007) ‘Let’s Get Physical’ Nintendo Gamer Iss. 3; pg. 32-33
Lehrer, Jonah (2006) ‘A Console to Make You Wiip: How the Nintendo Wii Will Get You Emotionally Invested in Video Games’ Seed Magazine.com http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2006/11/a_console_to_make_you_wiip.php (accessed Monday 7th May 2007)
Molyneux, Peter & Tucker, Henry (2007) ‘Game On’ ITNow May 2007. Vol. 49, Iss. 3; pg. 16
Poole, Steven (2000) Trigger Happy Arcade Publishing, New York
Wolf, J. P. Mark (ed) (2002) The Medium of the Video Game University of Texas Press, Austin
Nintendo knew they had to provide something unique and innovative to the table if they still wanted a piece of the video game market, so they looked to upgrade their controller design that was long overdue for a change (Gaudiosi 2007). They changed how controllers interacted with consoles with wireless Bluetooth. This allowed the detection of the motion of the player, enabling playing of tennis by simply swinging the remote as a racket, opening all alleys of possibilities for game designs (Gaudiosi 2007). The one-handed remote felt natural to hold, but made it difficult to complete more complex task like walking around while pointing the remote as a gun. This was solved with the addition of a ‘Nunchuck’, an extension of the remote held in the other hand with a joystick to control movement of the character. This could also be used for tasks like wielding a sword in one hand (Wii Remote) and a shield in the other (Nunchuck) (Canadian Press 2006), enhancing the realistic experience. The unique movement of the Wii Remote is also used in mini arcade-like-games where you preform a move with the Wii Remote to preform a task (repeatedly shaking to ascend in Sonic and the Secret Rings), and if you turn the Wii Remote on its side it can be used to steer in race-like games. Lastly the Wii Remote contains speakers and a rumble feature. The speakers emit sounds, like noises made hitting a ball with bat or blades touching in swordfight, that you would hear locally, and noises like the ball hitting the ground or the sound of a fallen enemy are made by the TV. In the same way the Wii Remote vibrates accordingly when you hit a ball. Both these features and the inventive design of the Wii Remote further enhance the realism experienced by video gaming on the Nintendo Wii.
The Physcial nature of the Nintendo Wii has been looked upon as a possible answer to solve some issues of childhood obesity (Henderson 2007, pg. 33). If not solve it completely it may eliminate some aspects of obesity that video gaming itself creates. Since the Wii was released numerous studies of the physical benefits of the console have come to light (Henderson 2007, pg. 33). It makes you wonder whether this was just an effort to get the fat fit, but the new Wii offers more than just a workout. Ever since it was release it has been viewed as inferior in high-definition graphics to its competitors, but it makes up for that with the unique interaction it offers and the realism of feeling like playing the game literally (Lehrer 2006). It is already know that our bodies are closely liked with emotions (Lehrer 2006), that the beginning of an emotional experience begins with the body. How do we know if we are nervous if we do not feel the ‘butterflies’ in our stomach? Through exciting our body, getting it up off the couch and interacting with the game, the Nintendo Wii excites our minds and our emotions, making the experience a more real and emotional one, surpassing the realism of high-definition graphics.
So the Nintendo Wii has shown innovation with its Wii Remote design and innovation with the way and amount that a player interacts with games, but how will it influence the way games are designed and presented. At present the Wii is viewed as a party sort of gaming console, purely for fun, and when it comes to serious gaming other consoles come first (Molyneux & Tucker 2007). Other machines are viewed as more powerful and more advanced, but Nintendo have a unique connection between their console and controller which may be wasted if they do not then do something unique with the games played on this unique console. We have already seen some innovation with the way the Wii Remote is used in such games as Sonic and the Secret Rings (Corbett 2007). The Wii Remote being used on its side to steer Sonic left and right, different buttons perform different jumps, slides and grinds, and when in the air by plunging the Wii Remote forward you can lock-on to an enemy and perform a homing attack (Corbett 2007). At times the Wii Remote is not entirely flawless, and there is room for improvement. With improvements to the remote’s accuracy there is possibility for improvement to the gaming experience. But what can they do that is really innovative? Something to really change the way we interact with and view video games. Creating some form of controller that is sensitive to movement of every part of the body may create a real feeling of control and realism right in your own living room. It is important to the Nintendo Wii’s success that this new technology is seized and used in a way entirely unique to video gaming.
The face of video gaming has changed drastically over its existence, but every improvement has only been in baby steeps. Nintendo have blown their competitors out of the water with their unique motion-sensitive controller, offering a more emotional and personal experience while playing video games. The possibilities of what will come next are limitless, only limited by the creative brains behind this development. Nintendo have all eyes on them at the moment, but not forever. What will they do to keep this fun little console beside everyone’s TV?
References
Canadian Press (2006) ‘Nintendo Wii Controller Turns Heads at E3’ CTV http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060512/nintendo_E3_060512/20060512 (accessed Monday 7th May 2007)
Corbett, Anthony (2007) ‘Sonic and the Secret Rings’ Gamer Iss. 3; pg. 36-39
Gaudiosi, John (2007) ‘Why Wii Won’ Business 2.0 May 2007, Vol. 8, Iss. 4; pg. 35
Henderson, Tim (2007) ‘Let’s Get Physical’ Nintendo Gamer Iss. 3; pg. 32-33
Lehrer, Jonah (2006) ‘A Console to Make You Wiip: How the Nintendo Wii Will Get You Emotionally Invested in Video Games’ Seed Magazine.com http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2006/11/a_console_to_make_you_wiip.php (accessed Monday 7th May 2007)
Molyneux, Peter & Tucker, Henry (2007) ‘Game On’ ITNow May 2007. Vol. 49, Iss. 3; pg. 16
Poole, Steven (2000) Trigger Happy Arcade Publishing, New York
Wolf, J. P. Mark (ed) (2002) The Medium of the Video Game University of Texas Press, Austin
Thursday, April 26, 2007
virtual world/chat rooms
well.. i've never been big on chat rooms of any sort. not that i'm against it or anything, but i just haven't found it to be fun. i suppose it's not always a practicle thing. i use an instant chat at the moment to talk to friends and family that are interstate. but i suppose that is just the thing. these worlds are purly for your social life. thats what it seems to me to be for, a social life. and that's probly the whole reason why i don't like it. that and you're not always too sure who you're talking to. you can tell alot about non-verbal behaviours, tone of vioce and just planly what they look like. i think i prefer that secruity. as for virtual worlds versus instant chat. it seems they are just making their social lives into games. its like if you were to just sit and chat to one person it could get boring. but if you went out let's say ten pin bowling, you can have a chat while doing something recreational. i think all these virtual worlds are starting to supplement social lives and healthy social interaction. no wonder the world is beginning to become obese
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Australian
i thought this was pretty australian, also taken in melbourne on a beach. nothing like having your best friend with you on the beach while having a surf. i just added a few shapes to make it look more like a drawing. there are some transparencies on the shapes. i also adjusted the different RGB levels on the picture of the actual dog. i wanted the red in its coat to be as vibrant as the water and the grass. it didn't quite turned out how i wanted.
Friends
this photo was taken in Melbourne we a group of friends went for a trip. i just crop out separate sections of the photo and applied different filters to each. i mostly like the cut out one. i love the separation of colours. then i put a layer of transparent purple over the original image and cut out circles with a feathered edges around where i wanted to the focus. i then placed each of the cropped areas on the photos respectively.
communicationi just simply used the magnetic lasso tool and selected the lady on her mobile phone from another picture and placed her on the lovely desert image. although if you were actually in the desert it might not be as enjoyable as the picture is to look at.
to me this represents the limitless boundaries of technology. when mobile phones first cam out you could barely get reception at the best of times (i suppose that hasn't changed much). but one day i'm sure there will be a way that people could use technology in really distant palces. in the middle of nowhere where noone would really need it.
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