Hello folks who for some reason read this blog. Welcome to the last blog I intend to post here! Haha! I hope you've enjoyed the little joy ride so far. Here's hoping the last one isn't crappy.
Today we had Wayne MacPhail come in to speak to us on... uhh... web 2.0? I think. I'm not entirely sure. Personally, I think Web 2.0 is a silly term. Based on what Wayne told us, I know what is considered for Web 2.0, but why call it that? It seems... well, stupid. Can't we just call it the web like we always have? ( Link to Wikipedia on Web 2.0 )
Well, anyway, he talked to us about Web 2.0, telling us that it encourages community and collaboration, shared content creation (Isn't this the same as collaboration?), and that Web 2.0 websites focus on a single task and have clean, clear interfaces. Like Facebook... Ugh... I dislike Facebook. Something about it, and other social networking sites, just don't sit well with me. ( Link to Facebook )
He then got into talking about the key concepts of Web 2.0, starting with tagging. This is where you attach keywords to images, videos, and documents to allow for more relevant searching. For example, on YouTube you could have a video of someone's puppy "fighting" a toy robot and tag it with "puppy", and could find other videos tagged with "puppy" as well to get a collective library of videos on YouTube that should have puppies in them! ( Link to YouTube video of a puppy "fighting" a toy robot )
At this point, I sorta lost it. I managed to tune in long enough to learn about RSS feeds, but honestly that was it. I got distracted after that. Anyway, I never really bothered looking up about RSS feeds prior, largely because all I knew about them was that they kept people off my website. While this is ok to an extent, I want people on my actual site! I don't want them finding out something new without going to the actual site. It didn't seem like something I'd want to set-up. I still don't think that way. It basically just gives them a feed to a special program that says "This website updated today with this" followed by whatever the update was. That's all find and dandy, but my website runs an ad to generate money to keep it going. An RSS feed would be pointless for me, I feel. ( Link to Wikipedia on RSS )
But who knows? Maybe I'm looking at it wrong.
AND THAT'S IT! Now get lost!
Unless you have a dollar, then I welcome you with open arms. :D
- Skye
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Term 2 - Blog 2
For the second guest speaker, we actually had two speakers in one day. It started with a visit to the ROM where we spoke with the Senior Director of New Media for the ROM. I currently do not remember his name.
He spoke with us on what he did at the ROM, how the ROM operates (It kinda felt like he was trying to sell something to us, he kept pushing how the ROM needs donations... I didn't appreciate that), then moved on to discuss some of the things the ROM has now. We were in a room designed for digital learning during this, so this was what we were shown; How the ROM is trying to use digital learning to teach history. ( Link )
We were then given the chance to go around the ROM a bit, though not much. We were shown the dinosaur exhibit, where they were using what appeared to be touch screen kiosks. Given how responsive they were, I don't think they were touch screen at all, but were actually GesturTek technology. We were shown one thing during the tour that was, indeed, from GesturTek, so it wouldn't surprise me. ( Link )
Oh, did I mention the mummified skeleton we saw? No? It was awesome! I hope I don't get cursed or anything. :D
After the show of the dinosaur exhibit, it was pretty much over, so we all went for lunch then headed to our next destination: The "office" of one Steve Mann. The walk was kinda annoying and we barely made it on time, though we all have to thank Heather for getting there at all! Her GPS device saved the day! ( Link )
So anyway, we met with the "world's first cyborg", and somehow I knew it would be an entertaining experience. It was indeed. I can somewhat see why they call him the a "cyborg", given his work into mediated reality and how he likes to wear a camera on his head. To be honest, it felt a bit as if he wore it all on purpose for the sake of a role and he didn't wear it all day long. But anyway, Steve Mann is the writer of a couple of books which talk about the subject of mediated reality, a concept which does interest me somewhat. ( Link ) ( Link )
Steve introduced us to what I believe is his latest invention, the hydraulophone! What is it, you ask? Why, it's a flute that uses water instead of air! It was actually pretty cool, and a few people got soaked from him playing it for us. I'm glad I didn't. Anyway, the hydraulaphone is designed as landscape architecture for public parks, museums and landmarks. It's far too expensive for the average human to purchase, however. The idea is you cover holes, which are pumping water out, to create noise. Some variations can be used almost like a piano, and with practice you can do a lot of cool music with it. ( Link )
That's all for now.
He spoke with us on what he did at the ROM, how the ROM operates (It kinda felt like he was trying to sell something to us, he kept pushing how the ROM needs donations... I didn't appreciate that), then moved on to discuss some of the things the ROM has now. We were in a room designed for digital learning during this, so this was what we were shown; How the ROM is trying to use digital learning to teach history. ( Link )
We were then given the chance to go around the ROM a bit, though not much. We were shown the dinosaur exhibit, where they were using what appeared to be touch screen kiosks. Given how responsive they were, I don't think they were touch screen at all, but were actually GesturTek technology. We were shown one thing during the tour that was, indeed, from GesturTek, so it wouldn't surprise me. ( Link )
Oh, did I mention the mummified skeleton we saw? No? It was awesome! I hope I don't get cursed or anything. :D
After the show of the dinosaur exhibit, it was pretty much over, so we all went for lunch then headed to our next destination: The "office" of one Steve Mann. The walk was kinda annoying and we barely made it on time, though we all have to thank Heather for getting there at all! Her GPS device saved the day! ( Link )
So anyway, we met with the "world's first cyborg", and somehow I knew it would be an entertaining experience. It was indeed. I can somewhat see why they call him the a "cyborg", given his work into mediated reality and how he likes to wear a camera on his head. To be honest, it felt a bit as if he wore it all on purpose for the sake of a role and he didn't wear it all day long. But anyway, Steve Mann is the writer of a couple of books which talk about the subject of mediated reality, a concept which does interest me somewhat. ( Link ) ( Link )
Steve introduced us to what I believe is his latest invention, the hydraulophone! What is it, you ask? Why, it's a flute that uses water instead of air! It was actually pretty cool, and a few people got soaked from him playing it for us. I'm glad I didn't. Anyway, the hydraulaphone is designed as landscape architecture for public parks, museums and landmarks. It's far too expensive for the average human to purchase, however. The idea is you cover holes, which are pumping water out, to create noise. Some variations can be used almost like a piano, and with practice you can do a lot of cool music with it. ( Link )
That's all for now.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Blog Assignment #1 - Term 2
Well, what do ya know? I have to do more of these blogs. Oh well, haha.
Today we had James Eberhardt come in to talk to us. He's... uhh... famous? I don't know. I think he was. Oh well, moving on. He came in to talk to us about mobile devices.
Of the things he discussed, the first thing that came to my mind to write here was of the ability to take photos and directly upload them to Flickr. However, I do have a concern with such an ability. Since it includes GPS information on where the photo was taken, it can potentially give out information people might not want to get known, especially given how dangerous the internet. It's not something I'd personally make use of. ( Link to Flickr )
Something else that caught my attention was about QR codes. I had actually seen those before, but I was never aware of what they were for. To learn they're a new type of barcode, capable of much more data, is just awesome. :D Also the fact that the patent owner isn't enforcing their patent, which is why it's so widely used, is even better. ( Link to Wikipedia article on QR code )
Another thing he mentioned was semipedia.org. It's a website that is making use of QR codes to link real places and things to their related Wikipedia articles. I think that's pretty cool, given how useful Wikipedia can be (As long as people don't mess with the articles). It certainly spreads knowledge around a lot more, and that's something that needs to be done in this world. ( Link to semipedia.org )
James also did me a favour when he talked about SMS. I had heard the acronym SMS and I knew it was related to text-messaging, but I was never aware of the full title for the acronym; short message service. SMS is something I think is cool in some applications, but lame in others. It's kinda all over the place. However, I had also only thought it to be limited to cell phones. But then again, learning about being able to send it to a computer would explain how shows like (ugh...) American Idol work. ( Link to Wikipedia Article on SMS )
The last thing I wanted to bring up was when James discussed GPRS vs. WiFi, and the differences between the two. Personally, I'm a fan of WiFi given how much cheaper it is, not to mention the ease in creating WiFi networks. I know there is one in Sheridan, while I have one set-up in my own house. It's relatively easily. Actually, that reminds me how shortly after the Nintendo DS launched, Nintendo and McDonalds made plans to install WiFi networks in all McDonalds that would work with the DS. I don't know if they did that in Canada, I've not stepped into a McDonalds store in years. I should find out. However, it goes to show you how easy WiFi is to set-up if they have done that in literally every McDonalds store. ( Link to news article on WiFi in McDonalds ). However, even then GPRS will still be more accessible yet more expensive. Bah.
And that's all for today!
Today we had James Eberhardt come in to talk to us. He's... uhh... famous? I don't know. I think he was. Oh well, moving on. He came in to talk to us about mobile devices.
Of the things he discussed, the first thing that came to my mind to write here was of the ability to take photos and directly upload them to Flickr. However, I do have a concern with such an ability. Since it includes GPS information on where the photo was taken, it can potentially give out information people might not want to get known, especially given how dangerous the internet. It's not something I'd personally make use of. ( Link to Flickr )
Something else that caught my attention was about QR codes. I had actually seen those before, but I was never aware of what they were for. To learn they're a new type of barcode, capable of much more data, is just awesome. :D Also the fact that the patent owner isn't enforcing their patent, which is why it's so widely used, is even better. ( Link to Wikipedia article on QR code )
Another thing he mentioned was semipedia.org. It's a website that is making use of QR codes to link real places and things to their related Wikipedia articles. I think that's pretty cool, given how useful Wikipedia can be (As long as people don't mess with the articles). It certainly spreads knowledge around a lot more, and that's something that needs to be done in this world. ( Link to semipedia.org )
James also did me a favour when he talked about SMS. I had heard the acronym SMS and I knew it was related to text-messaging, but I was never aware of the full title for the acronym; short message service. SMS is something I think is cool in some applications, but lame in others. It's kinda all over the place. However, I had also only thought it to be limited to cell phones. But then again, learning about being able to send it to a computer would explain how shows like (ugh...) American Idol work. ( Link to Wikipedia Article on SMS )
The last thing I wanted to bring up was when James discussed GPRS vs. WiFi, and the differences between the two. Personally, I'm a fan of WiFi given how much cheaper it is, not to mention the ease in creating WiFi networks. I know there is one in Sheridan, while I have one set-up in my own house. It's relatively easily. Actually, that reminds me how shortly after the Nintendo DS launched, Nintendo and McDonalds made plans to install WiFi networks in all McDonalds that would work with the DS. I don't know if they did that in Canada, I've not stepped into a McDonalds store in years. I should find out. However, it goes to show you how easy WiFi is to set-up if they have done that in literally every McDonalds store. ( Link to news article on WiFi in McDonalds ). However, even then GPRS will still be more accessible yet more expensive. Bah.
And that's all for today!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Blog Assignment #3
Well, here's the last one. Guess I couldn't get into real blogging in that time. Oh well.
Today we had Simon Conlin, who talked to us about... err... actually, I really don't know. I paid attention, yet there didn't seem to be a sort of "topic" like before. He just... talked about anything and then showed us some links. The closest I can think of he talked with us on creativity and human interaction with multimedia.
One of the first things we were shown was a video on Youtube of a young man using a Nintendo Wii Remote to create a sort of finger sensor similar to what is used in Minority Report. I've honestly never watched Minority Report, but I do understand the technology. To use the Wii Remote as a means of creating this technology was a rather inventive way to do it, I felt. It shows just how easy this technology can be made now. (Link to YouTube video #1)
After this, we were shown an interview with an individual named Zack Booth Simpson. Zack creates interactive art, and we were given a number of examples of his work. He spoke primarily on the creativity of various projects of his and how he came to make them. A few of them were particularly interesting, given how even old art that was designed to be interactive is forced to be nothing more than stationary these days. It made his work seem more interesting. (Link to YouTube video #2) (Link to YouTube video #3)
Simon then introduced us to a group creating fantastic light show technology, via a video of George Michael, that reminded Simon quite a bit about the light shows used by Pink Floyd for their tours; light shows were one of the most important things for a Pink Floyd concert. The technology used could easily be used to create great light shows that is, to an extent, reusable. New supplies would not need to be purchased, but instead they would just need to transport the devices to create the show. (Link to Meso.net's project info on George Michael's project)
After this we were largely left with nothing, although we did watch a few other of his video links. I was largely enticed by the one from Adobe of a wall that would create randomized content as people walked by it. People would often stop and watch it go, walk backwards to see the content erase, and occasionally play around with it to see what else they could do. Of course, what they didn't realize was that the purpose of the wall was to promote Adobe CS3, which it no doubt succeeded in. Even if some of the people didn't know what Adobe was for, the wall made them curious enough to look them up, leading to some potential new sales. (Link to YouTube video)
And that's really it. That's the end of this blog. Now, go bug someone else. I need to get working, hahaha.
Today we had Simon Conlin, who talked to us about... err... actually, I really don't know. I paid attention, yet there didn't seem to be a sort of "topic" like before. He just... talked about anything and then showed us some links. The closest I can think of he talked with us on creativity and human interaction with multimedia.
One of the first things we were shown was a video on Youtube of a young man using a Nintendo Wii Remote to create a sort of finger sensor similar to what is used in Minority Report. I've honestly never watched Minority Report, but I do understand the technology. To use the Wii Remote as a means of creating this technology was a rather inventive way to do it, I felt. It shows just how easy this technology can be made now. (Link to YouTube video #1)
After this, we were shown an interview with an individual named Zack Booth Simpson. Zack creates interactive art, and we were given a number of examples of his work. He spoke primarily on the creativity of various projects of his and how he came to make them. A few of them were particularly interesting, given how even old art that was designed to be interactive is forced to be nothing more than stationary these days. It made his work seem more interesting. (Link to YouTube video #2) (Link to YouTube video #3)
Simon then introduced us to a group creating fantastic light show technology, via a video of George Michael, that reminded Simon quite a bit about the light shows used by Pink Floyd for their tours; light shows were one of the most important things for a Pink Floyd concert. The technology used could easily be used to create great light shows that is, to an extent, reusable. New supplies would not need to be purchased, but instead they would just need to transport the devices to create the show. (Link to Meso.net's project info on George Michael's project)
After this we were largely left with nothing, although we did watch a few other of his video links. I was largely enticed by the one from Adobe of a wall that would create randomized content as people walked by it. People would often stop and watch it go, walk backwards to see the content erase, and occasionally play around with it to see what else they could do. Of course, what they didn't realize was that the purpose of the wall was to promote Adobe CS3, which it no doubt succeeded in. Even if some of the people didn't know what Adobe was for, the wall made them curious enough to look them up, leading to some potential new sales. (Link to YouTube video)
And that's really it. That's the end of this blog. Now, go bug someone else. I need to get working, hahaha.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Blog Assignment #2
On Friday, our class went down to Toronto to visit the office of a company known as GestureTek. A rather interesting company, given what they've made, though I do feel their office is kind of poor. Then again, it's not their main office so I suppose that makes it acceptable.
For starters, we were guided around by one of the higher-ups of GestureTek (One of the founders of GestureTek, actually), Vincent John Vincent. Of course, we weren't really told much we didn't already know from research, but oh well.
He spoke to us on each of their various products; some were rather interesting as we couldn't find too much on them or they didn't look to work so well (Though seeing them in person they looked a lot better), while others were as dull as I originally found.
One thing Vincent brought up to us was how their technology is mostly used in museums, despite some of the other applications it has. One such place is the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, according to the GestureTek website (Link).
Another thing Vincent saw to bringing up, something many of us were aware of, was that they had hardware and software designed specifically for rehab and that using it excelled a person's rate of regeneration. I don't know if this is true, and probably won't unless I could speak to people who have used it, but it sounds to be of great benefit. A number of places make use of the technology, too (Link)
One thing I learned that I was not aware of was that some of what GestureTek has designed is actually used by several weather stations across the USA. This surprised me to learn, and I'm rather upset I can't find any links regarding it. Hopefully something will come along.
Along with this, we were told that some of their technology was used in games for a japanese show! This is another thing I wish I could find a link to, just so I can watch. Finding more entertainment applications is cool, I believe. It's a shame they seem to only have these videos at their office.
Some of their other technologies were cool, and I kinda wish I could learn more. What caught my interest when seeing it was the GroundFX, because it reminded me of something shown at E3 in 2006, I believe, by Nintendo. I had to wonder if perhaps what Nintendo used then was, in fact, GestureTek technology (Link)
That's really all for now, though. Missing two links and that annoys me, mostly because I can't the links I'd want on the GestureTek website or anywhere else.
For starters, we were guided around by one of the higher-ups of GestureTek (One of the founders of GestureTek, actually), Vincent John Vincent. Of course, we weren't really told much we didn't already know from research, but oh well.
He spoke to us on each of their various products; some were rather interesting as we couldn't find too much on them or they didn't look to work so well (Though seeing them in person they looked a lot better), while others were as dull as I originally found.
One thing Vincent brought up to us was how their technology is mostly used in museums, despite some of the other applications it has. One such place is the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, according to the GestureTek website (Link).
Another thing Vincent saw to bringing up, something many of us were aware of, was that they had hardware and software designed specifically for rehab and that using it excelled a person's rate of regeneration. I don't know if this is true, and probably won't unless I could speak to people who have used it, but it sounds to be of great benefit. A number of places make use of the technology, too (Link)
One thing I learned that I was not aware of was that some of what GestureTek has designed is actually used by several weather stations across the USA. This surprised me to learn, and I'm rather upset I can't find any links regarding it. Hopefully something will come along.
Along with this, we were told that some of their technology was used in games for a japanese show! This is another thing I wish I could find a link to, just so I can watch. Finding more entertainment applications is cool, I believe. It's a shame they seem to only have these videos at their office.
Some of their other technologies were cool, and I kinda wish I could learn more. What caught my interest when seeing it was the GroundFX, because it reminded me of something shown at E3 in 2006, I believe, by Nintendo. I had to wonder if perhaps what Nintendo used then was, in fact, GestureTek technology (Link)
That's really all for now, though. Missing two links and that annoys me, mostly because I can't the links I'd want on the GestureTek website or anywhere else.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Blog Assignment #1
So here's the first blog I need to write for my Multimedia Pioneering class.
Today our speaker was Song Ho Ahn, a former employee of the now defunct Immersion Studios. He spoke to us on new technologies that allow mass numbers of people to control and influence what they are shown.
To begin with, we were shown a number of web applications done for learning purposes; one was how to park at a terminal at Pearson International Airport, another was a simulation of what life was like at a viking colony located on the coast of Newfoundland, while a third was a police tutorial on measuring skid mark distance. These quick programs were not much, for they were really only on an individual basis. However, as an edutainment tool, the simulation of a viking colony somewhat succeeded at this (Link to Viking Simulation Info) After that, we were shown a program that allowed a user with a webcam to move the head of a 3D-drawn image. The future intent of this program was to allow facial recognition, so mouth movement and expressions could be detected (Link to Facial Recognition Info). At this time, the program looked rather promising. It could eventually have affects on online gaming, particularly in games like World of Warcraft, where players currently do not have control of facial models (Link to WoW.com).
A lot of the work now being done in the Visualization Design Institute is done using a program called Ogre, an open source 3D graphics engine. The engine can provide some rather decent 3D effects, and being open source it does not really cost anything (Link to Ogre).
After this, we were brought into a studio where we were brain washed... ok, no, we weren't. We were given a much more solid example of a mass of people affecting something through technology. We used tablets to affect an immersive video as we attempted to remove some life-threatening object from within a person. This was one of Immersion Studios museum exhibits and may still exist in some locations. However, one client of this game, the Montréal Science Centre, appears to have dropped this for a new exhibit (Link to Montréal Science Centre's current immersive exhibit).
Today our speaker was Song Ho Ahn, a former employee of the now defunct Immersion Studios. He spoke to us on new technologies that allow mass numbers of people to control and influence what they are shown.
To begin with, we were shown a number of web applications done for learning purposes; one was how to park at a terminal at Pearson International Airport, another was a simulation of what life was like at a viking colony located on the coast of Newfoundland, while a third was a police tutorial on measuring skid mark distance. These quick programs were not much, for they were really only on an individual basis. However, as an edutainment tool, the simulation of a viking colony somewhat succeeded at this (Link to Viking Simulation Info) After that, we were shown a program that allowed a user with a webcam to move the head of a 3D-drawn image. The future intent of this program was to allow facial recognition, so mouth movement and expressions could be detected (Link to Facial Recognition Info). At this time, the program looked rather promising. It could eventually have affects on online gaming, particularly in games like World of Warcraft, where players currently do not have control of facial models (Link to WoW.com).
A lot of the work now being done in the Visualization Design Institute is done using a program called Ogre, an open source 3D graphics engine. The engine can provide some rather decent 3D effects, and being open source it does not really cost anything (Link to Ogre).
After this, we were brought into a studio where we were brain washed... ok, no, we weren't. We were given a much more solid example of a mass of people affecting something through technology. We used tablets to affect an immersive video as we attempted to remove some life-threatening object from within a person. This was one of Immersion Studios museum exhibits and may still exist in some locations. However, one client of this game, the Montréal Science Centre, appears to have dropped this for a new exhibit (Link to Montréal Science Centre's current immersive exhibit).
Saturday, September 15, 2007
So... yea...
Welcome to the distorted world of me. I'm your host Andrew, but you can all refer to me as my usual moniker, Skye.
So this is a place where I can just freely discuss whatever I feel like. It'll also be the place where I place some entries for my grad school program, Interactive Multimedia, as required by one of the courses.
But of course, the question is what I would even write about? Honestly, blogging seems like a silly concept to me, nothing but a public journal. Why would I want to let people read a journal? For many folks, journals are a grand source of privacy, meant to allow one to keep their memories intact and to be a source where they can gain knowledge from their past experiences. Why would I want to make this public? I don't know, but perhaps there is something to blogging that I'm missing entirely, something that takes it beyond a journal and into a new realm I've never thought to look at. I guess I'll find out.
Another thing you'll see me write about is various tidbits of info regarding my three literary works: Star of Destiny, a collection of stories that revolve around an event known as the Dawn of Fate (The primary of which is based on a character named after my appellation, Skye McCloud, and the woman he falls in love with of whom the title of the work is derived from, Star Yunai), Hope Everlasting, the story of a spawn of horror as he attempts to save a world that appears to be doomed to end, and Snow, the tragic tale of a young woman living in a world of science, where she will act as the return of the unknown element referred to humans as magic. You'll get things like what I personally think of my own writing (I often look down upon my works, so don't worry. I'm not some egotistical simpleton who believes their work is far beyond others)
Beyond this, who knows? I guess it will depend on whatever I feel like writing about. Well, this marks the end of my intro. I hope you enjoy your stay in my world, filled with its distortions and oddities.
- Skye
So this is a place where I can just freely discuss whatever I feel like. It'll also be the place where I place some entries for my grad school program, Interactive Multimedia, as required by one of the courses.
But of course, the question is what I would even write about? Honestly, blogging seems like a silly concept to me, nothing but a public journal. Why would I want to let people read a journal? For many folks, journals are a grand source of privacy, meant to allow one to keep their memories intact and to be a source where they can gain knowledge from their past experiences. Why would I want to make this public? I don't know, but perhaps there is something to blogging that I'm missing entirely, something that takes it beyond a journal and into a new realm I've never thought to look at. I guess I'll find out.
Another thing you'll see me write about is various tidbits of info regarding my three literary works: Star of Destiny, a collection of stories that revolve around an event known as the Dawn of Fate (The primary of which is based on a character named after my appellation, Skye McCloud, and the woman he falls in love with of whom the title of the work is derived from, Star Yunai), Hope Everlasting, the story of a spawn of horror as he attempts to save a world that appears to be doomed to end, and Snow, the tragic tale of a young woman living in a world of science, where she will act as the return of the unknown element referred to humans as magic. You'll get things like what I personally think of my own writing (I often look down upon my works, so don't worry. I'm not some egotistical simpleton who believes their work is far beyond others)
Beyond this, who knows? I guess it will depend on whatever I feel like writing about. Well, this marks the end of my intro. I hope you enjoy your stay in my world, filled with its distortions and oddities.
- Skye
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