Friday, January 02, 2009 

 

Dream of the Year: Second Life 2.0

by Gwyneth Llewelyn

It's obviously fake (specially the release date — "late 2009") but it certainly makes us dream ;)



Saturday, December 20, 2008 

 

AjaxLife Down In Protest

by Gwyneth Llewelyn

The most talented programmer of the Teen Grid, the amazing Katharine Berry, has shut down AjaxLife, a free service that allows any resident of both grids to connect to Second Life on a non-graphical interface that can be launched from any Web browser that supports JavaScript.

The shutdown is a protest. According to Katharine, account creation (outside the US) on the Teen Grid was down 18 months out of the past 24 months. Allegedly, Linden Lab seems to abandoning the Teen Grid completely and not caring if it works or not. No wonder they're not worried about a lack of new residents there.

We have obviously no way to verify this, of course, but it seems pretty serious to the point that Katharine, usually a calm person when dealing with LL's refusal to deal with issues on the Teen Grid, is actively protesting this time.

Katharine claims that residents using AjaxLife, which runs from Amazon's virtual server platform, consume about 100 GB of traffic per month, for a total cost of around US$120/monthly, which comes from donations.

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United Sailing Sims joins the mainland

by Gwyneth Llewelyn

In the wake of the Openspace drama, huge areas which used Openspace sims for sailing and races were threatened to disappear from Second Life since Linden Lab announced the dramatic price change for 2009.

Well, LL is trying hard to make things less painful for the boating fans all over the grid. One of the largest sailing community in Second Life, United Sailing Sims, boasting 9 different communities joined together and around 130 sims — most of them set up just for sailing and races, obviously using Openspace sims — have been designated by Linden Lab for an experiment: joining up private islands with the mainland, at a prime location just eastwards from the newest mainland continent, Nautilus.

Obviously Linden Lab looks forward to this "promotion", but for USS, threatened to drop about 95% of their landmass, this is the only option they had left. They'll survive and grow — while at the same time, landowners in Nautilus' east coast will now enjoy the racing competitions just outside their windows :)

It's quite likely that Linden Lab will do the same for other sailing communities, or other communities using openspace sims in what Linden Lab redefined as "proper use" (ie. basically not really using them much except as 'filler space' — ideal for ocean-loving or forest-loving residents). We'll see if they all get 'connected' to the mainland in some way, thus making my own predictions come true: 2009 will be the year of "back to the mainland" :)

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Thursday, December 18, 2008 

 

Remedy Communications to Extend Reach and Impact of Metanomics "Virtual Talk Show"

by Jade Lily

Toronto, December 16, 2008 – Metanomics, a "virtual talk show" filmed primarily in the online, 3D world of Second Life and broadcast on the web, announced today that Remedy Communications, a leading communication and "virtual world" development company, will provide marketing and technical expertise to the program.

Remedy will supply the resources to extend Metanomics’ role as the leading source of insight into online virtual worlds. Metanomics, hosted by show founder Professor Robert Bloomfield of Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management, will continue to focus on best practices for the swiftly evolving enterprise, educational and social opportunities of online three-dimensional web content.

"The partnership with Remedy Communications is a valuable resource as Metanomics strives to enrich its substance, reach and influence. I am impressed by the energy and talents of both the Remedy creative staff, and the virtual world development team that will promote and operate the Metanomics show,” said Professor Bloomfield. "We want Metanomics to be the most trustworthy portal to access the latest and best in virtual world practices and potential."

Metanomics has charted, analyzed and assessed the growing commercial and consumer importance of virtual worlds, using Second Life as its "home base". For Metanomics, virtual worlds "are serious business".

Many businesses, small to multi-national, are looking for solutions to remain competitive in a global market with limited resources. "In an economic period where cost-savings are critical for large corporations, virtual worlds offer advantages that are not fully realized by alternative bleeding-edge internet solutions," said Sandy Adam of Sigma-Aldrich Chemical. "For example, Sigma-Aldrich uses virtual worlds for cost-effective 3D collaboration, as well as for product demonstrations that would not be possible at customer sites. Enterprises that benefit from 3D visualization, global intra-communications, or effective social networking, rely on the weekly Metanomics show to keep up-to-date with timely and in-depth coverage of virtual world opportunities."

Erica Driver, co-founder of ThinkBalm, an independent analyst firm focused on enterprise use of the Immersive Internet, and formerly a strategic advisor at Forrester, said that: “The Metanomics show is a futuristic combination of traditional lecture, TV talk show, massive group text chat, and weekly gathering of friends and associates from around the globe. In just a year, the Metanomics show has evolved into an invaluable source of information about immersive internet trends, developments, and announcements."

In recent Metanomics programs, attorney Benjamin Duranske considered how the creation of virtual worlds might alter intellectual property law, architect Jon Brouchoud explained how virtual worlds could provide cost-saving collaborative and integrated practice in the building industry, and Dahlia Khalifa of the World Bank emphasized the value of reaching a large world audience through virtual worlds as part of their "Doing Business 2009" report.

"Remedy believes that virtual worlds hold real practical and commercial potential for a vast range of business, non-profit and social organizations," said Doug Thompson, CEO, Remedy Communications. "Much like the first Internet revolution, use of 'virtual worlds' can assist collaborative business practices, save money, and build revenue. The Metanomics program is dedicated to showing businesses and others how to step into this brave new world."

Additional information about Remedy and Metanomics, along with the full press release and related contact information, can be found here: http://metanomics.net/PressRelease121508

Sunday, November 09, 2008 

 

Physical Virtuality - The Machinima.

by Frans Charming

Chantal Harvey produced a short machinima: Physical Virtuality 'What's the weight of an avatar?". It gives a impression of the inworld experience of the mixed reality event of the same name that happened past Nov 1st.


I volunteered on the RL side an commented the following earlier on hamlet's blogs about it:
"A lot of the public was still uncomfortable with virtual worlds and where surprised that people from around the globe would login and stand on a virtual see-saw with them. We had a lot if fun explaining, playing with them and in and introducing people to SL in this manner.
We have talked about how things could be improved, I think more modes of interactivity/communication would improve the experience. The 20 second video delay makes it disjointed experience."

The whole experience has me thinking about fun SL<->RL interfaces, you could do things with lights, wind, sounds, etc. But what I'm more curious about is what kind of mixed reality contraptions would you like to play with? Share your serious or wacky ideas, and it might end up being developed.

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Sunday, November 02, 2008 

 

Reopening American Cancer Society Island- November 2nd

by Frans Charming

Picture of a mosiac of the American Cancer Society Logo
The American Cancer Society announces the grand re-opening of the newly re-designed island in the virtual world, on Sunday November 2, 2008.
For several years, the American Cancer Society has existed in Second Life through its volunteers, Relay For Life event, and an island that served as a central meeting place for volunteers and avatars, of those who are affected by cancer.

Over the last several months, the island has been completely redesigned to meet the growing needs of cancer patients and American Cancer Society volunteers in Second Life. In 2008, the Relay For Life of Second Life volunteers raised over $200,000 USD which  cumulated with an event that was attended by more than 2,000 avatars on 35 sims.
The new American Cancer Society Island in Second Life will feature a "Hope Haven," a place where the cancer survivor support group can meet regularly and in private so they can share intimate information with each other to help cope with diagnoses and treatment, as well as provide comfort and support for one another.

The new Island will also feature a 4-story, two-tiered office building that will be dedicated to Relay For Life volunteers.  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer volunteers, Island Greeter volunteers, and an Information Library. American Cancer Society pamphlets and brochures will provide information related to cancer prevention, treatment options, support and information will be available in the Information Library, as well as informative videos about the history of the American Cancer Society, cancer information, patient support programs, and Relay For Life information.

Visitors will arrive at the island at the Welcome Center, where a volunteer will be available at all times to greet and provide direction and/or information. The island will also feature a Memorial Garden to remember loved ones lost, 2 amphitheaters for large meetings, several smaller outdoor meeting areas, and a medium sized office space in a separate building.
 
Events will begin at 9.30am SLT with an opening ceremony scheduled to begin at 10am SLT, from 9.30 on visitors will be entertained by the lively DJs at T1 Radio while wandering tours take place. There will be greeters stationed around the island to direct and answer any questions and explain the area visitors find themselves in.

At 10.00am SLT opening comments and thank yous will take place hosted by Stingray9798 Raymaker in the Southeast Amphitheatre.

11am  will see the Survivors' Makeover/Fashion Show sponsored and supported by FACES with Cinders Vale, Poppy Zabelin and Serendipity Nerd followed by a closing speech from Stingray9798 Raymaker.

The objective of the new design has been to provide visitors with a breathtaking view, peaceful atmosphere, and a comfortable place for volunteers and those seeking information to return as often as they like. "The American Cancer Society plans to utilize the virtual office no differently (in concept) than any other office in any other city," says Jeffrey Montegut, the American Cancer Society's Second Life Manager.  "The same services that are offered in a real life office should be available to the Second Life community, because there are real people facing real issues behind each and every avatar. The American Cancer Society recognizes that, and fully supports our volunteers in Second Life."

Schedule of events: (times maybe subject to change)
Sunday 10/5/08
Open @ 9:30 AM SLT  
Ceremony @ 10:00 AM SLT
9:30 AM SLT  Wandering Tour (30 minutes) - T1 Radio Streams Music
10:00 AM SLT Southeast Amphitheater - Stingray9798 Raymaker
10:15 AM SLT  - Video stream of American Cancer Society-funded researcher
10:30 AM SLT  Wandering Tour Break (30 minutes)  - - T1 Radio Streams Music
11:00 AM SLT Survivors' Makeover/Fashion Show 
11:30 AM SLT Future Plans/Closing - - Stingray9798 Raymaker

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Friday, October 31, 2008 

 

1 nov: physical virtuality: “what’s the weight of an avatar?”

by Frans Charming


FEEL the presence of virtual world avatars in a cross-world interactive installation, connecting virtual life to our physical world.

On saturday the 1st of november, visitors of the NEMO Science Center in Amsterdam will be physically connected to inhabitants of the virtual world Second Life through an intervirtual balancing plateau.

The total weight of avatars standing on the virtual side of the plateau will be calculated and processed along with the weight of all people standing on the physical side of the plateau. This outcome will trigger the synchronised real-time movement of both the hydraulic powered and script controlled side of the plateau, resulting in an experience of indirect physical contact between real and virtual beings.

A two way videoprojection will visually connect the virtual and real-life participants standing on the installation.

web-location: sndrv.nl/physicalvirtuality
physical location: Science Center NEMO, Oosterdok 2, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
virtual location: Brooklyn is Watching project space in Second Life. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Popcha/72/140/27

Date/time: saturday 1st of november 2008

18:00 - 1:00 GMT
19:00 - 2:00 CET
10:00 - 17:00 PST

I will be there in real life helping out, come by and say hi.

Saturday, October 25, 2008 

 

Dutch court convicts teens for stealing virtual property.

by Frans Charming


In the Leeuwarden district court two boys, aged 14 and 15 where sentenced to community service for forcing a other boy to transfer Runescape items to the attackers accounts. The 2 boys punched, kicked and threatened the victim with a knife.

The most interesting part of this case was that the issue isn't the assault but if virtual items should be considered goods that can be stolen. The lawyer defending the 2 boys argued that legally the items don't exist and can't be stolen.

The court doesn't agree with that defence and cited a earlier ruling that electricity can be considered a a material object in criminal law and stealing electricity is theft. The same principle applies in this case and stealing virtual items is theft, the court rules.

source: RNW

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US Presidential Elections — Debate on Metaverse.TV

by Gwyneth Llewelyn


Metaverse TV is hosting what will probably be the most interesting in-world debate in Second Life® — a face-to-face between a Democrat and a Republican, discussing the US Presidental elections. If you can manage to attend today (October, 25th) at 2 PM SLT, be there :)

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008 

 

Filter HUD — So easy, so fun!

by Gwyneth Llewelyn

CodeBastard Redgrave is really, really a clever girl. To aid photographers to do nice special effects when taking their snapshots from SL, without the need of complex post-processing in Photoshop, GIMP, or any similar tool, she released the amazing FilterHUD, which you just attach, add a filter from a selection of presets, make sure that HUDs are visible on the snapshot (these days, in the latest Release Candidates, it's a simple checkbox you can click when you're taking a snapshot), and that's all you need. Adding gore (lots of blood!), light effects, a picture frame, or putting your image in widescreen format now becomes impressively simple and a mouseclick away.

The idea is so clever, but amazingly simple! All the HUD does, in fact, is add a transparent prim covering the whole of the screen. And then it just rezzes an appropriate texture as "filter" on top of it! That's all! But the ingenuity of being the very first to imagine this concept is what really counts.

Codie, I'd take my hat off to you, if I had one :)

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