tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87170875433288434372024-03-13T14:27:29.053-04:00Gamepocalypse NowAdvances in technology will soon make all of life a game. Or has it happened already?Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-7766812734393050662015-12-28T23:18:00.002-05:002015-12-28T23:18:45.372-05:00Sesame CreditI haven't posted anything on this blog for quite a while, because really I was finding so much of the gamification stuff I was running across to be repetitive or badly designed, or just boring. But... Sesame Credit is none of these things. At last a system that lives up to the title of this blog. Just watch this video -- while it's still legal to do so:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lHcTKWiZ8sI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lHcTKWiZ8sI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-51848094676683450192014-05-21T14:14:00.000-04:002014-05-21T14:14:33.694-04:00Want To Ease Traffic Congestion? Just Play Games! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-86Y5hi__KpFJANdo867peeJJpaWQIbHnHUYw4ZlPU-d9LNOpcRAIik7NzXBKyZt-T3bVL8J3JYIrA-ADe0P-ZcpGnUkbcgZB49_dAWRbDxs5fDynB7wX2AlbtN9cBjXFQj-uR9W0Ac/s1600/chutes+and+ladders+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-86Y5hi__KpFJANdo867peeJJpaWQIbHnHUYw4ZlPU-d9LNOpcRAIik7NzXBKyZt-T3bVL8J3JYIrA-ADe0P-ZcpGnUkbcgZB49_dAWRbDxs5fDynB7wX2AlbtN9cBjXFQj-uR9W0Ac/s1600/chutes+and+ladders+4.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chutes and Ladders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although seemingly counter-intuitive, a new game app developed by a Google Ventures-backed start-up can reduce traffic in busy transportation systems.<br />
<br />
How? The app, a mobile version of the children's board game Chutes and Ladders, incentivizes people using transit systems to commute during less active hours, thus reducing congestion at traditionally brisk travel times. Users earn points when they commute during off-peak hours based on the time-stamp on their commuter cards, and those points can be redeemed for real prizes, including money or tickets to sporting events. Preliminary results showed as much as a 17% shift from peak to off-peak travel in heavily congested areas, including Singapore, Bangalore and California.<br />
<br />
Would cash and prizes tempt you to show up to work at 10AM, instead of 8AM? You'd be able to earn money, sleep in and save the earth. Sounds like a win-win for everyone! (just make sure your boss is on board.)<br />
<br />
To learn more about this inventive game app, read this <a href="http://recode.net/2014/05/15/google-backed-startup-develops-mobile-games-to-ease-urban-congestion/" target="_blank">article</a> or visit <a href="https://urbanengines.com/" target="_blank">Urban Engines</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7nyQFrLsR6KHXhbikV3WMiPxekz5eRGH_jH2XDadWVNXwFbONRV1fPOhBdm3F804J4GDaHyfdPSp0Q_euKunXisJ_fOZ2jKCw_wBA3_EZeRuwV3xnkUCXj2bNTI_Sk0chYHU5J6w9fg/s1600/Urban+Engines+Screenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7nyQFrLsR6KHXhbikV3WMiPxekz5eRGH_jH2XDadWVNXwFbONRV1fPOhBdm3F804J4GDaHyfdPSp0Q_euKunXisJ_fOZ2jKCw_wBA3_EZeRuwV3xnkUCXj2bNTI_Sk0chYHU5J6w9fg/s1600/Urban+Engines+Screenshot.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of the app</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-67649130961748134242014-05-06T13:52:00.000-04:002014-05-06T13:52:39.009-04:00Playful RecyclingCan recycling be fun? The folks at the Coca-Cola Company seem to think so. To encourage recycling in parts of the world with little awareness of its benefits, Cola-Cola introduced an arcade game powered not by tokens nor money, but by plastic Coke bottles. Just pop an empty bottle into the uniquely designed slot and earn your chance to play the Pong-like game on the machine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTpHDFyzYGbIpJcmOqSotC3oX2s-I4tkcul57UYlCHHcr6ZEjwnmxgZmAsLXEEjD3uVmK6gUEVv6fr1qsX-2lZX0hvuimv13eEARWgErWTQUrOcCh0uCGHB4sWINwYsqxxUTo76RMJsY/s1600/recycle-game-coke-hed-2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTpHDFyzYGbIpJcmOqSotC3oX2s-I4tkcul57UYlCHHcr6ZEjwnmxgZmAsLXEEjD3uVmK6gUEVv6fr1qsX-2lZX0hvuimv13eEARWgErWTQUrOcCh0uCGHB4sWINwYsqxxUTo76RMJsY/s1600/recycle-game-coke-hed-2014.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Known as the "<a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/359148/scitech/geeksandgaming/happiness-arcade-makes-recycling-fun" target="_blank">Happiness Arcade</a>," this game was on display in six different parts of Dhaka, Bangladesh over a six-day period. Watch the awesome reactions of some of the players in this video.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MFXOs0lHRys?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
What do you think? Can playful recycling lead to broader awareness and higher rates of participation?<br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-8828994188702103832014-01-21T14:48:00.000-05:002014-01-21T14:48:00.167-05:00Augmented Reality Made Easier...With Contact LensesWearable tech continues to make its way into our everyday lives. Technology developer <a href="http://innovega-inc.com/" target="_blank">Innovega</a> recently debuted its latest iOptik product, which consists of modern-looking eye glasses and a pair of contact lenses, that allow the wearer to view not only their immediate surroundings but also their personal digital media.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwVAmDEepRpQV7g1EoqE4MQ8YyaN96BFOErNfNMozjZFFL6uO9riLCiJ1loFKFTcqp18FGDrrID5lID7z_SkRo-mExHp420EfpU5l_8OBzo2zxdTzguspGmHE2U7TAWIZLt-YftE06Wo/s1600/iOptik2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwVAmDEepRpQV7g1EoqE4MQ8YyaN96BFOErNfNMozjZFFL6uO9riLCiJ1loFKFTcqp18FGDrrID5lID7z_SkRo-mExHp420EfpU5l_8OBzo2zxdTzguspGmHE2U7TAWIZLt-YftE06Wo/s1600/iOptik2.jpg" height="126" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iOptik glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's the twist: the wearer can use the special contact lenses just as they would any pair of contacts. They can place them in their eyes and their vision will be normal. It is only after the wearer dons the iOptik glasses that they will have a truly immersive, augmented reality experience with the iOptik system.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_L3o70gJQjerPNP-wj-4YF1wmmIMOTGggIUxbwM5wDggrroQWKbasjVYZPRRBx9Eq_nKJMhbwWR9d6_vn8lXDfvuq59eeaxnpq_qsj7bzNLyAMUsC1ldUkvI9RXcVZBfVpfOReejw1w/s1600/iOptik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_L3o70gJQjerPNP-wj-4YF1wmmIMOTGggIUxbwM5wDggrroQWKbasjVYZPRRBx9Eq_nKJMhbwWR9d6_vn8lXDfvuq59eeaxnpq_qsj7bzNLyAMUsC1ldUkvI9RXcVZBfVpfOReejw1w/s320/iOptik.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the world using the iOptik system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57616459-76/augmented-reality-contact-lenses-to-be-human-ready-at-ces/" target="_blank">article</a> provides a great overview of this new technology.<span id="goog_1517224236"></span><br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-57707614708438209492014-01-16T14:00:00.000-05:002014-01-16T15:36:15.578-05:00World Exploration Becomes a Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/92rYjlxqypM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Created by an exclusive team at Google, <a href="http://www.ingress.com/" target="_blank">Ingress</a> is a game that gets you out of the house and into the world. This mobile app, driven by Google maps, encourages users to move through their own neighborhood or locale to play the game. The game directs players to find objects, capture territories and ally with others to complete required tasks. The Android version can be <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nianticproject.ingress" target="_blank">downloaded</a> at the Google Play store, and the game will be available for iOS devices sometime this year. Learn more about it <a href="http://www.alistdaily.com/news/this-way-to-the-ingress/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Do you think the release of this game signals the beginning of a trend where more game developers seek to incorporate GPS-like systems into gameplay?<br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-27317677233969618732014-01-14T16:57:00.003-05:002014-01-14T16:57:58.612-05:00For Your Eyes Only<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The idea of controlling a game using your eyes only has been around for awhile. Recently the companies <a href="http://www.tobii.com/eyex#.UtWkk9JDs1I" target="_blank">Tobii and SteelSeries</a> developed new, affordable game gear that uses eye tracking to make the game play experience more captivating. Learn more about it in this <a href="http://www.alistdaily.com/news/steelseries-new-controller-uses-the-eyes/" target="_blank">story</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrQoj1vEMdds9xwr7v_oyaHMIa2cZbQDacwIxfC7vW3qJrc0baIzMbSCH1XUawV7MvYA9l7db6CKkL7t9Z51QVmhv3wH4FxnwcbD4_dPXZxs-9ECmZO-mgw0yE4eJDiXcXkdN1Q7lLJg/s1600/Tobii+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrQoj1vEMdds9xwr7v_oyaHMIa2cZbQDacwIxfC7vW3qJrc0baIzMbSCH1XUawV7MvYA9l7db6CKkL7t9Z51QVmhv3wH4FxnwcbD4_dPXZxs-9ECmZO-mgw0yE4eJDiXcXkdN1Q7lLJg/s1600/Tobii+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is worth noting that this device is actually a less expensive version of the excellent <a href="http://www.eyegaze.com/eye-tracking-research-studies/" target="_blank">LC Technologies Eye Follower</a>. The Tobii EyeX tool kit for developers is being sold for the low price of $95. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Would you like to play a game using your eyes only? Just be sure to have some Visine on hand!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-23668752602774278322013-12-23T16:00:00.000-05:002014-01-13T14:54:37.239-05:00The Next Level of 3-D Motion Tracking Has ArrivedMIT has done it again. It's developed <a href="http://www.alistdaily.com/news/mit-introduces-3d-motion-tracking-tech/" target="_blank">WiTrack</a>, the newest generation of motion tracking. This technology uses a wireless network and radio waves to track a person's movement in a room. It can even see through walls, making its applications endless.<br />
<br />
Check out the video. It's pretty amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sbFZPPC7REc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-87367073932464461372013-12-19T16:34:00.001-05:002013-12-19T16:34:54.037-05:00The Nose KnowsThink of it...a game that rewards you not only with points, but also with the smell of buttered popcorn! The company <a href="http://www.popsecret.com/" target="_blank">Pop Secret</a> commissioned the creation of an iOS game called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/poptopia-by-pop-secret/id688491722?mt=8" target="_blank">Poptopia</a> that can be accompanied by a <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3023243/fast-feed/this-gaming-dongle-emits-buttered-popcorn-smells-when-youre-winning" target="_blank">Pop Dongle</a>, a device which emits the smell of buttered popcorn during game play. Apparently the smell becomes more intense the better the game is played.<br />
<br />
Are we finally one step closer to smell-o-vision? You decide.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadRHQarqgPK1R6vw8Ywi8e49RJonAjEyp4ZzbKq-vQ188kF9QvzIHkw8lYIhbjsDUw0eARMBO6HmZXlz_85aamsK6Nx5cvO3DOhUAMy2zbCsaPqHiPjfVIzFwAsn_aV5d2P1Q4i52qqc/s1600/Popcorn.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadRHQarqgPK1R6vw8Ywi8e49RJonAjEyp4ZzbKq-vQ188kF9QvzIHkw8lYIhbjsDUw0eARMBO6HmZXlz_85aamsK6Nx5cvO3DOhUAMy2zbCsaPqHiPjfVIzFwAsn_aV5d2P1Q4i52qqc/s320/Popcorn.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you call a group of Pop Dongles? A herd, a gaggle, a flock?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-42239759496988358312013-07-03T14:23:00.000-04:002013-07-03T14:23:53.026-04:00The "Wright" Way to Gamify Your LifeIn a recent <a href="http://newsle.com/article/0/81688951/" target="_blank">interview</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Wright_(game_designer)" target="_blank">Will Wright</a>, creator of Electronic Arts' <i>SimCity</i> and <i>The Sims</i>, explored the idea of constructing a game that connects people to the gameplay of their lives, rather than to fictitious or virtual worlds. Wright explains that he is "extremely interested in making games where reality is the playing field."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JiejljCZqLbkotq4fgb4lQWNafIU8DqICv_D5sWfH1N0P9T-7H1w-3VpFNjAGG88WIQ0Gb_Pm6Z5wOxQsPL182zhbsUTbd4kN4ZRe_ggl_Ef5kxwWsW8ALSjK0ExvyKCnoFfzH-tCfQ/s294/Will+Wright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JiejljCZqLbkotq4fgb4lQWNafIU8DqICv_D5sWfH1N0P9T-7H1w-3VpFNjAGG88WIQ0Gb_Pm6Z5wOxQsPL182zhbsUTbd4kN4ZRe_ggl_Ef5kxwWsW8ALSjK0ExvyKCnoFfzH-tCfQ/s294/Will+Wright.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What do you think? Do people play games to escape their own reality? Or will they embrace the idea of creating a game world based on their own lives? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-90342182004049863912013-06-28T16:57:00.002-04:002013-06-28T16:57:15.579-04:00Goodbye Gamification, Hello Gumification!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-bg6DCs9PbKeQkZhTUOB5Q7J-nks7DS-ri7I589mbxk49mcHBtIGYhyRGAn-v0W1T-0AcezoIdXrmFvxemiyKOgW1ktfRwoFFzoBk2XboV5QVkNgUGBgGOPiiW1ct8fBn8kx_njuomc/s480/Gumulon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-bg6DCs9PbKeQkZhTUOB5Q7J-nks7DS-ri7I589mbxk49mcHBtIGYhyRGAn-v0W1T-0AcezoIdXrmFvxemiyKOgW1ktfRwoFFzoBk2XboV5QVkNgUGBgGOPiiW1ct8fBn8kx_njuomc/s320/Gumulon.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Forget remote controls and arrow keys. They are so last century. This new iOS game called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gumulon/id630518586?mt=8" target="_blank">Gumulon</a> is controlled by mastication. Yup...chewing. Using the front facing camera, players chew to control the game's characters as they swing and jump through dangerous mazes. Developed for makers of the <a href="http://www.stridegum.com/" target="_blank">Stride</a> gum, this game gives players a truly original way to play.<br />
<br />
Interested in learning more? <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/21/4449272/stride-promotional-ios-game-gumulon-is-controlled-by-chewing" target="_blank">Read on</a>.<br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-34082949694227746662013-03-01T18:05:00.000-05:002013-03-01T18:05:05.439-05:00Chok! Chok! Chok!Leave it to master marketer Coca-Cola to create the first ever interactive television/mobile promotion that successfully uses game mechanics to reach its audience. Mobile users were instructed to download an app to their phones. Then at an appointed time, a Coca-Cola commercial aired on television, prompting people to race for their device to "chok," or frantically shake it, for a chance to win instant prizes. The app was downloaded 380,000 times in the first month alone and nine million people saw the ad, proving yet again that games can be a fun and powerful motivator.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pEDsERv-rFA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/28/us-mobile-world-advertising-idUSBRE91R13I20130228" target="_blank">Read more</a> about this amazing marketing campaign.<br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-87201457607329814032013-01-14T12:35:00.000-05:002013-01-14T12:35:00.445-05:00Paper TabTablets will get thinner and cheaper... until this happens:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="180" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/81iiGWdsJgg?feature=player_detailpage" width="320"></iframe>
<br />
It's a big question -- how cheap will they get? Can you imagine having a stack of fifty battery powered sheets of paper? It will probably happen, probably by 2030, if I had to guess.Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-18768012584817244522013-01-13T11:18:00.000-05:002013-01-13T11:18:27.967-05:00Microsoft IllumiroomRay Bradbury presents: The Xbox 451!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="180" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/re1EatGRV0w?feature=player_detailpage" width="320"></iframe>
<br />
In the long term, consoles will find it more and more necessary to be deeply immersive, and this system does that by involving your peripheral vision, which is important because peripheral vision is what the brain uses to give you a feeling of motion. Described in some detail by Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451, this has been used in the CAVE attractions at DisneyQuest to great effect -- and at last it may be coming to the home. Choosing to burn all your books is optional -- for now.Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-92018742318870539822013-01-11T13:49:00.000-05:002013-01-11T13:49:28.853-05:00"My Brain is Busy...Call Back Later"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ94XCuMXFW_J0YtJr2w4wub7EfPKp0oCS47CBzoqhbWZ1YHYeJW1gRC1eG355h0rhTBR7T82rv9_x5Ucj4BNHpuF6iJeunb2JArK-IXP0oZWCyrcS7xeIDz9oMzjw0oxngkSfYHGlVY/s1600/brain-and-cell-phone-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ94XCuMXFW_J0YtJr2w4wub7EfPKp0oCS47CBzoqhbWZ1YHYeJW1gRC1eG355h0rhTBR7T82rv9_x5Ucj4BNHpuF6iJeunb2JArK-IXP0oZWCyrcS7xeIDz9oMzjw0oxngkSfYHGlVY/s1600/brain-and-cell-phone-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Developed in a mere 26 hours at a hackathon sponsored by AT&T, the app Good Times takes call management to a whole new level. By tapping into brain waves, the app can determine whether or not it is a good time for the user to make or take a phone call. If the user is concentrating or agitated, the app can detect the increased brain activity, and in turn, provide the caller with a message to try again later. When the user is relaxed, the system lets the call through. Read more about it <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9235388/Good_Times_app_a_winner_for_AT_T_hackathon_developer?taxonomyId=77&pageNumber=1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
The app's creator sees many applications for this technology beyond call screening. He suggests it could be used to change the music on your player based on your mood. Or it could automatically switch the television channel if you were bored.<br />
<br />
What other applications can you see for this technology?<br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-64656548823340043182013-01-09T09:48:00.000-05:002013-01-09T09:48:35.351-05:00Put a Fork in It!The new year has arrived, and many have turned their thoughts to fulfilling new year's resolutions. For some, losing weight is top of the list. A French company <a href="http://www.hapilabs.com/" target="_blank">HAPIlabs</a> has developed a new technology to aid in this pursuit.<br />
<br />
Called the <a href="http://www.hapilabs.com/products-hapifork.asp" target="_blank">HAPIfork</a>, this electronic fork monitors your eating habits. The company contends that weight gain can be caused by eating too fast. This "smart fork" alerts you when you are eating too quickly. It also measures every meal and tracks it via an app on your phone. <a href="http://www.theverge.com/" target="_blank">The Verge</a> saw this fork at CES 2013 and reports on it <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/6/3843724/hapifork-smart-fork-for-your-iphone" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm-CyIyGKK0Ge2aG70LexEnPK_ai0BT0cf728D50z85TFlU5j7OqAmYoJArKXGpekV8BjjBnl_qaYy-rW_p79usVmlc2tUqJPsaDStgYkbf5D4ERPHS_T71Urivff6ku3yNImrCpBIdk/s1600/cover_image_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm-CyIyGKK0Ge2aG70LexEnPK_ai0BT0cf728D50z85TFlU5j7OqAmYoJArKXGpekV8BjjBnl_qaYy-rW_p79usVmlc2tUqJPsaDStgYkbf5D4ERPHS_T71Urivff6ku3yNImrCpBIdk/s320/cover_image_web.png" width="320" /></a></div>
A special thanks to Scott Landsman for pointing out this new gadget!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-55466917277860694512013-01-04T12:42:00.000-05:002013-01-04T13:28:40.564-05:00Gamification Goes Mainstream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
More and more companies are using the principles of game design to entice people to use their products and services. This New York Times <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/24/technology/all-the-worlds-a-game-and-business-is-a-player.html?_r=1&" target="_blank">article</a> highlights the different ways gamification is seeping into our every day lives. Even the article itself is a game. Earn a badge for scrolling to the end. Score additional points for finding the quote from me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm8tHcmEkSEexrXYDEtU-JfURYyRiu3ynnXWksiGvHW3xGqY5hQHs9lrFSKNyfl60bLKUYO6K98h2YgV-h7a26C5DKZ5t9Ytivti4scFBS6wVHh327YNGDj8kS2Zd9zdVaUF61Icjh9Q/s1600/Pic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixm8tHcmEkSEexrXYDEtU-JfURYyRiu3ynnXWksiGvHW3xGqY5hQHs9lrFSKNyfl60bLKUYO6K98h2YgV-h7a26C5DKZ5t9Ytivti4scFBS6wVHh327YNGDj8kS2Zd9zdVaUF61Icjh9Q/s320/Pic.bmp" width="160" /></a></div>
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-1283008615624766882013-01-02T11:48:00.000-05:002013-01-02T11:48:07.592-05:00Kiip: Gaming Customer Rewards<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHWksZ9uUuchgX4QhxQKCgNwtVn8Wy2AvHeszVMEyvG4y5sQUkG56zMarsQ2oxqCI5WKL5hIVz2E3l7j2AjthQ1EXS9nFVw9s-e8p2kAlQ0pLLHGHbujmZl2m_TeFq2eSXb1JOhYeo3c/s1600/right.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHWksZ9uUuchgX4QhxQKCgNwtVn8Wy2AvHeszVMEyvG4y5sQUkG56zMarsQ2oxqCI5WKL5hIVz2E3l7j2AjthQ1EXS9nFVw9s-e8p2kAlQ0pLLHGHbujmZl2m_TeFq2eSXb1JOhYeo3c/s320/right.png" width="138" /></a></div>
<br />
Kiip is a mobile rewards company that allows advertisers to give awards to their customers while they are interfacing with games or apps. The Kiip system shows banner ads at a moment of achievement within an app. Users who click on the ad can claim a reward, like a $5 shopping card from a retailer. (See the above picture for an example.) Currently Kiip is in the process of expanding its model beyond mobile to any web platform.<br />
<br />
BTW, according to its web site, the company name is pronounced "keep," not "kip."<br />
<br />
Learn more about Kiip in this <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2012/11/14/kiips-new-version-expands-beyond-mobile-game-rewards-to-all-sorts-of-apps-and-platforms/">article</a> from VentureBeat.<br />
<br />JShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017452232722904677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-12330292198684997242012-12-20T11:51:00.000-05:002012-12-20T11:51:26.630-05:00Gamifying Employee Recognition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuTsFHdADQJd4_hSgWyBlzPhkqZVxtx1aNR1KXJdC5nwxS3IpKPN_C6OjQcwn3z4gjZeBT60e2CU2iu2TNnQ3rwssFJgwvLNHXYUeH4XxoXMwmbKK92pqNovB9iw4JKwjcVXUXTdTc5Q/s1600/honey-badger-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuTsFHdADQJd4_hSgWyBlzPhkqZVxtx1aNR1KXJdC5nwxS3IpKPN_C6OjQcwn3z4gjZeBT60e2CU2iu2TNnQ3rwssFJgwvLNHXYUeH4XxoXMwmbKK92pqNovB9iw4JKwjcVXUXTdTc5Q/s320/honey-badger-2.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
Seattle based start-up MeritShare is boldly venturing into the world of employee recognition programs. Their web-based software offers both online and offline rewards, and allows companies to promote their employees' successes both internally and externally. Read more in this <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2012/12/19/meritshare-finds-a-way-to-gamifiy-employee-recognition-exclusive/#AKgFGLT4bXAq79p1.99" style="line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">VentureBeat article</a><span style="color: #343434; line-height: 20px;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: #343434; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With costs to replace exiting employees rising, do you think systems like this one will </span>strengthen<span style="font-family: inherit;"> employee satisfaction and </span>encourage<span style="font-family: inherit;"> retention? Share your thoughts with me.</span></div>
<h1 class="entry-title" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #343434; font: inherit; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 12px; outline: none medium; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
</h1>
Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-22488230195536772122012-10-01T13:17:00.001-04:002012-10-01T13:17:33.416-04:00XBox Gamerscore Earns Discounts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMRw3rx3Tvc3LTmGNbdDTZW6JYYCm-Yxm7iGy2Ff3IXaz_8YgQx-uruPr-xiOqjm7xXA5PnJFZaDbU4sK_dtC2KcaM8WVyz6NKo_D2A-eRWE4df-dBWM63wBT5LhZSLeuEtTiC1suVLI/s1600/xboxunlockrewards_23568.nphd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMRw3rx3Tvc3LTmGNbdDTZW6JYYCm-Yxm7iGy2Ff3IXaz_8YgQx-uruPr-xiOqjm7xXA5PnJFZaDbU4sK_dtC2KcaM8WVyz6NKo_D2A-eRWE4df-dBWM63wBT5LhZSLeuEtTiC1suVLI/s320/xboxunlockrewards_23568.nphd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now your XBox Gamerscore gets you discounts when you buy stuff in their store. Details here: <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/75977/gamerscore-unlocks-xbox-live-marketplace-rebates">http://www.shacknews.com/article/75977/gamerscore-unlocks-xbox-live-marketplace-rebates</a>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-56191503223745594772012-07-29T11:40:00.000-04:002012-12-20T11:53:07.965-05:00Sight<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/46304267" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="450"></iframe> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Sight is an awesome short film painting a clear picture of the Gamepocalypse from Eran May-raz and Daniel Lazo. It's like a 2.0 version of <a href="http://gamepocalypsenow.blogspot.com/2010/03/play.html" target="_blank">PLAY</a> or <a href="http://gamepocalypsenow.blogspot.com/2010/03/augmented-hyperreality.html" target="_blank">Augmented (HYPER) Reality</a>. Thoughtful, concise, and well-executed. But... how does that dude click on stuff?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">You might also check out my <a href="http://vimeo.com/14414269" target="_blank">ARE2010 Keynote</a> on the subject. </span>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-70417836056600329652012-03-12T13:17:00.000-04:002012-03-12T13:17:08.235-04:00Homeless as 4G Hotspots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPNrCnHnHZ62R2_wXQDe1lYcuQIFRQ5QOM6MdJ_c1bbnXDgFvB5MvuHqqrbE8Az69pqkiUcx9hZmickiY8vXxhG3DeJQffOjP3IR5R7GyHR3PQfGwUTuMwObN7J4kJ6FFAasg1ppj5xc/s1600/Homeless-Hotspots-300x175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPNrCnHnHZ62R2_wXQDe1lYcuQIFRQ5QOM6MdJ_c1bbnXDgFvB5MvuHqqrbE8Az69pqkiUcx9hZmickiY8vXxhG3DeJQffOjP3IR5R7GyHR3PQfGwUTuMwObN7J4kJ6FFAasg1ppj5xc/s1600/Homeless-Hotspots-300x175.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2012/03/the-damning-backstory-behind-homeless-hotspots-at-sxswi/">Wired has details about a new plan to use homeless people as 4G hotspots.</a> The more people that access them, the more they get paid -- which incentivizes them to move to where they are most needed. It's Gamifexploitation at it's finest. Tip: The lag is terrible on shopping cart lady. But the guy with the tinfoil hat has five bars!Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-70326375699483059432012-02-12T19:06:00.002-05:002012-02-12T19:06:41.653-05:00Yumemiru<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJBu4MEwoU3EdpUWZVvVpD4q-FR46Kc0ENIup16GLOcp8Djf4kFidO5PHOvJKwq13rCB2zQY9R3vtssD1scCDOWUp9Jg9kKqcjS4an2IN4yCobfYbIxud_S702z4aARpBS66zYsVxafk/s1600/yumemiru-dream-app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJBu4MEwoU3EdpUWZVvVpD4q-FR46Kc0ENIup16GLOcp8Djf4kFidO5PHOvJKwq13rCB2zQY9R3vtssD1scCDOWUp9Jg9kKqcjS4an2IN4yCobfYbIxud_S702z4aARpBS66zYsVxafk/s320/yumemiru-dream-app.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
New Remtertainment app lets you control your dreams. Hope you like Japanese dreams, cuz that's all they have right now. <a href="http://www.gizmag.com/yumemiru-dream-app/21402/">Article about it here in gizmag.</a> Hurry up, Pepsi! I want to dream of soft drinks. Thanks to Joe Velikovsky for the tip!Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-19601875586519702862012-02-07T22:28:00.002-05:002012-02-07T22:28:33.280-05:00Brush Monkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgH-BVPMHYARnyehI4dTnPFBMRUjXTcyjAUEL9Yca7l7tDXG5j9fLzBhyvLFS5LZtkIrg2VgjX6y7Es5emkbdxwop3XWSgWNgIwKnUSGggghnxk0mhgSPHVydDZZKBacf0AujsH_f4YQ/s1600/Brush+Monkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgH-BVPMHYARnyehI4dTnPFBMRUjXTcyjAUEL9Yca7l7tDXG5j9fLzBhyvLFS5LZtkIrg2VgjX6y7Es5emkbdxwop3XWSgWNgIwKnUSGggghnxk0mhgSPHVydDZZKBacf0AujsH_f4YQ/s320/Brush+Monkey.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1559273027/brush-monkey-internet-enabled-wireless-toothbrush">A toothbrush that gives you points?</a> Ridiculous. Trust Brian Krejcarek to do it right.Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-56345590608565955472012-01-22T19:41:00.001-05:002012-01-22T19:43:53.252-05:00Visual Studio Acheivements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PeU8eojwie5Kf5StGvpPF65_lXUZnXIxbWQYgQ7GtDbNqPNmUGEUqEUevsta-M7UaYF0p0Pa3TgyUuLrIhb1-prltqAOvkdMBC6csIhNVQwY9Fyvu78O6ugX0RjCl6Ks-xrvs6sZDnE/s1600/Visual+Studio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PeU8eojwie5Kf5StGvpPF65_lXUZnXIxbWQYgQ7GtDbNqPNmUGEUqEUevsta-M7UaYF0p0Pa3TgyUuLrIhb1-prltqAOvkdMBC6csIhNVQwY9Fyvu78O6ugX0RjCl6Ks-xrvs6sZDnE/s320/Visual+Studio.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Let's say you have to use Microsoft Visual Studio (sorry). Why not make it "better" with badges and achievements! Won't you be proud when you've earned them all? Your code is already bloated and full of obscure and questionable practices, so why not at least get rewarded for that? <a href="http://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/C9team/Announcing-Visual-Studio-Achievements">Read all about it here.</a> Thanks to Scott Landsman and Juan Serrallonga for the tip!Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8717087543328843437.post-21950911045933953162011-12-15T11:30:00.002-05:002011-12-21T23:21:55.683-05:00Games for Animal Tongues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WTpldq3myV0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I've often thought about making games for cats... but I never thought of this.<br />
<br />
*UPDATE*<br />
<br />
Frogs play too -- watch til the end... :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlEzvdlYRes?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12923931997733201691noreply@blogger.com2