I thought you might like a video?
Whilst Youtube is the Internet Video Behemoth there are other video sharing sites out there - so here's a couple 'inspirational tech vids' that caught my eye recently, from Vimeo...
Giant Spiders - A 'cute' video projection method to give the illusion of real life giant spiders. I can't help but think how this would be if set up in a room with 100's of Spiders projected crawling out from the TV - sounds like a great game/art sequence to me [btw - If Capcom add this to future Resident Evil game remember where you heard it first ;-)]
https://vimeo.com/37176398#
Secondly a warning to us about out reliance upon computer tech'. Don't get me wrong - tech has so many applications, I'm not so much fearing what would happen if it was wiped out - For me it's more a question of if we need to live our lives in a digital or analogue state? Can't we have both..? Anyway the vid's quite cool too. Enjoy!
https://vimeo.com/49425975
Saturday 29 September 2012
Friday 28 September 2012
4K TV anyone?
A while I mentioned Sony's 4K TV ['4x fullHD resolution - 3840x2160'] hitting the mass market.
http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/news/video-post-production/toshiba-plans-three-4k-tvs-next-year/
While some might argue that the content isn't available yet - that's always going to be a 'chicken and egg issue' - The sooner the TV's are out the sooner prices can fall and content can be made available for all those hungry consumers...
Hence now we have Toshiba following up with the promise to release 3 new 4K TV's next year (upto 84"). Compare this with the introduction of the first LCD's and I'd say in 3-5 years 4K TV will be affordable for the mass-market. I guess we'll have to wait to see for sure - but personally I'm looking forward to 8/16K displays - it's not that I need a larger screen - it's more that I'd like to drop the notion of a TV completely and replace it with an interactive wall. A true window upon the world...
Oh and as far as lack of content goes rumours are flying around that the New Playstation(4) might support the format. LARGE screen immersion may be sooner that you think...
PS - I wonder when TV's get so big and the images so clear that we stop to think what we're looking at on them..?
http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/news/video-post-production/toshiba-plans-three-4k-tvs-next-year/
While some might argue that the content isn't available yet - that's always going to be a 'chicken and egg issue' - The sooner the TV's are out the sooner prices can fall and content can be made available for all those hungry consumers...
Hence now we have Toshiba following up with the promise to release 3 new 4K TV's next year (upto 84"). Compare this with the introduction of the first LCD's and I'd say in 3-5 years 4K TV will be affordable for the mass-market. I guess we'll have to wait to see for sure - but personally I'm looking forward to 8/16K displays - it's not that I need a larger screen - it's more that I'd like to drop the notion of a TV completely and replace it with an interactive wall. A true window upon the world...
Oh and as far as lack of content goes rumours are flying around that the New Playstation(4) might support the format. LARGE screen immersion may be sooner that you think...
PS - I wonder when TV's get so big and the images so clear that we stop to think what we're looking at on them..?
Living on the Edge
Well Adobes new Web Animation software has finally been released - even more impressive is that it's free to use! (for the first version - but you will need to register a free Creative Cloud account 1st).
http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/201209/092412AdobeCreatetheWeb.html
So what is Edge? Well, Adobe won't say this out loud, but it's the 'the replacement' software for Flash. Ever since Apple decided that it didn't like Flash (boo hiss), Adobe have been in a little trouble... Not least as Apples move gave Flash a bad rap, when imo it's pretty good software. Part of the confusion came from Flash being such a general term, from the software, embedded swf files, movie players to full blown games. Flash is capable of so much in the right hands - and despite its criticisms it did dominate the internet when it came to delivering movies...
Yet time waits for no developer software... So when it comes to creating animated content for web pages a new tool is needed - and Edge looks set to become a new standard. With an interface similar to Flash, combined with a timeline more akin to AfterEffects, Edge gives a familiar interface and controls. Yet under it's surface, actionscript has been thrown out and replaced with HTML, CSS and JAVAscript - compatible with 'modern' browsers and rich in features.
So what are you waiting for - go check it out (oh and btw - Adobe pay me nothing for this - lol)
http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/201209/092412AdobeCreatetheWeb.html
So what is Edge? Well, Adobe won't say this out loud, but it's the 'the replacement' software for Flash. Ever since Apple decided that it didn't like Flash (boo hiss), Adobe have been in a little trouble... Not least as Apples move gave Flash a bad rap, when imo it's pretty good software. Part of the confusion came from Flash being such a general term, from the software, embedded swf files, movie players to full blown games. Flash is capable of so much in the right hands - and despite its criticisms it did dominate the internet when it came to delivering movies...
Yet time waits for no developer software... So when it comes to creating animated content for web pages a new tool is needed - and Edge looks set to become a new standard. With an interface similar to Flash, combined with a timeline more akin to AfterEffects, Edge gives a familiar interface and controls. Yet under it's surface, actionscript has been thrown out and replaced with HTML, CSS and JAVAscript - compatible with 'modern' browsers and rich in features.
So what are you waiting for - go check it out (oh and btw - Adobe pay me nothing for this - lol)
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Mapping the future...
[ Update! Here's a link to MIT's own video showing their 'mapping monster' in action... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY7rScDd5h8&feature=g-all-lik ]
It's amazing to me just how mapping technology has moved forwards over recent years. It wasn't long ago that technology like 'GoogleEarth/Maps' would have been considered as spying...
Now look - not only can we can view almost anywhere around the world from from space whilst in our own homes but it's overlaid with multiple layers of information. From terrain mapping to your local coffee shop... it's amazing, yet this is where we are now. What about in '10' years time?
Today it's reported that MIT have 'bolted together some' tech to allow a wearable 3D scanning mapping device. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19716723 Whilst much of the tech is quite basic combining it and making it portable opens up a whole new box of magic.
There have/are projects that combine photographs taken by mobile phones in giant global database of location based imagery. Other companies collate information to present within mapping systems, but what would (will?) happen if MIT's device one day gets miniaturised and placed inside mobile phones or a pair of Augmented Glasses? [or in the very least driven around like one of Google's photo mapping cars].
Picture if everyone way able to create a 3d model/scan of where they go - Then picture that information being collated into a giant database... A Real World Detailed 3D model of the world! Every city, street, office block, building and even the rooms inside... Even the items in the rooms!!
This would truely be revolutionary. Who would own such information? How would it be used?
If this sounds to far fetched then go back 30 years - look at the progression of the Internet, mobile devices, mapping - consider the rate of change in computing power. Consider the change between a paperback map book and our ability now, to view street photos on GoogleMaps tracked in realtime to your position... Perhaps then this will not seem a question of if, but when.
3D Maps and our connection to them is only just starting... ;-)
It's amazing to me just how mapping technology has moved forwards over recent years. It wasn't long ago that technology like 'GoogleEarth/Maps' would have been considered as spying...
Now look - not only can we can view almost anywhere around the world from from space whilst in our own homes but it's overlaid with multiple layers of information. From terrain mapping to your local coffee shop... it's amazing, yet this is where we are now. What about in '10' years time?
Today it's reported that MIT have 'bolted together some' tech to allow a wearable 3D scanning mapping device. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19716723 Whilst much of the tech is quite basic combining it and making it portable opens up a whole new box of magic.
There have/are projects that combine photographs taken by mobile phones in giant global database of location based imagery. Other companies collate information to present within mapping systems, but what would (will?) happen if MIT's device one day gets miniaturised and placed inside mobile phones or a pair of Augmented Glasses? [or in the very least driven around like one of Google's photo mapping cars].
Picture if everyone way able to create a 3d model/scan of where they go - Then picture that information being collated into a giant database... A Real World Detailed 3D model of the world! Every city, street, office block, building and even the rooms inside... Even the items in the rooms!!
This would truely be revolutionary. Who would own such information? How would it be used?
If this sounds to far fetched then go back 30 years - look at the progression of the Internet, mobile devices, mapping - consider the rate of change in computing power. Consider the change between a paperback map book and our ability now, to view street photos on GoogleMaps tracked in realtime to your position... Perhaps then this will not seem a question of if, but when.
3D Maps and our connection to them is only just starting... ;-)
Monday 24 September 2012
Electronic Arts - More jobs - less work?
For those new to the Games Industry, if you want evidence of it's fickle nature take a look at EA's recent ups and down...
300 New Jobs in Galway - 18th September
The other day EA announced 300 New jobs in Galway in the republic of Ireland (read 'tax incentives'). Yay I hear Developers Cheer - More Jobs! - but wait - read a little closer and you'll see that this is for 300 jobs at it's 'Customer Service' centre... Hmm...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19638173
Developer's Studio Closed
So, days after EA announce new service centre jobs (with headlines on the BBC) EA announce the closure of PopCap's Dublin Studio. I wish the '100' Developers good luck on finding new work.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/42047/EA-closes-PopCap-Dublin-studio
PS - Last year PopCap was bought by EA for $750... Fickle? You'd better believe it.
300 New Jobs in Galway - 18th September
The other day EA announced 300 New jobs in Galway in the republic of Ireland (read 'tax incentives'). Yay I hear Developers Cheer - More Jobs! - but wait - read a little closer and you'll see that this is for 300 jobs at it's 'Customer Service' centre... Hmm...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19638173
Developer's Studio Closed
So, days after EA announce new service centre jobs (with headlines on the BBC) EA announce the closure of PopCap's Dublin Studio. I wish the '100' Developers good luck on finding new work.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/42047/EA-closes-PopCap-Dublin-studio
PS - Last year PopCap was bought by EA for $750... Fickle? You'd better believe it.
Tuesday 11 September 2012
Looking Back (to see ahead)...
I announce this Blog Open!
Well it’s been a busy summer. From a ‘Visual Technology’aspect the
Olympics were staggering. I’m still amazed at how smoothly and accurate the
athletes were filmed, not to mention the funky stereoHD cameras being used
(it’s not often you see the cameras themselves on the screen).
As technologies have been continuing to advance and promise cool new
applications, the global economic situation seems to be taking its toll upon
the Interactive Media Industry with many companies closing their doors for
good… Let’s just remember that as one door closes, another further ado I announce this blog ‘open’ and offer you a few ‘virtual’ headlines that caught my eye one opens.
So let me start this blog taking a look at and reflecting upon where we
are today. By understanding past events and watching trends we’re more likely
to be prepared for those ahead. So with no recently.
Enjoy.
REALTIME GRAPHICS
Realtime Global Illumination - 25th Aug
Lighting is cool – everyone knows that. Take something ordinary and light it up to make it sparkle! The same goes for CG – Even a basic model can become beautiful when it’s lit/rendered well, but the more accurate lighting systems used the longer render time takes. Global Illumination bounces light around a scene to produce High Quality renders – but you’ve usually got to wait a day or so before you can see the results… Or do we? Check out this new method for GI.
Lighting is cool – everyone knows that. Take something ordinary and light it up to make it sparkle! The same goes for CG – Even a basic model can become beautiful when it’s lit/rendered well, but the more accurate lighting systems used the longer render time takes. Global Illumination bounces light around a scene to produce High Quality renders – but you’ve usually got to wait a day or so before you can see the results… Or do we? Check out this new method for GI.
Unreal 3 on a Tablet - Aug 29th
Computers keep getting smaller and more powerful and the same goes for Games Engines… Here’s Unity 3 running on a Tablet! It wasn’t long ago that you needed a High End PC to run this and tablet were good for propping upon the freezer door on hot summers day. ;-)
The key thing here is that this tablet is simply based Upon Nvidia’s Tegra 3, bringing high end 3d graphics ‘general’ hand held PC’s - ‘should make for some interesting new games when matched with a Tablets free roaming ability…
Computers keep getting smaller and more powerful and the same goes for Games Engines… Here’s Unity 3 running on a Tablet! It wasn’t long ago that you needed a High End PC to run this and tablet were good for propping upon the freezer door on hot summers day. ;-)
The key thing here is that this tablet is simply based Upon Nvidia’s Tegra 3, bringing high end 3d graphics ‘general’ hand held PC’s - ‘should make for some interesting new games when matched with a Tablets free roaming ability…
HARDWARE 'SUPER-SIZED'
4k TV for sale - Aug 31st
How are you doing with that brand new HD TV? Prices are dropping every day, but wait a minute, just as displays have changed from Cathode Ray to LCD/LED/OLED and we’ve grown accustomed to larger/thinner displays there’s a new kid on the block. Whilst there’s been talk of resolutions to supersede HD for years, Sony’s first 4K [4x full 1080p HD) TV has gone on sale. Of course, you might need a new home 1st to get the 84” monster through the door… [curiously rumours are flying about the PS4 supporting 4k too… let’s remember how the PS3 was an early adopter of ‘regular HD’]
How are you doing with that brand new HD TV? Prices are dropping every day, but wait a minute, just as displays have changed from Cathode Ray to LCD/LED/OLED and we’ve grown accustomed to larger/thinner displays there’s a new kid on the block. Whilst there’s been talk of resolutions to supersede HD for years, Sony’s first 4K [4x full 1080p HD) TV has gone on sale. Of course, you might need a new home 1st to get the 84” monster through the door… [curiously rumours are flying about the PS4 supporting 4k too… let’s remember how the PS3 was an early adopter of ‘regular HD’]
8K TV approved 24th Aug
Did you rush out and bye Sony’s new 4K TV? You probably wouldn’t like to hear that the 8K standard was approved by the UN only a week before…
Did you rush out and bye Sony’s new 4K TV? You probably wouldn’t like to hear that the 8K standard was approved by the UN only a week before…
ECONOMIC REALITY
Psygnosis Studio Closed - 22nd Aug
‘Times are hard’ – No more proof is needed than Sony shutting down ‘Psygnosis’[Developers of the playstation classic ‘Wipeout’]. Being one of the UK’s oldest video game studios it just goes to show that you’re only as good as your last game…
‘Times are hard’ – No more proof is needed than Sony shutting down ‘Psygnosis’[Developers of the playstation classic ‘Wipeout’]. Being one of the UK’s oldest video game studios it just goes to show that you’re only as good as your last game…
Autodesk Lays off 7% of Entire Staff - 23rd Aug
Following on the heels of Psygnosis being closed Autodesk [The largest creator of 3d creation software in ‘the universe’] also announce Laying off 7% of its entire staff. What influence will this have upon our tools and their development I wonder?
Following on the heels of Psygnosis being closed Autodesk [The largest creator of 3d creation software in ‘the universe’] also announce Laying off 7% of its entire staff. What influence will this have upon our tools and their development I wonder?
‘Fuel VFX’ into Administrationon avengers/promethius – Aug 28th
After completing FX work on hits such as Prometheus, Mission Impossible and The Avengers, Fuel VFX have closed their doors… 100 talented staff from the Film Industry follow those Games Developers above.
After completing FX work on hits such as Prometheus, Mission Impossible and The Avengers, Fuel VFX have closed their doors… 100 talented staff from the Film Industry follow those Games Developers above.
WHEN GOLIATH'S CLASH
Apple Vs Samsung - 25th Aug
So is the unending legal battle over? Who copied who? Who got caught? Who Cares? Well obviously Samsung is a little concerned, now that a US court order it to pay Apple $1bn… (ouch!)
So is the unending legal battle over? Who copied who? Who got caught? Who Cares? Well obviously Samsung is a little concerned, now that a US court order it to pay Apple $1bn… (ouch!)
Hubba Hubba Hubba – Who do you believe. After the US ruling in favour of Apple, a Japanese Judge has ruled in favour of Samsung. Hmmm… Law is a funny thing. ;-)
Ah, I remember the old days when it used to be Intel Vs AMD, or AliasWavefront Vs Discreet… Hmm, Whenever you look back there are always Big Companies battling it out, but what happens to the tech behind the battles. How will the winners shape our futures… One of the New Battles will be for Virtual Maps. We often forget how powerful and precious maps have been and now with integrated 3d Models with Augmented reality we’re really seeing the Industry Goliaths fighting to plant thier Virtual Flags!
CUTTING EDGE GRAPHICS
Knitting time - May 12th
Although a little time ago this tech’ to render knitted garments caught my eye. On the face of it a ‘knitted pattern’ simulator may not seem that exciting, but think of all the woollen materials in our world and how flat life would be without them. Anyway, ignoring that - it’s some great tech’ imo.
Although a little time ago this tech’ to render knitted garments caught my eye. On the face of it a ‘knitted pattern’ simulator may not seem that exciting, but think of all the woollen materials in our world and how flat life would be without them. Anyway, ignoring that - it’s some great tech’ imo.
Realistic Hair – Aug 23rd
To complement the Knitting post, ‘Ornatrix’ have released new videos showing their Hair simulation software in action. Creating ‘organic’motion (hair/wool/fur/etc) has always been a struggle for the CG artist – it’s great to see these barriers being knocked down so that imaginations can finally be realised on screen!
To complement the Knitting post, ‘Ornatrix’ have released new videos showing their Hair simulation software in action. Creating ‘organic’motion (hair/wool/fur/etc) has always been a struggle for the CG artist – it’s great to see these barriers being knocked down so that imaginations can finally be realised on screen!
That's it for now... Keep checking back for shorter
but more regular posts. :-)
Saturday 1 September 2012
Stop living in the past - Come into the future Now!
Welcome to 'Virtual Whispers'
- Cutting edge Virtual Technology News and Views!
From Visual Effects and Software Advances to Industry News...
2d, 3d and Virtual - It's all real....
And while we're at it, between the news, I'll ask the odd question.
After decades of working in and around 3D technologies - It's time to share.
Hopfeully you will join me by adding your own comments and news...
Maybe together we can even make sense of this crazy Virtual World... ;-)
- Cutting edge Virtual Technology News and Views!
From Visual Effects and Software Advances to Industry News...
2d, 3d and Virtual - It's all real....
And while we're at it, between the news, I'll ask the odd question.
After decades of working in and around 3D technologies - It's time to share.
Hopfeully you will join me by adding your own comments and news...
Maybe together we can even make sense of this crazy Virtual World... ;-)
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