Wayne McPhail

A couple weeks ago Wayne McPhail from w8nc came in to speak to our class about technology and emerging trends in online content and advancements.  w8nc is a Canadian marketing and communications company specializing in emerging technology.  However, Wayne has been involved in this industry for many years.  Wanye has been writing and producing print and online content for almost 20 years and got his start in 1991 when he founded an directed Southam Inc’s InfoLab in Hamilton (this is also where he hired and met Dan Zen, professor within the IMM program at Sheridan College).  InfoLab was a national research and developpment facility for information projects.  It is regarded as one of the first institutions responsible for creating educational CD-ROMs in Canada.

Wayne believes that currently we exist within a “bubble” where we only think about technology and the Internet based on the its simplicity of use.  However, we neglect to think about those individuals in other countries where the Internet does not exist because of social, financial or political boundaries.  I believe that even though we in the Western world believe that the “digital divide” is actually shrinking, in all reality the gap is actually widening.  The Western world contines to develop at a substantial rate, leaving the developing countries in its dust.  Some believe the netbook is a viable option of closing this gap.  However, with increasing concerns over food and fresh water availability in most areas still exists as a fundamental concern, does providing them with a laptop really solve these problems?

“We drive into the future using only the rearview mirror” – Marshall McLuhan

This could not be any more apparent then it is right now.  We are so wraped up with where technology is going that we have become detached from where we have come from and the alarming rate at which our technology is developing.  While the benefits of technology in health and science are monumental, as a society we must not lose sight of why the technology exists in the first place and the purposes for further development.

Wayne spent a good amount of his talk focusing on the development of the computer over the past 40 years or so.  And frankly, its pretty scary.  Most shockingly, did you know that the technology that took man for the first time to the moon in 1969 (if they actually did get there…) can be found today in a halmark card?  Ricky Martin singing a cover of “Happy Birthday” or travelling 384,000km to the moon in a tin bucket.  Furthermore, the rate at which computer technology is developing is also alarming, as it doubles approximately every 24 months.  However, instead of being content as a society we must continue to push the limits.  Just cant imagine when the technology decides its time to push back.  Maybe im just being a downer but I think it is worth some thought.

For most of Wanye’s talk I couldnt really tell if he was impressed and amazed by how far technology had advanced in such a short period of time, or worried about what will happen in the years to come, or maybe a mix of both.  Wayne — if your reading this –  should we be worried or just passively embrace the changes.  The ball is already rolling and really doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Who is pumped for Terminator Salvation? Skynet anyone?

Jam3

“Why fade something when you can move it?”

Adrian Belina,  Creative Director from Toronto based Jam3Media and IMM graduate returned to speak to the program that “birthed” him years ago.  This time he returns as the co-founder of one of Toronto’s most distinguished and reputable creative shops, producing mind blowing Flash content and fully functioning interactive web experiences.  Adrian’s talk was very interesting as he provided a good mix of work and advice on how to create truly stunning work.  While I had never really paid much attention to motion, movement and tweening in the past, after his talk I decided to look back on some old assignments from first term.  And it then became very apparent.  I had some work to do..

That being said Adrian offered us students some valuable advice in terms of motion that would ultimately improve and enhance our digital Flash work.  The advice is as follows:

- Get away from the timeline – make you tweens using external classes such as Greensock’s TweenLite, TweenMax or TweenFilterLite

- Be careful with bounce and elastic

- For the purposes of keeping web file sizes smaller, use TweenLite (Quint, Expo and Back effect)

- NO LINEAR TWEENS

- Overlap animations as to avoid time when there is no movement

- Utilize the delay property to allow content to flow rapidly

- However something animates in, make sure to animate it out the at the same pace and appearance, just slightly faster

- Don’t get lazy! Perfect your tweens and movement by playing around with the properties.

Adrian also showed us some amazing websites that Jam3 and other interactive agencies created.  If interested, definitely take some time and explore these amazing Flash webpages.

Little Mosque On The Prarie Curling

UFC 84

Adrian also provided us with some information regarding sound.  The perfect sound effect on a Tween can take it to the next level

Sound Rangers

Audio Network

Spatial View

I was originally introduced to Spatial View and their technology about a week before this talk from James.  I was working with fellow classmate, Salpy Kelian, on an  online survey and webpage regarding a joint project between Spatial View, Sheridan, Visualization Design Institute and the Ontario Government that would bring a 3D application to the iPhone.  This seemed like a very exciting project as it was unveiled at the GSMA Mobile Conference in Barcelona, Spain.  Since that time, the project has been given the approval neccessary to further develop it for the purposes of eventually releasing it to the general public.  This must have been exciting news for all involved.  But for now back to James’ talk regarding Spatial View and the development of 3D hardware and software.

Spatial View is “a leading developer of 3D image processing and display technologies” whose products and technology hope to refute the fact that 3D is dead or trapped inside those goofy glasses.  Formed in 2002, Spatial View has been developing both hardware and software that allow the user to further emerge themselves within an emersive 3D environment which really does allow their content to come alive.  Recently, Spatial View released the world’s first 3D solution for a computer notebook with the 3DeeFlector.  The 3DeeFlector is a removable screen that can be overlayed on the screen to provide content 3D abilities without the glasses.  This technology can be used both for business or social needs, whether it be playing games or building presentations.  There is also a solution for 3D on the desktop with a series of displays that can be purchased and used in tandim with 3D compatiable content.

Mobile technology is on everyones mind right now with the further development and release of iPhones and other mobile devices.  In an attempt to bring 3D to the iPhone, Spatial View has developed the 3DeeShell.  Spatial view claims “you can practically view any stereoscopic 3D object; a round glowing orange, your best friend, holiday pictures, zooming graphics – floating above the phone, in true colour and with amazing detail.”  While I don’t know if I would 100% agree with the “true colour and with amazing detail” those old glasses have really been kicked to the curb.  I guess it now just really comes down to the question of is the audience actually interested in seeing EVERYTHING in 3D.  Might seem to be a bit of a hassle to put on and then take off the sleeve every time you wanted to switch to view content.  As well, I believe that while some particular content may benefit from being viewed in 3D, for other things it may actually negatively influence the image.

One aspect of his talk that I found most interesting is  the fact that Spatial View has actually developed software for creating content in 3D, using programs such as : Adobe Flash, After Effects, Maya and 3D Max.  While I have not actually used any of these plug-ins, I believe that this is crucial for the development of specific 3D content.  These products are directed towards those looking to add 3D elements to retail, digital signage, professional design or animation.

While I was very impressed with the applications and the hardware, I couldn’t help but wonder if there is actually enought 3D content (or content that would benefit from being converted to 3D) to actually make this product useful and effective within the current media market.  That is not to say that there isn’t enough content right now or that there ever will be as it seems that more and more movies and productions are turning back (or foward) to 3D.

GestureTek

A couple weeks (or months) ago the students in Sheridan’s IMM program took a trip to visit GestureTek, “a world leader in computer vision control” in Toronto.  The trip was enlightening as we not only learned more about touch technology and experienced various touch surfaces and displayed, but we also got a glimpse where both touch and gesture recognition technology is heading.  GestureTek has been around since 1986 when they first experienmented with ‘applied computer vision’ for computer-human interaction.  Just as the technology has further emerged and advanced, so has the company as it was formally known as both JesterTek and Vivid Group.  GestureTek systems allow the user to create, control and manipulate digital content and information.  They have even pushed the boundaries so far as to allow people the ability to transcend 3D virtual environments.  Since 1986, GestureTek has developed from a small, experimental company to a global leader in gesture recognition technology, with their products and services currently installed in over 4,000 “interactive multi-media displays, kiosks, exhibits, digital signs and advertisements, virtual gaming systems and other interactive surface computing solutions”.

On our tour of the office, we were introduced to Vincent John Vincent, Co- founder and President.  Vincent has been a member of the GestureTek team since the beginning, with his vision and drive leading directly to development of the video gesture recognition and control industry.  Working closely with the development team, Vincent has personally overseen the development of hundreds of GestureTek applications and programs.

I was first introduced to GestureTek systems last summer when I was working for the CNIB and attended various Outreach Programs in the Haldimand area.  At these events, GestureTek Health systems were used to help people who had suffered strokes, disability and vision loss.  GestureTek Health is an industry leader in ” gesture-control technology for the disability, hospital, mental health and education sectors.”  One system in particular is the IREX: Interactive Rehabilitation & Exercise Systems.  The units provide an emmersive video gesture controlled environment for those seeking help with rehabilitation.  This technology appears to not only help in the physical rehabilition process but also mentally as it provides the user with a sense of personal satisfaction and excitement.

Another gesture recognition technology that we were introduced to at GestureTek was their GestPoint system, which provides touch free interaction through physical gestures.  This system is in use within display, presentation and mouse replacement systems.  The Holopoint system was on display during our visit to GestureTek.  However, with the office being pretty busy I didn’t get a chance to experience it first hand…until a trip a couple weeks later to the Hockey Hall of Fame with my sister.  The Hall was using the Holopoint system as the form of entry for a hockey quiz game.  This wasn’t the only GestureTek installation at the Hall.  This just further proves Vincent’s statement that positions GestureTek as a leader within the gesture recognition industry.

With iPod Touches and iPhones sweeping the consumer market and Microsoft’s Surface only a couple years away from potential consumer use, it is apparent that GestureTek has been a leader within this sector even before these products were developed.  However, the question now becomes which products will be most financially successful in the long run.  As it stands currently, I do not believe GestureTek has a device or system that is mobile, allowing for interaction on the go.  But that is not to say that they do not have one in the works.  We were also introduced to their wide range of Illuminate MultiTouch Diplay Screens and Tables.  With the use of a motion sensing gesture control interface to control interactive content.  However, I found it somewhat interesting that every time I was using any of their multitouch or surface technology that I felt that I was working on a large version of an iPod Touch or iPhone, when in reality it is actually the reverse.  Our iPhones are actually juse smaller, mobile versions of GestureTeks systems.

Our visit to GestureTek was very enlightening as we witnessed the various ways that gesture recognition technology is currently being employed within our society.  Whether it be used for advertising for Dr.Pepper or Starbucks, or helping someone to rehabilitate themselves, GestureTek is an international leader in advancing gesture technology with no signs of slowing down.

Tilt Emulator

We have been working in Multimedia Pioneering over the past couple weeks on a tilt emulator that converts the movements of an iPhone or other mobile device and produces 6 pieces of raw XML data (roll, tilt, pitch, yaw, translation etc).  By moving the iPhone prototype, we can actually manipulate the movement of images within Flash.  This is all been very exciting except in order to fully achieve the potentials of this technology, it is crucial that mobile devices become equipped with Flash.

Below find a link that will redirect you to Dan Zen’s tilt emulator video tutorial.  As well, you can scrub through the video to specific sections and discussions based on the video annotation I have created  using YaSeeSay.  Enjoy!!

http://www.yaseesay.com/file/id/2595020

M

QR Code – Sink or Swim?

When I first came across the idea of QR codes and the potential changes that this emerging form of technology and communication would have on society, I was blown away.  To think that we have relied so heavily on the 1-dimensional bar code for years, it only made sense that the QR code “revolution” must be ushered in if we are to keep up with the times.  Even more so, with the amount of data and potential that this technology holds, it seemed as if the possibilities for storing and exchanging information were endless.  However, after hearing the presentation I am not so sure that QR codes will ever really “get its feet wet.”  This somewhat seems to me as a sort of “HD DVD” solution to problem of an effective and efficient way of remembering and exchanging information.  As James alluded to it almost seems as if the QR code is a stepping stone to the “Blue Ray” technology of the future.  As well, with the inclusion of not only QR codes, but also Shot Codes and Data Matrix, it seems the industry lacks a sense of standardization which could drastically limit its scope and success.

I couldn’t help but think that the “contest” could actually serve a greater good beyond simply promoting “The Boarder.”  If users are required to download a QR code reader in order to participate in the contest then that will not only increase ownership of the reader but will also spread the word about the code itself as well.  It might be possible that the technology hasn’t exactly taken off as hoped because people are still unfamiliar (or in most cases) do not know it actually exists at all.  Did someone say “scavenger hunt”?

http://2d-code.co.uk/yomiuri-shimbun-qr-codes/

As well, it seems strange that for QR code alone there exists AT LEAST 3 different “readers” to allow the user to obtain the required information, with each reader offering a specific scope or direction.  Why would I download 1 reader that decoded SMS messages, another that decoded text and finally another that decoded images?  Is it just me or does it not make sense to include all these functions in one reader?  I understand that there are corporate and political and $ aspects that need to be taken into consideration, but coming from a consumer standpoint, I think it is same to say that simple, compact and complete sells.

Another interesting point that I have been internally considering and contemplating is the sheer “convenience” factor that QR codes seem to provide.  Does this actually exist? I understand that texting might be slow and tedious and the display quality and size of cellphones might not be adequate, but obtaining QR code data seems personally to not solve any of these aforementioned problems but simply add another step.  Instead of simply typing in the URL using your Blackberry or cell phone, we first take (or scan) for the picture, then click the link before finally being redirected to the web page.  But it doesn’t solve the problem of the inadequate “real estate” space that normal cell phones present.   And this is where I think the ability to not only obtain the QR code, but to forward it to your email or personal computer is a necessity.  Developers, designers and programmers spend countless hours working to create vast and detailed websites, most of which cannot exactly full sell us on their product with a pixelated 3″ x 3″ screen.  So while I believe that QR codes present the ability to obtain data, I believe that the ability to forward this obtained data is a MUST.

While the majority of focus was directed at the QR code within the mobile environment, it is also interesting to see the potential impact that it could have outside of the airwaves.

http://www.newmediabytes.com/2008/04/05/qr-codes-will-revolutionize-the-newspaper-consumer-relationship-if-papers-allow-it/

“By using QR codes, newspapers can send readers menus, specials and addresses of reviewed restaurants to help people make a better choice about where they want to eat on Friday night. Event previews can also include data that will sync with a phone’s calendaring service so users never forget when they need to buy tickets.”

http://2d-code.co.uk/campaign-poster-qr-code/

“In the upcoming German elections local council candidate Dr. Wolfgang Heubisch is making history. He is the first politician in the world to use a QR Code on his campaign posters. The QR Code resolves to a mobile site where users can have a simplistic ‘interactive dialogue’ with Heubisch.”

Moving on… to the iPhone 3G and the SDK.

I think this has great potential not only within the developer community but also for the “thinkers” out there who have the ideas but how never been able to get their ideas to transpire into tangible programs or applications.  Not only does the SDK allow people with the ability to see their dreams turn into reality but also to see their credit card bills and mortages disappear after some long nights of programming in their mothers basement.

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/trism-has-made-250000-so-far-194756.php

However, the real question it seems lies with when will the iPhone be able to handle Flash.  We all know that furthermore it is not a question of can but a matter or when?  Currently, reports are conflicted.  One day it seems like development has began…

http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/adobe-says-flash-is-coming-to-the-iphone/

And the next day (literally) we aren’t so sure…

http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/adobe-flash-for-iphone-might-be-a-little-harder-than-we-thought/

One thing is for sure that with Flash the iPhone will be one step closer to being the true “all in one” that it so righteously claims in the various Mac vs. PC ads.  However, the war is still being waged behind closed doors with who exactly is going to foot the bill.  It makes sense for Apple to pay for Flash because it would drastically improve the potential that already exists hidden inside the phone.  On the other side of the coin, since it seems like Apple is doing just as well using  the Objective C programming language and “in house” solutions, so should Abobe pay Apple to increase the usage of their own software?  One thing is for certain that if Flash is not included on the next update of the Apple iPhone,  there are going to be some pretty pissed off users.

- Matt Walker