Denizens of the digital domain
Article Abstract:
Virtual humans are expected to become quite popular by 2003, according to Ellen Poon. Poon, an associate visual effects supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic was one of the researchers present at the Virtual Humans 2 conference. Virtual humans can be defined with three essential characteristics; one is a realistic 3D representation of a human form. The second characteristic is their ability to assume a human-looking posture and motion. The third is their ability to interact with other entities realistically and in real-time within their computer universe. Virtual humans can be independent entities powered by an artificial intelligence engine or, they can be proxies in a virtual world for real people and controlled in real time by people. One of the most recognized digitalized people is the virtual Andre Agassi, who plays virtual reality tennis on a Nike TV commercial.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1997
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About time
Article Abstract:
Internet technology is enabling users to inhabit multiple-time environments, making them multitemporal. While being multitemporal has been happening since the development of the postal service, the Web has made it more interactive, more immediate and more inclusive. Further, the Web has brought the immediacy of news sites, often beating CNN or network news to a story or stock quote. It has also brought about instant e-mail and chat rooms. With the Internet, people are largely freed from the tyranny of time and space. This is a completely new experience so it is difficult to predict the future. Fifteen years from now, new business styles may emerge that are no longer constrained by location or time. Work hours will be determined by what is most efficient and group meetings will be able to take place synchronously or asynchronously.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1998
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The Web's fall season
Article Abstract:
A variety of companies, including the Microsoft Network, America Online, C/Net, WebTV, Sony Pictures Entertainment and HBO, are developing interactive entertainment that attempts to combine television's entertainment power with the Web's interactive elements. The field is still in its infancy, but the technology is developing quickly. Interactive "network" executives are uncertain about exactly what the are looking for, but know they want celebrities, characters and concepts that have been established in other media, but also made-for-the-media programming. They know they want compelling characters and stories, but not traditional, linear narratives.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1997
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