EA goes Hollywood with psychic detective
Article Abstract:
Electronic Arts' (EA) Psychic Detective is a comedy-murder mystery that is available on CD-ROM. The program employs an on-the-fly story-creation interface to involve the user in the directions the story will take. If no choices are made, the movie continues for its entire running time, about 45 minutes, but the user has to start over and no clues are acquired. An EA engine was used to create the dramatic modules of the story's 500 independent digital movies. Users are supposed to have the feeling they are creating the story as it goes along. The 15-frames-per-second video transitions are seamless and the story plays like a film. The CD is meant to be played repeatedly and different clues will be accumulated with each play. Psychic Detective received a lukewarm reception when previewed at the Mill Valley Film Festival, but this may have been an unfair test for this type of product.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1996
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Doing it for themselves
Article Abstract:
E-commerce sites are attempting to make customer service easy enough for customers to do it themselves. Most customer service questions are similar. The companies are tracking these questions and attempting to develop technology solutions that enable the customer to quickly solve the problems themselves. By using the Internet to make purchases customers are, in effect, saying they do not need human interaction. These users would also prefer effective e-mail solutions to their problems. The approach offers answers 24 hours per day and avoids the hassles of busy signals and being placed on hold when using 1-800 numbers for support services.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1999
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Training goes to Hollywood
Article Abstract:
Training is increasingly a necessity in the corporate world. Ninth-House Network developed a way to make training more effective and entertaining as well. The company helps organizations to adjust to major changes resulting from mergers, acquisitions and market trends. Ninth House's interactive training videos target managerial and communications skills. Videos employ RealVideo or NetShow formats to deliver basic training amplified by video examples. Students apply the training in innovative, interactive practice sessions. Ninth House's pricing is about $500 per year for each employee, compared with an industry average of $1,500.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1999
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