When one new shiny piece of technology comes around, then there is always someone or some creators around the corner that are getting ready to pounce on it and create a newer and shinier piece, right. It's just the way it is.
I promised I would write about this but it's taken me awhile, longer than I hoped, to sit down and write it.
We all know about Wii and the remote sensor controllers they created. The best example is when playing Wii sports. The controller is not attached to the console and you're moving and working with the buttons on the controller at the same time.
Well, Xbox 360 (Microsoft), is definitely giving the Wii a run for it's technology.
Natal basically takes away the controller. So who is the controller? You are. Your body is the controller. Players will have the ability to manipulate on-screen characters via natural body movements. Think of the computer scientists and others that studied the actions of the body in order to create the sensors that this new game-playing technology uses.
Natal consists of a depth sensor that uses infrared signals to create a digital 3-D model of a player's body as it moves, a video camera that can pick fine details such as facial expressions and a microphone that can identify and locate individual voices.
Natal will be released towards the very end of 2010. Gee... I wonder how much it will cost.
I found this information in an article I read in this magazine called "the Scientific American".
If you want to see a short video clip of how Natal was designed and how it is intended to work, go to the following website http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=microsoft-project-natal
The name of the article: "Binary Body Double: Microsoft reveals the science behind project Natal for Xbox 360"
P.S. Don't ever get lazy with technology. You will be sorry. Just a heads up.
-a highly wired lady
A Highly Wired Lady
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Presenting, Interface, User-friendly
I've been thinking about this topic for awhile but just haven't sat down and wrote about it. And right now, I'm having a hard time explaining this... it's just one of those afternoons.
So... here we go. Computers. We all use them, hopefully. I'm not going to talk about the processing or the hard drives or how fast or slow or this or that... I'm going to talk a little about design.
Wether we realize it or not, computers drive our society. They are in every facet of our lives. I think something that bugs me is when someone says... "I don't like or use computers." Okay, so they don't like them but they can't ever say that they don't use them or they don't affect their lives.
I'll give you one example: a cell-phone. Cell phones today are micro-computers. So if you can use a cell phone somewhat, than you can use a computer. If you can drive a car, you can use a computer. If you can use a calculator, you can use a computer. I know this sounds weird but even today's sewing machines that make your awesome clothes that you want so badly, are programmed by a computer.
Back to the cell-phone. The interface of your phone. This means the face of your phone, the screen of your phone. The design is based on touch. This design has exploded. It's fun, it's easy to use, it's visual.
Notice that before they existed with cell phones, they were at check-in kiosks at the airport, and many restaurants had their staff enter your orders into a touch-screen based interface.
I'm not positive about this, but I think this really grew in popularity with the iphone.
If you check out books at the library, I'm sure you have noticed the self-check machines. These have a touch-based interface. You use the machine by touching a screen, not a keyboard.
What does this have to do with libraries, and whatever?
Think about it. Wouldn't it be nice if someone came along and redid our computer catalogs. Making them more user friendly by adding a touch-based screen with more icons and less jargon and words to get mixed up with. To me, this makes sense. Especially for younger audiences who really have a hard time typing out or correctly spelling the title of a book. And really, nowadays, I think the computer catalog would be less offensive if it were familiar to people of the public, not just academics.
I'm not going to lie. I think the computer catalog needs to be improved in a creative manner. Otherwise, it's just confusing. They are confusing to me and I'm a librarian.
And, with every library, the catalog changes (they way it looks from the outside), it's interface, changes. Making a trip to the library more like a learning session of how to use the computer catalog to find a book or the information you need.
Why hasn't it happened? Has it? Where does it exist? What do you think? Or, do you even think about it?
When I read about the sensitivity of these touch-based screens, there is a lot to be said about improvement. Improving the sensors. But don't ask me. I'm just reading about something.
-a highly wired lady
My next post, if you pay attention, has to do with the XBox and how it's going to dominate by the end of this year with a design called natal.
So... here we go. Computers. We all use them, hopefully. I'm not going to talk about the processing or the hard drives or how fast or slow or this or that... I'm going to talk a little about design.
Wether we realize it or not, computers drive our society. They are in every facet of our lives. I think something that bugs me is when someone says... "I don't like or use computers." Okay, so they don't like them but they can't ever say that they don't use them or they don't affect their lives.
I'll give you one example: a cell-phone. Cell phones today are micro-computers. So if you can use a cell phone somewhat, than you can use a computer. If you can drive a car, you can use a computer. If you can use a calculator, you can use a computer. I know this sounds weird but even today's sewing machines that make your awesome clothes that you want so badly, are programmed by a computer.
Back to the cell-phone. The interface of your phone. This means the face of your phone, the screen of your phone. The design is based on touch. This design has exploded. It's fun, it's easy to use, it's visual.
Notice that before they existed with cell phones, they were at check-in kiosks at the airport, and many restaurants had their staff enter your orders into a touch-screen based interface.
I'm not positive about this, but I think this really grew in popularity with the iphone.
If you check out books at the library, I'm sure you have noticed the self-check machines. These have a touch-based interface. You use the machine by touching a screen, not a keyboard.
What does this have to do with libraries, and whatever?
Think about it. Wouldn't it be nice if someone came along and redid our computer catalogs. Making them more user friendly by adding a touch-based screen with more icons and less jargon and words to get mixed up with. To me, this makes sense. Especially for younger audiences who really have a hard time typing out or correctly spelling the title of a book. And really, nowadays, I think the computer catalog would be less offensive if it were familiar to people of the public, not just academics.
I'm not going to lie. I think the computer catalog needs to be improved in a creative manner. Otherwise, it's just confusing. They are confusing to me and I'm a librarian.
And, with every library, the catalog changes (they way it looks from the outside), it's interface, changes. Making a trip to the library more like a learning session of how to use the computer catalog to find a book or the information you need.
Why hasn't it happened? Has it? Where does it exist? What do you think? Or, do you even think about it?
When I read about the sensitivity of these touch-based screens, there is a lot to be said about improvement. Improving the sensors. But don't ask me. I'm just reading about something.
-a highly wired lady
My next post, if you pay attention, has to do with the XBox and how it's going to dominate by the end of this year with a design called natal.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
clouds in the sky competition
I made sort of a dorky competition here at the library.
It's called "Clouds in the Sky"
This is how it works.
At the library, in the young adult area, there is a box with cloudy things written on it. Below the box are entry forms. On top of the box are the instructions.
They are as follows:
Name all the different types of clouds that can be found in the sky.
Rule (of course there has to be one, even though I don't like rules): In order for you answers to be valid you have to cite where you found your answers/information. Basically, you tell me what sources you used to find the answers.
There is a Bonus Point: Which clouds indicate rain or snow?
Prize? Yes, there is a prize involved. It's a surprise prize. I'm not telling you what it is. That's because I'm waiting to see what kind of answers you give and where you found your resources.
So, you really are competing for your prize. And, the prize is worth the answer.
Why do I do this? Someday you will know why. Don't ask those questions now because you wouldn't be able to live the answers.
-A Highly Wired Lady
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Bada-bing "Bing"
Google has been the major search engine for I think most of us when we surf the net. However, have you ever heard of Bing http://www.bing.com/ ? This is a newer search engine. I like it. I like it a lot. I think it is a product of MSN, but I'm not sure. It's definitely trying to give Google a run for their monopoly.
So, you know how you can use Google Images to search for pictures... well Bing has this same option however, it is way way better. Here's the link to a search I did for snowflake images: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=snowflakes&form=QBIR&qs=n#
Why is this better than Google's version? As you look through the image results and find one you like, the next page will show you how many versions of that picture are available (obviously from different websites.) When I say versions, I mean the same pic but you get to find the pic that is as big or as small as you want. Making an image bigger or smaller has to do with resolution size; like 500 by 500 or whatever. Sometimes when you copy and paste an image from the web and you try manipulate it yourself, like make it bigger or smaller, the image becomes distorted. The option of allowing you to pick what resolution size you need is a pretty awesome feature.
Check it out if you feel like it. I'm always looking for images. And I don't like manipulating them because it distorts the image usually.
Also, once you have selected and image that you are interested in, look to the left side of the computer screen.
-a highly wired lady
So, you know how you can use Google Images to search for pictures... well Bing has this same option however, it is way way better. Here's the link to a search I did for snowflake images: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=snowflakes&form=QBIR&qs=n#
Why is this better than Google's version? As you look through the image results and find one you like, the next page will show you how many versions of that picture are available (obviously from different websites.) When I say versions, I mean the same pic but you get to find the pic that is as big or as small as you want. Making an image bigger or smaller has to do with resolution size; like 500 by 500 or whatever. Sometimes when you copy and paste an image from the web and you try manipulate it yourself, like make it bigger or smaller, the image becomes distorted. The option of allowing you to pick what resolution size you need is a pretty awesome feature.
Check it out if you feel like it. I'm always looking for images. And I don't like manipulating them because it distorts the image usually.
Also, once you have selected and image that you are interested in, look to the left side of the computer screen.
-a highly wired lady
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
delicious
It's snowing. I'm in the library. And you are on vacation from school. I'm really jealous. I actually miss those breaks.
I have something here that you may be interested in. I made a Delicious page (website) just for
you guys. Here is the link http://delicious.com/ltyouth
If you don't know what Delicious is. I can explain, briefly. Delicious is a website that bookmarks all of your favorite websites on one page. It's like having a library of your own selection of favorite websites. This way you don't have to remember the web address for each page. Anyone can create a Delicious page. I just made this page for our library's young adult/teen group. Check it out. Some of the websites bookmarked on this page were recommendations from some of you.
If you would like to add something, let me know. I'll be happy to do it.
-a highly wired lady.
I have something here that you may be interested in. I made a Delicious page (website) just for
you guys. Here is the link http://delicious.com/ltyouth
If you don't know what Delicious is. I can explain, briefly. Delicious is a website that bookmarks all of your favorite websites on one page. It's like having a library of your own selection of favorite websites. This way you don't have to remember the web address for each page. Anyone can create a Delicious page. I just made this page for our library's young adult/teen group. Check it out. Some of the websites bookmarked on this page were recommendations from some of you.
If you would like to add something, let me know. I'll be happy to do it.
-a highly wired lady.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
More Googling, and that's it.
Alright, this is the last thing I'm going to do with Google and that's it. I'm ready to move on. I'll just give one piece of advice: Google is awesome in so many ways. But, like any other invention or contraption, you need to read the directions, otherwise you are working with a ticking-time bomb. And it will show with your smarts; I promise.
So... here I go. Google has an application called Google sites. Maybe you know about this already. I, personally just found it not that long ago. Here's the link https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?continue=http%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2F%3Fhl%3Den%26tab%3Dw3&service=jotspot&passive=true&ul=1
Ha, ha, ha. Nice link. If the link fails, get into Google. On the top of the page, click on more and select sites. Here you can create and publish your very own website. I have to admit this is a pretty nice feature. You have to create a Google account in order to begin putting your site together.
As far as building websites, it's an okay tool to learn with. It's not like super super awesome, but it's a very good start if you want to get into making a website. And, the best thing of all, it's free.
I know a little about building and publishing websites. You have to buy a domain name, which is the address. To buy a domain you have to find a business that sells them. It's like renting an apartment from a landord. If you don't pay, you lose your space.
And then, you have to build the site with the software of your choice. You usually download this onto your computer and it can be very expensive. One very cool thing about building a website of your own with your own domain is that you can make your things copyrighted. That way, nobody can take your intellectual property without saying where it came from. So guess who gets the credit? You do.
I'm not sure if Google would own your stuff, but my guess is, it probably would. This isn't to discourage you or put it down because I do think it's a good first try.
Copyright is a whole other issue though. With web stuff it can get sticky. And that's why I don't have a facebook page.
Highly Wired Lady
So... here I go. Google has an application called Google sites. Maybe you know about this already. I, personally just found it not that long ago. Here's the link https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?continue=http%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2F%3Fhl%3Den%26tab%3Dw3&service=jotspot&passive=true&ul=1
Ha, ha, ha. Nice link. If the link fails, get into Google. On the top of the page, click on more and select sites. Here you can create and publish your very own website. I have to admit this is a pretty nice feature. You have to create a Google account in order to begin putting your site together.
As far as building websites, it's an okay tool to learn with. It's not like super super awesome, but it's a very good start if you want to get into making a website. And, the best thing of all, it's free.
I know a little about building and publishing websites. You have to buy a domain name, which is the address. To buy a domain you have to find a business that sells them. It's like renting an apartment from a landord. If you don't pay, you lose your space.
And then, you have to build the site with the software of your choice. You usually download this onto your computer and it can be very expensive. One very cool thing about building a website of your own with your own domain is that you can make your things copyrighted. That way, nobody can take your intellectual property without saying where it came from. So guess who gets the credit? You do.
I'm not sure if Google would own your stuff, but my guess is, it probably would. This isn't to discourage you or put it down because I do think it's a good first try.
Copyright is a whole other issue though. With web stuff it can get sticky. And that's why I don't have a facebook page.
Highly Wired Lady
Thursday, December 3, 2009
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