Now this here demo has got some of the slickest graphics I have seen in a while. Its not quite even a game yet, its just a small tech demo I found on the internet. However it displays some amazing use of next-gen shaders with weather effects that are damn near photo-real. Much of the awe is due to advanced blurring and other animation techniques that can only be appreciated when seen in motion. If you have a nice high-end video card, this is one demo that is worth checking out.

Keep in mind this was produced by just one programmer in his spare time and honestly looks better than any previous attempts I’ve seen at simulating a storm. Theres not much of a game (yet), but you can at least walk around and drool and the pretty graphics. As a fun little bonus, the demo supports native stereoscopic rendering so it can be viewed on a variety of 3D displays (or even with anaglyph glasses if you’re still using 2D ).

link: Le Cauchemar [ProgrammerArt]

Tags: Graphics, Stereo 3D by cybereality
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Many attempts have been made at creating interactive comic books, but largely they have failed. Some stick too close to the comic book formula and their idea of “interaction” consists of pressing a button to read another canned response. Others drift more into pure gaming experiences and neglect the story. I am not sure where META4ORCE falls, but it is an interesting blend of narrative and interactivity.

META4ORCE is interactive series done in Flash and playable on any browser. Its very reminiscent of stuff you might find on NewGrounds, but with a professional edge and some semi-decent voice-acting. Between the animated episodes there are short interactive sequences which are surprisingly high-caliber for a browser based title. Its like an animated rip-off of Heroes, but in the future. I’m also a sucker for anything set in the future so this hooked me right away. Its nothing amazing really, but not bad if you have some time to kill.

link: META4ORCE [BBC]

Tags: Video Games by cybereality
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Microsoft takes a lot of flak from the community for not innovating enough, but that is simply not true. Since the very beginning, MS has been no stranger to innovation, and the mouse shown above is proof. I have to say, I’m impressed. The piece on the bottom flips up to give the device and 180 degree arc, perfect for ergonomics. Seriously, Apple just found out that mice can have more than one button (imagine that!), while MS is bringing us into the future. Ok, maybe not exactly. But still, that is one sexy peripheral. Especially at the MSRP of $59.95. Should arrive on store shelves before the years end.

link: Microsoft Announces Futuristic Mouse For Holiday Season [DailyTech]

Tags: Hardware, Human Interface by cybereality
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Intel has partnered with Dreamworks, providing technology capable of meeting the needs of stereoscopic 3D rendering. Dreamwork’s latest 3D film, Monsters vs. Aliens, is said to be powered by Intel’s next-generation chipsets. The Larrabee architecture houses multiple cores (16 or more) and, if Intel is right, could be a revolution in computer graphics. By using the latest in Intel technology, Dreamworks hopes to get an edge in the market. The CEO of DreamWorks Animation, Jeffrey Katzenberg, is an avid proponent of 3D film-making:

“Technology plays a significant role in enabling our artists to tell great stories. By utilizing Intel’s industry-leading computing products, we will create a new and innovative way for moviegoers to experience our films in 3-D.”

This new Larrabee technology should be available publicly in late ‘08, early ‘09. Intel has plans to use stereo 3d not only for digital cinema, but also home theater, PC gaming, and beyond. There’s a very real possibility that Intel could use this to gain support from a market AMD and ATI seem to be ignoring. I had some initial doubts about Intel’s foray into the GPU market, but this news clearly shows that Intel means business.

link: DreamWorks To Create 3D Movies With Intel’s ‘Larrabee’ [TomsHardware]

Tags: Graphics, Hardware, Stereo 3D by cybereality
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Vuzix, makers of a variety of head mounted displays, are bringing a new tactical heads-up display to the market. The Tac-Eye LT houses a 852×600 SVGA+ AMOLED display, which offers a number of advantages over LCD technology including more natural colors, smoother motion and unlimited viewing angles. The Tac-Eye LT can be attached to standard ballistic sunglasses such as those from Revision, ESS (shown above), and Oakley. Used in conjunction with an UMPC, you have yourself one very light and sporty wearable-computer.

Clearly targeting military applications, the unit is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of warfare with Vuzix also offering a ruggedized mouse, battery pack and in-line controller to boot. However the price also matches its military specs. At $2,495 for the VGA model, I find it hard to see any applications for the consumer market. However, Vuzix does have a number of mass-market product lines so hopefully this AMOLED display technology will trickle down into more affordable models. The Tac-Eye LT is available for pre-order now, and ships the beginning of next month.

link: Vuzix Tac-Eye LT [pre-order]

Tags: Augmented Reality, Hardware, Human Interface by cybereality
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SpectreVR is a title every old-school PC gamer should remember. The original game in the series, simply called Spectre, landed in 1991 and was one of the first computer games to offer an online multiplayer 3d environment. It first shipped on the Macintosh platform but later made it to DOS, Windows and even SNES. I have many fond memories of sneaking into the school computer lab and “hacking” an AppleIIgs with the principal’s password just to play this game. It was a pretty big deal back then since that was the only computer in the lab with a color-display (16 colors FTW!). Man, those were the days.

So seeing as how fond I was of the game, I decided to pick up a copy online. No, I don’t mean a bootleg copy. I buy the real stuff to support the industry. Anyway, I was able to find a copy online new-in-box for around $20. Not a bad deal, I thought it might be cool for collector’s value. And if I can find a brand new copy of a PC game from 15 years ago, well then there’s really no excuse to pirate. A few days later a package arrives. But when I open it I’m a bit surprised, this wasn’t the box art I remember. Not that crazy triangle shaped box I wanted, but a blast from the past never-the-less.

Unboxing images, video and rant below…

[Read more →]

Tags: Cyberpunk, Ramblings, Video Games, Virtual Reality by cybereality
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