Tag Archives: Gaming

19 December 2023
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AI, Business, Devices, Games, Software

Augmented Reality in the Workplace

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are two rapidly developing technologies with a wide range of applications. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, while VR creates an immersive digital environment that users can interact with.

Both AR and VR are having a significant impact on the workspace, school space, and everyday life. In the workspace, AR and VR are being used to improve training, safety, and productivity. In the school space, AR and VR are being used to create more engaging and immersive learning experiences. In everyday life, AR and VR are being used to enhance entertainment, shopping, and communication.

Impact on the workspace

Training

One of the most significant impacts of AR and VR on the workplace is in training. AR and VR can provide trainees a realistic and safe environment to practice their skills. For example, Boeing is using VR to train its assembly workers on how to build new aircraft. The US military is using VR to train soldiers on how to operate weapons and navigate different terrains.

Safety

AR and VR can also be used to improve safety in the workplace. For example, AR glasses can provide workers with real-time information about hazards and safety procedures. AR can also be used to guide workers through complex tasks. For example, General Electric is using AR to help workers repair jet engines.

Productivity

AR and VR can also be used to improve productivity in the workplace. For example, AR can be used to provide workers with hands-free access to information and instructions. VR can be used to create virtual meeting spaces and collaboration tools. For example, Microsoft Teams now offers VR meeting spaces, allowing users to collaborate in a virtual environment.

Impact on the School Space

AR and VR are being used to create more engaging and immersive learning experiences. For example, AR can be used to bring science textbooks to life or to allow students to explore historical sites. VR can be used to transport students to different places and times or to allow them to experience complex concepts firsthand.

For example, the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania uses AR to bring its science exhibits to life. Students can point their smartphones at the exhibits to see additional information and animations. The University of North Carolina is using VR to transport students to different historical sites and allow them to experience them firsthand. For example, students can take a virtual tour of the Roman Colosseum or the Great Wall of China.

Impact on everyday life

AR and VR are being used to enhance entertainment, shopping, and communication in everyday life. For example, AR can be used to play interactive games or to try on clothes before you buy them. VR can be used to watch movies and TV shows in a more immersive way or to attend virtual concerts and sporting events.

For example, IKEA is using AR to allow customers to try on furniture in their own homes before they buy it. Customers can point their smartphones at the place where they want to place the furniture to see how it would look. The North Face is using VR to allow customers to experience their products in a virtual outdoor environment. Customers can hike through a virtual forest or climb a virtual mountain.

AR and VR are also being used to improve communication. For example, AR can be used to translate languages in real-time or to provide sign language interpretation. VR can be used to create virtual meeting spaces and collaboration tools. For example, Facebook is developing AR glasses that can be used to translate languages in real-time and provide sign language interpretation.

Conclusion

AR and VR are two rapidly developing technologies with a wide range of applications. AR and VR are having a significant impact on the workspace, school space, and everyday life. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and ground-breaking applications.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/vr-and-ar-course-program

https://about.fb.com/news/2023/09/impact-of-vr-and-ar/

https://itmunch.com/breaking-barriers-exploring-the-future-of-vr-and-ar-itmunch/

https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/the-role-of-ar-in-the-future-of-work/

https://techround.co.uk/tech/apple-vr-headset-future-virtual-reality/

Engine used: QuillBot

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26 November 2023
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AI, Games

Nvidia DLSS and how AI is changing gaming industry

Reading Time: 3 minutes

NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology is a game-changer in the world of gaming. DLSS uses AI to generate pixels, thereby increasing frame rates in video games. This technique has been integrated into over 300 RTX games and enhances the gaming experience by increasing frame rates by up to 4x [1]. In this blog post, we will explore how NVIDIA’s DLSS technology works and how it has revolutionized the gaming experience. We will also discuss the impact of NVIDIA’s DLSS technology on the gaming industry and its future prospects.

DLSS 1.0 was the first version of this technology, which was introduced in 2018 . It was designed to improve the performance of games running on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture GPUs by using AI to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions . This allowed gamers to enjoy better image quality and higher frame rates without sacrificing performance . While DLSS 1.0 was a significant improvement over traditional upscaling techniques, NVIDIA has since released several newer versions of the technology, each with its own set of improvements and features .

DLSS 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 have all introduced significant improvements over their predecessors, including better image quality, reduced input lag, and improved support for games that use ray tracing and VRS .

However, NVIDIA has recently released DLSS 3.0, which is the next revolution in neural graphics . DLSS 3.0 combines DLSS Super Resolution, all-new DLSS Frame Generation, and NVIDIA Reflex, running on the new hardware capabilities of GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, to multiply performance by up to 4X over brute-force rendering . DLSS 3.0 is already being rapidly adopted by the ecosystem, with over 35 games and applications integrating the technology, the first of which launched in October. DLSS 3.0 is powered by the new fourth-generation Tensor Cores and Optical Flow Accelerator of the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, which powers GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics cards [2] . The DLSS Frame Generation convolutional autoencoder takes 4 inputs – current and prior game frames, an optical flow field generated by Ada’s Optical Flow Accelerator, and game engine data such as motion vectors and depth . DLSS 3.0 is a revolutionary breakthrough in AI-powered graphics that massively boosts performance, while maintaining great image quality and responsiveness .

DLSS 3.5 is the latest version of NVIDIA’s DLSS technology, which is set to be released in the fall of 2023 [3]. It will introduce a new AI model called “Ray Reconstruction,” which will create higher-quality ray-traced images for intensive ray-traced games and apps . Ray Reconstruction is an AI-powered denoising algorithm that learns from millions of high-quality images to generate more accurate pixels . DLSS 3.5 will be available in several games and applications, including Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Portal with RTX, Chaos Vantage, D5 Render, and NVIDIA Omniverse . DLSS 3.5 is powered by the Tensor Cores on GeForce RTX GPUs and is expected to deliver even better performance and image quality than its predecessors [4].

Artificial intelligence has been a game-changer in the gaming industry, and NVIDIA’s DLSS technology is a prime example of this. DLSS uses AI to create additional frames and improve image quality, resulting in a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. The technology has been widely adopted, with over 300 games and apps now supporting it . DLSS has also been praised for its ability to deliver high-quality images that rival native resolution while multiplying frame rates [5]. With the advent of DLSS, it’s clear that AI is transforming the gaming industry, and we can expect to see more innovations in the future.

[1]https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/how-to-run-ai-locally/#:~:text=In%20the%20realm%20of%20gaming%2C%20NVIDIA’s%20Deep%20Learning,by%20increasing%20frame%20rates%20by%20up%20to%204x.

[2]https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/dlss3-ai-powered-neural-graphics-innovations/

[3]https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/nvidia-dlss-3-5-ray-reconstruction/

[4]https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-nvidia-ai-powered-dlss-3-5/

[5]https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/neural-graphics-gdc/

This post was made with bing ai

Image was generated by Dalle 3

Some of the prompts I’ve used:

write an introducion paragraph to a blogpost about nvidia dlls and ai in gaming

write a blogpost paragraph about nvidia dlss 1, dlss 2, dlss 2.1, dlss 2.2,dlss 3, and dlss 3.5

write a conclusion paragraph for a techblog post about nvidia dlss and how ai is changing gaming industry

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6 November 2021
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Introducing Netflix Games

Reading Time: 4 minutes
source: https://about.netflix.com/en/news/let-the-games-begin-a-new-way-to-experience-entertainment-on-mobile

The market for mobile gaming has been steadily growing ever since Apple introduced App Store for iPhones back in July 2008. In the last few years, major tech giants noticed a possibility there – they started offering access to libraries of games for a monthly fee.

Let’s be clear, this market, though still relatively young, is already very competitive. There is Apple Arcade, from Apple, Microsoft’s Game Pass, and Stadia (Google). Each of them is, on average, two years old.

Just in two years, Stadia, Game Pass, and Apple Arcade expanded their libraries exponentially, with Microsoft leading the industry. So, how does Netflix Games stack up to the competitors? Let’s take a look.

Rollout

Although Netflix’s latest service seems to be attractive to many users worldwide, it’s only available to a handful of them at the moment.

source: https://about.netflix.com/en/news/let-the-games-begin-a-new-way-to-experience-entertainment-on-mobile

Netflix Games began testing in August this year, and users in Poland were lucky to try the new service first. In Fall, Netflix expanded to other countries, including Spain and Italy.

For the time being, Netflix Games is available only for android users globally, who can already enjoy brand new games on their phones. According to Netflix, Apple consumers will need to wait a little longer.

Experience

Netflix claims its new service will come with no additional fees and no in-app purchases while preserving Netflix’s premium feel – no-add experience.

As of November 3, the catalog of games is poor. However, Netflix didn’t come empty-handed. There are five games available for android users – two Stranger Things (Netflix’s original series, which premiered in 2016) titles and three indie games.

Though, for now, the service can’t boast about a wide range of games—like they can with tv-series and movies on their streaming platform—Mike Verdi, Netflix Vice President for game development, already assured more titles would be coming in the upcoming months.

How to play?

Since the new service is accessible only for android users, you won’t find a guide on how to play Netflix games on iOS.

source: https://www.engadget.com/netflix-mobile-games-casual-spain-italy-154522886.html

There are two ways to download shiny new games on your android mobile device: via the Netflix app and Google Play Store.

After updating Netflix app to the latest version, you’ll notice a new tab at the bottom called “Games.” There, you can browse the catalog, read descriptions, see pictures and even watch previews of gameplay. When you’re ready to download, you’ll be redirected to the Google Play Store page, where you’ll be asked to click on the download button.

When you’d like to download games via Google Play Store, search for “Netflix Games,” and you should see something like this.

When iOS?

Unfortunately, iOS and iPadOS users will need to wait a little while. According to Netflix, Netflix Games will be coming to iOS “in the coming months.”

Given Apple’s history with other companies trying to omit App Store’s strict rules, Netflix Games may not be coming to iOS at all. Just a couple of months ago, Apple banned Microsoft’s Game Pass app from the App Store.

source: https://www.engadget.com/apple-allows-rating-first-party-app-store-apps-230528659.html

Apple has a strict policy over what apps get accepted to the App Store and which do not. For instance, developers cannot make apps that make it possible to download apps outside of the App Store. The only way of installing apps on iOS is via App Store. However, other companies, such as Google, came out with another solution after their gaming service was rejected on the same basis.

The answer is pretty simple – a browser. Yes, that’s right. Technically speaking, developers can “publish” their apps on the web and make them available under their domain name. Though available on android as an app, iPhone users can access Google’s gaming service only via the web.

source: https://www.chromegeek.com/google-stadia-site-for-prospective-gamers-revamped-with-list-of-available-titles/

Even though the chances of Netflix succeeding in publishing their Gaming app on the App Store are pretty slim, there is another solution. So don’t worry, iPhone friends, Netflix Games, will be available on your devices someday either way.

Summary

Netflix Games became available to all android users on November 3 with a small catalog of games. Netflix promised more new titles to come in the upcoming weeks. The service comes with no additional fees or in-app purchases and ads, so the premium feel of Netflix continues to be reflected here as well. We expect Netflix yet to announce the app for iOS users, which in my opinion won’t be coming at all.

Sources:

  • https://about.netflix.com/en/news/let-the-games-begin-a-new-way-to-experience-entertainment-on-mobile
  • https://apple.news/AkbIl9FukQw6Px2fKaed-dw
  • https://apple.news/AeSeCDvPGQ6aMXICXdtiCeQ
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/02/netflix-launches-its-first-mobile-games.html
  • https://decider.com/2021/11/02/netflix-drops-five-new-video-games/
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5 January 2020
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Google Stadia – future of gaming or just another trend that will fade away?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat is Google Stadia and why is it revolutionary? Google Stadia is “a cloud gaming service operated by Google”. It allows playing and streaming games by fulfilling only 2 conditions: stable, high-speed internet connection and a single device. One of many to choose from: Google Chrome web browser, Pixel smartphone, Chrome OS and a special device Chromecast or a TV+controller set-up. These are not the most excessive demands. Basically, most people who game on a daily basis or stream it have access to both of them (most common and easily accessible would be Google Chrome web browser downloadable for free). Of course, you have to buy an Edition of Stadia (either Founders or Premiere) and later there is a subscription fee for using Stadia Pro. At launch, Premiere Edition was 119 pounds and subscription was 8.99 pounds per month.

It is revolutionary because we can play our favorite library of games from any place in the world without bringing our expensive gear PC or laptop. We can (theoretically) get rid of those at all if we want to rely simply on using Google games library. We can enjoy our favorite games from anywhere we want if the connection is quick enough and we have a proper subscription. Then we can stream at 60fps in 4k quality. That is the “sweet spot” for gamers. Of course, a person needs a controller either Xbox or PS4 dualshock. There is also a Google Stadia controller designed by Google. It has a few tricks up its sleeve. For instance, it has a built-in mic (with google assistant), responds quicker with the cloud or lets users take videos and pictures which instantly appear in Stadia app on smartphones.

Other companies such as Microsoft are developing something similar but Google launched their product first of the bunch. And it was not flawless. There were many issues that have disappointed the users close after launch.

To name a few the library was very limited at launch – just 22 games. There were a lot of issues with streaming, even high-speed stable connections were not enough and caused lag (or audio-lag) or connectivity problems. The Google Chromecast device seemed to overheat. There were instances that some games were able to break the hardware to the point of the necessity of buying a new one. Adding to that we need to buy the games from the store. So if we had any e.g. steam, uplay or origin based libraries we cannot use them. All the games must be purchased from google’s library.

Ultimately the main benefits of Stadia are the flexibility and the absence of the “box” under our TV. We just need a compatible controller of some sort, high-speed connection and a TV screen to play or stream our favorite games. In that fashion, we can do that all over the World if we fulfill those conditions. It is revolutionary and it might have a bright future. There is a low chance this direction will make gaming gear (PC’S, laptops, consoles) obsolete. But will Google Stadia build its userbase and improve the product by giving more possibilities? Will it add to it so we, as gamers, can throw our PC’s to trash or let them grab dust? Or will the connectivity and hardware issues burry the project deep in history to serve as another meme?? Only time will tell.

 

Sources:

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/google-stadia-review

https://stadia.dev/

https://www.techradar.com/reviews/google-stadia

https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/nov/18/google-stadia-review-gylt

https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/11/18/google-stadia-launch-review-a-technical-conceptual-disaster/

https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/20/google-stadia-review

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Stadia

Picture:

https://www.wprost.pl/_thumb/bd/ca/395d92dd5f74c9c18472c6ca1e00.jpeg

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1 December 2019
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Now all GAMERS can experience something NEW…

Reading Time: 3 minutes

VR Gaming.

Probably, you have heard about virtual reality. And now it is becoming more and more popular among gamers all over the world. Therefore, companies are creating more games supporting VR.

 

The original idea of Virtual Reality was to create a world close to the real environment, to make a player believe that he is the protagonist of this plot and immerse him into the story.

To achieve that innovators have to make this reality so indistinguishable from the real world. Even now they are developing various devices, for instance, VR helmets, hand controllers, gloves with additional sensors, which allow monitoring the exact position of each finger. However, one Belarusian company called TESLASUIT has created something more than just a VR device.

Feelings go to a new level.

Teslasuit – is a breakthrough in VR Gaming, because it allows its users to feel the environment. This suit is equipped with climate control, biometric and motion capture sensors.

So, what does it mean?

It means, that a player can feel everything, what happens with the main character in-game. For example, the player can feel the weather in a desert (warm temperatures), strokes from the bullets (not so painful as in real life) and even touches of other game characters integrated into the game.

All these are available due to electric pulses that stimulate your muscles.

Moreover, developers created a flexible system of settings, which allows integrating this suit into almost all games easily. And now, all game developers are capable of implementing this device into their VR games.

Other benefits.

Although the main aspect of using this suit is gaming, the costume can be used in sports training. For instance, first of all, the movements of a professional sportsman are recorded with a system of motion capture. Then, a newcomer wears a suit, and his movements are compared with the movements of a professional. If the system identifies, that a newcomer is doing something wrong, it will send a signal and will ask him to adjust his movements.

Furthermore, this suit and VR helmet will help to train highly specialized staff, who work in dangerous conditions. For example, workers who drilling the well.

 

 

The Teslasuit developers believe that such a system of monitoring muscle activity can be beneficial in medicine too. They are developing a neural network that will recognize the underlying disease. For instance, such systems can be installed into a simple T-shirt or trousers, and you do not need to visit a doctor, you can send him a history of your muscles condition and the doctor can establish the diagnosis without your physical presence.

This device of a new generation offers to all gamers a great chance to get new game experience, and also can be applied in other fields of activity.

So, if you had a chance to experience everything that the main hero feels, would you try this suit on and save the world?

(I know, almost all of you are thinking of “The Witcher 3. Wild Hunt.”)

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Sources:

=> https://34mag.net/ru/post/teslasuit-rus

=> https://teslasuit.io/

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18 January 2019
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The future of gaming – Teslasuit

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Probably most of you are familiar with VR. Not that long ago, we could see it only in movies, but nowadays thanks to Oculus Rift, it started becoming a more mainstream option of entertainment. Well, now imagine that there’s a device that enables you to not only see everything as if you were there, but also to feel it. That’s what Tesla’s new invention is all about.

Teslasuit was presented at CES 2019, where influencers and journalists could even try out the prototype version. It is a new generation of smart clothing. Moreover, it is a full body suit, made from waterproof neoprene, filled with multiple censors, which right now add up to 68. Since it’s waterproof, it is fully washable. Just put it into your washing machine and enjoy the fresh smell. Additionaly, Tesla’s spokesperson stated that by the time that they will hit the market, number of censors will be even higher. Although all of this information may not seem as impressive for you at this moment, let me explain briefly what can it do.

This clothing with the use of haptic feedback can simulate the feeling of touch, bumping into a wall and even getting kicked or punched. It seems pretty futuristic, doesn’t it? Of course everything is done with safety measures, so that it doesn’t hurt you. You can even adjust the power of the sensations, if it’s too much for you, but that’s not all. Let’s ignore for a second the ‘less important’ fact that it measures your biometric data like heart rate and how do you feel overall. It actually can make you feel different temperatures.

Now imagine, that you play Call of Duty or some other FPS game and you have a mission located somewhere in Siberia with -30°C, there are plenty of enemies nearby trying to kill you and you can feel it all! The temperature, bullets hitting you, touching the ground, your weapon, simply everything. Of course it won’t be as real as the real pain or temperature, but it definitely will be different and much better than sitting in front of a computer or a TV on your couch.  I don’t know how do you feel about it, but to me it seems amazing. 

 

It provides the sensations, anything from stroke to hard impact … but the hard impact we’ve specifically limited to the own wearer’s strength, not to damage any tissue or anything, to keep it safe.” (Digital Trends).

 

Imagine the possibilities that this equipment creates. In my opinion, it can even help with obesity to some extent. All of the gamers in order to keep playing, will have to burn all of this calories by moving inside of their houses constantly. That’s definitely not something that you can do, while being overweight. Your actual physical abilities will determine, how good you are at certain games.

Although I’m really enthusiastic about this kind of gaming, let’s talk about some other aspects of this technology, since playing games just isn’t for everyone. In future, it may enable us to for example go explore different countries or watch a NBA game, from the comfort of our own house, just for few bucks.  It can even be some form of communication between friend’s and family. Imagine that you are in a long-distance relationship. This technology will enable you to not only talk face-to-face, but feel the presence of your partner. This just blows my mind.

Here you can see a quick video of how people reacted to Teslasuit at CES 2019

It all sounds amazing, but nothing there’s always a catch. Well, the device itself isn’t so cheap. It may cost several thousand of dollars and it’s only wholesaled. The price will probably go down as the interest of the product will go up in future, but it definitely isn’t a product for everyone, as for now. Still, in my opinion it’s totally worth it, if you can lands your hands on it.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments. 

 

Reference list:

1. Miranda, F. (2019, January 13). The Teslasuit could turn Black Mirror’s terrifying ‘Playtest’ into a reality. https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/teslasuit-experience-ces-2019/

2. null. (2018, December 31).The TeslaSuit, VR, and Gaming Potential. https://www.gamedesigning.org/gaming/teslasuit/

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6 January 2017
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Live Stream on the Internet

Reading Time: 3 minutestwitchtv

 

Twitch interactive,   Media platform that allows users to make peer to peer streaming to others about gaming content related shows.

Twitch interactive was launched by Justin Kan and Emmett Shear, who are also founded Justin.TV in 2007. The technological changes on the internet allowed people to use this peer to peer streaming 2007 thanks to Justin.TV.  At the beginning, the platform was used to stream illegal football games etc. As always. people used the new technology to their personal needs.

hqdefault

Back in 2007, while twitter just launched. News media and TV channels did not really focus on the Internet media. Television was enough for them to reach the audience. Watching TV on the internet was not popular as well.  Justin.TV became a popular website with a great potential to grow more and more.  The most popular category of all entire platform was the Gaming category. That is why, Gaming category was separated from the platform and Justin.TV launched Twitch.TV in 2011.  Above 35 million Uniqe visitors were attracted after the launch.

Let’s stop a moment and start thinking about the Internet, what makes the internet attractive.  The answer is easily found in the question. Sources and Users…  Anyone can launch a platform, anyone can create “whatever they want to”.  That makes the internet attractive in my opinion.

That is why, Justin.TV and after Twitch.TV became attractive and popular for people.

amazon-twitch-purchase

Back in 2011, there was none platform that focused on Gaming as a live streaming.  Only youtube had a lot of channels that were focused on Gaming Category. It is still remaining as one of the most popular category on Youtube in 2017. But Youtube used not to be a live platform. Only a platform that a person can upload a video and others can watch it later.  No interaction on live! Twitch.tv became so popular because visitors and viewers can interact with the streamer during watching the stream.

Jumping into year 2014 and talk about Amazon. This is the most interesting part of this blog viewers.  Why amazon was interested in such platform except it had 1.5 million streamer and 100 million unique visitors. There is another answer, on Amazon we are able to find almost anything that related with the technology (computer components, games etc.). Amazon wanted to gain the advantage of those 100 million people’s interest on the Internet. In august 2014, Twitch.TV was sold to Amazon for US$970 million. In 2016 3. quoter, Twitch.TV had 500 million unique visitors.

 

Amazon did not buy only a website that allows them to make advertise of their main website and products that they do sell. Amazon also bought a incredible stable technology that allowed amazon to create live movie watching platform in Amazon.

2636358-twitchamazon

Dear reader, think about a second and come with an idea such as Amazon or Twitch.TV…  The main point is Internet. Internet did create brilliant things that we did not think that there was a need for those platforms and websites.

This blog was written by Ali Murat AY

 

 

 

Sources

  1. (Twitch.Tv: Traffic Overview, 2016) – “Twitch.Tv: Traffic Overview, 2016” Similerweb, March , 2016. Accessed in May 2, 2016 – https://www.similarweb.com/website/twitch.tv
  2. BBC. (2011). How internet is changing the way we watch television. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology- 12141563. Last accessed 13/11/2013.
  3. (Josh Lipton, 2014) – Josh Lipton, “Google’s best and worst acquisitions.” CNBS Technology Correspondent, Aug 19, 2014. Accessed in May 06, 2016 – http://www.cnbc.com/2014/08/19/googles-best-and-worst-acquisitions.html
  4. (Petrus-lılian Fatu, 2014) – Petrus-Iulian “Devon” Fatu, “ Ubisoft Revealed its E3 game line-up.” Reviewstudio, published in Expo/Conferences news. May 26, 2014. Accessed in May 7, 2016. – http://www.reviewstudio.net/1832-ubisoft-revealed-its-e3-game-line- up
  5. (Alex Wilhelm, 2011) – Alex Wilhelm, 2011. “TwitchTV: Justin.Tv’s killer new esports project” The Next Web, accessed in May 7, 2016 – http://thenextweb.com/media/2011/06/06/twitchtv-justin-tvs-killer-new-esports- project
  6. (Twitch, 2013) “Twitch 2013 Retrospective”, Twitch Interactive, Inc. pp 24-27, 2013. Accessin in May 8, 2016 – https://www.twitch.tv/year/2013
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1 February 2016
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Exchange traders use computer games as a private communication channel for insider trading

Reading Time: 2 minutesNovember 28 FBI Special Agent David Chavez gave a presentation at the event New York Hedge Fund Round Table.

According to Chavez, in 2009 the US government began to actively combat illegal trade insider information in the hedge fund industry (investment funds oriented to guaranteed return). During this time it produced a lot of arrests and the charges against hedge fund managers and stock traders.

console-games

Particular attention is paid to communication channels Chavez, who used the workers in this industry for data transfer. For example, traders buy cheap mobile phones with prepaid tariffs, getting rid of the device after every illegal contact. In addition, in the course were incomprehensible to outsiders posts on social networks, serves as a signal of when to buy or sell securities.

But the most creative way, according to Chavez, was the use of computer games.

A brilliant solution in this case turned out to be things like the Xbox and PlayStation.

With their help, you can connect to the network, find the right person in any Call of Duty, and then conduct a private conversation with him, and – guess what – to transfer him to non-public information.

selling-information

Over the past few months, this is not the first time that the media are discussing the possibility of using games consoles as the private channels of communication in the conduct of illegal activities. In mid-September, widespread news that communication in the preparation of terrorist attacks in Paris could occur through the applications on gaming consoles.

Then Interior Minister of Belgium acknowledged that for PlayStation 4:

Follow more complex than WhatsApp

Later it turned out that in the case of Paris consoles have not been applied, but such cases is still unknown. For example, in May 2015 a resident of Australia, was sentenced to two years in prison for downloading on the console instructions for building bombs and communicate with its members via LIH

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13 October 2015
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Free to read! *Charges may apply*

Reading Time: 3 minutes


Put your hand in your pocket. Dig around. What did you find? A few coins? A paper? Or did you find a Smartphone? Yes. I bet you did. Now as you unlock your phone what is the first thing that your eyes see? You will say: “Just a bunch of apps”. Perfect. Now as well, its more than likely that you did not pay for this “Free” application. Because as the economist Milton Friedman said: “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” But one might think: “I just downloaded this application for free. How can they make money off me?”
Well that is a slippery question that has many answers to it. However this time I will focus on one, that is the ever growing gaming app industry. The Mobile Video Game Industry is set to make $30.3 billion dollars worldwide. The big name gaming apps that are generating this revenue are free-to-play. Some of these are Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, Temple Run, Candy Crush Saga, and Fallout Shelter just to name a few.
However the most interesting and lucrative part is how low cost these applications are to make. An application can cost to make between $10,000 to $250,000. One might say that is a high cost for a free to play application. However to create the average video game console/pc can cost between $1,000,000 to $140,000,000. That is a large sum and risk for the developer to take. As well for the consumer its a hefty tag to pay with the average game costing $60. This is why its becoming more intriguing, for big name video game companies to start creating free-to-play applications. Bethesda, the video game developer that has created iconic games like Skyrim (one of the highest selling games of all time) and Fallout, created a free-to-play application called Fallout Shelter. Within the first two weeks it made $5.1 million dollars, this game was created as form to advertise their upcoming game Fallout 4. But they might have stumbled within their actual cash cow with this free-to-play game, that will probably out gross the product that they were marketing for. Another highly addictive and revenue generating juggernaut is Candy Crush Saga. In 2014 they generated $1.5 billion dollars for a game that is just entering is third year of existence.
I wont give you any further examples since you know where this trend is going. Free-to-play apps make money. But how? Well through many different ways. One is in game purchases. The application offers you to shorten wait time, an extra life, an outfit, a character, more resources, pretty much anything in which the game revolves around. However they do this in a clever way. At the beginning they give you a few “tokens” in which you normally would pay, then they show you how they can be used during a “tutorial” and show you how advantageous it can be. So after playing the game a few times, the difficulty level starts going on an incline. Then eventually you are forced to either wait for your waiting time to end, or gain more life….but if you don’t want to wait, then you can pay.
Developers play with the addictive qualities of these games and smartphones to keep trying to fish for the money from your bank account. One might want to deny that these free-to-play games are going to go away but the forecast portrays that by 2018 mobile gaming will generate $45 billion dollars.
As you see this is the present and the future that is implemented into smartphones. But are you willing to get with the times, so you can spend your valuable time and money on a pointless application?
I’ll let you decide. I am gonna go read a book off my Kindle app…..wait….
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