The technology of Avatar Kinect on Xbox 360 explained

How Kinect uses the facial mapping technology to output facial movements to the Xbox 360.

James Cameron's Avatar: The Video Game Official Launch HD trailer

James Cameron's Avatar: The Game 'Launch' video trailer. James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game is the official video game based on the highly anticipated film James Cameron’s Avatar. The video game will take you deep into the heart of Pandora, an alien planet that is beyond imagination.

Insert behind enemy lines in Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising PC Demo how to download the demo and get the latest screens, updates and videos

Experience the most immersive tactical shooter of the year as Codemasters launched the Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising PC demo today. Information on how to download the demo and play the first full mission, ‘Dragon Rising’, are available at www.flashpointgame.com in the ‘Public Affairs’ section. The critically acclaimed Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is in stores now for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system and PC.

James Cameron's AVATAR the video game Official trailer

A developer diary for the video game based upon James Cameron's upcoming sci-fi movie epic.

Watch it here...

Retro clothes launched for your Xbox 360 avatar - Kotaku talks to the designer

Xbox gamers can dress as a BioShock Big Daddy or a Halo trooper if they sample the new virtual world fashions launching today. Or they could dress like they're from the Great Depression. The line's designer explains why.

We dress in mere costumes when we control characters in our Xbox 360s. Michael Connell believes it's time for us to wear fashion — some of which came from poorer times.

Connell is the Microsoft-contracted designer behind two original fashion lines, offered, for pay, as part of the new Xbox 360 system update that goes live today. The freelance creative director whose professional experience includes modeling, designing Barbie-branded fashion and a stint as the design director of the Cranium line of games, has crafted clothing for the bodies of virtual men and women, to be worn by Xbox 360 Avatars.

Read full post on Kotaku here...

Xbox confirm Guitar Hero 5 avatars play along with your heroes

Activision has confirmed that Xbox avatars will be playable in its forthcoming Guitar Hero 5 - the latest in the long series of music games. It means that you'll be able to rock out alongside Lars Ümlaüt and Judy Nails.

You'll also be able to customise that avatar further in Guitar Hero 5's "create-a-rocker" mode, which will let you add clothing and accessories that are a little more rock'n'roll than the Xbox defaults.

As previously reported on Pocket-lint, Guitar Hero 5 has 85 tracks from more than 80 bands, 25 of whom have never been in a music game before. You'll also be able to combine any number of guitarists, bassists, vocalists and drummers to match whatever instruments you have.

Source: PocketLint

Funji Launches the First Avatar-Based Social Networking Application for the iPhone

Funji, Inc., an iPhone application company, launches the first avatar-based social networking application only for iPhone and iPod touch on May 23. While some avatar applications allow users to customize characters, Funji is the first to blend avatars and social networking only for iPhone/iPod touch users. Funji users can decorate their own avatars and rooms to show friends, save as wallpaper or publish to Facebook using FB connect. They can visit strangers' rooms to see what they have created and initiate friendships.

Funji’s comic-book style stands out from the geometric 3D virtual worlds prevalent on the web and many other iPhone applications. With Funji, users have more than 2000 possible combinations for creating their unique avatar. The customizable avatars show random dance moves when touched. Each update will feature new avatar animations for intimate and personal interaction. The background and decorative items also help to create imaginary scenes, such as a huge cupcake on the bed or pink dog on the road.

Funji will regularly update items based on a theme such as disco hall or summer vacation. While Funji is focused initially on giving users a new level of self-expression, the company is planning to expand its application to allow users to communicate with and play games with friends. Games will allow users to earn points to express themselves with unique items.

An intensive development effort was required to create animated avatars in traditional comic book style without using 3D tools. Funji is the only iPhone application that allows users to customize and animate avatars.

“Users have been thirsty for an avatar application for the iPhone that integrates with other social networks,” said Shinyoung Park, CEO of Funji, Inc. “At Funji, our goal is to satisfy users’ quest for self-expression and playful interaction with friends within the mobile environment. Funji’s offerings will move users beyond the web, leveraging the mobile platform to create a far more intimate and personal means of communication.”

The price of the Funji is $2.99. However, for a limited time, Funji is available for $0.99.

Rumor - "Avatars" are Microsoft's take on Nintendo Miis and Home?

An online survey reveals that Microsoft may be working on its own version of Nintendo's Miis called "Avatars."

The new Avatars will replace Gamer Pictures beginning this holiday.

The Avatars will be completely customizable. No word yet on what other functions they may have, though it's possible they could be integrated in to games in the future.

read more | digg story

The future of video games

Quentin Hardy's panel on "Beyond the Video Console" is fascinating. Increasingly video games take centerstage in the online world going forward.

One of the panelists made the point that every generation worries about a new "technology" that will corrupt children: once upon a time, that "technology" was jazz music; then rock and roll. Fast forward and today it's video games.

Video games become a dominant means of telling stories. Even more compelling--multiplayer games where the "community" can engage in playing a game. The "game" aspects, of gaming, matter enormously.

That doesn't make SecondLife the answer, though.

As one panelist pointed out, once you have created an avatar and dressed it, there isn't too much to do in SecondLife.

Call that a work in progress. Eventually, however, the industry will figure out this emerging digital world, and invent engaging ways to play games and interact there.

For now, though, I confess I made a note to myself: better buy the kids more video games!

Source: Forbes

Universal avatars bestride worlds

A virtual character, or avatar, for all the virtual worlds in which people play is the goal of a joint project between IBM and Linden Lab.
The computer giant and the creator of Second Life are working on universal avatars that can travel between worlds.

The project aims to open up virtual worlds by introducing open tools that work with any online environment.

The companies hope to boost interest in virtual worlds as well as make them easier to navigate.

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