Brit Collins
Nov 2012
MANIERA SL
Word count: 562
As we say au revoir to 2012, let us pause
and reflect on the trends that affected both our realities. 2012 was a year of change for both the real
world and Second Life®. A year of
fluctuation; whether it was earthquakes and unusual weather patterns, or the
concern that the Mayan calendar could be heralding the end of the world as we
know it. We had the 2012 Summer Olympics hosted in London, England where USA
swimmer Michael Phelps retired with a world-best 18 Olympic golds. Technology
took leaps and bounds with touch tablets and voice-controlled phones. Apple
showed everyone that even the loss of its icon and founder, Steve Jobs, in 2011
was not enough to stop its progress as the computing leader. We looked to the
unrest in the Middle East with trepidation and concern, wondering how these
events will change the world.
In Second Life we saw the release of mesh
3D viewers and how it evolved into every aspect of our virtual lives. We
overcame strife and diversity caused by widespread panic of griefers and cyberbullying.
Linden Labs® moved its engine to the game platform known as Steam were over 40 a million users could access its software on other terminals such as the PS3.
2013 will also bring enhancements to the
touch tablet showing that there is indeed a future where the mouse is obsolete.
Gamers have much to look forward to with the release of Sony’s PS4 Orbis and
Xbox 720 Durango. When we saw the release of the PS3 we saw the innovative design
and play in the form of integrating Bluetooth technology and 3D design with
online playing power. The ability to reach out and play games such as World of
Warcraft, Star Wars, and yes, even Second Life, may one day soon be available
on gaming consoles such as these.
So with all this said and done what can we
look forward to in 2013? Fennux! Yes,
these little creatures, the newest in breedable, will be sweeping the grid.
These newest in a long line of breedable will bring a new and fun way to
interact with cyber-enhanced creatures.
The release of the mesh physics engine in
Second Life will allow the mesh to be adapted to the avatar’s form and body
type. What will this mean for our daily
virtual lives? Designers can look
forward to a more immersive 3D engine that allows for greater creativity and
adaptability. Consumers will look
forward to clothing that will adjust to their personal size and not have to
worry whether or not the item they purchased will fit or if they will need to
change their body to match their clothes. Imagine buying an outfit from your
favorite designer and knowing you will not have to try to figure out if your
avatar is one of five sizes provided.
We also saw the creation and release of
the petite mesh avatar and watched as this newest mania swept the grid, from
content creators to designers, and finally sims and events based around this
phenomenon.
The future is right around the corner and
where we go from here is truly a statement of mankind’s intent to boldly go
where no man has gone before. Look to the future in both virtual and reality
and watch as the lines begin to blur as we go forward. Welcome, 2013!
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