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Gallery exhibit looks to teach parents about video games
Brenda Brathwaite is a vocal advocate within the industry known for frank discussions on sex, censorship and ESRB issues. Recently she was awarded the 2007 Presidential Fellowship at the SavannahCollege of Art and Design to create a lecture and gallery exhibit titled, "What You Don't Know About Video Games..." The installation is aimed at parents and others unfamiliar with video games and the industry. The lecture is designed to cover all kinds of topics like ratings, game content, career options and the good video games are doing in all kinds of fields.The portion that Brathwaite is most excited about is the exhibit. It'll be in an actual gallery space and will give parents a hands-on guided tour of video games at every rating level from E to AO. The latter, of course, will not be readily viewable, and not at all viewable by those under 18. Brathwaite says, "For me, the motivation comes from both being a parent, a game designer and an acquaintance of many parents who know little about our industry, or believe that video games 'are just for kids,' or some great violence-filled, blood-soaked evil ... Hopefully, they'll come away more knowledgeable about our industry, excited about the games we make and better able to make informed choices at retail."For those who have seen Brathwaite speak, she knows how to keep an audience's attention. She explains large concepts in a clear and entertaining manner. If there is anyone we think can explain the industry to parents evenly by showing the good and the bad -- it's Brathwaite. We'll learn more about exhibit details and look forward to some preview photos as the opening draws near. What we're really hoping for is a good internet video of the lecture and exhibit for those who can't get to Savannah but want to see it -- or show it to someone who should.
TUAW Exclusive: Skitch screenshot gallery
We've been blogging Skitch, a new 'hybrid' photo editing and web services tool from plasq (makers of Comic Life), since Scott first met and fell in love with it at Macworld 07. Using the app through its development, it's clear that Skitch is going to knock people's socks off, with a well-executed blend of desktop editing and integration with web services like Plasq's new MySkitch and Flickr. For example: a major new feature in an upcoming public beta (that's right, I said 'public': join the mailing list for your chance to get a copy) includes iPhoto and Aperture integration: Simply double-click an item from the library panel shown here to begin applying all manners of Skitch editing. Another feature that brings the 'hybrid' element to the table is Skitch's tight integration with web services. Skitch can send pics to FTP, .Mac and even Flickr accounts, but it also integrations with a new MySkitch service that will debut. MySkitch does a lot of interesting things, like giving you embed code for zoomable thumbnails (ideal for the likes of eBay and blogs with thin columns), a direct link for sending in email and even forum-friendly embed code. Skitch doesn't stop there though: you can also remove images from these web services directly from within Skitch, effectively making it a one-stop management shop for your images both local and otherwise.That's enough blabbing about features for now though. The folks at plasq were kind enough to allow us to publish an exclusive Skitch screenshot gallery, and published we have. Check out more screenshots of Skitch's good side, and don't forget to hit up plasq's mailing list for a chance to snag your own copy when they release an upcoming public beta. %Gallery-2528%
The Gamers' Gallery aims to be web's 'best damned screenshot viewer'
Evil Avatar's Nicholas Puleo (a.k.a. bapenguin) has launched The Gamers' Gallery, described as a public database of screenshots, game data, and news. As the domain name implies, the emphasis is on the images. "The Gamers' Gallery was created because all other screenshot viewers are severely lacking. I really just wanted to create the best damn screenshot viewer on the internet," says Puleo.So did he? Puleo admits TGG is still in its infancy, but the potential is there. Galleries aren't buried behind pages of fluff and the ability to vote and comment on images reinforces the community dynamic -- and adds comic relief. For a small fee ($10/yr) users can become contributing members, unlocking high-res images (without watermarks!) and the ability to create galleries and a custom webpage. We hope subscribers also get a watermark-free experience. Shameless stamping is one lasting "feature" that 'lacking viewers' rarely lack. Let's hope Puleo and staff decide to break the old habit (for the non-subscriber's sake).
Apple TV: the mother of all interface galleries
As promised this morning, we've been spending some quality alone time with the Apple TV today, and we've got the gallery to prove it. We ran through most all of the options, hit a few bumps here and there, but for the most part had a good experience with the unit. Our favorite podcast, "William Hung Cooking Show" was a no-go thanks to the restrictive codec support, but otherwise our little collection of iTunes media transferred smoothly and played without a hitch on the device. In fact, sometimes it was a bit hard to tell if something had already been synced, or was just streaming off of our computer, or was in the process of both, since for the most part things "just work" with the unit. Setting up syncing was just like working an iPod, so there shouldn't be any worries for the noobs out there in getting this thing up and running. There is one huge caveat, however: TV shows and music videos don't look great after being scaled to 720p. Hopefully Apple has some HD content up its sleeve, 'cause otherwise it seems like waste of money to use this with a decent TV unless you want to look at photo galleries all day -- which look great, by the way. Actual operation and booting of the device is responsive, silent and energy efficient -- the unit is quick to fade the screen to black after going unused for a minute or so. For someone with a lot of cash invested in a collection of iTunes media, the Apple TV seems a solid -- if pricey -- buy, but for most people with more diverse media collections and saner pocketbooks, this is a hard one to recommend.%Gallery-2238%
Hands-on with Vulcan's Flipstart handheld PC
The Vulcan Flipstart is one of those products that just gets you juiced up about gadgets, because really, what's more gadgety than a full-fledged computer that you can slide into a coat pocket? There was a short while there (2003 to 2007) when we thought that the Flipstart would never make it out of vaporware hell; all that trepidation disappeared, however, when not one but two of the little XP-powered clamshells got delivered to our doorstep. Having already played around with both OQOs, several UMPCs, and countless smartphones, we had a pretty good idea of what we were expecting from this device, and from our preliminary evaluation, it does not disappoint. From the polished, slightly-heavy body to the port replicator to the geeky hip pouch, everything feels solidly built -- as we would hope for a product that's been in development for several years. Boot-up occurs fairly quickly, and you're up and running within the minute, with most applications performing adequately on a Pentium M CPU backed by 512MB of RAM. Input is also fairly painless; although touch-typing is a non-starter on the tiny thumb board, those used to their Treos will catch on quickly, and the dual methods for pointer control (touchpad and nubbin) felt responsive and precise. Another nice feature is the auxiliary external display, which although not powered by Slideshow, nonetheless offers PIM entries and media control in a very convenient manner. We'll have more impressions for you once we take our two new toys for a longer spin, but for now you can pass the time by checking out the loaded gallery below, complete with the all important Flipstart vs. Flipstart comparative shots.%Gallery-1960%
Kweh! Or, fresh new Chocobo screens
Oh, that little scamp of a Chocobo -- what will he get into next? If these screens are any indication, it looks like he's getting into a giant beanstalk. Considering the upcoming Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales is peppered with references from children's stories, that's probably exactly what it is ... but really, how many times do we need to see the beanstalk here? It's all over this latest batch of screens!Check after the jump for selected screens -- only one beanstalk included.
Gallery: What's in a name?
From NPCs to player names to guild names and locations, I often find myself having a chuckle over Blizzard's and players' creative naming decisions. We've started a gallery to showcase some of the funnier names around Azeroth and Outland, and we need your help filling it in. If you see a funny NPC, player, guild, or place name in your travels that isn't already in our gallery, take a screenshot and send it in. We're happy to credit you by name and a link to your blog, guild website, etc. We'll keep updating the gallery and post periodic reminders as long as it keeps growing. Make sure your image is less than 10MB in size and send it to funnynames AT wowinsider DOT com. And of course, check out the gallery so far. Thanks in advance for your submissions! %Gallery-1669%
Engadget gets hands on with Apple's new AirPort Extreme
While I still need to drop $180 to get an AirPort Extreme Base Station for 'review' from Apple, Engadget just put theirs through its paces. Overall, they found that the obvious upsides were Apple's sleek design and easy-breezy setup thanks to the revamped AirPort Admin Utility 5.0. In the drawbacks category, however, were a bizarre lack - in fact a back-step for the AirPort base station - of gigabit ethernet, and less-than-optimal transfer rates, though Engadget concedes your mileage may vary, as it so often does with wireless hardware.Engadget has also posted a hands-on gallery, which includes their own screenshots of the new Admin Utility. Strangely, they didn't say anything about some of this base station's new found abilities, such as the new AirPort Disk, one of the key features making me count my pennies in anticipation of affording one of these.
Lost Planet Photochop contest: the best of the rest
After the dust cleared from our little Lost Planet photochop contest, we had over 500 total entries. 500! That's just amazing. Joystiq readers ... that's impressive. We decided that after looking through the entries again, we just had to share them with you. A lot of work went into these things, and it'd be a shame if they didn't see the light of day.We've culled together 154 of the best entries, and are rolling them out in one of Joystiq's brand new features -- galleries! Click here to zap yourself right into the middle of the Lost Planet gallery, and check out full-size versions of the entries. We'll be bringing you a lot more galleries and images in the future, so stay tuned.%Gallery-1426%
Windows Vista in pictures
We're not entirely sure when the "Wow" starts, but our Vista coverage certainly starts now. We've got plenty coming down the pipeline for Microsoft's biggest software launch in years, but let's dive in right now and get our hands dirty, yeah? How about a comprehensive screenshot gallery of over a hundred pictures of Vista in action to whet your appetite? Sorry Mac fans, you may want to avert your i's.%Gallery-1375%
Booth tours in the galleries
We've been combing the extensive Macworld Expo 2007 floor since Tuesday and have posted some more booth tour galleries for your viewing enjoyment. Almost everyone has a presence here of some sort (sadly, almost), so we're doing our best to hit as may of the booths we can. As of this post, we have a couple handfuls of booths up, including Belkin, Crumpler, iSkin, Marware and plenty more, with even more on the way. If you couldn't make it to Macworld, these booth tours and video coverage are your next best chance.
iPhone: Up Close and Personal Gallery
I was able to sneak back through the crowd and grab a few more pictures of the new iPhone, including detailed shots of the innovative interface. This is about as close as we're going to get to the device until launch.
Wanna see IPTV in action on the Xbox 360?
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Wanna_see_IPTV_in_action_on_the_Xbox_360'; If this doesn't make you tingle all over, then you need to check your pulse. It's only been since November that we've had movies available to download on the Xbox 360, and soon it'll be live and recorded television as well. In the months after that, the console will slowly take over your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, leaving you fully assimilated into Microsoft's SkyNet service, offering sentient oversight of all of your bodily functions. For now, revel in the goodness of Engadget's Xbox 360 IPTV interface gallery, and check out the video of this baby in action on Microsoft's Channel 10 site. TiVo, you'd better start working overtime.
Target gets ready for Wii mania
What's next, holiday merchandise? Oh, wait, that stuff's already up in many stores. Guess we shouldn't be too surprised then that some Target stores are setting aside space for the Wii despite the long (and sadly empty) weeks remaining until release day. Have you seen something similar at Target -- or any other store? Let us know! Take some pictures, tell a story, grab a video -- whatever works for you. Just be careful about taking pictures when and where it's not welcome. We wouldn't want you to have to throw down just for us.
Unboxing the new Mighty Mouse
While we're certainly not rushing out to snatch up Apple's new Wireless Mighty Mouse, the heavy response to this Bluetooth-equipped rodent makes us think that a lot of you Macheads out there are eager to learn more before laying down your $70. With that in mind, we figured a full gallery of unboxing photos would be just the cure for your Mighty Mouse jones. Keep on reading for a few more pics -- including a comparative shot with the wired version (spoiler: they look exactly alike, save for the "tail") -- and then hit up the Read link to check out the entire set...
New Mass Effect screenshots surface
Check out this eye candy for BioWare's new Mass Effect. Being the first title in an overarching trilogy, this futuristic game looks like it will provide Xbox 360 owners with solid narrative and then some. The release date is uncertain at this point, but you can be sure that everyone will know it when more information hits the scene.
Wired posts Apple fan art gallery
Leander Kahney, author of the successful Cult of Mac book, has posted an interesting gallery of Apple fan art at Wired. While I think I recognize some of these images from browsing the Cult of Mac book at the local bookstore, this gallery is an interesting look into just how far Apple's loyal following are willing to go to show their love for the Mac.While I'm glad to see posts like this, I have to wonder: where are the Cult of Windows books and art galleries?
Toronto's "Art of Xbox 360" pics and consideration
Geoff Martin heeded our call for pics from the "Art of Xbox 360" gallery show being held in Toronto's Blue Dot Gallery, except he did one better. He linked us to a piece he wrote for canada.com, slideshow included! He writes, "Wil Overton, an artist from UK-based Rare Games, and the lead concept artist for the Xbox 360’s Perfect Dark Zero, also doesn’t have much time for quibbling over definitions, or debates on what should or shouldn’t be considered 'art.' He said at the opening of "Play: The Art of the Xbox 360" on Thursday that he's thrilled to see his work hung on the walls of an art gallery."On the other side of the net, Tony Walsh from Clickable Culture says, "If you happen to be at the Distillery this weekend, it couldn't hurt to drop by the Blue Dot Gallery to have a look, but I wouldn't recommend making a special trip just for the show. I think what we have here is a classic "post-release attention-span" grabber, geared towards retaining a semblance of public interest in the Xbox 360--in other words, this event isn't so much about art as it is about commerce."Having not seen the show, I can only speculate, but I think Walsh's take sounds about right, but was their any doubt? All the games are published by Microsoft, and the show was advertised as being "Xbox 360" specific. We could also get into an argument about semantics--aren't many gallery shows about commerce and art?--though, this case takes that observation to an extreme, replacing enterprising artists with a Fortune 500 company. Also found another gallery of images from photojunkie (via Flickr): Play: The Next Level of Gaming.[Thanks, Geoff]UPDATE: 360 Fanboy reader Zoltan posted his own review of the "Art of Xbox 360 exhibit", complete with pictures at YYZTech.ca. Thanks!
