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Dan Read Cosmetics barrels into HDTV makeup arena
In what is quite possibly the most exclamation point-laden press release of 2008 thus far, Dan Read Cosmetics is introducing its triumphant entry into the world of HD cosmetics. Contrary to DRC's proclamation, however, its Silver Screen Series actually isn't the "first" makeup designed for HDTV, but it will hide facial flaws from the discerning eye of the high-definition camera. Unfortunately, there's entirely more hype than actual details about this stuff, but we are told to expect the lineup on QVC sometime this year!
HD makeup seeks to conceal on-screen blemishes
Sure, we've heard just how little talking heads enjoy being positioned squarely in front of a high-definition camera, but now it looks like relief is on the way from a few big names in the cosmetics industry. Reportedly, over a dozen brands have either recently launched or are planning to introduce lines of makeup aimed at making you look stellar whenever your face gets captured on an HD camera / camcorder. Believe it or not, even the likes of Cargo and Dior are getting in on the fun with their blu-ray Collection and High Definition Serum Foundation, respectively. Granted, even analysts in the biz admit that a good chunk of this stuff is simply marketing hoopla, but you know increased resolution is having an impact on society when "HD Liquid Crystal Pigments" start showing up in foundation.[Via Pocket-lint]
Hallowe'en every day of the year - no thanks!
We talk a lot about the features we want in the game. What about the features we don't want? I don't know about anybody else, but I've been watching the news surrounding the release of Everquest 2 Update 38 with horror. Read with me from the press release. "Upon reaching level 20, you'll be able to access new appearance item slots on the inventory window! Have favorite pieces that are an important part of your style? You can now keep wearing them for looks while continuing to upgrade your primary gear!" Are they out of their freaking mind?! Sure, I like to look good as much as the next player, but let's shift to World of Warcraft for a minute and consider the ramifications of such a change in our world, especially to our PvP-loving brethren. Do you really want to go into a battleground or an arena match and see a paladin standing there smiling at you buck-naked (perhaps wielding a Pitchfork, and wearing overalls for effect) when in fact he's actually wearing a full Tier 6 set? Rattlesnakes have a rattle for a reason. Cobras have their distinctive hood for the same reason. You should be able to look at a player in-game and be able to with some degree of certainty be able to assess their threat to you. I don't think it's such a wonderful idea to allow people to masquerade around as noobs when in fact they may count themselves among the best-equipped players in the game. How many times do you actually target somebody or mouse-over them to see their class? So if you see a dwarf in a robe you think priest, right? If a change like this was ever implemented in World of Warcraft, that could be a deadly assumption. I've got nothing against the Orbs of Deception and Savory Deviate Delight and other such items. Their effects are temporary, and easy to spot. Hallowe'en should be contained to one day of the year. You may wonder why am I freaking out over this when it's not even something going in World of Warcraft. I'm freaking out about it because this is a novel idea that I think will catch on in the MMOG genre. As Blizzard looks to add hairstyles and other cosmetic changes in the future, Sony has approached the same issue from an interesting and novel direction. This is one direction I hope Blizzard never takes. What things do you hope Blizzard never introduces in the game?[Special thanks to Olandu from "Guardians of Azeroth" on Gnomeregan for being my photo model for this article!]
DS makeup game defies mockery with sales potential
We were all set to make fun of Cosmetic Paradise, but then we thought about it and realized that a makeup game on the DS will probably be something of a hit in Japan. Here's our reasoning: All people in Japan have at least one DS-- including little girls. This may be marketed as a "training" game for cosmetics, and the word "training" opens the sales floodgates. Using the stylus to apply makeup is probably a lot of fun for people who like dolls and stuff. We admit, then, that this game is a good idea, from a business perspective, at least. And it does seem to have some adventure game elements, which we support. What do you think? Are there any little DS fans in your family that would enjoy this kind of thing?
