Jugaccino

Ahh the end of year time…so much to buy for friends, family and loved ones. What off the lazy days at home when the snow is thick and the cold air is blistering? What of your games machine-will it get some attention over the holidays as something for yourself? Well guys and girls this article is for you as for this week, I will tell you what to buy… I won’t be as direct as that. I will advise on some stellar titles in the manic creative world of gaming.

NEW RELEASES

You have a wallet/purse don’t you? The game you desire is out. If you buy it no matter how much you enjoy it the wallet/purse will divorce you as you have left it empty and void. Worth it? Course it is. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim are the standout titles one a commercial juggernaut. The other is a critical and a second best commercial juggernaut. Both look outstanding and will eat you’re lives. Skyrim boasts over 100 hours off gameplay in an epic fantasy Lord of the Rings esque world. C.O.D will have you playing against you’re Dad and his Dad in the same room shouting “noobz” at each other. Seriously imagine that picture.

BARGAIN BIN

You are the sensible type that buys on the cheap or on offers? You love the wallet/purse like no other. Well no greater satisfaction can come like a bargain from yesteryear. Deus EX: Human Revolution and Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood are two substantially quality titles. Deus Ex is a recent release but I have spotted it for sale new at GAME for £14.99. Stealth conspiracy action at that price…wow. Assassin’s Creed has been a stellar series of late. The quality is evident as the combination of historical intrigue and superb scenery makes for an atmospheric game. The same price as Deus Ex in GAME, you can hardly go wrong.

MY RECOMMENDATION

I do love nothing more than a bargain and my choice is a critically underrated shooter-Singularity. Combining time travel, great shooting mechanics and multiple ways to traverse the enemies you encounter Singualrity offers a breathtaking collection of gun toting levels. It maybe short and the multiplayer a bit of a waste but make no mistake, the atmosphere in this is like no other. For around a tenner, you simply cannot go wrong with a quality bargain like this.

Yes, it’s really cool to be able to say that we have received help fromPokerListings.com – ranks the best poker websites. Here’s a quick comment from Claire at their website: “the website (jugaccino) brings so much great articles and material to gaming enthusiasts. Thanks to the team behind the website!”

The final part of this series of articles looking at both mediums will focus on how the production values can result in a largely better product and field for development. Production in cinema has been nothing short of expansive as well as expensive however this is largely compensated for by the mass revenue that ensues. Gaming in the 16 bit era (1970’s-early 1990’s) where games were solely and prodimantly in 2d form where produced by limited numbers of developers. The technology at the start of the gaming boom was quite simple in execution and accessible to produce. How gaming has changed today with some production and development budgets nearing the $100 million mark (Grand Theft Auto 4 2008 and Gran Turismo 5 2010). Profits though in gaming have been telling and you only need to look at the Call of Duty series to tell you that gaming is on the rise.

When we look at cinema we look at Hollywood. When we look at Hollywood we look at entertainment. When we look at entertainment we look at just how that is delivered.  Before even focusing on the plotlines, setpieces and even mis-en scene (setting the scene), the pre-hype into whats going into the film and how it sets out to entertain is what we focus on. The production therefore takes precedence in that elements we enjoy seeing and viewing can be ultimately achieved. In film, this is expensive. Casting, studio setting/natural setting, camera’s, props, CGI and the list goes on. Budgets for films can pass the $200 million mark with Spiderman 3 being officially the most expensive film made. As said in this series of articles, cinema is an established medium and the money floating around in the medium will no doubt be moving the highest entertainment to maximise audiences and therefore maximising profit.

Gaming is an interesting medium. Its the most profitable and currently boasts the biggest entertainment media launch (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3- $400 day one). It is lauded and loathed by all corners of society for the levels of interactivity that can be used for multiple purposes from graphic realism to complex narrative plots. Gaming in the past 20 years has seen its production values soar phenomenally. Budgets in the early 90’s were quoted to be around $100,000 which was considered for only the most expensive games. Now budgets can range in the millions with Grand Theft Auto 4 being the most expensive at $100 million. Graphic design in gaming seems to be the most expensive after casting, initial development and gaming engines. Can we see budgets soar further to be exactly on par with cinema in the future? Can gaming really be the killer alternative to cinema?

Cinema and gaming have a lot of similarities as well as influences on each other. From production, storytelling, multiple genres to explosive entertainment- the two mediums are now from a technological as well as consumer perspective on par. That seems to be the problem. Critical reaction seems to be absent. Film awards are broadcasted yearly. Yet gaming makes more money but award events are scarce and have yet to be broadcasted to the public. This is a shame as it would no doubt boost gaming’s profile and offer an interactive multi-layered form of entertainment. This asks one question though and that is just how long will these mediums last with each other while both are soaring in record profits?

As part of this three piece analytical look at two of entertainment’s most profitable and coinciding medium’s, the focus moves onto essentially a core aspect that is present in both-storytelling. Both of these mediums have produced unlevelled creativity with this aspect that has been refined in several ranging ways. There are far ranging examples in both genre’s that take these mediums to new levels of hybrid narrative delivery. The purpose here is to analyse two examples from each medium in analysis in what has been accomplished as well as established in narrative form and then analyse how gaming has been able with only a brief history managed to replicate cinema into interactive entertainment.

INCEPTION (Christopher Nolan 2010): With a short list of quality films including the universally acclaimed picture: The Dark Knight (2008), Nolan managed to secure rights to publish his own film that he had initially created himself. Inception was nothing short of a widespread success by nearly grossing in excess of $1 billion. The film itself boasted superior special effects to the competition it faced in wake of its 2010 summer release and as well as a solid cast, Inception made a name for itself by taking a bold direction in narrative form.

The story is about a thief but no ordinary one. He steals information by jumping into dreams and unlocking thoughts to obtain information that he has been tasked to obtain. However, the more protected the information, the further he has to go i.e. dreams within a dream. The thief is then tasked by doing the opposite for a suitably wealthy businessman-place information to substantiate and provoke an emotional response to manipulate the subject which is only done by dream within a dream within a dream.

Take a breath as this took to the minds of its viewers and proved to divide them on the overall understanding ( if you are still reading I assume you did so well done).  A bold and controversial approach to what is a very watchable summer release that proved be succesful in narrative delivery. Inception was a big budgeted film that did away with pre summer release tags and proved that Hollywood films of this calibre are capable of delivering various forms of entertainment and narrative delivery to a wide ranging audience.

HEAVY RAIN (PLAYSTATION 3, DAVID CAGE 2010): For this generation of consoles i.e. Playstation, Xbox and Wii, each has their own audience base. The Xbox generally appeals to social gamers who play together in a competitive online environment. The Wii is massively succesful and its more than likely that your gran has one as its popularity is bewildering. It is widely seen that this is classed as a casual user base where familes, easily accessible titles are present. Sony have shown capabilities for both and while it can be argued it may not be on par with both. However, Sony’s (Playstation) business tatics of aquiring studios to exclusive develop for the console gives an unprecedented chance of creativity and David Cage (CEO-Quantic Dream) did just that with a genre smashing title which is nothing short of revolutionary.

Heavy Rain is a well received title. It dissapointed some with its linear approach with gameplay i.e. limited exploration into environments and an awkward control scheme. What it excelled in however like nothing else in entertainment is multi-layered plot and narrative form. You as the player control four characters each with thier own purpose and agenda in a city plagued by a serial killer known as the Origami killer.

A dark drama full of suspense as each character has their own link to the killer but more so the player has control over the whole story as the dynamics of the game employ there is no game over. So if a character dies, the game carries on playing with the three other characters narratives and seeing those out until the ending. Also to note, the player can choose outcomes of certain set pieces in the game to dictate the outcome of the entire game therefore meaning it has multiple paths leading to various endings.

Both Heavy Rain and Inception for both mediums have established wide recognition for their approach to narrative form. The creativity and evidence of talent is polished over both the film and game however a big qustion lies.  How can a game tackle a dark drama plot, replicate the plot in an interactive title and represent it to the point where critics are claiming it plays like a movie?

There is no easy answer and there probably is not a right one. What will probably be a more suitable answer is that gaming is treated as an expansive medium with qualities identical to film therefore attracting the talents that can replicate cinema and narrative from film to gaming/interactive entertainment with quality as well as appeal.

Hands up- who thinks that games looks like films? Pfft why am I asking that, of course they do and you can all put your hands down.Yes games look  lush and real without question in line with the latest trend in technology.  Games though bear a more significant purpose. From the outset, games are imitating and playing upon many cliches that are found through a popcorn film like Indiana Jones for example. An alternative to film?. But why? Why is a conventional interactive hobby that places bums on seats-controllers and what not in hands with eyes glued to the screen so in favour of copying cinema? The answer is entertainment.

Stereotypcially, audiences love the throught of being able to imitate on-screen characters with the popular choices of James Bond and Buzz Lightyear for example at a young age (hell some of us on the inside still want to) while watching films. In games however, you can play as the said character’(s) and it is most likely the closest that the majority of people will be able to imitate as the said character. Its all so entertaining and thats one of the many aspects that makes both mediums thrive. However for both to be successful, money has to be made. Cinema has been established for the best part of the past century. Gaming as we see it today has only in the past ten or so years established itself  as a direct competetor to cinema financially.

How? Going to my local Odeon cinema and to see any new release generally costs around £5-10 depending on seating and features such as 3D glasses. The subsequent DVD release after time (if the film was liked) can be picked up for around £10-15. The total spending  is  £20-25.

A brand new game release within the “new” time-frame i.e. two-three months will set the average consumer back at around £35-40.

A million people took the same approach to the cinema and DVD approach resulting in £20-25,000,000 being spent. A million people also took the same approach to the game and £35-40,000,000 was spent. For both though, the revenue of both mediums does not go straight to the corresponding companies as it is split evenly. That said though, the numbers tell a story and that is games are able to offer a unique way of interactive entertainment but also are a direct financial competitor to cinema.

The article will educate a user about 3G Tissue Box Camera system. This 3G Tissue Box Camera System is specially designed for streaming real time audio and video footage back to the mobile phone or PDA from anywhere in the world where 3G coverage is supported. Even under close examination the 3G Tissue Box does give away its hidden capabilities. The tissue box design would easily fit into any office or home environment and can be handled and displayed with complete confidence.

After it is setup a user can simply make a video call to the 3G SIM installed inside the Tissue Box System and the connected call will display full-colour real-time footage with audio directly on the handset. This hand unit uses advanced 3G camera technology to take this device to another level.
The 3G Tissue Box Camera is powered from an internal rechargeable battery with decent battery life of 250 hours standby and 4 hours video call time. If a user selects ‘Battery Booster’ from the drop-down menu then the installed super performance battery will power the unit for an incredible 1250 hours (approx. 50 days) standby time and up to 20 hours video call-in time.

With the motion detection recording feature it is possible to set up the device to trigger recording when movement is detected within 6 metres of the radio. Recording will run for between 1 and 5 minutes onto the concealed SD Card. At the same time the radio will send a user text message alerting a user to activity. If a user chooses to video call the unit at this time, a user will not only see and hear the activity as it happens,
Please note that these settings can all be configured remotely
• Remotely activate/Deactivate text message alerts upon motion detection
• Remotely specify time period for motion activation for example: set motion activation times from 9.00am to 5.00pm
• Remotely set a scheduled recording time in advance for example: start recording at 10.00am and stop recording at 3.30pm
Specifications
• Superbly disguised in Everyday tissue box design
• Integrated 3G video camera and high sensitivity stereo audio microphone
• Absolutely undetectable. This is the only professional hand built unit on the market
• Watch and listen to the action LIVE directly on the mobile phone / PDA
• Completely portable and versatile
• Operates from anywhere in the world with 3G coverage
• Completely self contained
• Powers from in-built lithium battery up to a maximum of 1250 hours standby time - with optional ‘Battery Booster)
• No visible or audible indication of a connected call
• Record footage onto a removable 4GB SD T-Flash card secreted within the device

If a user has read the article then he/she would have learnt about 3G Tissue Box Camera system.

The article will provide a user with information and guidance on GSM interceptor (landline Monitor).

GSM interceptor is a truly amazing multi-functional GSM monitoring device
The GSM Interceptor is a multi-functional call monitoring device that simply connects to any land line socket meaning a user can listen to all incoming and outgoing calls. The GSM Interceptor can be set to call a pre-defined number of a users choice upon detection of a call allowing real time monitoring.

The GSM Interceptor features built in IR and vibration sensors and also features an integrated microphone enabling a user to dial the SIM inside the unit and hear the surroundings when the land line is not in use. The GSM Interceptor is very easy to set up and use as the whole unit can be remotely managed via SMS commands from a user’s pre-defined number. The GSM Interceptor operates on tri-band frequencies enabling world wide deployment.

Although the GSM Interceptor has no recording facility, but a user can use one of the Mobile Telephone Recording Lead connected to a voice recorder that will enable a user to record landline conversations for evidential purposes.

GSM tri band GSM network to make & instant surveillance task possible. There is no range limitation for home/office phone line security, monitoring all outgoing and incoming phone conversation.

Features:
• Connects to any land line socket
• Landline monitoring of home/office calls through the GSM network
• Immediate notification when incoming/outgoing call is activated on the landline
• Choose to listen-in or reject the call
• In-built vibration sensor alerts a user if the unit is tampered with
• External IR sensor alerts a user to movement around the unit
• In-built microphone for audio monitoring of the surrounding environment (approx. 5 meters)
• All Features can be managed remotely
• Power Consumption: 36 hours Standby: 2.5 hours talk time (using internal battery)
• Power Supply: 3.7v @ 580MAh - AC Power Connector supplied
• Tri band - 900MHz/1800MHz/1900MHz
• Dimensions: 62mm x 40mm x 20mm
• 1. 2.4 GHz frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology
• FHSS technology provides clear sound over longer ranges, as well as digital security to prevent
Eavesdropping.
• Digital speakerphone (Handset)
• Light-Up indicator with ringer alert (Handset) The indicator on the handset lights up in amber
when there is an incoming call for visual confirmation.
• Convenient AAA (R03) Ni-MH Rechargeable battery (Handset)
Since AAA-type rechargeable batteries are used, a user can replace them with two commercially available AAA batteries for added convenience. (Rechargeable Battery: HHR-4MRT)
• Illuminated Display (Handset) (KX-TG3612BX/TG3611BX)
• 50-Name & Number phonebook (KX-TG3612BX/ TG3611BX)
• Up to 50 station names and numbers can be stored in the built-in phonebook for fast, easy recall.

If a user has read the article then he/she would have learnt about the GSM Interceptor landline monitor.

The article will provide a user with information on Spyphone247 Spy Phone Software.
It is a superb new mobile phone software that allows a user to track, trace and monitor a mobile phone. It can monitor SMS messages, call logs (even missed calls) sent and received emails (BlackBerry phones only) as well as the geographical location of the phone when available (BlackBerry and Android). Spyphone247 allows a user to back-up the mobile phone and have a detailed record of its activity.

The software is very simple to set up and use. All that a user has to do is download a small application on the phone, provide that phone’s IMEI number (Type *#06# into the phone keypad to bring up the IMEI number on the screen) and using the serial key provided after purchase, the information will be displayed on the easy-to-use web-based administration panel. Even if the mobile phone’s records are deleted afterwards, the data will still be available view via the secure online account.

It lets a user with an unlimited access to the software for five years from the date of activation, and includes unlimited data storage. With the phone owner/user’s consent, a user can use the software to monitor the spouse, employees, and children for safety and security.

Spyphone247 will work on a huge array of ‘Smartphones’ including BlackBerrys, Android, Windows Mobile and Symbian OS9 handsets including Nokias, Samsungs (see table below for phone compatibility).

Features
Let’s have a quick look at the main features of Spyphone 247 software.
• A user can install the program on his/her own phone to use as a backup device
• view text messages sent and received
• Monitor call logs. Calls made, received, and missed calls
• Monitor emails, both received and sent by the phone
• GPS tracking and GSM Tracking is displayed on a Google Map link
• Locate the phone if it is lost or stolen
• Find out the whereabouts of the loved ones
• Monitor employee phone activity
• Keep track of the children and ensure their safety
• Five years unlimited service
• After purchase Serial Keys are despatched to customers in the form of a USB Memory Stick

If a user has read the article then he/she would have learnt about the Spyphone 247 spy phone software.

The article will provide a reader with latest news on RMIT’s new in-car entertainment system.
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia and Germany are developing an in-car entertainment system that aims to solve the age-old “Are we nearly there yet?” problem with the aid of motion controls and holographic displays.

Tentatively titled Enjoyable Interactions in the Rear Seat, the project will attempt to mix holographic displays and off-the-shelf motion sensing technology similar to gaming systems like the Microsoft Kinect and the Nintendo Wii to create a variety of rear-seat applications designed for use on long car trips by both adults and children.
This will bring fun in driving as it will open ways to entertain people during the journey itself. This is so that they focus less on reaching their destination quicker and more on enjoying the car itself.

The system would use a combination of sensors built into the rear seat armrests and screens built into the backrests to create three-dimensional images controlled purely by upper-body gestures. Dr Steffen Walz, director of RMIT’s Games and Experimental Entertainment Laboratory (GEElab), says the idea for the project came from looking at cars. Walz also envisions a range of applications for the system, from motion-controlled video games to office programs that would allow passengers to check email and perform video calls without a keyboard or any kind of remote control. The system could also be used for social applications, educational programs that teach children about their immediate surroundings. These applications would provide educational and social benefits for children.

In order to encourage communication and interaction between families, as well as educating children, it is advised to develop educational applications to allow parents in the front seat to set tasks that require a combination of real-world and virtual puzzle-solving and interaction.

Currently there are no plans to commercialise the prototype, Walz estimates the system could start appearing in passenger cars in the next five years. The technology like this takes a long time to develop. In an ideal world, this kind of in-car system will revolutionise driving and even help fix things like car sickness.

If a user has read this article then he/she would have gained knowledge about the RMIT’s new in-car entertainment system.

The article will provide a reader with information on UHF RF Bugging equipment. Please note that UHF Listening devices have been around for many years now. These devices use Radio Frequency transmissions to send audio in real-time to RF Receivers located a short distance away (Up to 400 metres). These units can be used to remotely listen in to what is happening in a room in which they have been placed or be connected to the telephone line to enable remote monitoring of telephone conversations. UHF Listening equipment has now been deemed as illegal to use in the UK and European Union because this operates on frequencies set aside for military applications. It is therefore illegal for Spy Equipment UK to ship this equipment to any customer in the UK and EU boundaries.

For those customers outside the UK and EU, UHF listening equipment offers a stable and established mode of transmitting clear audio over a short distance. UHF transmitters can be built into everyday objects. UHF transmitters can also be attached to a telephone line to transmit audio from both sides of a landline conversation to a receiver within range. UHF Receivers can be used to listen in live or with a recorder attached, a recording of transmitted audio can be made at the same time as listening in or alternatively a recorder can be left to work in conjunction with the receiver and voice activation facility to capture high quality recordings.

UHF transmitters and receivers are an excellent alternative to GSM devices. In some ways they are more efficient because they can be set to work alone and there are no ongoing extra costs for transmission of audio, that would always be associated with GSM transmitting units.

If a user has read the article then he/she would have gained knowledge about UHF RF Bugging equipment.

The article will educate a user about Sharp Docomo SH-12C’s functionality and features.

The phone runs Android 2.3 OS and features a 1.4GHz single core Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255T processor, 2GB of storage, 512MB of system memory, 4.2″ Aquos display (540×960) that supports 3D (without special glasses) and a 3D camera that is capable of making 3D pictures and shooting 3D HD video (1024×720).

The phone has an 8MPix CMOS stereo camera with two eyes. It can make 3D photos and videos that a user can view on his/her TV via the micro HDMI slot but for that a user will need 3D glasses to view 3D contents unless a user has a TV featuring same “glassless” technology.

Body
The phone’s dimensions are 127?64?11.9 mm / 5×2.52×0.47 in and it weighs in 138 g / 4.87 oz. The back panel reveals the battery, the SIM and the SD card slots when removed as well as the relatively loud mono speaker.

Display
Docomo SH-12C uses the proprietary Aquos matrix. The phone has a 4.2″ screen with the resolution of 540×960. The screen is capacitive and it supports multitouch.

3D Mode
The phone creates two separate images with one eye getting its own. A user can simply test this by closing left or right eye in turn. In every case a user will be able to see a beautiful and clear picture. If a user uses both eyes, then he/she will see the two images combined due to different angles of both eyes and the complicated mechanics of the 3D image formation.

Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth
The handset has all standard communication capabilities and it’s 802.11 b/g/n protocol is supported. USB 2 helps to charge the phone and Bluetooth 3.0 deals with all modern protocols including files transfer

Camera
An 8 MP CMOS camera offers standard features. A user can switch on to 3D shooting by simply pressing a dedicated button on the screen, which activates the second lens. The autofocus is available for both modes (2D/3D).

Camera resolution
• 2448?3264
• 1944?2592
• 1536?2048
• 1080?1920
• 1200?1600
• 540?960
• 480?640
• 240?320

Video resolution
• 1280?720
• 540?960
• 480?640
• 240?320

Menu and Interface
Docomo SH-12C can operate with a Cyrillic keypad. In Docomo SH-12C there is a proprietary TapFlow Ui interface. Processor and memory are enough for “heavy” games and Mkv

The start screen can work both in 2D and 3D. If a user wants to switch between modes then he/she can simply use an icon in the bottom left hand corner. If a user turns the phone 90 degrees the screen will automatically go into 3D mode.