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Features
Now toys not just for boys as
technology marches onwards
In the past, cutting edge
technology was regarded
as a rather male-centric
domain. But things are
changing. PPD takes a
look at the innovations all
the family can enjoy....
Microsoft’s “Natal” controller system is set to offer new levels of realism in all sorts of
games, such as this motor racing simulation. Here, dad joins the pit crew replacing tyres!
Bags more for the girls as
multimedia meets fashion
Now, here’s something really different – a totally
new concept combining bespoke luxury bags with
hi-tech electronic equipment.
The first in a range of new products, bagtv is a
beautifully crafted ladies handbag, which comes in
a range of cool colours, leathers, and fabrics.
Integrated in the product is a high quality seveninch
TV screen linked to a combined DVD and
mpeg player.
The screen sits behind a protective transparent
shield and enables the owner to literally watch
films and videos either on DVD or downloaded to
the bag itself. How cool is that
The system comes with full connectivity for use
with computers or digital cameras through both a
USB port and SD card slot, allowing a slideshow of
photos to be played on the bag
It means women have access to all this tech on
the move, whether commuting to work or going
on holiday.
The smart, lightweight battery system is said to
be capable of delivering around two and a half
hours of playtime before it needs recharging.
And when it does, it comes equipped with its
own re-charger unit for use with the mains or in
car, together with all the audio and video cables
you need for connectivity with TV.
Added to which, of course, it’s a great fashion
item that’ll make the boys green with envy.
Whether the manufacturers event relent and
come out with a “manbag” version remains to be
seen.
Our only qualms about this item is that it does
make a traditional target for thieves even more desirable.
And at £199 a time, it’s a high-value item
to be carrying around.
At the moment, bagtv is available in the UK only
from web retailer fabnfunkygifts.com. It’s available
in matt black, patent black and patent red.
Spotted: New ways of
listening to Spotify
In the last edition of PPD, we put the spotlight
on Spotify, the free audio streaming service that
brings a huge range of music into your home for
the price of putting up with the occasional advert.
Since then, Spotify has released a YouTube video
of its iPhone application, which will allow streamed
music to be downloaded to the phone, so you can
listen to your favourite music even when you’re
outside the range of a decent 3G signal.
It’s thought that this “offline” service may be
extended to its desktop client, possibly as part
of Spotify’s ad-free premium service. No release
dates yet – we’ll keep you posted.
There’s no doubt that the success of Nintendo’s
best-selling Wii games console is largely
down to the intuitive interface and the way it
uses game controllers to simulate real physical
activity.
Now, bitter rival Microsoft is upping the stakes
with an accessory for its Xbox 360 console it has
codenamed “Natal”.
Natal takes things one step further than the Wii
– by removing the controller altogether.
Instead, it uses a sophisticated camera and
body movement sensors so that the player’s body
alone is used to control play.
The Natal trailer posted to video website You-
Tube shows a family playing a variety of games,
from motorsport challenges through to quiz shows.
In each one, body movements alone control the
action, rather like a sophisticated mime.
The Natal sensor also features face and voice
recognition, so in the quiz trailer the contestants
only have to shout out the answer rather than tap
on a keyboard or choose a multiple-choice button.
Natal can also incorporate your own physical
objects into its virtual world.
For example, the skateboarding game trailer
shows a teenager scanning the design of his own
physical board with a single voice command. This
design is then used as a “skin” for the skateboard
in the game itself.
The Xbox 360 has been gaining ground as a full
home entertainment console, offering such goodies
as pay-per-view movies.
With Natal, the interface to select such items
can also be voice-controlled.
Of course, how well this works in reality remains
to be seen.
The technical challenges involved in delivering
the vision of the YouTube video is huge, and many
people have already experienced the grim reality
of many so-called “voice recognition” systems in
the past.
It also ups the opportunity for more gamingrelated
injuries, particularly the penalty shoot-out
game trailed in the video.
Anyone who’s developed “Wii Shoulder” after
playing its absorbing tennis game will be aware
of the risks!
Microsoft itself stresses that Natal is still very
much a work in progress and there’s no firm indication
yet when it will be available to buy.
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