3Dmented by Gogofrog

PS3 Converts Flat Photos into 3D Models

According to ps3focus.nl, the PS3 will soon update its photo management tool allowing it to turn a single flat 2D photo into a 3D model. Sure other programs have done this before, but PS3's software does it fully automatically, which is the really amazing thing about the PS3's take on this feature.

Imagine the added dimension you'll feel when going through snapshots you've taken in the past.

Have a look at the sample video below to see an example of flat photos being effortlessly turned into 3d models.

http://www.ps3focus.nl/sitee/nieuws/bekijk.php?id=3986&cat=catps3

-Dan

The Australian Open comes to (Second) Life

This year IBM has brought a whole new element to the Australian Open tennis tournament by bringing in the wonders of Second Life. Second Life features animated 3D graphics that recreate shot trajectory and ball placement, as well as player challenges and line calls for web spectators. It reflects the precise real world events in the virtual world.

This is done through data that is fed from the game in the real Rod Laver Arena into the virtual one, just nanoseconds after it happens. The feed comes from the game tracking technologie s such as the line-calling system HawkEye, PointTracker which plot shots and ball trajectory and Speed Serve which clocks the players' serves.

Computers then recreate the positioning of the ball inside the vitual arena and avatars, 3-D characters representing the players, can simulate strokes made by your favourite tennis stars playing at the time.

Being a spectator inside this virtual world means that you can pick any seat in the arena (even the umpire's!), or watch the match from the players' perspective.

Check out the video demonstration below:

http://youtube.com./watch?v=PkhT1vZbxHI

-Dan

Nintendo Wii for Me?

PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii? With all three consoles being released at around the same time it’s hard to decide which one to grab. Nintendo downplays the importance on graphics and concentrates on family-friendly games and being unique with its revolutionary controller.

The Wiimote controller has acceleromoters inside which senses how it’s being held and if it’s being moved in any direction. It uses a set of infrared sensors to determine the remote’s orientation relative to the television. A set of Infrared diodes in the Wiimote communicates with the Wii’s sensor bar (attached to the television) to serve as a pointer for navigating menus and aiming weapons in 3D space.

These sensors control actions such as baseball bat and golf club swings in Wii Sports, Link's sword slashes in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and even steering trucks in Excite Truck. Moreover, you hold the Wiimote differently depending on the game: grasp it like the hilt of a sword in Zelda and Red Steel, as a baseball bat or tennis racket in Wii Sports, or hold it horizontally as a steering bar for Excite Truck.

Check out the official site for more information about the Wii. Also don't forget to check out this Zelda site to see some short videos of players interacting with the Wiimote!

- Dan