Clipmarks | kidora's Second Life collection

Virtural Integration: Google and Second Life?

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 16:21:16 GMT

clipped by: kidora
clipper's remarks: There has been a lot of talk lately about the integration of virtual worlds with the internet. The fact the Google likes to have it's fingers in all honey pots does not surprise me.
While I enjoy Second Life as a creative platform and sometimes virtual vacation it is in need of a more stable and powerful system to work under. Perhaps Google and Linden Labs (the creators of Second Life) could work together. Google would be able to supply a much needed power boost to the relatively small Linden Labs.

Clip Source: www.webware.com

For some time now, we here at CNET News.com have been hearing whispers that Google might be looking to get into the virtual world space, particularly in light of the increasing interest of existing environments like Second Life, and the success of Google Earth and the search giant's purchase of the Sketchup technology.

Well, now we might finally be on to something. According to TechCrunch, Google may already be testing its own 3D virtual world technology, in a secret experiment at Arizona State University.

And according to a report published Monday from eMarketer, Google is "planning enhancements to Google Earth to let users connect virtually with one another."

If it's even happening. And with rumors being what they are, you never know.

Tags: google, second life, virtual, computers

Terrorism In Second Life

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:48:47 GMT

clipped by: kidora
clipper's remarks: I guess not even on-line worlds are safe anymore

Clip Source: www.techcrunch.com

With the game taking such a sinister turn, terrorism experts are warning that SL attacks have ramifications for the real world. Just as September 11 terrorists practised flying planes on simulators in preparation for their deadly assault on US buildings, law enforcement agencies believe some of those behind the Second Life attacks are home-grown Australian jihadists who are rehearsing for strikes against real targets. Terrorist organisations al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah traditionally sent potential jihadists to train in military camps in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Southeast Asia. But due to increased surveillance and intelligence-gathering, they are swapping some military training to online camps to evade detection and avoid prosecution.

Be alert, but not alarmed

“Community representatives are relied on to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour to the owners or the SL authorities, just as in the real world.”

Tags: "second life", terrorism, terrorists

80% of internet users in virtual worlds by 2011

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:21:15 GMT

clipped by: ONE Research

Clip Source: adverlab.blogspot.com

"By the end of 2011, 80 percent of active Internet users (and Fortune 500 enterprises) will have a “second life,” but not necessarily in Second Life, according to Gartner, Inc.

Tags: virtual worlds, second life

Second Life experiences virtually superficial

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 15:53:00 GMT

clipped by: redhead328
clipper's remarks: I have very serious reservations about virtual communities like these that some people see as antidote for loneliness.

Clip Source: www.dukemagazine.duke.edu

Just an hour or so after joining, "you'll notice that several residents approach you and introduce themselves," the website promises. "Within this vibrant society of people, it's easy to find people with similar interests.... Once you meet people you like, you find it's easy to communicate and stay in touch."

In the context of this universe, communicating and staying in touch have decidedly nontraditional meanings. You can link with your online associates to hang out at a nightclub, take in a fashion show, attend an art opening, or play games. It could be the start of a virtual friendship. The gift of virtual chicken soup delivered by a friendly avatar, though, won't go down like the real thing.

Tags: second life, internet, cyber culture, connections, loneliness