Sunday, 16 November 2008
FOX Broadcasting: Terminator Ambush - Viral Marketing consisting of GPS based game play
It appears that there has already been an attempt to create a LBMMOG for the iPhone. Although, from what I have read so far, it has not been too successful in the UK. Created in the US by Fox as a viral marketing campaign for 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles' the 'Terminator Ambush' app attempts to use GPS technology to create a combined real-world virtual-world game space for its players that is accessed via a combination of iPhone and PC use. The developers are keen to stress that
"[...] Ambush is not a standalone game, but part of the overall Terminator Ambush gameplay experience"
(iTunes Store Ambush Application Description, accessed 16/11/08 15:05)
and, judging by the reviews, it does not live up to what is promised in terms of GPS based game play - at least not in the UK. A quick review of US reviews (through swapping iTunes Store location) reveals that the app has not been overly successful stateside either. It appears that the concept is excellent but the implementation is appalling - probably not overly surprising as this game is an advertisement rather than a fully developed and functional game. This scathing comment from the 'review' section of the appleiphoneapps.com website appears to echo the opinion of most players of this 'game':
"Let’s face it: Ambush is a horribly shameless marketing attempt for a FOX TV show. It’s masked as an iPhone “game” based on the Terminator TV series, but the app does next to nothing and is almost offensive in its ad-centric purpose. This is a laughable product and a waste of time, even for Terminator fans."
(http://www.appleiphoneapps.com/2008/09/review-ambush/ accessed 16/11/08 15:30)
The important aspect of this game is the concept - a fully GPS based game on the iPhone is not an impossibility, but iPhone users are still waiting for the concept to be fully developed in app form. DrugLords may prove to be the first successful implementation of the iPhone based LBMMOG due to the simplicity of the game itself (a game format that, in its original form, achieved and maintains cult status).
Some links to rivews and discussion of Terminator Ambush on the iPhone:
A brief review and introduction to the game:
http://toucharcade.com/2008/09/24/fox-launches-terminator-themed-gps-based-mmorpg/
Game description written by Fox:
http://terminatorwiki.fox.com/page/Terminator+Ambush+Online+game?t=anon
Official Terminator Ambush webpage:
http://www.terminatorambush.com/
Detailed review of game play using step-by-step screen shots and descriptions.
http://www.appleiphoneapps.com/2008/09/review-ambush/
Appvee.com video review of Terminator Ambush:
From static Drugwars to location-based Druglord. Two decades of development.
DrugLords by a-steroids is due to be launched on the iPhone later this month (in a beta version format).
"DrugLords is a location-based massively multiplayer online game about drug trafficking. Using GPS inside your iPhone, you become a drug dealer in the criminal underworld, which exists parallel to your everyday life."
(http://a-steroids.com/?m=200810 accessed 16/11/08 14:37)
The premise of the game appears to be similar to an old DOS-based game called Drugwars (if not exactly the same). There were many other incarnations such as the popular 'Dopewars' that ran on Windows. In the latest incarnation of the game, the iPhone based 'DrugLords', the geographical location of the player will be used within game play allowing them to interact with other 'drug dealers' within their area, comparing prices and success rates etc. Real and virtual spaces will be combined to determine the sphere of play.
"DrugLords is a location-based massively multiplayer online game about drug trafficking. Using GPS inside your iPhone, you become a drug dealer in the criminal underworld, which exists parallel to your everyday life."
(http://a-steroids.com/?m=200810 accessed 16/11/08 14:37)
The premise of the game appears to be similar to an old DOS-based game called Drugwars (if not exactly the same). There were many other incarnations such as the popular 'Dopewars' that ran on Windows. In the latest incarnation of the game, the iPhone based 'DrugLords', the geographical location of the player will be used within game play allowing them to interact with other 'drug dealers' within their area, comparing prices and success rates etc. Real and virtual spaces will be combined to determine the sphere of play.
LBMMOGs
After reading about an early (2000) SMS location-based multiplayer mobile phone game called Botfighters I decided to find out whether any similar applications were available for the iPhone. The iPhone appears to be an ideal platform for such games, being referred to by some as LBMMOGs (location-based massively multiplayer online games), due to its GPS technology and 'app' iPhone Developer Program. I have come across a couple of apps that utilise the iPhone's GPS technology such as MapMyRide, which uses GPS to map bike rides/walks providing the user with a set of data such as distance covered and average speed maintained etc. Google Maps is of course built into the iPhone and has a featured that allows the user to determine their current geographical position at the touch of a button, the iPhone uses a number of technologies and networks to determine location, the Apple website provides a detailed explanation of how the iPhone's GPS system works. There are plenty of GPS based apps that stick to common themes such as: traffic hotspots, journey mapping and speed camera locations but I was expecting to find a number of games that took advantage of this GPS technology. Admittedly I have only just started my search for an iPhone game that really exploits this technology but I am already struggling.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Topics for elaboration
Over the past few days I have noted several observations/experiences that I plan to elaborate upon shortly.
- Layers of Personalisation - multiplicity of identity embedded within the iPhone.
- Apple iPhone - the most badly designed mobile communication device to-date. Typification of Marx's 'Commodity Fetishism'
- The convergence and confusion of work, home and play: the iPhone providing the ability to 'inhabit' any one of these spaces regardless of physical location.
- The Second Stage of Attention: a shift from work to play - reactivation of the iPhone as an 'entertainment device'.
- Your life is Syncing: pervasive media determines switching of user identity.
- Removal of Technology - reflecting upon 'accepted' technologies through their removal form day-to-day life (inadvertently!).
- Making the most of the form of control - what is the obsession with controlling digital media through exaggerated movement?
What the iPhone can’t do - reality shatters the technological imaginary:
What the iPhone can’t do - reality shatters the technological imaginary: Apple’s confidence that it can change the market and a future standard form of mobile communication?
I have been so wrapped up in what the iPhone can do I have not paid much attention to what he device fails to do. I have been somewhat blinded by the gimmicky features and novel forms of interface and navigation. Whilst setting up a Bluetooth device on a PC at work, with the assistance of another technician, I realised that the iPhone was not actually capable of sending or receiving files via Bluetooth. This reminded me that I had previously noted that the iPhone was not capable of sending or receiving photos via the media messaging service. I was so surprised at this discovery (lack of MMS) that I searched several forums to ascertain whether this was in fact the case. Every phone that I have owned since around 2001 has been capable of receiving, if not sending and receiving images sent via the Media Messaging Service. This seemed to me to be a big mistake, how could Apple fail to include this simple and well-established technology on their new device? And even if it was some kind of mistake, why was it not rectified in the release of the second version of the iPhone?
Why has Apple made the decision not to include such features on the iPhone? Bluetooth communication and the media messaging service are long standing standard technologies, functions, included on almost every new phone with a camera (Bluetooth usually appears on slightly higher end devices where as the MMS service features on mobile camera phones across the board). One could suggest that Apple is so confident in their device that they aim to change the way in which we communicate via mobile device. Instead of sending picture messages via the MMS we are able to use Email - what is the point of sending pictures via a limited MMS when we can easily send them via full-access Email over the Internet? Is Apple envisioning a time (are we currently experiencing a time, or moving towards a time) when we will use open networks such as the Internet to communicate on the move rather than the familiar but limited mobile telephone networks? I had not even considered MMS or SMS as being limiting before reflecting upon my use of the iPhone - by failing to include these technologies Apple have forced me to think about why they had chosen not to roll them out, Apple forced me to consider the limitations of the previous technologies (because of course, this could not be a mistake - there were perfectly legitimate reasons for not including these technologies, not least the fact that the iPhone was destined to be a success before it was released to the public and changes such as this would ‘just be accepted’).
As Apple allows the capabilities of the (now ‘old’ technology) MMS to be absorbed into full access Email over the Internet it begins to make explicit the technology of mobile telephony. The mobile telephone is no longer required to send MMS, or maybe even SMS, it returns to a previous form - that of voice calling. The medium is stripped back to a pre-existing form.
The reason behind Bluetooth not being included on the device (in terms of file transfer) can be put down to control of a monopolised economy. Apple does not wish its iPhone users to distribute ‘paid for’ (or free for that matter) content with ease. Although the user is fooled into thinking that the device is highly customisable (wallpapers, phone name, ring tones, ‘apps’, importation of existing data [syncing music, contacts, calendars etc]) it is in fact extremely controlled and locked down in terms of its content. An interesting example of this imagined ability to customise the device can be seen in the selection of alert sounds. Only a predefined set of sounds can be used as alerts, ensuring that the iPhone remains recognisable to others even when out of sight. Allowing the iPhone user to allocate any sound to an alert notification would render the iPhone as being indistinguishable to any other phone. Recognising ‘old’ mobile phones by their ring tones/alerts.
I have been so wrapped up in what the iPhone can do I have not paid much attention to what he device fails to do. I have been somewhat blinded by the gimmicky features and novel forms of interface and navigation. Whilst setting up a Bluetooth device on a PC at work, with the assistance of another technician, I realised that the iPhone was not actually capable of sending or receiving files via Bluetooth. This reminded me that I had previously noted that the iPhone was not capable of sending or receiving photos via the media messaging service. I was so surprised at this discovery (lack of MMS) that I searched several forums to ascertain whether this was in fact the case. Every phone that I have owned since around 2001 has been capable of receiving, if not sending and receiving images sent via the Media Messaging Service. This seemed to me to be a big mistake, how could Apple fail to include this simple and well-established technology on their new device? And even if it was some kind of mistake, why was it not rectified in the release of the second version of the iPhone?
Why has Apple made the decision not to include such features on the iPhone? Bluetooth communication and the media messaging service are long standing standard technologies, functions, included on almost every new phone with a camera (Bluetooth usually appears on slightly higher end devices where as the MMS service features on mobile camera phones across the board). One could suggest that Apple is so confident in their device that they aim to change the way in which we communicate via mobile device. Instead of sending picture messages via the MMS we are able to use Email - what is the point of sending pictures via a limited MMS when we can easily send them via full-access Email over the Internet? Is Apple envisioning a time (are we currently experiencing a time, or moving towards a time) when we will use open networks such as the Internet to communicate on the move rather than the familiar but limited mobile telephone networks? I had not even considered MMS or SMS as being limiting before reflecting upon my use of the iPhone - by failing to include these technologies Apple have forced me to think about why they had chosen not to roll them out, Apple forced me to consider the limitations of the previous technologies (because of course, this could not be a mistake - there were perfectly legitimate reasons for not including these technologies, not least the fact that the iPhone was destined to be a success before it was released to the public and changes such as this would ‘just be accepted’).
As Apple allows the capabilities of the (now ‘old’ technology) MMS to be absorbed into full access Email over the Internet it begins to make explicit the technology of mobile telephony. The mobile telephone is no longer required to send MMS, or maybe even SMS, it returns to a previous form - that of voice calling. The medium is stripped back to a pre-existing form.
The reason behind Bluetooth not being included on the device (in terms of file transfer) can be put down to control of a monopolised economy. Apple does not wish its iPhone users to distribute ‘paid for’ (or free for that matter) content with ease. Although the user is fooled into thinking that the device is highly customisable (wallpapers, phone name, ring tones, ‘apps’, importation of existing data [syncing music, contacts, calendars etc]) it is in fact extremely controlled and locked down in terms of its content. An interesting example of this imagined ability to customise the device can be seen in the selection of alert sounds. Only a predefined set of sounds can be used as alerts, ensuring that the iPhone remains recognisable to others even when out of sight. Allowing the iPhone user to allocate any sound to an alert notification would render the iPhone as being indistinguishable to any other phone. Recognising ‘old’ mobile phones by their ring tones/alerts.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Initial thoughts on my choice of object in relation to the assignment
Thinking about my assignment...
1. Using case studies and media forms of your own choice, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of some of the main perspectives on the relationship of technology and culture that you have met.
To form the basis of my essay I envisage attempting to distil what is actually new about the iPhone - this will not be a case of simply listing the ‘new’ technologies but exploring the network of technological and human relationships in the current moment. I am keen to explore this essence of newness that the iPhone seems to emanate and set out confident that there is something new about this digital communication device.
I feel that a key area of study that the iPhone appears to inform is the changing relationships between the user and information. Reflecting on my initial experiences of the iPhone has made me consider my own relationship with digitally based information (importance and fragility of information and access to it) - the iPhone acts as a hub or information gateway for every digital communication form that I use on a day-to-day basis (Text, Voice Calls, Internet, IM, Social networking, Email) - it appears to be the perfect medium with which to manage my access to information (previously managed via at least two separate devices). The device changes my availability status from 'potentially obtainable' to ‘obtainable instantly’ - I can be contacted by any number of means, the iPhone offers immediacy in this respect, it offers others instant access to me. The lag between receiving and picking up an Email for example is, potentially, vastly reduced. As a user of technology in society I feel that this instantaneous access to me is a good thing, a necessary thing (technology and desire, technology as progress?) - is this symptomatic of all iPhone user or society as whole?
Another line of enquiry would be how a relationship with a device such as an iPhone is forged by encouraging the user to actively work through a series of ‘personalisation rituals’, from customising menus, backgrounds and ring tones through to setting up the aforementioned ‘information gateway’ (via a process of seemingly endless account setups and importation of existing data). Personalisation of the device seems to strengthen the bond between user and technology - time and effort (as well as personal data in the form of contact lists, Email inbox content etc) has been ‘invested’ in the device in order to make it (seemingly to its user) unique. As discussed briefly in my blog, the iPhone becomes a companion - a device that is capable of becoming an active part of a conversation/discussion/situation etc; it can instantly provide input whether this is satellite imagery, my exact location on Earth, the definition of a word etc. The iPhone can be used to instantly position a new ‘layer’ on any experience of reality at any point.
I think that the iPhone will prove to be a useful object with which to explore the dynamic between ‘social shaping of technology’ and ‘technology shaping society’. To what extent do the observations outlined above bolster elements of either one of these positions?
As an aspect of this study I am considering what a technological device can ‘say’ about its user, or users in general, and their relationship with information. What can the iPhone tell us about societies relationship to technology? It would be interesting to do some research into the Apple (Newton) MessagePad - a device sold from the mid to late 90’s that some label ‘the predecessor of the Apple iPhone’. Comparing the content and use of both devices may assist in understanding to what extent the iPhone is a new technology as well as societies changing relationship with technology and access to information over time.
1. Using case studies and media forms of your own choice, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of some of the main perspectives on the relationship of technology and culture that you have met.
To form the basis of my essay I envisage attempting to distil what is actually new about the iPhone - this will not be a case of simply listing the ‘new’ technologies but exploring the network of technological and human relationships in the current moment. I am keen to explore this essence of newness that the iPhone seems to emanate and set out confident that there is something new about this digital communication device.
I feel that a key area of study that the iPhone appears to inform is the changing relationships between the user and information. Reflecting on my initial experiences of the iPhone has made me consider my own relationship with digitally based information (importance and fragility of information and access to it) - the iPhone acts as a hub or information gateway for every digital communication form that I use on a day-to-day basis (Text, Voice Calls, Internet, IM, Social networking, Email) - it appears to be the perfect medium with which to manage my access to information (previously managed via at least two separate devices). The device changes my availability status from 'potentially obtainable' to ‘obtainable instantly’ - I can be contacted by any number of means, the iPhone offers immediacy in this respect, it offers others instant access to me. The lag between receiving and picking up an Email for example is, potentially, vastly reduced. As a user of technology in society I feel that this instantaneous access to me is a good thing, a necessary thing (technology and desire, technology as progress?) - is this symptomatic of all iPhone user or society as whole?
Another line of enquiry would be how a relationship with a device such as an iPhone is forged by encouraging the user to actively work through a series of ‘personalisation rituals’, from customising menus, backgrounds and ring tones through to setting up the aforementioned ‘information gateway’ (via a process of seemingly endless account setups and importation of existing data). Personalisation of the device seems to strengthen the bond between user and technology - time and effort (as well as personal data in the form of contact lists, Email inbox content etc) has been ‘invested’ in the device in order to make it (seemingly to its user) unique. As discussed briefly in my blog, the iPhone becomes a companion - a device that is capable of becoming an active part of a conversation/discussion/situation etc; it can instantly provide input whether this is satellite imagery, my exact location on Earth, the definition of a word etc. The iPhone can be used to instantly position a new ‘layer’ on any experience of reality at any point.
I think that the iPhone will prove to be a useful object with which to explore the dynamic between ‘social shaping of technology’ and ‘technology shaping society’. To what extent do the observations outlined above bolster elements of either one of these positions?
As an aspect of this study I am considering what a technological device can ‘say’ about its user, or users in general, and their relationship with information. What can the iPhone tell us about societies relationship to technology? It would be interesting to do some research into the Apple (Newton) MessagePad - a device sold from the mid to late 90’s that some label ‘the predecessor of the Apple iPhone’. Comparing the content and use of both devices may assist in understanding to what extent the iPhone is a new technology as well as societies changing relationship with technology and access to information over time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)