All posts by Technomancer_Ral

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Duo Computer Home AI Mirror

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So, this looks like it belongs in someone’s sanctum.  An AI computer for at home, that uses a screen built into a mirror for the interface.  It uses voice recognition, and a touchscreen.  Apparently it also has options for customizing it’s personality parameters, interfaces with other applications, and you can change the name and voice on it.

I wonder, will there be an Igor option?

Anyway, I’m pretty sure I’ll want to do some case modding on this if I were to get one, mostly so the “magic mirror” is obviously a magic mirror.  However, that’s a ways off, it’s still only in the pre-order status at the moment, I and I don’t fill like dropping $399 on it, especially since it still says “Estimated Shipping October 2017” for the preorders.

Duo Computer

3D Printing, Dungeons and Dragons, Tabletop

The Yawning Portal

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Given the Tales from the Yawning Portal hardcover, and that the next upcoming hardcovers involve Waterdeep, I’m considering the idea of building a model of the Yawning Portal Tavern itself as a jumping off point for players at the local game store for adventure league.  Here’s the map from 4e:

62251a7139881b12a7395c324c672546.jpg

If I were to build this, it’d probably be from the wall behind the bar to the right side, as the other rooms are not likely as critical for most adventures.  I already have stockpiled the files for most of the trimmings in a tavern, though it will take a bit of print time.

I also need to consider a couple things:

What do I want to make the base out of?

How will I make and grid the floor?

How much of it do I want to be moveable items vs fixed items?

Can I make a cover for the well to act as a stage if I want it to stand in for another tavern?

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Cybersuits

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I came across this through my Google+ feeds.  This seems like the sort of thing I should cover, and I’m trying to decide what I think/how I feel about this.

Cybersuits

I also have to have the page translated from Russian when I try to read about it.  Google translate is a wonderful tool!

 

Anyway, this lady developed an external nerve system suit to help deal with some nerve damage she’s had in her hand.  It looks like down the line it may also be used for physical fitness, virtual reality immersion, and learning new skills from professionals.

I’m just a little worried that the replay feature may lend itself to issues if it were hacked.

 

I’m still reading to find out more.

Virtual Reality

Beat Saber

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This one is a LOT of fun.  A rhythm game where you slice cubes with lightsabers and duck laser barriers.  The video gets the idea across really well.

I can get through the current songs on hard… but definitely not on Expert.  It’s a pretty good workout, and i’m looking forward to them adding more songs.

Some players have even been upping their game.  BEHOLD!  The double-ended lightsaber!

They’ve also been demonstrating the potential of the LIV cube for videos.

Virtual Reality

Batman Arkham VR

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Whew.  This one was a bit of a roller coaster.  I’ll try to stay out of spoiler territory.

 

The game starts out pretty simply, introducing you to the environment and controls as Bruce Wayne.  Very quickly you suit up, and the only way I know to describe this feeling is this:

Complete with a grapnel gun, scanner, and batarangs.

The graphics are pretty awesome, and it was a good ride.  Just remember… this takes place pretty late in the Batman Arkham timeline.  It gets pretty crazy towards the end, which is saying something for this series, as you don’t have the separation of a screen that you had in similar sequences in those games.

I only have one minor complaint.  When you move from one location to another, particularly if Batman is fighting, in order to avoid motion sickness (and the animation cost, I assume) the screen blanks out while you hear the sounds of motion.  This still caused issues with me.  My eyes didn’t have common elements to focus on anymore, and I could only see the inside of the headset, which is disorienting for a sudden transition.  I’d rather it rendered an actual black void instead of leaving me with the inside of the headset.

Other than those gripes, it’s awesome donning the cowl!

For those of you who are interested, it’s on sale for 50% off on Oculus Rift right now.

Virtual Reality

June 13th VR Update

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Current status with VR gaming:

Altspace VR:  Works with the treadmill easily, just doesn’t have enough content to hold my attention yet.

VR Chat:  Finally appears to be working with my Wizdish treadmill without running backwards, but only time will tell.  Also, using the Rift microphone at the same time is requiring some tweaking.  I have to click the middle of the microphone volume slider and quickly jump out of the menu for me to be heard.  But so far I can move around again!

Skyrim VR:  Appears to be working pretty well.  Not much more to be said on that until I get a chance to spend more time in it.

Sairento VR:  Before purchasing it last week, I emailed the developers about support for the treadmill.  They said that it would be in the next patch!  I got an email this morning letting me know it was in the patch today, and it was!  This game looks like it’s going to be awesome, I just haven’t had much time to spend on it yet.  Bullet-time running around with swords and pistols looks like it’s gonna be fun!  Once I found the right setting in the menu, the treadmill started working quickly, so now I can move around more easily.