Intel Software Network Island
Chip manufacturer Intel has a software division. No kidding. And now they have a presence in SL-- we had a look around the site, which is technically very nice, and attractive overall, but on the surface does not seem to provide the sort of added-value that you'd expect from a virtual world presence; that plus Dutch law and dating; German and Venezuelan protests; Music and Art for charity; Griefing research and market finance, all after the break.
Intel recently launched the Second Life extension of their Intel Ignites OCC marketing campaign, comparing the sexiness of highly tuned motorcycles with the tiny Intel processor hidden within. Intel are now expanding their Second Life presence in conjunction with Second Life developers Millions of Us *.
From the moment I landed at the arrival point of Intel Software Network Island (please, let's make the names shorter!), it was obvious that I was in an MoU build. Like the Electric Sheep Company, they have their own underlying ingredients. There's a flavor there. You don't have to check the creator on the objects to recognize the work - artistic styling, use of fonts and prims, and familiar use of signage. While MoU feels similar to Electric Sheep construction on the surface there is an underlying distinctiveness to both. It's like being able to recognize Tchaikovsky's work, whether you're listening to the 1812 Overture, or one of his Concertos.
The overall build is creative, and interesting, although you'll find branded marketing images, and clickable signage and resources in your view almost everywhere within the structures themselves. Primarily, there's a showcase, stage area and a group of themed kiosks. On the plus side the land is not flat, which is nice, and adds a great deal to the verisimilitude of the place. This site is sandwiched between the Intel Ignites OCC region, and a more generic Intel region which is still under construction.
Intel. They make hardware, not spell-checkers.
The kiosk areas themselves are something of a turn-off. They are color-coded but otherwise very same-y, feeling very much like a stopgap measure to cover visitors while there are no Intel people about. The signage and displays feature a number of annoying spelling errors. I don't really see what they provide that Intel's numerous websites don't already provide and more efficiently. If Intel staff are actually to be found here (and I didn't see any), then this could be a great resource - I've seen enough sterile campuses to last me for some time.
What's the goal of the site? Well, if you missed the launch event, exploring the scene of the crime won't help you figure it out. I'm told it's partly PR and partly about helping people develop their skills in multi-core application programming.
Intel? If you really want to accomplish that, then show us! You've got a history of contributing code and performance improvements to open source projects (eg: Linux). We've got an open source viewer, and nobody knows the hardware architecture like you. Linden Lab says, "No future or previous Intel Graphics chips will be supported." Show us your stuff, Intel - with the new Macbooks running Intel graphics chips, now is the time to show Second Life your commitment.
* Disclosure: Millions of Us is an "SL Partner" to New World Notes.
Mixed Reality Happenings
- The "Hope" photography competition (a part of this year's Relay for Life) is accepting entries until June 9. Visit Moonspell Studios (SLURL) for contest details. [Has Lassard]
- The University of Nottingham claim that griefing is as common online as it is in the physical world, and are studying griefing in SL. [Daily Mail]
- The Daily Telegraph has recreated its garden for the Chelsea Flower Show in Second Life. [Second Life Insider]
- Faasen & Partners, Dutch law firm and notaries come to SL. [3pointD]
- Dutch dating site Mundo is set to launch the Mundo Dating Corner, at the Dropzone (SLURL) at 7pm CET June 7 and auction off a couple reality TV celebs for dates. [Mundo]
- Tonight at 9pm, country music performer Dierks Bentley will be streaming into the Bluebird Café for charity. [Second Life Insider]
- Anshe Chung is backing the WSE Stock Exchange and plans to launch the Dreamlands Stock Exchange. [SLOz]
- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and partner organizations are holding a scavenger hunt from June 10 to 17. [Second Life Insider]
- The Australian Information Industry Association opens a presence in Second Life. [SLOz]
- German protestors against the G8 political summit plan a series of SL protests, and (oddly) an SL bus trip in parallel with the summit this year. [Nuschi Martynov]
- Venezuelan residents are also using Second Life for peaceful protests. In this case for freedom of speech. Our own Hamlet has the details.
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