imagery

Jul 15 2010

Dissecting a frog for Biology class? Yup, there’s an app for that.

Available for the Apple iPad for US$4.99, Frog Dissection features a chloroformed virtual specimen, with clear instructions guiding you through the process of slicing him up. Dissection tools include pins, marker, scissors, scalpel, and forceps but, since it’s on the iPad, they are all controlled by multi-touch. Once you’ve gutted your frog, you’ll be able to view the individual organs which have been rendered for you using 3D imagery. All this without having to touch a slimy dead from or deal with those nasty chemicals.

Frog Dissection has received awards from advocacy groups like PETA for creating an effective replacement for real animal dissections. An updated version is expected soon which will have additional systems and interactive quizzes.

I’m beginning to think there really is no corner of human experience that there is not an app for… and if there is, there will be an app for that too very soon.

What’s the weirdest iPhone or iPad app you’ve found? Leave a comment and tell me about it. If I write about it, I will be sure to give you credit for its discovery.

By RickMacMerc • apps, iPad • 4 • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Apr 27 2009

Google Earth + Google SketchUp for OS X

Google Earth 4.0 (beta)

The world of Google Earth has grown quite a bit in the last year or so. The free application is much more than a satellite image browser. Overlays and network data feeds have turned the application into a 3D, tweak-able and live application.

googleearth Google Earth + Google SketchUp for OS X

Google Earth has always had cool fly-bys and aerial imagery. Now that imagery is much higher resolution. 3D additions like city-scapes and downloadable markers make things more interesting.

You can even track live flights, get real-time weather conditions and more. I think its safe to say Google Earth is the best way to waste away a Friday afternoon since the you got the internet at work.

Google SketchUp

The first stop in adding 3D to your Google Earth is to download the 3D Warehouse Network Link. Once loaded into Google Earth, this overlay will place markers across the globe linking to downloadable 3D imagery.

Where do these great image-covered polygons come from? And how do I get in on the fun? Since being acquired by Google, SketchUp – a 3D authoring application has become free.

sketchup Google Earth + Google SketchUp for OS X

If you are a 3D pro, it may not be what you are used to. And if you’re not, the tools will require some patience – at first. SketchUp is a fast and relatively easy to learn 3D design tool. There’s a generous load of free objects pre-made for you, and more on the web.

Not a huge surprise, but SketchUp makes it easy to add your model to the world – turning it into a 3D overlay placed on your spot right in SketchUp. Want to share your creation? Email the overlay file to friends. Want creepy strangers lurking outside your virtual house? Post it to Google’s online 3D Warehouse.

Who needs Second Life when you can build your own stuff right here on Earth?

Brian

By admin • Articles, Freeloader Friday Download of the Week • 0 • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jan 10 2007

SpaceNavigator support comes to Mac OS X

353471071 f55d864606 m SpaceNavigator support comes to Mac OS X3Dconnexion announced this week the immediate availability of its beta software for use of its SpaceNavigator device with Mac OS X. The SpaceNavigator, a three-dimensional navigation device, offers 3D designers and enthusiasts intuitive and powerful 3D navigational control. 3Dconnexion plans to offer the final version of the software by the end of March 2007. The software will ship with the SpaceNavigator device, enabling it to work with select 3D applications on the Mac, including Google SketchUp.

A companion to the mouse, and held in the alternate hand, the SpaceNavigator device significantly reduces the number of times people need to switch tools to manipulate 3D imagery, increasing productivity. In addition, people can use the device to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects, which is not possible with a mouse and keyboard alone. People who use multiple 3D applications can appreciate how the SpaceNavigator device unifies the unique navigation systems of each application into a single easy-to-use device.

Initially, the 3DxMacWare public beta will support Google SketchUp 6.0, Autodesk Maya 7 and above (with MelScripts available from 3Dconnexion) and auto-des-sys form.Z 6.1 (must have 3DxMacWare plus the downloadable plug-in from the form.Z Web site). Additional Mac-based 3D applications will be added as the beta program progresses. By the end of March 2007, 3Dconnexion’s SpaceNavigator device will ship with the 3DxMacWare.

The SpaceNavigator PE (personal edition) has a suggested retail price of USD$59. The personal edition license supports non-commercial use of the device and offers online technical support only. The SpaceNavigator SE (standard edition) has a suggested retail price of USD$99. The standard edition license comes with an unrestricted user’s license and 2-years of full support (web, e-mail and phone). Upgrades from SpaceNavigator PE to SpaceNavigator SE licenses are USD$40 and are available online.

Note:

By admin • gadgets, Graphics News, News • 0 • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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