Daily Archives: February 9, 2012

A Craft Of Consequences: Reader, Writer And Emotional Design

February 9, 2012   SmashingMagazine.com

A Craft Of Consequences: Reader, Writer And Emotional Design

Before the very first page of a book has been read, you’ve already analyzed it in countless ways without even noticing. The paper stock, the thickness of the binding, the aroma, the color of the type and even the texture of the cover; the very character of the book is being dissected by the hand and eye at every moment.

In this brief second there is a dialogue between the reader and the object. This conversation is subtle and complex, but for most people it is entirely subconscious. This is because we rarely think about these things  —  we feel them instead.

Before this dialogue can take place

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Smashing Special: WordPress Theme Trends For 2012

February 9, 2012   SmashingMagazine.com

Smashing Special: WordPress Theme Trends For 2012

This special is the first in our series of Smashing Specials — extended articles and studies dedicated to a specific topic. The special features current WordPress theme trends for 2012, covering past trends, new developments in theme design and trends in the theme development.

2011 was a great year for WordPress, with some excellent new updates that saw the introduction of a drag-and-drop uploader, distraction-free writing, the HTML5 Twenty Eleven theme, and movement towards a fully responsive dashboard. As well as changes to WordPress core, theme development continued to evolve, as whispers of responsive design spread like wildfire across the WordPress community.

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‘Skyrim’ director talks dragon mounts, PC play

February 9, 2012   USAtoday.com

On average, PC players spent nearly the equivalent of two work weeks slaying dragons and completing quests in the role-playing epic The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

During his keynote at the 2012 D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Create, Entertain) Summit in Las Vegas, as reported by Gamespot, owners of the PC version of the RPG spent an average of 75 hours exploring the world of Skyrim.

Howard also said since launching last November for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Skyrim has sold 10 million copies.

But the highlight of Howard’s keynote were details he provided on development work near the end of Skyrim’s completion (Gamespot has video). Howard said publisher Bethesda Softworks hosted a Game Jam, where developers got a week to work on whatever content they wanted to see in Skyrim.

So what did they come up with? Dragon mounts, mounted combat, dramatic camera

Article source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/usatoday-TechTopStories/~3/lnNZY-_ZC18/1

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Downloads of ‘Jetpack Joyride’ top 13 million

February 9, 2012   USAtoday.com

The addictive Apple iOS title Jetpack Joyride has topped 13 million downloads since launching last fall, says developers Halfbrick.

The game — created by the same studio that worked on the equally popular Fruit Ninja — features hero Barry Steakfries as he breaks into a lab working on a series of experimental jetpacks.

Jetpack Joyride simply requires players to tap on the screen to move Barry up and down, with variations on the control scheme depending on the type of jetpack for special vehicle they use.

The game originally launched for $0.99, but switched to free last December. It’s currently available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

For more details, check out our review.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Game Hunters | Brett Molina | Mike Snider

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Report: Apple to unveil next iPad in March

February 9, 2012   USAtoday.com

Apple is planning an event in March where it will introduce the third-generation iPad, reports All Things D.

According to the report, which simply cites “sources,” the iPad 3 will look very similar to its predecessor, but will operate faster, feature improved graphics processing and a retina display.

The event will reportedly take place in San Francisco during the first week in March. No confirmed details were given on when Apple would start selling the iPad 3.

The report follows a string of rumors connected to Apple red-hot tablet computer that suggest the next iPad will also sport a bigger battery.

Meanwhile, sales of the iPad continue to surge. Last month, Apple reported selling more than 15 million iPads during the first quarter, more than double the amount sold during the same timeframe a year ago.

Article source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/usatoday-TechTopStories/~3/8IZK1SYuAUc/1

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