Nintendo once again has transformed the concept of videogames by adding for the first time in history a new dimension in their most recent portable device. Officially launched on June 15, 2010 during the Electronic Entertainment Expo, this new eighth generation handheld device can play back images in three dimensions (3D) without the need for special glasses.

The name comes from the union of “3D” for the three-dimensional effect of the screen, and “DS”, which is the Developers System. In addition to its advanced ability to display images in three dimensions, it offers the possibility to enjoy virtual reality games and 3D movies.

The launch of the 3D console came with some controversy, as Nintendo said it was not advisable for use by children under six because young eyes are not fully trained. The console, however, does still offer the option of two dimensional play.

The Nintendo 3DS is revolutionizing the video game industry, creating a benchmark that all other game systems must meet.

What distinguishes 3DS from its predecessors?

The 3DS includes two displays. The bottom screen and touch pad make it easier to control the games because it makes use of a telescopic stylus included with the console. The top screen displays 3D images and graphics
that can be seen without special glasses. Looking at the screens in tandem is like looking at a new world in which objects and characters have real depth.

The console also features a 3D controller that allows players to choose the level of 3D depth that suits them. The 3D effect can set to each user’s preference, and while the screen is bigger than the DS Lite, the 3DS does not have a screen as big as the DSi XL and is not as thin as the DS models, due to the integrated 3D processor.
Features of the New 3DS

Graphics:

 The 3DS is capable of successfully displaying Xbox 360 games, and is considered the most attractive portable device of all times. Although the games are limited to the resolution of the screen, players can expect amazing 3D graphics quality that do not seem out of place on your living room TV.

Compatibility with previous games:

Almost all Nintendo DS games can be played on the console 3DS in 2D mode.

Service messages between users:

The 3DS system can send and receive messages. The system alerts the user that he/she has received a message through the LED display.

StreetPass and SpotPass modes:

Two new functions allow owners to connect in new ways, and both offer extra content to users while they perform their daily routines. A user can open the console in the afternoon and find in it many surprises.
StreetPass mode, when activated, exchanges information about games with other nearby owners of Nintendo 3DS systems. With this method of data transfer, small packets of data are exchanged, including data on characters of some of the games. SpotPass mode, meanwhile, lets you connect in an internet compatible hotspot or through a wireless broadband connection at home while the console is in standby mode. Once connected, Nintendo 3DS will receive new content and regular updates.

Log of activities:

 Records which games have been played, and for how long, as well as physical activity, like number of steps performed by the user carrying the 3DS. This encourages users to walk more each day as they can obtain electronic money that can be used in different applications for special content and a variety of benefits.

Battery life:

 Is around 3 to 5 hours, and is longer when played in 2D mode. The battery fully recharges in 3.5 hours.

Price:

 Nintendo defied expectations with the 3DS and priced it at $250. While still considered a bit expensive compared to the average portable gaming systems, it remains a very good price for a handheld like this.

Record Demand for the 3DS:

The Production of 3DS was 1.5 million units for Japan and 2.5 million for the rest of the world. It was not sufficient to meet initial demand, as it broke sales records on its release day across the world. Nintendo announced that on the first day of sales in the US, it surpassed that of any of their other portable devices.

The success of this new device is that it incorporates the latest 3D technology
available, and is designed to provide long hours of entertainment for both the young and the young at heart.

THE BOOK: SHAPE AND TRANSFORMATION

            From the Monotype® to the pixel

As knowledge is released and scattered, culture spreads thanks to Johannes Gutenberg’s creation, who finished printing his first work in 1456. It was considered a masterpiece of the new art of printing and publishing, this work was structured by almost five million types melted for 20 issues on parchment, plus 120 on paper; fewer than 50 are preserved. It is the masterpiece: The 42-line Bible (most frequent number of lines per column on each of the 1280 pages), Latin version of Saint Jerome’s Writings.

    The history of success of the print-letter marketing started in 1467, when Johann Fust and Peter Schöffer published a translation of Saint Augustine’s The Art of Preaching. The first one was a lender and Gutenberg’s partner; the second was Fust’s nephew and pupil in the workshop of the press creator. The fame of Gutenberg’s partner and pupil was due to innovations applied to the new technology of communication: The book.

     In 1467, Schöffer and Fust not only did compete to publish new titles, but they also tried to devise new ways of reading books leading to slogans, such as "Better organized indices" or "Cross references". These phrases could be from a 21^st-century article: "Our books are not only informational, but they also are easy to use." The same rivalry is currently being experienced among the Kindle, iPad, Nook and some others, which are trying to reinvent the reading tools and techniques.

     In 2010, another big step was taken in reading technology, started by the Amazon’s Kindle and the Apple’s iPad, followed by other devices which are as innovative as the ones aforementioned that have been able to claim a market share, like the Barnes and Noble’s Nook. There are other devices from brands like Sony or Sharper Image, but for the purposes of this analysis, we will focus on the 3 most outstanding so far.

Amazon’s Kindle

     This device is lighter and has the advantage that after being the pioneer. It has been able to create a very extensive database of publications and readers and its main feature is the use of e-ink, i.e., electronic ink, peculiarity that, unlike other devices, from cell phones to reading tablets that require lightning in the base, the Amazon’s Kindle does not since the texts are displayed on a surface mimicking paper; therefore, one can read them under direct sunlight, without missing any contrast. The greatest disadvantage is that e-ink is only black and white; thus, the display of photographs or video clips is not optimal.

Apple’s iPad

    iPad, rather than a reading tablet, is a versatile app device, where we can read books, magazines or newspapers. It allows browsing the Internet with certain constraints and there are different versions that adapt to various budgets, mainly ranging from memory capacity to network connection. The iPad offers bright and well-defined colors, although its main complaint among the people who are looking for an electronic book is its size and weight, albeit being a device smaller than a laptop, as a book it can result in something annoying while carrying it everywhere, but due to the amount of existing apps for this device, the iPad can be placed some levels over its competitors.

Barnes and Noble’s Nook

    Selected as the device of the year, despite the iPad, the Nook offers through the so-called “Android” operating system a similar experience with vivid colors, well-defined graphics, and an increasing range of apps at a price quite lower than the one offered by its closest competitor. Barnes and Noble also offers free access to the whole collection when the user utilizes their device inside BN’s stores. It also gives the possibility at the same time to ‘lend’ purchased books to other Nook users.

     Throughout 2011, we will see more innovations from both these products and new competitors who break into the e-readers market and as Schöffer and Fust facilitated the technology for reading in 1467, big corporations give us more and better tools nowadays to enjoy a good book while checking e-mail and seeing the latest news at the other side of the planet through the inventiveness of geniuses and visionaries.

Benchmark among e-readers:

*The I-pad price range goes from $400 up to more than $900 plus the monthly fee access to the 3G network.