Linden Lab PR Update
Information
This page shows some of the press coverage we receive and the media trends in some of Second Life's major markets.
Linden Lab News Archives
Here are links to the various Linden Lab websites where we catalog the press we receive. (Not all of these are up-to-date, but we are constantly working on it.)
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Weekly Reports
In this section, you will find the media trends and press stories we are tracking in some of our key markets.
Week Ending September 26, 2008
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Feature in InformationWeek.
-- Fewer articles on enterprise topics.
Focus on organizations that are educating their members on how they can better use Second Life and virtual worlds.
-- Motley Fool discussed effects of the current US economy on Second Life’s economy.
-- Second Life is serving as an economical alternative to test for new products.
-- Numerous non-profit groups are holding more seminars educating people about Second Life.
Key Coverage:
InformationWeek’s Mitch Wagner presents his in-depth piece on Second Life, following his briefing with Mark. He notes Mark’s commitment to improving the first-hour experience and calls his focus on key markets “encouraging.”
Re-post: Common Sensible blogs that InformationWeek’s piece on Second Life is solid and offers good and simple information for new and potential Second Life users.
Re-post: Electrogeek.
Your Biz MSNBC – Considers Second Life a dynamic and interactive environment, great for entrepreneurs in follow-up coverage to the BusinessWeek SmallBiz cover story on virtual prototyping.
Fast Company – An article on the success of major companies using Second Life for marketing.
Metanomics’ – Robert Bloomfield has published excerpts from his interview with Philip, inviting several experts to comment on Linden Lab’s history and future.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Investors – Article examining how Second Life is evolving from a place where residents shop, flirt, socialize or just hang out to an environment where large global companies such as Nissan and Sony BMG have built virtual storefronts, billboards or information booths.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Kansas City Star -- Olathe Public Library will be holding a Second Life tour and training session for the public.
Government Technology -- MySpace, LinkedIn and Second Life have established new ways for members of their online community to interact. The government is starting to take advantage of these tools to promote anticrime block watches, neighbourhood disaster recovery groups and health education.
Marcom New Media -- The ‘Real Life Education in Second Life’ group is studying how to leverage the benefits of learning in a virtual world in order to assist the students of today. The group consists of more than 400 universities and 4,500 educators.
Sarah Musing – A post on growing excitement in the business community for using Second Life for meetings, conferences, skill development and problem solving scenarios.
University of Southampton - Many schools and professionals will participate in a Second Life Seminar on September 23 held by LATEU. They will focus on how educators can use Second Life for research.
CONSUMER Coverage:
InformationWeek – A look at what Second Life can and will do to attract new customers and expand their reach in virtual spaces.
IGN -- Vuzix VR920 software update will bring 3D stereoscopic video and head tracking to Second Life users.
Berkeley Daily Planet – The Berkeley Video and Film Festival Showcases will feature a unique virtual world film done in Second Life by George Aguilar.
Newsday.com - ‘Gary Unmarried,’ a new CBS show, will include a character that is trying to learn about the opposite sex through Second Life.
The Click Heard Round the World – A post that there will be a Second Life Obama Music Fest from September 27-28 in Second Life.
JISC Service Group – A blog post that Andy Powell from Eduserve will be talking about how virtual worlds such as Second Life can be used to support events.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Focus on education and non-profit sector week, such as coverage of the Labour Party Conference, virtual hospitals, virtual religious worshipping, language benefits and music festivals within Second life.
-- Focus on use of Second Life to promote other technologies.
-- Coverage of the benefits of virtual worlds for employees training.
Key Coverage:
Web User – The Manchester Labour party conference was run simultaneously in Second Life and raises the question of how the virtual world can be used to improve public service delivery.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Computer Weekly – KPMG is going to use Unisfair technology to run a virtual recruitment fair. Second Life is mentioned as KPMG previously held in-world recruitment drives.
Macworld -- AT&T’s collaboration with various technology companies, and its use of Second Life to help test rogue attacks on AT&T products, are discussed.
TrainingZone.co.uk – Coverage of organisations’ use of online learning mediums and the resources for learning on web 2.0.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Web User – The Manchester Labour party conference was run simultaneously in Second Life and notes the potential of virtual worlds to improve public service delivery.
Times Online – The Civil Service Minister hosted their first conference meeting in Second Life.
Register – Full-sized hospitals are being created within Second Life by university students.
West Yorkshire Police – A press release, highlighting the success of its safety messages for students in Second Life.
Guardian Weekly –A language exchange project has been created by students from Dubai and South Korea in Second Life.
The Advertiser – A report on the ancient church that has been teleported into Second Life.
Great Yarmouth Mercury – Presentation of a church opening in Second Life.
NorthWest Regional Development Agency – Coverage of upcoming events in the North west of England. A music festival named Noise 2008 is set to be held within Second Life.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Times Online – Investigation of regular changes in our language, with words such as Second Life likely to be in the next issue of the Dictionary.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- This week we’ve seen several articles in the adult consumer section.
-- Articles focusing on government-related activities in Second Life.
-- A very positive article published by German press agency, dpa, was picked up many times.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Südwest Presse reported that Baden-Württemberg, one of Germany’s federal states, has left Second Life but is giving its space away for a creative laboratory.
Tagesspiegel -- An article about Berlin in virtual worlds and compares Germany’s capital in Twinity with its appearance in Second Life.
Focus online – An interview with a German state detective, where he talks about the ways the police is searching the Internet for criminal activities. He also mentions that there are policemen in Second Life.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Frankfurter Rundschau -- Approximately 60 to 70 online publications picked up German this very positive article about education in Second Life, based on an April interview with Philip.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Kieler Nachrichten – A positive article about a theater project from students of University of Lübeck and from a school. They successfully rearranged Shakespeare’s “A midsummer night’s dream”.
Computer Zeitung -- Coverage of a conference on legal aspects of the Internet and web 2.0, mentioning Second Life.
Gulli.com – A big party is planned in Second Life for music label FOEM. They have been active in Second Life for five years now and very successful.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
--There were articles this week about virtual worlds use and their effect on people in real life.
-- Some blogs and publications focused on Saint Gobain in Second Life, and their “tree planting” initiative This week, the focus of some blogs and publication was on Saint Gobain on SL, and their “tree planting” initiative
-- Coverage of Second Life competitors (Home).
-- Articles about Second Life functionalities (scripts, SLim…).
Key Coverage:
Le Figaro’s blog – An article about video games figures revealed by Pew. 10% of real gamers use Second Life.
Numerik – A note about Lively.
Vitualworldnews – An article comparing Second Life and Lively, saying Second Life is still number one.
D’s – A blog post about Home (new PS3 firmware).
Presse citron – An article about Exit reality, a new experience of 3D navigation on Web (comparison to Second Life).
Et C++ si affinité – Coverage of Exit reality.
Olivier Cordoleani – A note about Google Lively, a “clone of Second Life.”
Traffic internet – A new video of Home (playstation) virtual world.
Numerama – A new video of Home (Playstation) virtual world.
Technoman – A post about a new video of Home ( Sony). He remarks that the concept is very similar to Second Life.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Key Coverage:
Green It – An article about Saint Gobain act in Second Life to counter the deforestation.
Comsociale – An article about virtual strikes versus real strikes with a mention to IBM strike on SL
Loogic -- Coverage of Eneko Knörr and its new company Ideateca (Idea counter).
Foires salons congres – A note about the fact that many companies have created their own virtual worlds.
Monde Virtuels – A post on the conference in Second Life lead by Saint Gobain Glass.
David Castera – A blog post about Saint Gobain’s act in Second Life to counter deforestation.
Quotidien durable – An article about planting trees in Liban thanks to Saint Gobain on Second Life.
Actualités environnement – Coverage of tree-planting in Liban thanks to Saint Gobain on Second Life.
Pocarles – A note about Saint Gobains action on SL about tree planting.
ITRManager – An article about the future of virtual worlds regarding companies, with a mention to recruitments in Second Life.
Antic-Pays Basque – An article about the opening “Basque Cultural Institute” space, called ARTEAN, in Second Life.
Pays Basque Numerique – An article about the opening “Basque Cultural Institute” space, called ARTEAN, on Second Life.
Inworlds – Coverage of Nosgoth, a Roleplay on Second Life.
Metalab 3D – A video about use of Second Life for real public actors.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Tribune de Geneve -- An article about sociology in Second Life (with sessions animated by Pierre Bourdieu).
e-troubadour – News about the Website’s group trip to the Buttes Chaumont in Paris last weekend.
Terredarmois artemisia – A note about an event the 20-21st September in SL: tree planting day.
portraits d’ici et d’aileurs -- Coverage of people’s real jobs in Second Life.
Seasexsun – Blog post comparing social networks to dating networks.
Arts et monde social – A note about an event the 3rd October on Second Life: Jacques Demarcq, writer, will be in Second Life.
Metaverse 3D – A note about the event happening from the 20th to the 26th September : BIO Architecture.
Sun3000 – A post about an event “SL Art” in SL organized by Nerd Bert
Virtual News -- An article about the presence of Polvis Allen on SL.
En direct de Second Life -- A note about e-Troubadours being in Les Buttes Chaumont last week end.
Gamopat published an article about the fact of gaining a new social life thanks to Home (Sony).
France 3D – A note about a course proposed on SL about typepad shortcuts.
Territoire digital -- Coverage of Taikogo Akina who build scripts and textures in Second Life.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Free and low-cost information services on the Internet are being used for business with impressive results. Moving-S is one of them and they have a branch in Second Life. The business magazine Weekly Diamond featured the company in an article and quoted Second Life in it.
-- Some media wrote about “The Making of Second Life” written by Wagner James Au. The viewpoint is so unique that it has attracted attention.
-- The news about SLim’s release on September 3rd and Direct Slurl post on September 18th appeared in the media.
Key Coverage:
Weekly Diamond (magazine, 9/27) – A feature article on Moving-S, a moving company made famous for its innovative use of the Internet. The article introduces many Internet services the company provides including a once-a-week online consulting and estimate service held at their branch store on Second Life. The company has so far had 5 real life jobs requested through its Second Life branch over the course of 2 years since opening the branch.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Eizo Shimbun – Nippon Television Network (NTV) Corporation will be exhibiting Second Life-related activities at the IBC2008.
Asahi Shimbun, English – An advertisement appeared in this daily English newspaper simply showing a photo by the sea and “Bali Resort at Second Life, Keyword: Bali Resort.” The resort can be found by doing a search on Second Life.
Kagaku Shimbun – Linden Lab announced their new IM program “SLim”. By using SLim, residents of SL are able to communicate with text and voice without having to start up the SL viewer.
The Second Times – Linden Lab improved “SLurl”, enabling users to teleport from one SIM to the other more smoothly.
The Second Times – IBM built the Virtual Green Data Center on SL. Users can come here and understand more about Green IT.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Software Design – A feature article on the Open Source Conference 2008 held on August 8 in Nagoya. Hideo Yamazaki of Nomura Research Institute gave a presentation on the present and future visions of virtual worlds starting with Second Life.
CONSUMER Coverage:
FujiSankei Business i – An article introducing the book written by Wagner James Au, “The Making of Second Life: Notes from the New World.”
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun - An article introducing the book written by Wagner James Au, “The Making of Second Life: Notes from the New World.” The article follows, “As SL evolves, the day mankind will live in two communities simultaneously is getting closer. This book will help us grasp that concept.”
Animage – A short review on SL by one of the magazine commentators. “First off, it’s very difficult to find another Japanese avatar. It also very difficult to adjust the default avatar to the looks you wish. It is easy to understand why SL lost its flame so fast. But more important than any of this, I can’t understand English.”
The Second Times– A Gothic all girls band “Skill Up” held a live concert at the EDO SIM on Second Life. The EDO SIM is currently holding an autumn festival.
[http://blogmag.ascii.jp/secondlife/2008/09/001895.html ASCII.jp – A railcar contest is being held on the Central Station SIM on Second Life.
The Second Time – The EDO SIM will start their annual monthly event starting tomorrow. This month is the autumn festival, “Tsukimi Matsuri.” The event will have entertainment such as archery games and live bands.
CIO – A blog article debating how capable SL is when utilized for business use. The article covers the issue from the POV of emergencies, from auditing companies, medical and several others.
Wired Vision - A blog article on “Sekai Camera” and its comparison to Second Life. The difference between “Augmented Reality = Sekai Camera” and “Virtual Reality = Second Life.”
Week Ending September 19, 2008
Key Coverage by Market
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Generally positive, with more coverage by local outlets and blogs.
-- Continued coverage in education, for training and recruitment purposes.
-- Several healthcare stories focused on Second Life as a tool for those with disabilities.
-- Coverage of the economy and improvements to the platform
-- Focus on the profit making opportunities in Second Life.
Key Coverage:
VentureBeat - Q&A with Mark, as a result of our influencer outreach, that focuses on topics including the leadership change, Linden Lab’s strategic focus, the improvements Mark wants to make in the first-hour experience and what he sees as the future of virtual worlds.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Linux Insider – Article on dynamic profit making opportunities in virtual worlds, mentioning Second Life.
Mediacaster - Ontario Public Service Careers Island in Second Life was named the winner of the prestigious Innovation Merit Award Ontario for its unique use of Second Life.
Trading Markets - Wipro Technologies SOA lab on Second Life is used for collaborating with customers and partners, hosts virtual conferences and provides a platform for innovation in the spheres of technology and business transformation.
PC World - Second Life can be a powerful tool to recruit Gen Y talent.
NBC 8 KOMU -Missouri’s IT department is using Second Life to recruit young talent.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Chicago Sun-Times - Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital is building a virtual replica of their hospital to help train its staff in preparation for large emergencies.
Brandon Hall Research - Centrax Corporation is helping Children’s Memorial Hospital use Second Life for emergency preparedness.
RFID Journal - University of Arkansas is creating a facility in Second Life for health-care organizations to test RFID implementations prior to physical deployment.
Voice of America News - Researchers are using virtual environments like Second Life as a resource to improve the living conditions of patients with physical or emotional disabilities.
Northern Star - Second Life provides an alternative method to engage the interests of students leading to more and more courses being offered in virtual spaces.
The Hippo - Covers a fundraiser held in Second Life to support a local drama school.
Gear Live - Several ministries in New Zealand have built churches in Second Life to engage the interests of younger members.
Dusan Writer - Organizers of the AIDS Program’s 2008 AIDS Ride for Life is using Second Life as a resource to reach out to a larger donor pool.
The Metaverse Journal - Explores how Second Life can serve as a tool to help people with disabilities.
Web 3D Consortium - A Colorado-based startup is developing products to assist people with different type of disabilities to utilize Second Life.
De Oracle - The Center of Intellectual Property will hold their symposium program in Second Life in order to better collaboration between participants.
CONSUMER Coverage:
The Industry Standard - Reports on the clarification of the ad-farming ban.
E-Commerce Times - Reports that like a “real-world” economy, the driving force behind Second Life’s economy is the demand for people’s need to have a stylish/lavish lifestyle.
Daily Trojan - Introduces Second Life as an activity for college students.
Linux Insider - Reports that residents in Second Life met in real life at the annual Second Life convention in Florida and discussed ways to better take advantage of what the virtual world has to offer.
Marketing Vox – Children’s and teenagers’ interest in virtual worlds is expected to jump from 34 percent in 2008 to 53 percent by 2011.
Tom’s Games - MMO’s and other environments like Second Life do not pose any real threat to national security.
Silicon Valley Insider - Google Lively will further differentiate itself from its competitor Second Life are focusing more on an “arcade” theme, mentioning Second Life.
Tech News World – The traditional model of virtual worlds like Second Life need to adapt to the growing interests of children.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- The coverage this week has been positive on the whole with only one negative article.
-- Some articles focused on Second Life’s use as a business tool.
-- A few articles discuss how Second Life is being used by educational establishments for research purposes.
-- More enterprise articles than last week.
-- Focus on importance of Second Life to the business and recruitment world.
Key Coverage:
Health Service Journal - Promotes the virtues of Second Life to medical research. Imperial College is mentioned as an example of a University using the virtual world.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Key coverage:
silicon.com - Covers the ways in which Linden Lab is making Second Life more stable.
Times Online - Discusses the measures the IT industry is making in attracting female graduates. IBM is mentioned as using Second Life.
Personnel Today – Article states that younger people, ‘generation-Z’, are likely to offer employers a flexibility of approach so far unknown in the world of work, with their enthusiasm for virtual words.
Finextra.com – A report that retail banks are failing to embrace the benefits of web 2.0 technologies. Second life is mentioned as a site with potential for retail banks.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Guardian - A story about a man who had a stroke at 30, who now uses Second Life to showcase his digital art, and has sold his artwork with the help of virtual art galleries.
Great Yarmouth Mercury - The Great Yarmouth Parish Church has been created in Second Life.
Eurosoc UK - French presidential candidate, Segolene Royal, has an avatar within Second Life.
The Register -Students at the University of Arkansas created full-sized hospitals inside Second Life to experiment with the use of RFID tagging in medical environments.
CONSUMER Coverage:
PC Advisor – Review of the 3D Connexion SpaceExplorer.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Several positive articles appeared this week on enterprise.
-- Coverage of Second Life as a marketing tool.
-- A positive article about an Austria professor who is convinced of the success of virtual worlds.
Key Coverage:
Daily-innovation.de – Covers the Forrester study about the future of virtual worlds.
Internet World Business – Reports on the Frank Ambrose release.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Key coverage:
Internet World Business - Published an article on “top tips” for Second Life marketing.
E-Commerce Magazin - Two big articles about Second Life: A by-lined article about what marketing strategies are needed to be successful in Second Life, and the two page long interview with Jean and Paul Schmid from Freggers.de.
PC Welt – A report on a study which found out that financial institutes are not using web 2.0 technologies, including Second Life, due to security reasons.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Key coverage:
Computer Zeitung - An article about an Austrian professor who describes the hype cycle and that companies will use virtual worlds like Second Life more frequently, and that other possible uses of virtual worlds will be in the education and communication sector.
Klamm.de - A press release of the German company BEKO. They participate at a certain trade show but that the booth can already be visited in Second Life.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Key Coverage:
Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung - A philosophical article about fantasy. At every age group people dream and have fantasies, and the latest translation of fantasy happens in Second Life.
Weblin-Blog - A blog post about a user who teleported her Second Life avatar into a Weblin avatar.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Articles about the future of virtual worlds, about Second Life competitors and functionalities (scripts, SLim).
-- Focus on Second Life use for training.
Key Coverage:
Generation-nt - Published a dedicated article about SLim.
MaconSL - Blog post about the future virtual world “Blue Mars”, with mention of Second Life.
Mon BizNetBlog - A note about the evolution of virtual worlds according to what was said in Virtual World Expo in L.A. and Second Life convention in Tampa.
Project Galaxie OeilNoir - A post about its creation of a script for Second Life to make magical effects.
En direct de SecondLife – Blog article about the creation of Biblio Island on Fracogrid in Second Life.
Nicolas Alfonsi – The “little world” blog posted a news about Twinity, an online virtual community as Second Life.
Jeux-ligne-gratuit - A note about Lively, a new competitor for Second Life.
Webnroll – An Article saying virtual is the future according to Venture Capitalists investments in start ups proposing services linked to virtual worlds and social networks.
All 3D - A note about Solipsis a new French 3D Univers, peer to peer and open source.
Nessy - About the Agical world in Second Life – Immortal Island.
Virtual world news - A news piece about Myrl, a new service offering interoperability of virtual worlds.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Key Coverage:
SL Virtual world news - A note about the development of Ancapistan Capital Exchange (ACE), one of the most active trade market on Second Life.
Pocarles - Covers Saint Gobain in Second Life.
E-commerce, Web 2.0 et e-tourisme - An article about brand image capitalization on virtual worlds.
Business tools - Post about a “photo week” in Orange Island.
Paris Match - An article about the fact of having an aquarium at home. With a mention of Tetra on Second Life.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Timmiat blog – About the experience in Quebec during the group’s Architecture Study. Mentions a project on which he will have to attend courses on SL and built places on SL.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Key Coverage:
Informer- autrement - An article about INOP 2008, a meeting about Public innovation and electronic administration. A conference about 3D representations and virtual worlds will be broadcasted on Second Life the 24th September on métalab3D on Second Life.
Gromike - Blog post about the creation of Aphrodite’s temple in Second Life.
Ecolonet - Blog about best ecological practices on the web and mentions that a user of SL consumes as much power as a Brasilian.
Inworlds - A note about fashion on Second Life and particularly about Elemiah Design.
Fant’asie - Blogger posted a note about the future adaptation by HBO of the serial “Trône de fer”, and mentions Second Life as the place where David Benioff and Dan Weiss talked about the project in June 2007.
Vade-mecum - Post on the island created to promote the new book of Terry Pratchett.
FredCavazza – A note about Motorhead in association with Mindark to launch Entropia Universe. Mention of Second Life because numerous artists have already offered a concert on it.
Ficanas – Blog post about Ficanas gallery on Second Life.
Media critique - A note about a conference in Second Life about “Freedom not fear”.
3dxplorer - Posted an article about the partnership between Cube3 and Altadyn (Mention of Second Life as cube 3 has designed lots of place in SL).
Top referer’s - Posted a note saying that Terry Pratchett will promote its new book.
Weekly REPORT: w/c September 15, 2008
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Almost all articles were positive last week.
-- Recently most new businesses in Second Life were small, medium-sized and local companies. However, Konica Minolta Holdings’ “Konica Minolta Area 5151” is a big company’s new SIM, the first in a while and the company has entered SL to enhance its corporate image, not for product marketing and promotion. We should watch its future progress.
-- Environmental benefits of Second Life and virtual worlds.
-- Universities and colleges that have been utilizing Second Life for their research and classes are increasing.
Key Coverage:
Nihon Jimuki Shimbun (newspaper, 9/8) – Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. opened “Konica Minolta Area 5151”, a SIM on Second Life.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
ZDNet – A portal website for Second Life and 3Di related news, “The Second Times” has registered on the eco friendly Internet service “green sight license” provided by RAUL Inc.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Techinsight japan - Takarazuka University of Art and Design held their annual school festival in both real and Second Life.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Nishi Nippon Shimbun (newspaper, 9/5) – The “Tenjin Blue Moon Festival”, a fashion show on Second Life, will be held on the 23rd of September.
The Daily Yomiuri (newspaper, 9/7) – An article on the expanding business of online “gold-farmers” in East Asia, farming and selling online currencies used in MMOGs such as World of Warcraft, and Second Life, for those players who don't have time to spend 8 hours a day in front of their computers.
The Second Times – An article introducing “Frenzoo”, a new Second Life like metaverse.
The Second Times – Metabirds Co., Ltd. which runs metaverse portal website “SLMaMe,” started a metaverse-related employment search website called “SLMaMe Work”.
The Second Times – A clothing store from Kobe Japan, “Tokimeki Alice,” celebrated their first year since starting business and opened a branch store on Second Life.
The Second Times – Japanese television program recorded on Second Life and broadcast on real life television, “Digital no Konjo” joined the International Broadcasting Convention held in Amsterdam from the 12th to the 16th of September.
The Second Times – A live rock concert will be held on the “Fontana Music Town” SIM, known to Second Life users as the holy ground of classical music.
Week Ending September 12, 2008
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Generally positive, especially in the growing educational sector.
-- Limited coverage from national media outlets; more coverage by local media.
-- Entrance of more competitors like Hangout.net.
-- More corporate adoption of Second Life.
-- Local education coverage.
-- Sociological studies conducted in Second Life.
Key Coverage:
Indianapolis Star - The Kelley Executive Program at Indiana University will open an island in Second Life to enhance their training program and provide a low cost alternative for students.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Linux Insider - In an interview with Parks Associates’ Michael Cai, he says he expects corporations to invest heavily in virtual worlds like Second Life in the future.
itBusiness - Businesses are turning to virtual worlds like Second life to help their recruiting efforts of top young talent.
Quickly Bored - Vollee’s mobile beta app for Second Life Residents has been a great success.
Venture Beat - Hangout differentiates itself from Second Life by targeting users with low end computers, which lack capacity to run Second Life.
Virtual Worlds in Motion - Koinup will expand its presence in Second life.
Game Politics - A Barack Obama fundraiser will be held in Second Life.
EDUCATION Coverage:
9News.com - Cigna will open a nutrition zone on their Second Life island to help educate Residents about food choices.
University of Nevada, Reno Nevada News - The Health Care Ethics Program at the University of Nevada is the first University group to hold a simultaneous virtual discussion in Second Life.
Re-post: Beaten network
Indiana University - Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business will expand their campus through Second Life, allowing them to admit more students into the programs.
Indianapolis Star – The Kelley Executive Program at Indiana University will open an island in Second Life to enhance their training program and provide a low cost alternative for students.
Herald Times Online – Coverage of the Kelley Executive Partners Program’s virtual campus.
[1] - Students at the University of Florida will have the opportunity to attend their professor’s lecture about virtual environments from Second Life.
Education Week - Teachers and technology consultants are working to incorporate new and interactive technology like Second Life into everyday life for students.
Nola - Internet tools like Second Life can substantially help people with disabilities.
Center for Instructional Technology - Second Life is being used as an additional resource for foreign languages instruction.
Massively - A discussion with Madeleine Albright on the demands of the 21st century will be streamed in Second Life. Also, this event will help the University of Texas launch the school’s new Master of Global Policy Studies degree.
Mind Blizzard - Terry Pratchett, author of the comedy Discworld series, will make an appearance in a Second Life island.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
The Industry Standard - Second Life will make advertising forbidden on the “Linden Mainland” unless users have a written licensing agreement with Second Life.
Tampa Bay Online - Second Life residents will have an opportunity to meet one another in person at SLCC.
St. Louis Business Journal - St. Louis is one of the first cities in the U.S. to develop a virtual replica of the city on Second Life.
World Changing - Argues that virtual worlds like Second Life create new forms of interaction to the extent that users from different cities, countries or even continents can intermingle and form their own online community.
PR.com - Virtual Worlds Press Club plans to release a media directory of if media outlets that are in virtual worlds like Second Life. This will give advertisers and journalist a resource to decide which medium fits their needs.
New World Notes – Claims that SLim is very similar to Skype.
Linux.com - Linden Lab will recognize the accomplishments of outstanding individuals in its open source community.
Ostatic - Linden Lab will recognize seven outstanding open-source developers.
Reaching the Online Generation – A group of people is trying to establish a Christian group in Second life.
Reason.TV - Drew Carey’s video guided tour of Second Life.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Coverage has been positive on the whole with only one negative article. A very positive piece was in Computer Weekly.
-- There has been more coverage than last week.
-- A number of the articles focus on Second Life’s business uses.
-- There has been discussion of the ability to communicate to other Second Life Residents both in and out of world.
Key Coverage:
Computer Weekly - Second Life users can now communicate both in and out of world.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/31354/Second-Life-mobile-beta-soars Mobile Entertainment] - Discussion of mobile phone access to Second Life.
Design Week – Investigation of whether smell will ever be available in virtual worlds.
National Computing Centre - Recruitment opportunities for businesses in Second Life.
SME Web – Note that businesses should capitalize on tools such as Second Life.
Computing.co.uk – A look at Dell’s presence in Second Life.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Sunday Mercury.net - A new mouse gives gamers more freedom in Second Life.
Bookseller.com - Virtual exhibition in Second Life promotes e-books.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Several articles about the Twinity launch last week.
-- Virtual worlds as a collaboration tool.
-- A positive article about the potential of Second Life as a research space.
Key Coverage:
Gamezone.de - Article on the SLim release, as did PC Praxis and Elhabib.at.
Berliner Morgenpost – A report about Twinity’s open Beta phase launch.
Blase2Null - A German blogger writes sarcastically about Twinity. Most of the German bloggers don’t see anything new coming up with this new virtual world.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Key coverage:
PC Welt - IBM’s new collaboration tool called Sametime 3D is well suited for open sim environments and 3D platforms like Second Life. This news was picked up by most of the PC magazines.
E-Commerce Magazin - A short news piece about a cooperation between the University of Heilbronn and the software company Businessmart. They want to explore the potential of Second Life for marketing, especially for lifestyle and fashion products.
Peter Bosetti - A German blogger reports that there are already 100 virtual worlds in the Internet, hosting over 300 Million people.
Computer Zeitung - An article about Phil McKinney from HP who predicts that 3D worlds like Second Life will be the main collaboration tool of the future.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Key coverage:
Focus online - Article about psychological research in Second Life, where the scientists found out that the social behavior of people doesn’t change in the Internet compared to real life.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Magnus.de – Comparison of Google’s Lively to Second Life in its surf tips, stating that Google tries to separate from the “commercial” Second Life.
Der Westen - About two Second Life Residents who lived next door to each other and ended up writing children’s books together.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Talk of SLim’s release.
-- Overall outlook is averages this week.
-- Some positive articles about companies in Second Life (such as IBM, TETRA).
-- Posts about expositions and galleries in SL.
Key Coverage:
01net - An article about SLim.
MEDIAMUS - A note around the large number of virtual worlds apart from Second Life.
Touti Frouti - A note about the many other virtual worlds.
Sun 3000 - An article about the future Second Life in French (and the search of Linden Lab for translators).
Fredzone posted a note about Multivers, a platform letting any user build its own virtual world (such as SL) and proposing lots of MMO
Mashable France – An article about the “war” between Second Life and There, saying that Second Life is THE leader.
Allscoop – Another mention of Second Life vs. There.com, stating Second Life’s lead.
Jaitesté.com - Article about the test of “Journey”, a new virtual world. The author was disappointed.
Frederci Cavazza - News about There.
PPC’s – An article about the test of “Journey”, a new virtual world across Second Life and Yahoo Maps.
e-business solution - A note about Google and Lively.
Blog.Jeux.Video – A note about Second Life on Mobile phones, through an application developed by Vollee.
Bleebot – An article about the news of this summer and the arrival of Google Lively, an “online game” like Second Life.
Pablog - About VR Wear and their new way to move avatars.
InWorld – A post about the non-protection of personal Data on France-Pittoresque.net.
Mondes virtuels - Article about the artificial intelligence of avatars on Second Life. Fairyverse medieval village on Second Life is a good example.
Le Monde – A blog post about Web 2.0 and beyond, with a mention of Second Life and virtual worlds.
Journal du Net – An article about SLim.
IndiceRH - Information about Slim.
Comment ça marche - News piece about SLim.
Cyberworker - News about the “war” between Second Life and There, saying that Second Life is the leader.
Scoopeo - A piece about the growing number of residents on Second Life rising up to 15 million.
Parismatch - An article about the 10 years of Google and the arrival of Chrome.
Virtualworldnews - An article about There, trying to compete with Second Life.
Heaven - A piece about 3D game Levelhead, with a mention to VR-Wear (new tool to move avatars in SL).
Vedocci - Article about “Delicious” a website proposing to save bookmarks and make them accessible from anywhere. Mention of Second Life as a “solution” using web 2.0.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Key Coverage:
Stonfield Inworld - Article about the future of Second Life, specifically regarding trainings.
La tribune de Genève - An article about the new features of IBM on Second Life.
NTIC au service des PME - Blog post on IBM new tools (with a mention of its island on SL).
La Tribune de Genève - Article about the opening of TETRA shop on SL (selling aquariums).
L’Usine Nouvelle – News of the new features of IBM on SL.
Evenementia - A post about a conference “Create and develop its Website in confidence” which will be held simultaneously on SL and in Lille.
Tecoman – Note of Altadyn, a company proposing to companies to built their virtual worlds.
Innovationlejournal – An article about the virtual Berlin existing on Metaversum. The author explains that Twinity is a replication of reality (on the contrary to SL).
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Key Coverage: Atelier.fr - An article about the fact that 3D objects make the purchase interactive, which is not the case on SL according to Rieko Kadobayashi, responsible for the project.
Univers Virtuel.com - A note about AIRE proposing an exposition on SL (Ecologia Island) from September 11th to October 10th 2008.
Rome en Images - A note about the copy of Rome on Second Life.
Le blog des Zoisos - About the passage of e troubadours in the “Tournicoton gallery” on SL (showing some pictures and drawings).
Tourniconton art Gallery - A post about e-troubadours future event in Tournicoton on SL.
Elbakin.net - A news piece about the promotional campaign of Random House Group on SL.
Weekly REPORT: w/c September 8, 2008
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Articles and quotes are positive this week.
-- The media, particularly IT related publications, tend to write about new products and technologies that have a high probability of becoming popular and setting off new trends. SLim is one such topic.
--SLim is a major current topic—9 stories total covering SLim release.
-- Chugoku Shimbun wrote that some big car manufacturers had entered SL in order to regain Japanese young generation’s interest in car culture.
-- Emphasis on education initiatives, with Tokyo University’s recent project in Second Life.
Key Coverage:
ITmediaNews
BB Watch
Yahoo! Japan News - Linden Lab released “SLim”, their new Instant Messaging system. “SLim” will enable Second Life users to enjoy voice and text chatting between users without having to launch the SL program.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Chugoku Shimbun (newspaper, 8/27) – An article on the Japanese youth generation losing their attachment to car culture, and the effort of car companies to regain it. Companies such as Toyota, Nissan and General Motors have created SIMs on Second Life, which the article describes as “an online 3D virtual world popular among youth.”
EDUCATION Coverage:
The Second Times – Tokyo University is accepting applications for the second Second Life Collaborative City Planning Project.
The Second Times – Hideko Ikegami, professor at The New School University, presented a paper comparing Second Life to the people’s culture of the Edo Era in Japan.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Dengeki Playstation (magazine, 9/12) – It was thought that no matter how much time was spent on video games, virtual currency would never cross over to real life. Those days have changed, and now the time and effort you spend on video games will actually come through to real life. Take SL for example, where you can exchange their virtual currency (L$) into real money, and rumor has it that there are people making lots of it.
The Second Times – Virtual Worlds Conference and Expo starts September 3rd (U.S. time zone). 3Di, Inc. will be giving a presentation on “Avatar Portability” and the “3Di Open Viewer”.
The Second Times – The Jazz and Art Festival will be held on Second Life October 17th to November 14th. During the 30 days of the event there will be many jazz musicians from around the world performing on 4 SIMs and art exhibitions in 4 galleries.
PR Times - Alaska, a long established restaurant that has been in business more that 80 years, has opened a new branch on SL.
PR Times - Yamanaka-tei, a fish store that sells fresh fish from the Japanese sea to top-class hotels and restaurants as well as individual customers, opened a store on SL. They are planning to enable the purchase of fresh fish through SL using L$ in the future.
PR Times - Famous wine retailer specializing in German wines, Nicholas Japan, has opened a virtual winery and retail store on SL.
Yahoo! Japan News – Korean Coffee shop franchise “Java City” opened a store on SL. They will be handing out coupons usable in real life.
Week Ending September 5, 2008
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Overall positive press, though minimal coverage from larger publications.
-- Focus on SLim’s release, the success of Vollee and the potential impact of Global Kids investment into Second Life.
-- Second Life is seen as to competing w/ Cisco’s Telepresence platform.
-- Health care providers are branching out into Second Life; Second Life is being implemented as a training tool for employees of various industries.
-- More coverage in the consumer sector compared to previous weeks due to the release of new tools for Residents.
Key Coverage:
CNET - CIO Series interview with Joe, in which he describes SL’s use for enterprise collaboration, the success of voice in-world, and the benefits of open sourcing the viewer.
SLim coverage:
WIRED - Launch of SLim.
CNBC - SLim news in a wrap-up of the Virtual Worlds Conference.
Mashable – Positions SLim as a response to There.com’s launch of external IM, but also as an exciting step forward for virtual worlds.
Marketing Vox - Linden Labs will release SLim, a lightweight client that will enable instant messaging and voice chat between the real world and Second Life.
Beta news - Linden Labs and Vivox are releasing SLim, a messaging (VoIP/IM) client that complements onscreen interactions or can communicate with others not necessarily running the Second Life application.
Digital Trends – Notes the release of SLim.
Massively reports that Linden Lab is yanking SLim from its website temporarily due to some connection problem.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
The Industry Standard - Second Life can be a cost effective solution for small companies on a tight budget.
NextGov - Agencies interested in conducting business in virtual worlds can watch a video online about how the National Defense University's Information Resources Management College invested in Second Life.
Virtual world News - Virtual Job Candy is launching a space in Second Life for employers and job seekers in the virtual worlds and 3D design industries to hold interviews and job fairs and prepare for virtual interviews.
Silicon Alley Insider - IBM’s integration of Second Life into Lotus Sametime.
MIMigasite reports that Digitell is releasing an electronic meetings venue called Virtual Convention Center to compete against Second Life in the enterprise sector of virtual worlds.
EDUCATION Coverage:
ihealth Beat - Health care professionals are using Second Life for a variety of purposes, including hosting continuing medical education sessions and actually seeing patients for group or individual sessions.
School Library Journal – An article recommending that schools should invest in virtual worlds like Second Life as a new medium for learning.
Virtual World News - Second Life can help boost the scores of trainees, as evident with the 28% increase in scores by the Canadian Border Guard Training program.
Global Kids reports that Global Kids Online will begin a Second life Curriculum tour for educators interested in implementing virtual worlds at their school.
NY Blueprint - Independent developers have constructed a Second Life Israel that includes all the famous landmarks from the real world country.
Dusan Writer - Linden Lab will be pushing collaboration and education at the LA Conference discussing our partnership with Rivers Run Red Immersive Workspaces, Global Kids and San Diego State University.
Mind Blizzard – Article states that Second Life is becoming a great medium to train employees.
Designing Digital – The American Business College and American Business High School are being built within Second Life.
CONSUMER Coverage:
CNBC reports that Vollee, a 3D streaming provider, is seeing great success with its mobile open beta application for Second Life as evident in the mass amounts of downloads.
Re-post: Wireless Week
Re-Post: Wireless Developer Network
Wired - There.com will also release Facebook plug-ins and new instant messaging applications to compete with Second Life.
Venture Beat - There.com will begin supporting the MAC OS, comparing it to Second Life.
Project Chainsaw - Second Life is doing a great job of creating a world that enables virtual proximity, especially in real estate.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Mixed coverage, positive articles discussing the place platforms such as Second Life have in the corporate world.
-- Discussion of the importance of Second life to the corporate world and the benefits Second Life brings to educational establishments.
-- Second Life being used for higher education, including research and teaching.
-- More articles than last week and more focus on corporate benefits of the virtual word.
-- Focus on educational activities within the virtual world.
Key Coverage:
Birmingham Post - Discusses the international conference being held in the city to promote the uses of virtual worlds in business.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Birmingham Post - International conference being held in the city is promoting the uses of virtual worlds in business.
CCF Online - Consumers of the future will demand to interact with contact centers.
Director of Finance online - Analysis of the predicted continual growth of digital media companies and the expansion of virtual worlds such as Second Life.
Digital Arts - Discusses the place virtual worlds have in the corporate world.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Citywire - University of Houston has purchased land in Second Life so students can enjoy better facilities.
Medic Exchange - University of Arkansas researchers are using Second Life to model efficient health care delivery.
CONSUMER Coverage:
London Review of Books – Review of the book Move your head and the picture changes which discusses issues of privacy and publicity online in areas such as Second Life.
blog.iwr.co.uk - An Interview about blogging. The interviewee is a regular reader of the Second Life blog.
The Times – Article about ‘gold farming’ within online platforms. Second Life is mentioned as an activity that has millions of devotees.
Develop – Discussion of why some games developers have been slow to develop user-made content. Second Life is described as being way ahead at developing these opportunities.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Google Lively has been picked up by two articles, one saying that Lively rekindled interest in virtual worlds and the other saying that Lively is dead, unlike Second Life.
-- New e-learning and translation services appeared
Key Coverage:
Heute.de - Article about how alive virtual worlds are. The author mentioned that it has become quiet around Second Life but that it is still very much alive.
IT-Times.de - Lively has failed to attract the interest of users, unlike platforms like Second Life or World of Warcraft.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Ostseeklick.de Article about solution provider Second Interest which has started to create content for Twinity formerly created content for Second Life.
Handelsblatt.com - A list of several scientific papers which can be downloaded in the Internet and one deals with business models in Second Life.
Oliver Gassner - German media expert on Web 2.0 interviewed in a podcast about the marketing potential of virtual worlds.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Informationsdienst Wissenschaft - Article about an e-learning workshop, where virtual worlds like Second Life are a topic, too.
E-Punkt – Article about the “Natural Language Translation" from IBM, a translation software running in Second Life.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Overall mood of this week’s press is good and coverage has been positive.
-- Some articles about SL, Open Sim, Mono and new virtual worlds such as VSide.
-- Some positive articles about companies on SL (such as Peugeot or Didorel Parquet).
-- Coverage presents VR Wear, a company proposing to go further than the simple use of Virtual Worlds. They propose to create facial recognition on SL and its avatars.
-- Questions raised about technologies and their affect on people, and the future of Second Life in terms of tourism.
Key Coverage:
Virtual World News - Article about the possible arrival of viruses and Trojans on virtual worlds like SL. This article is built on last McAfee report.
Explore away from Delphi - Article about SL and Mono.
Daniel Ariantho - Article about OpenSim.
Vagabondages - Proposes a video of other virtual worlds than Second Life.
Le blog du corps - Article about the interaction of Informatics with our corps and our home. The article explains that it is going to invade our lives and that Second Life is just the first example of that.
Projet Galaxie Oeil Noir - A note about Builder Helper, Java Tool helping to create houses an other structures on Second Life.
dé signes - Blog proposes a note about the incompatibility of Lively and Google Chrome and that Second Life is not accessible through the new google navigator.
La Tribune de Geneve - Article about the expansion of Liberta, the European continent on Second Life.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
MetroFrance - Article about the future of Virtual Worlds and particularly with companies such as VR Wear, which is working on facial recognition on Second Life.
Veille Techno – A post about Volkswagen website “Beautiful Place” looking a bit like Second Life. The blogger also mentions a design contest organized by Peugeot on Second Life.
Econologic - A note about the arrival of Didorel Parquet on Second Life via Liberta Island.
Stonefield Inworld - An article about the use of Virtual Worlds to get trained. Mention of Second Life and VR Wear, the company trying to create avatars’ movements with the movements of the user own body.
axdo - A note specifying that Barack Obama has been on Second Life and that if he is elected he will be the first resident who would have used virtual world during its campaign.
Le journal du 3eme Millenaire - A note about VR Wear, a company working on facial recognition on Second Life. Movements of your avatar would start with the real player movement.
Techoman - Post about VR Wear, a company working on facial recognition on Second Life. Video is also available.
Flatpop - Post on VR Wear, a company working on facial recognition.
Gromike - Note on the possibility to learn how to use JAVA thanks to Second Life.
Tribune de Geneve - Article about the company Didorel Parquet which implements itself on Second Life via Liberta Island.
CONSUMER Coverage:
E-commerce, Web2.0 et e-tourisme - News about the possibility of a tourism 3.0 thanks to virtual world such as Second Life. Numerous hotels are already present on SL and some tourism offices are building themselves.
ghis aimes les anges! - Blog posted a note about a future conference on Second Life about Telethon.
e-troubadour - Next steps in Second Life are described in this post.
Sun 3000 - Blog posted a note about the arrival of the artist Mer Dreier in the Amani Gallery on Second Life.
bim manners - Post about Come in my World, a new concept between Second Life and meetic.
Mondes virtuels - Note about the Ramadan in Second Life set up by IslamOnline.net.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:<br
-- Almost all articles and quotes are positive.
-- Discussion of future possibilities of Second Life and virtual worlds.
-- Japanese business, industry and media believe that virtual worlds and Second Life are the front-runners for best new IT trends.
-- Monthly ASCII’S dialogue is favorable for Second Life because it mentions that SL is a Web 2.0 trend, a view beyond the virtual world image of SL.
Key Coverage:
Denkei Shimbun (newspaper, 8/25) – Feature article on metaverses – referred to as the new trend in the Internet world. The general perception of metaverses is that they are an extension of video games in which you control an avatar and play in a virtual setting. But the essence is in filling the gap between Internet and the possibilities of reality. For example, there are online bookstores. However, you can only order a book online by first knowing what you want to buy, whereas in reality you can let serendipity lead you to new finds.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
News2u.net – Splume Corporation will offer new promotional contents starting the 1st of September where they will open the virtual rooms of Japanese idols to users. Users can visit their rooms as though in real life.
The Second Times – METABIRDS has started providing a service which enables you to upload blogs to your own domain through “SLMaMe”, a blog portal website service METABIRDS provides specifically on the topic of metaverses such as Second Life.
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (newspaper, 8/28) – A large feature article analyzing exactly what SL is. The article concludes that there is criticism that SL has lost momentum but the addition of “open source” to its original equation of “3D + Internet” will open new paths. In addition, there is much potential in the expansion of terminals through which SL can be accessed, for example the merging of 3D Internet and digital broadcasting is one example, but there is more potential to come with the evolution of 3D Internet.
GIZMODOjapan - Shapeways has started a service where you can send via e-mail a 3D image, and they will create and send you a real life sculpted version of that image. The technology is still being perfected but there are many possibilities ahead, such as sending in 3D items or avatars from Second Life.
Japan.Internet.com – Japanese new and used car sales company Uchida Auto hosted a music event on Second Life aimed at automobile fans.
The Second Times – UNY Co., Ltd. is holding a contest for a concept video using Second Life for their new private brand Demi Etage.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Monthly ASCII pt.2 (magazine, October) – A dialogue between Tsuguhiko Kadokawa and Lawrence Lessig on the future of business. Web 2.0 became what it is now based on three types of economic activities. First came the basic commercial economy, second came the “sharing economy” seen in “Wikipedia” exchanging values other than money, and third is the “hybrid economy” seen in Second Life whereby currency and new ideas and values from individual users are both being exchanged.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Monthly ASCII pt.1 (magazine, October) – A feature article on the shifting of trends, from “3D metaverse services” like SL, to “online avatar services.” Rather than separate individual metaverses, the trend now is to browse existing web2.0 contents through the body of an avatar rather than straight through the PC monitor in order to gain a more realistic and lively sensation.
25ans (magazine, October) – 25ans community on Second Life held its annual bridal photo contest. The winner received 3,000 L$.
The Second Times –“Medicam2008”, a film contest for students, will be held on Second Life from August 28th to the 30th.
The Second Times – A club in Roppongi “Hana-Matsuri” will open a store on Second Life. The owner of the club is planning to login as well.
CNET Japan - A blog article talking about the loss of influence TV once had on culture. Instead, media such as YouTube and Second Life, in which there are more user participation and activity compared to the more passive television, will start having more influential power.
CNET Japan – Second Life was mentioned in a blog article about the “digital divide,” a discrepancy between people who are capable of accessing and using the Internet and people who are not. There is also a discrepancy between Internet users who are not familiar with web2.0 services such as Second Life.
ASCII.jp– The largest virtual reggae festival was held on SL on August 30th and 31st.
Week Ending August 29, 2008
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Standout piece in BusinessWeek SmallBiz
--Predicting the future influence; staying power of Second Life and other virtual worlds
--Enterprise coverage continues to be positive
--Second Life used as an environment to test new products and encourage collaboration
--Education coverage increased from last week; positive coverage
--New organizations are using Second Life for education; new healthcare studies and research are being done in Second Life
Key Coverage:
BusinessWeek SmallBiz - A story for entrepreneurs using Second Life as an inexpensive and low-risk platform to start their businesses, creating, testing, and receiving feedback on new products before launching them in the real world. Includes multimedia package: [2]
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Press of Atlantic City - New Jersey Association of Realtors has opened offices in Second Life.
ABC Shel Holtz - Second Life is becoming a powerful business collaboration tool.
allaboutsymbian.com - Nokia will be holding a conference on virtual networks for small business owners/residents in Second Life.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Illinois Channel - University of Illinois Springfield is holding an HIV awareness conference in Second Life in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health and Chicago State University.
AIS Healthcare.com - Numerous health care organizations are investing in Second Life, responding to changes in how consumers are communicating and accessing health information.
Nevada News - Joe DeLappe, associate professor of art at the University of Nevada, will recreate Gandhi’s historic journey in Second Life.
Newsmine - University of Arkansas researchers use Second Life for modeling efficient healthcare delivery.
Innovation with Educational Technology - Provides advice on how to utilize Second Life as an educational resource.
PD Extra - JumpStart Inc. is hosting a technology seminar to show the public how to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Second Life, Twitter, blogs, and search engines to drive traffic to and generate growth for new business ventures.
The Open Press - Killer Guides plans to release a Second Life strategy guide that will help new and advanced residents learn about the intricacies of the platform.
15wane.com -Campus Technology named Ball State Univ. top innovator due to interest and investment in Second Life as an educational resource.
National Science Foundation - Project IT Girl students are learning how to perform technology based projects in Second Life.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Marketing Vox - The pairing and performance of Mania TV and several Denver Bands was the first musical simulcast in virtual world Second Life.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Continued coverage of educational use of Second Life, including institutes doing research in the virtual world
--Continued coverage of enterprise uses and new companies using the platform
Key Coverage:
Nebusiness.co.uk - Research experts at University of Teeside’s Institute of Digital Innovation have used Second Life as a model for their next generation software – a program which allow firms to test consumer reaction to products in a virtual world before committing a single penny to production.
The Register - Linden Lab has joined wikipedia and Mozilla in using Mono.
SC Magazine - PA Consulting has built a presence in Second Life to help promote a technology-savvy persona.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Forrester Research predicts that in five years virtual worlds will have the same significance like the Internet today
--A highlight clipping of the week appeared in Managerseminare
Key Coverage:
Pressetext - An article covering the Forrester prediction that virtual worlds will be as significant as the Internet in five years. This article was picked up by several other publications like ZDNet.de, News.at or Cybiz.de.
Computerwelt.at - A positive interview with Frank Kappe, professor at University of Graz in Austria, about the future of virtual worlds.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Internet World Business - US companies like Kohl’s, Sears and LC Penney are entering different virtual worlds like There.com or Stardoll.com.
Pressetext - Twinity’s press release about a cinema which is opening a virtual presence in Twinity in which Second Life is mentioned.
Heise.de – An article about the latest research project of Intel, where they also mentioned that the company regards platforms like Second Life as the user interface of the future.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Manager Seminare - Published a seven page long article about learning in 3D environments, which includes three Second Life evangelists and is quite positive.
ADULT CONSUMER Coverage:
Der Entwickler – Coverage of the Mono announcement.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Overall positive press this week.
--Excellent coverage around Mono, shows that the future of Second Life lies in Web 3D and open platform.
--Some positive articles on use of virtual worlds for businesses.
--IBM views on SL's future are very positive and present professional applications such as Healthcare simulation or Recruitment.
Key Coverage:
01 Net - Article about Mono following an interview with Solution Provider Stonfield Inworld, explaining Linden Lab strategy to open scripts.
Silicon.fr - Article about Mono explaining what this means technically, that it enables acceleration 220 times the scripting speed. It concludes with the aim of Linden Developers to open scripting to more formats in the near future.
Datanews.be / Belgium top newsletter – Covers a book by Dr. Igor Muttik, Security specialist at McAfee, 'Securing Virtual Worlds against real attacks'. It explains Virtual Worlds also need to be secured but with no negative flavour to it.
La Tribune de Genève/ Switzerland online publication’s blog - Article about Mono technology’s launch, stressing that it will accelerate 220 times how scripts currently run.
Le Matin Online / Switzerland online publication - Some views on “The Future of Internet”, mentioning market bets on everyone getting an avatar in the future.
Rue 89 - New service launched by this community of news writers, Eco89.
Ere Numérique.fr - Summarizes content of Justin Rattner, CTO of IBM, keynotes during IBM event around Tri-Gate technology. It mentions Second Life in the introduction as a topic well covered by Justin Rattner in previous presentations.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Le Monde Informatique.fr - Indicates SL provides a good image of what Web’s future will be according to IBM. It also mentions all recruitment cycles include SL.
Gromike in SecondLIfe - A comment on Healthcare simulation in SL by Resident Gromike.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Le Post - Picks up an article from Switzerland newspaper La Matin.ch about the majority having avatars in the future. It mentions IBM Researches to create the new Web 3D around SL.
Pc-Boost.com - Recommends French users to visit Liberta Island as it gathers french speakers.
Le Figaro - An article covering Leipzig Games Convention, where Sony presented then its new service Home that is compared to SL.
Mon Sondage.com – Presents results from an Opinion Way and Match.com survey about consumers behavior in Social Networks or in Virtual Worlds. 43% of French consumers believe love to become virtual by 2050.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Almost all articles and quotes were positive
--Japanese have been on summer holiday, so there have been fewer articles related to Second Life and virtual worlds than usual
--Events have been held almost daily in Second Life, such as “Hair Fair 2008”
-- The media have much interest in education-related usage of virtual worlds including Second Life.
Key Coverage:
The Second Times – “Hair Fair 2008”, a charity event held supporting cancer patients, is being held from August 22nd to September 7th in Second Life for the third year.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun – A section of the voluntary organization “WWO”, the “local industries innovation group”, has decided to create a virtual version of Tokyo Ota district’s many existing family-owned businesses and small factories. Their aim is to promote the Ota district’s manufacturing district and boost its economy once again. “WWO” is an organization put together for promoting the Tokyo’s Oota district worldwide.
PR TIMES - English Robin, Inc. is providing a service to help the physically challenged participate in SL using a specially designed mouse, keyboard, and speech recognition program, to control the avatar with brainwaves.
USFL.COM – The state of Vermont creates a new law enabling virtual companies to establish an LLC. This will enable companies doing business only online such as text messaging, SNSs, blogs and metaverses like Second Life to register as an LLC.
The Second Times – 3Di Inc. has announced they have developed “avatar portability” technology, a technology which enables the user to carry over the features of their avatar to other grids. The technology is planned to be introduced to IBM and Linden Labs “Open Grid Public Beta”.
ITpro – Intel held a press conference on their current status in research and development in various technologies. They introduced their new “Connected Visual Computing” technology, to be used for various SNSs and metaverses starting with Second Life in the future.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Yomiuri Shimbun – Professor Junichi Ushiba of Keio University is continuing studies on controlling avatars on Second Life with brainwaves. He has succeeded in his second demonstrational experiment this May.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (newspaper, 8/22) – In an article introducing a book entitled “The Future of the Internet – 20 debatable issues in a post-Google era,” Second Life was mentioned as one of the topics in the book.
The Second Times – Fashion magazine “25ans” held a community social party at their “25ans” SIM.
The Second Times – An online version of America’s annual “Burning Man” art event will be held on SL from Sept. 28th.
Week Ending August 22, 2008
Key Coverage by Market:
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Overall positive press coverage, with a Washington Post piece on policing more positive than expected
--Coverage of Mono announcement
--Several pieces on Von Johin’s music career
--Increased coverage of politics in Second Life
-- Positive enterprise coverage, with continued coverage of IBM’s data center in Second Life
--Continued coverage of the interoperability announcement
--Focus on Teen Second Life being used in the classroom
Key Coverage:
The New York Times Magazine - ‘On Language’ column discusses the word “avatar,” giving Second Life credit for its popularization, and including input from Philip.
The Washington Post - A look at policing virtual worlds.
TechCrunch – Follow-up entry on LivePlace and the OTOY rendering technology used for the demo video.
Mono Announcement Coverage:
Virtual Worlds News – The launch of Mono.
Massively – The Mono announcement covered.
Common Sensible - Commentary on the Mono announcement and what it means for Second Life’s potential as a software development platform.
ENTERPRISE COVERAGE:
Ostatic - Interoperability and its meaning for Second Life discussed.
Slashdot- Coverage of the interoperability project.
Environmental Leader – IBM launches environmentally friendly data center in Second Life.
The Tampa Bay Business Journal – Reports on Second Life Community Convention and entrepreneurs’ need to adopt new strategies in virtual worlds.
EDUCATION COVERAGE:
The Albany Times Union - Games are being used in classrooms, citing Peggy Sheehy as using Teen Second Life as part of her curriculum.
Yahoo! News - A feature on international business school INSEAD's focus on education about virtual economies by tutoring through Second Life.
ADULT CONSUMER COVERAGE:
Nashville Scene - Von Johin gets real life record contract after virtual success.
Rolling Stone - Announcement of Von Johin’s real life record deal.
Reuters Second Life - Von Johin’s success as an in-world musician.
Huffington Post – Virtual musician Von Johin has real world record deal.
New World Notes - Interview with Von Johin including insight into his Second Life music career.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Fewer articles on enterprise and education than last week, but overall positive.
--Coverage focused on technologies to improve the Second Life experience.
--Religion in Second Life was a newer topic.
--Music and fashion have been positive topics this week.
Key Coverage:
Music Ally - Nashville-based blues artist signs record deal with Reality Entertainment after he was scouted playing virtual gigs in his own venue in Second Life.
The Economist – A scathing review of Google’s Lively, claiming it’s “remained surprisingly lifeless, hosting a dwindling number of users and prompting a string of negative reviews.”
ENTERPRISE COVERAGE:
Hexus reports that Intel’s technologies could be leveraged to improve the connected visual computing (CVC) experience, on programs like Second Life.
EDUCATION COVERAGE:
The Birmingham Post - Second Life is being used to promote religious beliefs by having places of worship built in the virtual world.
ADULT CONSUMER COVERAGE:
Times Online - Earlier this year, Calvin Klein used Second Life to launch the advertising campaign for its perfume CK IN2U.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
--No negative articles at all.
--Several positive articles on education and non-profits.
--Entrepreneurialism was a popular topic.
--Two articles about the University of Duisburg this week.
-- Second Life film producers participated in a film competition and moved to the next round.
Key Coverage:
Cicero An interview with Martin Roth, Generaldirektor Staatliche Sammlungen Dresden, where he is described as a modern businessman and pioneer with his museum in Second Life.
Der Westen – das Portal der WAZ Mediengruppe - A long article about the University of Duisburg within Second Life and Second Life’s many offerings.
Laut.de publishes the news that a Second Life musician was signed by a “real world” record label.
ENTERPRISE COVERAGE:
Südkurier - A balanced article about trading virtual goods, including mention of companies making money inside Second Life, e.g. EnBW or IBM.
marketing-boerse.de - Covers the possibilities of online marketing including Residents making real money in Second Life.
Der Standard - Publishes the video about Liveplace.com.
Best-Practice-Business.de - New virtual world launched by McDonalds.
EDUCATION COVERAGE:
Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung makes a tour on the campus of university of Duisburg in Second Life and talks about all the possibilities people can visit.
taz reports on a therapy opportunity for online addicts in Second Life.
Openpr.de – A press release from a non-profit organization searching for missing children stating they have established a presence in Second Life.
ADULT CONSUMER COVERAGE:
Lübecker Nachrichten - Two people who participated at a film competition requiring that they shoot a chapter of a Paulo Coelho book filmed in Second Life.
FAZ.net – Covers the conference “c/o Pop” in Cologne, and mentions Second Life and Spore as part of computer game trend in new media.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Overall neutral press coverage.
--Press activity is still very low because of summer holidays, but there were articles and notes from blogs.
--Main topics were competitors, new partners, recruitment in virtual worlds, and artists.
--Very diverse coverage with stories around libraries, training and associations’ activity on SL.
--Story in Le Monde about Second Life as a factor in ecological preservation and evolution and Residents with various new projects from Second Life Residents.
Key Coverage:
Une autre conception de l’apprentissage/ Nicolas Gal – Summary of Gartner’s Virtual Worlds survey mentioning 70% of companies who will possess their own VW by 2012. SL is mentioned as a reference.
Le Monde – An article about species extinction and human environmental impact which mentions Second Life’s potential to add an ecologic dimension.
ENTERPRISE COVERAGE:
Cybernews - Post about Google Lively.
Le journal du 3eme Milllénaire - Mentions Second Life in a post about Liveplace.
Decideurstv - Video about LivePlace mentions that it could be the new Second Life.
Jobetic.rh - An article about recruitment on Facebook and Second Life.
EDUCATION COVERAGE:
Sea sex and sun blog - First conference on sexuality organized in SL.
Observatoire international du numerique - Discusses the future of libraries with new technologies and virtual worlds, including Second Life as a potential book provider.
Region Aquitaine - Explains the role of start ups with mention of ‘Words Inworld’, a start up established in Second Life providing language courses.
Actualitté – An article about the “Literature Alive” community in Second Life, which issues letters about literature.
Handimobility blog - Motorability Island in Second Life supports the United Spinal Association.
ADULT CONSUMER COVERAGE:
- Merveille-nature - Posts on the story in Le Monde.
Au jour le jour blog - Posts on the story in Le Monde.
Le télégramme - Posts on the story in Le Monde.
Memoirevive.tv - Commentary on French Media actuality, mentioning Second Life as a virtual world that is definitely not declining.
Monde virtuel – The 3DXplorer V4 is not considered a virtual world like Second Life but is a platform letting companies and individuals create their environment.
Pourquoi pas – A note on Dalai Lama’s speech, also mentioning Second Life as the possible place to create a virtual Tibet in order to make people react to the political situation.
Dianconescotv - Covers the presentation of Patrick Moya’s island, ‘Ile Moya’, during the 8thAssises des TIC du secteur public in Nice.
Mac on SL - How to live in Second Life without buying any virtual content.
Tribune de Genève - An article about Fireman’s ball every Wednesday on Geneva Island.
Acidie - New commentary has been posted in August relating back to December 2007 post, which presents that it is families ’role to prevent abuse of their children in Second Life.
Nonfiction.fr – In the book ‘Virtual, my love’, Serge Tisseron tries to understand why people spend lot of time behind their computer screen and create avatars.
Le vide poche - Video post of Chris Anderson, Author of “the Long Tail”, explaining the content of his book on Second Life.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
--All articles and quotes but one are positive.
--Articles about newcomers to SL and new businesses in SL are positive.
--Small and medium-sized companies continue to venture into Second Life
--Second Life Magazine vol. 3, released on August 5th, contributed to an increased understanding of Second Life through its articles, including an interview with Philip.
ENTERPRISE COVERAGE:
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (newspaper, 8/15) – SL was mentioned in an article about Dwango Co., Ltd. entering the virtual worlds market with their metaverse “aisp@ce”.
Value Press!– Vuzix Corporation created a screen monitor in the shape of spectacles to view Second Life, allowing the user to experience Second Life as though they are in it.
Release Net– Resonant Solutions Co. created a starter kit service for drop shipping and Internet shopping sites from blogs, SNSs and Second Life for independent businesses.
Second Times - Impress Holdings, Inc., will be holding an “animal costume contest” in Second Life, and the winner will receive up to a 100,000 Linden dollars.
ADULT CONSUMER COVERAGE:
COURRiER JAPON (magazine, September) – Second Life mentioned in an article analyzing the reasons for the Korean Internet market’s halt in growth.
Yomiuri Shimbun (newspaper, 8/12) – Second Life mentioned in an article about young homeless teenagers finding shelter in Internet cafés. The owner of an Internet café talked about his idealistic views of helping the community and his dreams of building a real life town based on his beliefs -- which, the writer says, reminds him of SL, the freedom and ability to create your idealistic town.
International Herald Tribune - Second Life mentioned in “Language” editorial column entitled: “Self-incarnation is all the rage.”
Yamagata Shimbun – Yamagata prefecture created a virtual version of Iitoyo city, a city in Yamagata prefecture famous for its tourist industry.
Second Times- Second Life mentioned in an article about Wagner James Au, known for his virtual worlds blog “New World Notes.”
Second Times - Real life club “loveTKO” and SL to hold a joint music event on Saturday, 8/16.
Week Ending August 15, 2008
Key Coverage by Market:
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Frank Ambrose’s appointment was well-received, covered in multiple publications
--Fewer education stories and bigger focus on healthcare, health research, medical training, non-profits, and music
--Interest in IBM’s new green data center and using virtual worlds for meetings
--Enterprise has been a positive topic this week with IBM’s announcement
--Positive coverage of Resident and marketing success, such as Von Johin’s performance success.
Key Coverage:
MIT Tech Review - article on Open Grid Beta, containing interviews with Joe, IBM’s David Levine and OpenSim virtual-world admin Terry Ford. Linden Lab shown as pioneer and leader in the industry.
The San Francisco Chronicle – University of Houston’s Texas Obesity Center is conducting a study to help people lose real weight by getting their avatars in shape. The article quotes Pathfinder.
WIRED’s Listening Post - Article about Von Johin’s performance.
The San Francisco Chronicle - Covers the Frank Ambrose appointment in its “Movers and Shakers” section.
Reuters Second Life - Article on Frank Ambrose’s appointment, with commentary on the appointment as a display of improved stability.
San Francisco Business Times - reports on Frank Ambrose’s appointment.
Inquisitr - A brief mention of Frank Ambrose’s appointment.
Metanomics - Reports from the Bloomberg story that announced Frank Ambrose’s appointment.
Virtual Worlds News - reports on the Frank Ambrose appointment.
Home - posts on the Frank Ambrose appointment.
Worlds in Motion - covers Frank Ambrose’s appointment.
ENTERPRISE:
InformationWeek - IBM’s new “green” data center presented in Second Life behind the firewall.
The Whir - IBM’s new eco-friendly data center.
TMC Net - IBM expands its presence in Second Life with its “green” data center.
Successful Meetings - Discusses the value of hosting virtual meetings.
EDUCATION:
iHealthBeat - mentions the San Francisco Chronicle story about researchers using Second Life.
Nurse.com - Features Second Life as a training tool for nursing students.
Houston Business Journal - University of Houston's incorporation of Second Life into educational offerings.
ADULT CONSUMER:
WIRED’s Listening Post - Article about Von Johin’s performance.
Metaverse Journal - Mentions Von Johin and the publicity around his performance.
The Industry Standard - Playboy successfully expands its brand online through Second Life.
The Journal Record - Article on challenges that virtual worlds offer law enforcement.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Coverage on Gartner’s predictions that virtual worlds’ importance will increase over the next few years
--Non-profit use of Second Life, charities and medical research groups use the virtual world.
Key Coverage:
Computer Business Review - Gartner identifies 8 technologies that will transform business over the next decade and should be on CIOs’ radar. In the next few years, virtual worlds will begin to show their worth as a significant media channel for building communities.
ENTERPRISE:
ZDNet -Discusses Gartner’s predictions. Virtual worlds predicted to be within two to five years of mainstream adoption.
Computing - Discusses the legal implications a business can face while operating within Second Life.
nebusiness.co.uk - Virtual retail arena is being created which will replicate shopping centers of northeast England. The virtual space is to be modeled on Second Life.
The Independent - Discusses the use of digital resources by charities, such as Amnesty International and Oxfam.
Medical News Today - reports The University of Houston department of health and human performance is launching a Second Life program to recruit 500 international participants for a study promoting healthy dietary habits and physical activity.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Continued low amount of coverage over last week
--Goethe-Institut story picked up by Frankfurter Rundschau
--TV broadcast on RTL II
Key Coverage:
RTL II - TV show broadcast called “Schau dich schlau”, where they featured Second Life very positively.
Netzwelt.de - Published Gartner study about the most important IT trends, where they included virtual worlds.
ENTERPRISE:
Computer Reseller News - IBM is building a green data center in Second Life. The news was picked up by InformationWeek.
Eurogamer – Reports rumor that Sony will end its Beta phase for Playstation Home, and mentions Second Life due to the similarity to Sony’s product.
EDUCATION:
Evangelisch-Lutherische Landeskirche Hannovers – New research project in Second Life about the needs and wishes for the protestant church in virtual worlds.
E-Learning Blog - YouTube link to a video in which 40 virtual worlds are showed within seven minutes.
ADULT CONSUMER:
taz – A conference called Inter-Society for the Electronic Arts (ISEA), had some artists present their projects in Second Life.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Most articles dealt with projects on SL, like interoperability, and Open Sim.
--Popular topic was arrival of opponents such as City Space (Live Place) or Home (Sony) in virtual worlds.
--Positive coverage of some well-known brands using Second Life (IBM, BNP Paribas)
--Articles on Second Life use by artists and unknown producers.
Key Coverage:
Neteco’s – Journalist describes Open Grid Beta version delivered by Second Life to the developers and Gridnauts with a quote from Joe Miller, VP of the Platform.
ENTERPRISE:
Goopple – An article about 3D navigation in Second Life (interoperability). The blogger specifies that life continues on SL as Linden Lab enriches its 3D navigator with new functionalities.
Vegetal Planet TM - posts about Second Life.
Agroland - writes about a new virtual world using OpenSim.
Inworlds – An article about SLOP, the first real tool for Inter-grid Transfer according the author of the article.
BNP Paribas - Press release about BNP Paribas new recruitment methods.
Relais –Influence – An article about a web 2.0 conference on Second Life conducted by IBM.
ITRManager – An article about a web 2.0 conference on Second Life conducted by IBM.
Marche.fr – An announcement of English courses in Second Life.
Barrepoint.org - News about a company proposing virtual purchases but real gifts.
ADULT CONSUMER:
Sun3000 blog -Article about the future of the Second Life Mainland, improvements to be coming, creation of residential places and consumer places.
sldirect blog - Article about Sail Away, an animation film all produced in Second Life.
e-troubadours - Adventures on SL (a film and a lecture about how it was organized on SL).
Closeblog - Article about Home on PS3 by Sony.
Funzz - Published an article about Home on PS3 by Sony.
Pocarles’ blog - Mentioned Second Life in an article about CitySpace by Live Place.
Piquesel blog Second Life mentioned in an article about CitySpace by Live Place.
Portiern blog mentioned Second Life in an article about CitySpace by Live Place.
Techcrunch – Second Life mentioned in an article about CitySpace by Live Place.
Nojanus blog - News about the 2008 Metaverse Tour: 42 worlds in 7 minutes.
Canalblog - An article about Second Life registration.
La tribune de Geneve - An article about Second Life registration.
Sebcaen - An article about the “Manoir Silverstein”, a place on Second Life.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Virtual worlds industry is not growing much yet, but many organizations and individuals believe firmly in their potential and continue to support them.
--No education coverage, due to academic summer hiatus in Japan
-- Some new companies entered Second Life and opened virtual branches and stores; some events were held in-world
Key Coverage:
Nihon Keizai Shimbun – Second Life mentioned in an article about the inauguration of the Metaverse Association and a brief bio of the administrative director, Tomoyuki Sugiyama. Linden Lab’s Second Life is the industry leader, with big enterprises like Toyota and Fujitsu entering the metaverse. Sugiyama believes that metaverses will gain mainstream popularity in the near future.
ENTERPRISE:
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun – An interview with Kotaro Okui, president of SUN Co., Ltd. They are currently developing a high performance Web Browser capable of services more sophisticated data processing service like Second Life.
Denkei Shimbun – SUN Co., Ltd. offers a Web Browser that enables the user to view and control Second Life. This will enable low-spec PC users to log on and explore Second Life smoothly.
The Second Times – Ableeed Co., Ltd started a website called “AquaPod”, a portal website to various Internet spaces such as chat rooms, to prompt interaction between metaverse users starting with Second Life.
The Second Times – Adgates Ltd., and Resonant Solutions Co. started an online information service linking free magazines, portal websites, SNS, Second Life and other new media.
ADULT CONSUMER:
The Second Times – The new ‘idol’ unit on SL “annz” will holds its debut live concert today.
The Second Times – A SIM celebrating the 100th year of Japanese immigration to Brazil, “Nippaku100” has opened on SL.
The Second Times – Asian online wedding resort, the “virtual wedding” SIM, has opened on SL.
Release Net – Japanese accessory brand “Wabi” came out with their newest design of gold and silver accessories, and mention plan for a store in the Second Life virtual shopping mall “Jbrand”.
The Second Times – Second Life mentioned in an interview with the creator of metaverse “ai@space”, a virtual world aimed at Japanese youth with anime-like characters.
Shibuya Keizai Shimbun – A bar in Shibuya, Tokyo, “BarTube” has renewed its interior. The bar has held live music events on Second Life in the past.
Week Ending August 8, 2008
Key Coverage by Market:
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Two major features in Fast Company and on Bloomberg TV
--Focus on Second Life as a business/enterprise tool for collaboration
-- Educators continue to branch out finding new uses of the Second Life platform to improve educational experiences.
Key Coverage:
Bloomberg News – Video of interview with Mark
Bloomberg’s - Johnny Thaw presents his interview with Mark, mentioning the new hire of Frank Ambrose.
Fast Company - Three-page interview with Philip, looking at the current state of the virtual worlds industry, and positioning Second Life as an industry leader, especially the education and enterprise sectors. Also presents challenges virtual worlds face.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Fast Company – A post on Steve Prentice’s speech at vBusiness Expo.
San Francisco Examiner Businesses like IBM and Cisco use Second Life to hold classes, conference calls, and meetings.
Chicago Sun-Times - Companies are using Second Life as a medium to teach proper etiquette.
US Insurance News - Insurance companies are delving into web 2.0 programs like Second Life to make collaboration more efficient.
Forbes - Virtual worlds like Second Life allow employees in different offices, or different countries, hold meetings together.
Hispanic Business - Second Life gives businesses the tools to improve collaboration between employee and clients. Some even hold job fairs in SL.
Digital Now - Second Life is becoming a training tool for CPAs.
The SL Agency - Second Life is growing at a steady, healthy rate shown by an increase of new subscribers and land purchases.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Tech Journal - NASA is interested in Second Life as a tool to engage students in science and math.
South Coast Today - Developers are using Second Life for programming purposes because of its ease of use.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Web Workers Daily - Offers 10 ways to earn money online, including selling virtual goods on Second Life.
The Industry Standard - Linden Lab may begin regulating the user experience through some form of zoning.
USA Today - Second Life users may no longer need to type in commands to express emotions or make movements. Emotiv Systems’ new gaming headset reads brain functions and emotions and transfers it directly.
New World Notes - Linden Lab recently announced zoning regulations, which will probably prohibit intrusive advertising on portions of Second Life’s main continents.
Reuters – A post on the zoning announcement.
Silicon Alley Insider - Presents commentary on the zoning blog post.
Metanomics – An interview with IBM’s David Levine and Zero Linden to discuss the opening of the Open Grid Public Beta.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Sun article revealing the benefits Second Life can bring to those who are bullied
-- Focus upon recruitment within Second Life
-- New coverage on benefits the virtual world can bring to literary fans
-- More articles than last week, and greater focus on Second Life
--Continued coverage on use of Second Life for Health, Education, Non-profits
Key Coverage:
The Sun - An overweight teenager who has been bullied at school has been using Second Life to escape from her tormentors. She is quoted as saying: “You can be who you want to be. No one judges you on what you look like. On the internet, I’m married and living in a little house with two children. I would love that to be the real me one day.”
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Personnel Today - Includes a by-lined article from Keith Dugdale, head of global recruitment at KPMG, discussing recruitment benefits of Second Life
VNUNet - Business use of virtual worlds. IBM within Second Life is described as a positive example of how the relationship can work.
onrec.com - TMP Worldwide has announced a partnership with Velti, a provider of mobile marketing services. TMP is mentioned as using Second Life for recruitment purposes.
Health and Care – Discusses need for managers to accept that employees need a work-life balance. Second Life is described as a tool that increases employee morale.
EDUCATION Coverage:
HVR – A lecturer at the College of North West London purchased land in Second Life so students could enjoy a more interactive experience whilst studying domestic building training.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Guardian Blog - Benefits of Second Life for fans of literature.
Guardian - The ‘stepping into virtual worlds’ conference allows literary fans to meet and discuss their favourite novels.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Less coverage than last week
--SOS Kinderdorf story reported three times
--Relevant blog coverage
-- Blog post from Second Life evangelist Bernd Schmitz about University of Florida study dealing with education in Second Life.
Key Coverage:
Technology Review – Long article about Google’s Lively, quoting Rivers Run Red, Millions of Us, Electric Sheep Company and Mark, who says that the entry of Google into the virtual world’s industry is very interesting but Lively can’t be compared to Second Life in size and economy.
P.M. - On “Accelerated Recovery”, a therapy center for addicts, which was founded in Second Life.
HR2 – Radio feature broadcasted on Second Life and politicians in the virtual world.
Golem.de – Reports on the official Linden Lab blog entry to open the teleport project to developers and interested people.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Die-News.de - Mentions Second Life at the end of a press release from IBM about PLM solutions. Companies can save money by using web 2.0 tools like Second Life.
SLTalk.de - Mentions Sennheiser using Second Life for a test of virtual worlds.
EDUCATION COVERAGE:
Hallo Sonntag - SOS Kinderdorf enters Second Life.
Social Times – Another article covering SOS Kinderdorf as well.
20cent – Third story on Kinderdorf but presents more critical note opinion of Kinderdorf’s Second Life use.
Bernd Schmitz – One finding of the University of Florida study of education in Second Life is that Second Life is still in early stages for educational use.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Still some coverage of the Lively release, though coverage steadily decreasing around Lively
-- Positive articles about Open Grid and the anniversary of some companies in Second Life.
Key Coverage:
TechCrunch France - Very positive article referring to Philip’s video interview in Half Moon Bay, explaining that virtual worlds have to diversify, but those using browsers do not threaten SL because they cannot replace total immersion.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Virtual Worlds News - Positive article about Open Grid arrival for people using an OpenSim grid, which enablec them to transfer avatars from one grid to another.
Metaverse 3D - Description of what OpenSim is.
David Castera - Video showing the 15 months of Credit Agricole on SL.
Alain Gavand - Mention of recruitment on SL.
01 Net - Dedicated article about recruitment in SL. Mention of Manpower, which has been for a year now on SL and of others (Unilog, Alten, Logica, Neurones or BNP Paribas).
Lien Multimedia- Manpower’s anniversary on SL.
Top Buzz - Piece about Lively, with mention of SL as virtual worlds leader.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Planete Channel - Article about SL documentary on Planete Channel (Number 1 channel for documentary on our planet, travels and discovery).
A-brest - Covers Autrans 2009 event on SL.
Mabulle - Posts a slideshow on The Museum of Modern arts in Luxembourg on SL.
Virtuel News - Announces Mode: AvatarHype, a new blog on fashion in SL.
The Karroleans Blog - Dicusses photo training course on SL.
Identical Men From Parallel Universes - Visits the virtual exposition of Chris Marker on SL.
Islam Crunch – Notes and increase of interreligious dialogue thanks to Web 2.0.
Maxi Loisirs - Discusses the solar eclipse in Second Life.
Geographhie 2.0 - Presents geography in SL.
Technaute - Mentions SL in this article around the end of blogs.
Netsky –Mentions SL on Top 500 French blogs.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Most users and solution providers find that Second Life works with the real world, not independently.br>
-- SUN announces browser that allows users to access Second Life through Internet browsers. The timing is close to iPhone 3G’s launch, so many existing and potential users have become interested.
-- Acknowledgment that international business can be conducted with relative ease in Second Life. An example is Hosei University’s live streaming of sessions in-world at an international conference.
-- Mac Fan and 25ans covered Second Life favorably
Key Coverage:
Yomiuri Shimbun - Second Life users who support the victims of the Chuetsu Earthquake have made a mascot character, produced and sold T-shirts commemorating a year since the disaster. There have been charity concerts and other fundraisers held at the “Niigata SIM,” with approximately $4,000 of donations.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Asahi Shimbun – Google’s entry into the virtual world market may stimulate the stagnant growth of users. Second Life mentioned as a major metaverse.
Nihon Keizai Shimbun – Sun Inc. is providing a free Internet browser for iPhones. The high performance web browser will also enable the iPhone user to use sophisticated Internet services like Second Life.
Nikkei Marketing Journal – The company Meltingdots assists other enterprises who want to enter and open business in Second Life.
Yomiuri Shimbun – Fukuoka Urban Laboratory LLC was involved in creating a virtual version of the Fukuoka “Tenjin” commercial avenue on Second Life. Representative Taichi Goto hopes the 14 million users worldwide of Second Life will learn about “Tenjin”.
The Second Times – Linden Lab and IBM presented “Open Grid Public Beta,” a system where one avatar can go back and forth between Preview Grids and Open Sims.
The Second Times – The company known for its cinnamon cookie dough treats, Otabechan, held a kimono contest in Second Life on August 3rd . The best dressed will win free cinnamon cookie dough treats in real life.
ZDNet Japan
Broad Band Watch
Internet Watch
The Second Times – Sun Inc. is providing a beta version service allowing access to Second Life using Internet browsers.
TechCrunch - Philip Rosedale of Linden Lab does not see browser-based virtual worlds as a threat to Second Life.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Dempa Times – Second Life mentioned in an article on NHK’s (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) upcoming TV special, a documentary on “Digital Natives”, a generation of people who grew up with the Internet.
Yokohama Keizai Shimbun – Kanagawa Shimbun Company will be holding a Second Life beginners workshop at Yokohama’s Naka district residents center.
The Second Times – Starting this fall, Texas State Technical College will be providing a new curriculum on SL. This is the first college course ever provided on SL where, upon finishing the course, students will receive an official certificate.
The Second Times – Hosei University Information Technology Research Center will distribute plenary sessions of the 17th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, RO-MAN 2008, at Technische Universität München (TUM) from August 1st to 3rd through live video streaming to Second Life.
CONSUMER Coverage:
Mac Fan (September issue) – There will be a “Garage Band” contest for beginners held by Apple Macintosh on August 23rd in Second Life, where individuals’ avatars will play their songs.
25ans (September issue) – A large 2-page article (mainly photos, minimal text) covers the first tenant members of the 25ans tower SIM, and coverage of the first social party by these members.
JapanInternet.com – Japanese high-end hair salon “Salon De Kintaroh” opened a branch store on Second Life.
Week Ending August 1, 2008
Key Coverage by Market:
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
- Overall positive coverage, with “Wheelies” nightclub coverage
- Increase in medical and healthcare uses of Second Life, highlighting benefits for individuals and organizations using the platform, as well as Real Estate use
- Second Life is becoming a medium for new product testing.
- More academic institutions offering courses and research in Second Life
- Exploratorium broadcasted solar eclipse in Second Life.
- More focus on enterprise uses than on Resident stories
Key Coverage:
- WIRED - Wired Blog covers the solar eclipse and mentions the Exploratorium's streaming of it in Second Life.
- “Access Unlimited” KPFK – Wheelies’ Simon Stevens and Pathfinder Linden featured in radio segment highlighting Simon’s recent award and the nightclub’s success.
- Linux Insider –provides Linden Lab’s comments on Second Life security and crime.
- FOX’s The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet - presents virtual affairs and second wives in Second Life, and the issue of whether virtual relationships count as cheating.
- TechCrunch - Erick Shonfeld posts on Philip saying that browser-based virtual worlds are not a threat to Second Life.
- Canada.com - video games and other technologies are replacing real world activities like exercising and music. Now marketing campaigns are targeting residents in Second Life with fantasy products portrayed as ‘real.’
- Charleston City Paper - reports that virtual worlds like Second Life serve as an escape.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
iStock Analyst – reports that the World Stock Exchange, a virtual trading platform in Second Life, is scheduled for August 8th.
Idaho Business Review – Real Estate agents explore Second Life as an opportunity for new business and showing potential clients a virtual model of available property.
Vator News - discusses Second Life as a place where people are willing to pay real money for virtual products.
BusinessWeek - Sony delays launch of its Second Life-like virtual world.
Manufacturing Business Technology - IBM is experimenting with retail use of Second Life to “test new concepts by pushing virtual samples to targeted communities for review.”
Silicon Valley Watcher’s - Tom Foremski posts footage from Philip’s panel at Fortune Brainstorm calling it the best panel he saw at the event.
EDUCATION and SCIENCE Coverage:
Waco Tribune - Texas State University to offer the first college degree in Second Life.
News Tribune – Illinois State University and Illinois Valley Community College will offer courses in Second Life.
NBC13.com - Hoover Board of Education is holding a technology training seminar, including a Second Life learning session.
The Republican Springfield Technical Community College will launch a special venture at a conference in Second Life.
Scientific America - the Exploratorium will broadcast the upcoming solar eclipse in Second Life.
National Post reports that Second Life is ideal for running a low-budget science conference.
Philadelphia Inquirer - a graduate professor is building a virtual crime scene in Second Life for Forensic Science and the Courtroom course.
American Chronicle - people are learning about reality through computers, such as the economy through Second Life.
Wired - Second Life-like worlds accurately represent real-world consumer behaviors, and are therefore a tool to study an economy’s inner workings.
Pop Tech Blog – covers Babbage’s development of carbon footprint–tracking carbon goggles for Residents in Second Life.
CTU Software - discusses the importance of teaching through Second Life and web 2.0 platforms.
Metanomics - while virtual worlds are inaccessible to some, it is important to realize the potential they have for “edupreneurship.”
VNUNet - Health benefits of virtual worlds explained through example of CIGNA's commmunication with hard-to-reach audiences.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
-- Overall positive press coverage this week
-- More volume than last week, and Second Life-specific
-- Greater focus on Second Life business benefits and recruitment uses
-- Major publication coverage from The Times and Guardian
-- Coverage of celebrity and fashion sectors, a positive focus on a real life industry in-world
Key Coverage:
Guardian - espouses the benefits of social networking for celebrities to stay ‘famous’, such as in Second Life.
The Times - Discusses online fashion and the virtual world, including Second Life’s market dominated by women's clothing.
MCV - Avatars United, a community for game avatars of all worlds, has just been launched.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Guardian - Traditional career structures are changing fast, with Second Life described as a new dimension to employee screening and recruitment.
Computing - Second Life’s great potential lauded, with IBM, BT and Gibson Guitars mentioned as companies benefitting from virtual experience.
Process & Control Today - Second Life mentioned as one of 130 users of 3Dconexions 3D mice.
Brand Republic - Adidas is putting out to tender its digital advertising contract. Isobar, one of the companies pitching, handled Adidas’ launch of their Second Life virtual store.
nebusiness.co.uk - reports digital developers have tipped Teesside to become the new "Silicon Valley" for developing next-generation virtual trading environment software modeled on Second Life.
EDUCATION and SCIENCE Coverage:
Tech Radar - UK Catalyst Awards presents Revolutionary Award to ‘Wheelies’ nightclub.
Harrow Observer - University lecturer created 4,000 square meter College Island within Second Life.
First Science - University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance is expanding into Second Life.
Professional Fundraising - A virtual walk-a-thon in Second Life has raised over $200,000 in real money for the American Cancer Society.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Coverage of Goethe Institut entering Second Life
--Very positive interview with our evangelist Matthias Rückel
--“SOS Kinderdörfer” have entered Second Life
--Less focus on enterprise, but three features on education in Second Life
-- Coverage on adult consumerism in Second Life consistent with last week
Key Coverage:
News Aktuell – Focused on SOS Kinderdörfer’s entry into Second Life
Barebonecenter.de - Second Life Magazine was stopped, the publishing house is insolvent.
Cicero - Mentions Second Life in an article about web 2.0.
Promobizz.de - Reports on Smeet.de., a browser-based world mainly for audiovisual contacts; the latest attempt to establish virtual worlds like Second Life.
Openpr.de - Article about a short film, called “White Spot”.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Tecchannel.de - Quotes Intel’s CTO Justin Rattner saying that within the next 40 years, virtual worlds will be commonplace.
Computer Zeitung -New project started for young students to participate in open source projects like Second Life.
EDUCATION and SCIENCE Coverage:
Freie Presse - World famous Goethe Institut has joined Second Life to promote the German language internationally and to offer language classes.
Doit-online.de – Very positive interview with Matthias Rückel, a Second Life education evangelist.
Süddeutsche Zeitung online - German language “Goethe Institut” establishes Second Life presence.
Matthias Rückel - Blog article about a coming lecture. Rückel states that in the future there will be several 3d environments to complement the 2D Internet.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Lively is still a key point of discussion in France. The hype is likely to decrease when more people will have tested the platform.
--Few articles due to very quiet period for publications in France.
--The localization of the French interface is discussed on several blogs and remains a big question point for the most frequent users.
Key Coverage:
Tribune De Geneve – Article on Second Life and the French Community, focused on Linden Lab’s efforts to integrate the French community and develop enterprise initiatives.
Journalismes.net - Very positive article presenting the double life of Adam Pasick from Reuters.
PoCarles – An IBM conference in Second Life about the use of Web 2.0 on August 27th is noted by Pierre Olivier Carles as a key event to attend.
01 Net - presents the Virtual World KidNet for children under 12.
Tribune De Geneve - Blog post relating a recent discussion of the author with Robin.
Tribune De Geneve - Article relating M Linden’s regular blog posts and the author’s and contributors’ efforts to calculate LL’s revenues: estimated $300 Million.
Virtuel News - Neutral article, putting forward the fact that Second Life and Lively are very different platforms, reports that NOOVOJob opens virtual recruitment platform on Lively after doing so on Second Life.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Virtual Worlds expected to lead to expansion of the Japanese market.
--The latest issue of Monthly Ascii covers keynote speeches by Philip and Paul Ledak at the Virtual World Conference and Expo in May and refers to their ideas and visions for SL and VWs in a very positive, straightforward and easy-to-read style.
--Some SL-related new businesses and in-world events held last week were presented positively
--In education, only Second Life among various Virtual Worlds was quoted.
--Second Life popularity spreading steadily among enterprises: Small and mid-sized companies in smaller cities are joining large, major city-based companies in utilizing Second Life.
Key Coverage:
Monthly ASCII (magazine, September issue) – A 2-part, 2-page feature on VWC 2008 with color photos of Paul Ledak, VP Digital Convergence at IBM, and Philip. Paul’s talk focused on “creating unique solutions and making something new by linking currently developed technologies” rather than the business aspect of virtual worlds. Phillip Rosedale himself talked about the current status and future of virtual worlds. “The Internet eliminated the notion of borders, while virtual worlds took away the wall of language with 3D images. IT technology will eventually become visual rather than text-based. The revolution that virtual worlds will yield will have the impact of changing life in the real world in the next 10 years and will grow to become larger scale than the Internet.”(not offerred online)
Yomiuri Online – Second Life users supporting Chuetsu Earthquake victims made a mascot character, produced and sold T-shirts commemorating a year since the disaster.
The Second Times – The “Edo Evening Cooling Festival” will be held at the EDO SIM August 1st through 3rd in Second Life.
ASCII.jp – An article on companies interested in sustaining leadership skills through MMORPG’s. Second Life was mentioned because a World of Warcraft player gathers his guild’s members for strategy meetings in Second Life.
The Second Times – An article on SF writer James P. Hogans’s new novel, “Real Time Interrupt”, about two people trapped in a virtual world. Second Life mentioned as an example of a current metaverse.
ENTERPRISE Coverage:
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Osaka newspaper – NTT West Co., started free trials for their new translation service for Second Life. You can download the virtual pet/translating program “CheriL” from [www.honyaku-pet.jp]
Release Net – Resonant Solutions Co. provides a portal website package for advertising eco-friendly companies and commercial entities, and plans expansion to virtual world Second Life.
The Second Times - A series on metaverses other than Second Life. This week is about American metaverse “YoVille”.
The Second Times – “TOMER RECORDS”, a virtual record store selling audio sources of musicians on Second Life is holding their second live event, the “TomaReco Relay Live 2008 Summer”.
EDUCATION Coverage:
Asahi Shimbun newspaper – An article on faculty members at Tokyo University’s Dept. of Information Science and Technology disappointed over losing the interest of promising Japanese graduates finding employment at foreign-affiliated IT companies and finance-related companies. Amongst the professors was Akinori Yonezawa, creator of “parallel object-oriented model”, a program used on SL.
Sanyo Shimbun Okayama newspaper– System Engineering Okayama, a group of IT-related companies in Okayama Prefecture, borrowed land in SL, opened a school and will teach production and sales, design and presentation skills for free to the first 30 people who sign up.
Week Ending July 26, 2008
Key Coverage by Market:
US
Trends we've noticed:
--Overall positive coverage
--More traditional coverage, less blog coverage
--Covered new educational uses and enterprise applications of the Grid; new companies using the platform
--Second Life taking place of traditional jobs fairs; business activities
--Relay for Life event coverage
Key coverage:
GigaOm – Second Life’s outlook with new CEO and facing Google Lively
Fortune – quotes Philip in a post on women in technology, citing Second Life as a place where women are in power.
PC Magazine – examines Lively’s potential impact in the virtual world landscape currently dominated by Second Life.
Web CPA – CPA firms are attempting to establish their presence in Second Life by opening their own island, etc.
Bits of News – reports that Netroots Nation, a cluster of virtual politically progressive organizations in Second Life, will hold portion of its conferences in Second Life.
Government Executive.com – reports job fairs held in Second Life provide disabled job seekers a ‘prejudice free zone’ and a level playing field.
World Changing – new technological advances like Craigslist and Second Life are forcing traditional firms to adapt to the changing environment.
Web Work Daily – companies should look into Second Life as an alternative communication tool because it offers a personal and interactive environment.
The Young Turks – analyzes how U.S. Congress’ presence in Second Life gives residents an opportunity to interact with politicians in an open forum.
GlobeSt –reports that in the future, business travel may not be necessary due to capabilities of Second Life.
Gamasutra – examines the good and bad of working remotely, citing Linden Lab as having several remote employees.
Palo Alto Online – numerous businesses and colleges are opening their own island in Second Life to reach a larger audience.
Times Herald – a law office in California held a Second Life seminar where attorneys and artists were able to discuss intellectual property laws online
Popular Science – virtual worlds like Second Life help develop interpersonal skills.
CBS News 12 Chattanooga – Chattanooga State will offer online courses in Second Life.
Science Daily – students at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine are performing virtual surgeries in Second Life.
The Street – Second Life provides teens and young adults with an opportunity to test out business strategies due to its realism.
Earth2Tech GigaOm – programmers at Linden Lab have created carbon goggles in Second Life, which allows users to see the carbon emissions from virtual cars.
Read Write Web – Relay For Life has raised over $180,000. Use of Second Life has led to a surge in online donations.
ComicBookBin – Comic-Con Conference on web comics will be held in Second Life. It will be an opportunity for artists to show off their creativity, via avatar.
UK
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Overall positive press
--more traditional press than blog coverage
--Computing features a company that has opened a virtual store and posted strong financial results
--Feature article on the creativity Second Life provides
--Business use of Second Life
--Further music opportunities within Second Life are realized
Key Coverage:
Computing - Domino’s Pizza has posted impressive half-year financial results. Last year they invested heavily in digital-media platforms including opening a virtual store in Second Life.
Asian Image - Lancashire Telegraph IT and Technology Awards were held in-world.
Euro Investor - results from a survey carried out by 3DConnexion regarding their Second Life-compatible 3D Mouse.
Develop - panel discussion on why developers are flocking to Brighton. Second Life is mentioned as a company who has offices in Brighton.
BritainNewsNet - describes the construction of a virtual Gandhi within Second Life.
Tech Digest - Gibson is the world’s first music company to launch an island in Second Life.
Musical Instrument Professional Digest - Gibson is the world’s first music company to launch an island in Second Life.
GERMANY
Trends we’ve noticed:
--There have been several features, some mentions around E3 trade show
--Last week has seen less coverage than the week before, due to the Lively announcement two weeks ago
--Continued coverage of Second Life opportunities in education
Key Coverage:
ZDF online - picked up the latest IBM release.
Stern - reports from the trade show E3, saying that the influence of Second Life on Sony and Microsoft can be seen at the show.
Die Presse - also reports from E3, mentioning Second Life as the pioneer of virtual worlds, especially compared to Sony’s Home.
Computerwoche - had a look at Lively from Google and stated that the search engine provider is having problems keeping sex out of Lively.
Contator - reports on Sony’s Home.
E-Punkt - virtual recruiting fair on island “Postdam will take place soon.
Business Traveller - reports on new e-learning opportunities at University of Duisburg-Essen.
Freie Presse - breaks the news that world famous Goethe Institut has joined Second Life to promote the German language internationally and to offer language classes.
The Junction – presents latest work of a German artist who is creating paintings both inworld and in the real world.
Mittelbayerische Zeitung - portraits a regional architect who builds houses both inworld and in real life.
FRANCE
Trends we’ve noticed:
--very little press due to quiet period in France (majority of publications are closed until mid August)
-- Crédit Agricole created its first Management Committee in Second Life
Key Coverage:
AgoraxVox - story of Virtual Worlds from 50’s to real 3D tools
Claude Amenc’s blog - post from a very positive and enthusiastic fan
Pyrénées Gascogne - presented Second Life and the Credit Agricole project.
Cybermarketing - summarized Second Life.
PaperBlog
Cybermarketing - summarized the project.
PaperBlog - announced the IBM event.
Netecomie.com - presented the first agency that opens the first space in Lively.
Ecrans - presented a detailed articles on new E3 edition and announcements that will be make.
JAPAN
Trends we’ve noticed:
--Positive not only for Second Life but also for virtual worlds
--Second Life always mentioned in articles about virtual worlds
-- Japanese industry and media have expectations that virtual worlds will stimulate Japanese IT industry
-- Educational trend is evident only in SL and in no other VWs
-- Consumer coverage quoted SL and Philip’s speech in their stories.
-- Sony announced its mid-range business plan in June and E3 was held in LA in mid-July. Therefore there are articles mentioning Sony’s Home compare it to Second Life.
Key Coverage:
IT&KADEN BUSINESS (magazine, August issue) & Economist (magazine, 7/22) mentioned Second Life in an explanation of Sony’s new virtual community service, “PlayStation Home.”
NHK (Encore Hour, 10:05 – 11:00 am) SL mentioned in program on teaching about the Internet to middles-aged and senior citizens.
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun - The University of Digital Content and several Japanese Net companies formed the “Metaverse Association” to improve technology and promote recognition of Second Life and metaverse industry.
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun – Feature on E3, mentions Second Life when describing Play Station 3’s new online Second Life-like metaverse service.
iNSIDE – The tension between Japan and Korea on the Takeshima island heats up on Second Life.
Second Times – Electric Sheep Company started “WebFlock”, a metaverse service that operates on Flash on a normal web browser.
Second Times – Linden Lab held an orientation session on for the Japanese support service to the Japanese users on Second Life.
Yomiuri Online – A 3D metaverse service was added to SNS facebook. The service is like a simplistic Second Life.
Second Times – World famous guitar maker Gibson opened their “Gibson Island” SIM on Second Life.
Second Times – BarTube, a bar which holds the event “Second Night”, a night when Second Life users gather in real life, will hold its renewal open on 7/18.
Donga.com – A blog article about the rising tensions between Japan and Korea’s fight over Dokuto island (Japanese Takeshima island) on the Internet. There are activities on Second Life as well.
Week Ending July 18, 2008
Key Coverage by Market:
US
Trends we've noticed:
--Positive coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle on the uses of the platform for support groups, in line with the recent coverage we’ve seen on healthcare uses of the platform.
--Continued coverage of teen jobs in Second Life, following the Wall Street Journal article back in May.
Key coverage:
SF Gate - use of Second Life for support groups
Technology Review - Web Media initiative, using both 2D and 3D web
Star-Telegram - series of articles about Second Life as a powerful tool for educators
Star-Telegram
Modern Guitars Magazine - Gibson is the world’s first music company to launch an island in Second Life
Tennessean - The Tennessean reports on Gibson’s launch of its official island in Second Life
Geek.com - new achievement by IBM and Linden Lab will enhance virtual world interconnectivity
The Olympian - Colleges are using virtual worlds like Second Life to perform experiments that are otherwise too difficult or too costly to perform in real life
TechNewsWorld - Second Life as a medium for filmmakers to practice their craft in a new setting
MSNBC - Virtual worlds like Second Life provide teens with real world job training
WKBW.COM - reports that Second Life is providing new entrepreneurial opportunities for teens
Walletpop - real estate agents are using virtual worlds, such as Second Life, to provide potential homebuyers with more information in order to generate business
Kansas City Star - professors at Kentucky University are using Second Life as a training tool for their medical program
The School Library Journal - teens will be able to talk to their favorite authors via Second Life
MMORPG.com - announces a 44 percent growth in Second Life due to cheaper subscription fees and the development of OpenSim
Ecofabulous - Second Life hailed for green initiatives
UK
Trends we've noticed:
--Further positive coverage of the Linden Lab/IBM collaboration – where will it take virtual worlds?
--Negative ‘Lively’ coverage, with Ovum dismissing the usefulness of Google’s virtual world
Linden Lab/IBM Interoperability:
British Computer Society - Linden Lab and IBM have successfully achieved moving an avatar from one virtual world to another
New Statesman - describes the partnership as being philosophically beneficial
IT PRO - describes the collaboration as ‘monumental in the evolution of virtual worlds'
Lively coverage:
VNUNet - uses Ovum’s report to dismiss the claims of ‘Lively’ in competing against Second Life. Eden Zoller, a principal analyst at Ovum, said comparison is "premature and a simplification"
IT Week Labs - describes the key features of ‘Lively’, but says Lively is not a 'virtual world'
Other Coverage:
Lancashire Evening Post - An island has been created by Preston College, allowing visual and performing arts students to display their work globally
Mycustomer.com - reports communities of people such as those in Second Life, hold growing influence over purchasing patterns and provide invaluable opportunities for businesses to meet customers
TechRadar - Virtual nightclub for the disabled, ‘Wheelie’, has been nominated for a UK Catalyst Award
Management Consultancy - US Certified Accountants held the Maryland Business and Accounting Expo in Second Life
Training Zone - discusses the benefits of Second Life to artificial intelligence (AI)
Germany
Trends we've noticed:
--Week's main event was Google’s announcement of Lively, but Second Life was mentioned in every article and was called the blueprint of Lively
--The teleport of an avatar from one virtual world to another was still a topic in some publications
--A positive recruitment article appeared in E-Commerce Magazine
Linden Lab/IBM Interoperability:
Golem.de
Magnus.de
PC Welt
Computer Woche
Other Coverage:
Haufe - public accountants in the US have discovered Second Life for internal trainings and meetings
Faz.net - online version of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, published an article on new forms of recruitment, including Second Life.
France
Trends we've noticed:
--This week Google announcement is the target of French journalists, but Second Life is still quoted as Lively's reference. What will be its ‘life rhythm’’? The same as Second Life?
--IBM and Linden Lab press announcement has less visibility than Google, but articles are positive, dealing with the potential future or impact of the interoperability
Linden Lab/IBM Interoperability:
LeMagIT – interoperability, a second breathe for Linden Lab
Metaverse 3D
Gromike Blog
Community Chest
Other Coverage:
Le Post – Make profit with Second Life, Interview of Stéphane Pillet, a French writer of book ‘Be in business in Second Life’
Zigonet - Presentation of an initiative from an English resident who created an island based on a Van Gogh’s painting, ‘Nuit Etoilée’
Cdingue - video of island based on Van Gogh painting
Italy
Linden Lab/IBM Interoperability:
mySecondLife.it - Linden Lab: prima volta avatar da Second LifeGrid a mondo virtuale gestito da server OpenSim
Japan
Trends and Moods:
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (newspaper, 7/8) – Feature article analyzing SL in Japan. According to the “Internet White Paper 2008” by Impress R&D, the rate of recognition of Second Life in Japan is 46.2%.
Nikkei Marketing Journal, Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (newspaper, 7/11) – Metabirds Co. , Ltd. and ableseed Co., Ltd. created a system for promoting sales of pictorial artwork in real life by projecting images of the artwork onto the cloths and accessories that the avatars wear on virtual world SL. There are currently about a thousand artists enrolled on this system and about five thousand registered art pieces.
Weekly Diamond (magazine, 7/12) – A feature article on the economic effects and the mechanism on RMT(real money trade) on online games and MMORPGs. The Linden Dollar system on SL is introduced as one example.
Key Coverage:
J-Cast - Disappointing Google 3D virtual world – Is it a sign of “illness of the big company”?
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun – Feature article on using Second Life to study human brainwaves.
Second Times - Japanese Sims link in Second Life to create biggest Sim
Week Ending July 11, 2008
Key Coverage by Market:
US
Trends we’ve noticed:
--The IBM announcement was generally well received by mainstream business press, with great pieces appearing in the Wall Street Journal and the FT
--Google’s launch of Lively boosted our coverage, although some Valley blogs took a cynical perspective on the news this week
--Healthcare and science continue to be dominant themes in the press
IBM--LL Interoperability coverage:
Wall Street Journal – Avatars Teleport Away from Second Life
Financial Times – Second Life’s maiden voyage across the metaverse
TechCrunch - IBM And Second Life Announce Interoperability, But Bridging Virtual Worlds Is the Wrong Answer
(Also on Washington Post)
Technology News Daily - Virtual World Interoperability Milestone
ReadWriteWeb - Linden Labs and IBM Break the Metaverse Barrier, Teleport Across Virtual Worlds
Virtual World News - IBM and Linden Lab Officially Announce OpenSIM Interoperability
Dusan Writers Metaverse - Teleport to opensim from second life: interoperability and the decentralized grid
Crispy Gamer – When Worlds Collide: The Great Avatar Transfer
Bob Sutor’s Open Blog – Hopping from one world to another
Information Week - IBM, Second Life Demo Virtual World Interoperability
The Motley Fool - IBM Moves Into the Virtual World
6abc.com - Right Now On The Net
Digital Trends Beta - IBM, Second Life Move Between Worlds
The New York Times’ Brad Stone posts an article on Lively, featuring the statement the team provided from Mark.
The LA Times’ Alana Semuels also posts on Lively; she had requested our response to Lively prior to its launch, though we were unable to provide her with comment at the time, as we had not yet seen the details of the announcement.
Other Coverage:
CIO examines how businesses have been using Second Life as a publicly accessible space for selling, recruiting and other interactions. The team had connected the journalist with Joe for this opportunity to discuss using virtual worlds as data centers.
Baltimore Business Journal reports that accountants from Maryland are using Second Life more frequently to potentially network with new clients. The team connected the journalist with John Z for comments that are included in this piece. Also picked up on MSNBC.
CNET cites the recent Christian Science Monitor article on virtual study abroad, which resulted from the proactive team’s pitching efforts.
MMORPG Blog reports that the total number of regions owned by Residents increased by 44.2 percent in Second Life.
The Purdue Exponent announces the creation of The Purdue Center for Serious Games and Learning in Virtual Environments as a place for professors to collaborate on their work with virtual environments and video games.
FierceHealthcare reports that Cigna is developing its own Second Life community to encourage drug prevention and awareness.
G4TV.com announces that the Exploratorium will stream a total eclipse of the sun from China to Second Life.
TMCnet reports that Washington State Students are now able to take classes online in Second Life.
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The Industry Standard reports on Mark’s letter to the Residents.
Red and Black features Allison Weiss, a singer who was recently nominated for the 2008 Flagpole Best Solo Performer, who performed for fans on Second Life.
Press of Atlantic City.com reports that the new virtual offices of the New Jersey Association of Realtors are almost completed.
CBS Keye TV in Texas reports that with teen employment down 60 percent, many of them are using virtual worlds like Second Life to make money by creating and selling digital goods and services.
GigaOm’s Wagner James Au points out the significant differences between Google’s Lively and immersive virtual worlds like Second Life.
UK Trends we’ve noticed:
--The general tone of the press is very positive, with the Linden Lab/IBM announcement and Google’s release of ‘Lively’ there were many articles discussing the development and evolution of virtual worlds in a positive light.
--Two articles describing the ongoing problem of malware and griefing
Financial Times Philip’s by-lined article ‘Virtual worlds, after the hype]
IBM--LL Interoperability coverage:
BBC describes Second Life as ‘first out of the gate’ in regard to teleporting avatars, though the article sarcastic in regard to the official statement declaring it to be a ‘historic day…’:
Computer Weekly reports on the partnership between Linden Lab and IBM, as well as providing details of the ‘Architecture Working Group's’ (AWG) website.
Products Review provides a comparison of Google’s ‘Lively’ Vs Second Life/IBM.
Lively coverage related to SL:
The Times describes the key features of Lively, and its move into the virtual space is said to validate the usefulness of virtual worlds. Second Life is described as a sprawling online world, with brands such as IBM, Sony, BMW and Coca-Cola having a virtual presence. The article also includes a quote stating Second life to be a ‘indispensable business tool’.
Guardian describes Google’s new venture, as well as including the following paragraph about Second Life.
Second Life has gone ex-growth, judging by the number of avatars online simultaneously (it rarely exceeds 64,000) but it is the place to be for experimentation. Universities and companies are still piling in, especially as SL is adopting open source and allows companies to bolt their own servers on. Nielsen Online figures show that Second Life is the third most popular application in the UK in terms of minutes spent on it (after Facebook and YouTube) with growth of 137% in the past year.
Other coverage:
ZDNet discusses software development, and Second Life is described as running on 2,000 Intel servers with Debian Linux at its heart.
PC Advisor reports on the launch of Sony’s virtual world ‘Home’, which is to be released this fall.
Norwich Evening News reports a Norwich College will be using Second Life for advertising, training and possibly teaching purposes.
Netimperative.co.uk reveals Second Life is one he fastest growing sites in terms of total UK minutes.
Hospital IT Europe reports CIGNA, a leading health service company, has announced the development of a virtual health care community. The island will host seminars, interactive displays, educational games and virtual health consultations to help foster real and sustainable behaviour change that improves health.
Tsnn.co.uk reports the first conference dedicated to the public policy implications of virtual worlds in the UK is set to take place in London later this month. Jim Purbick is set to speak at the event.
Germany Trends we have noticed
--Google’s “Lively” release caused a lot of coverage in which it is often compared to Second Life
--IBM press release was picked up in some of the “Lively” articles as well as in dedicated articles
Coverage:
Welt Online published a longer article about Second Life’s cooperation with IBM. The article starts with Google’s Lively but continues to go on about the release about Second Life and IBM.
Spiegel Online publishes a long article about “Lively” and says it can not be compared to Second Life.
Computerwelt Online published a long article about the presence of Austrian Universities in Second life and e-learning.
Neutral articles:
Hamburger Abendblatt Online publishes an interview with Charles Donkor about recruiting in Web 2.0.
Web.de publishes a long article about the hype’s anniversary.
Infoweek Switzerland writes about making money on the Internet:
France Moods and Trends we’ve noticed:
--This week Google announced the launch of its virtual world, Lively. It has a huge echo in press. Articles are quite neutral, explaining the history of the birth of Lively and what is the real stake for Google. Second Life is always quoted as the ‘first born’ and as The reference.
--IBM and Linden Lab press release has been launched this week (on Wednesday). It’s too early to evaluate the real impact of the coverage. Nevertheless, main important IT publications contacted us to have more information. That’s the proof it’s a important announcement on the Virtual World market.
IBM--LL Interoperability coverage:
Journal du Net
Linux.com
Adminet
Japan Moods or Trends we’ve noticed –
Japanese universities actively carrying out projects in SL
Waseda University opened a virtual campus on its own Waseda University SIM on the 1st of July. The Social System Engineering Laboratory of Waseda University has owned a SIM called 'Waseda' since October 2007 and has been practicing many in-world activities. However, this is for the first time for Waseda University itself to own a SIM and officially carry out activities in SL. The university will utilize the SIM as a research facility in VWs for internal and external researchers and will also carry out a cross-cultural research project using 3D virtual worlds with Princeton University, which already has a virtual campus in SL.
And Tohoku University and Yamagata University jointly conducted a demonstration live-streaming experiment of TV news from the Toyako G-8 Summit in Hokkaido, on Niseko3 SIM with the support of Hokkaido Broadcasting Company, HBC. Additionally, Hosei University, which already owns Hosei University SIM, held a seminar on e-learning and streamed the video to the Hosei University SIM. And finally, as mentioned before in our Weekly Reports, Keio University and Tokyo University are also utilizing SL for research.
We expect to see more in-world activity by Japanese universities in the near future.
Key Coverage
Sankei Shimbun, Fuji Sankei Business i, Adver Times (newspaper, online, 7/2, 7/1) – June 30th, Waseda University announced they will open a new campus online on 3D metaverse Second Life. The campus will be used as a space for interaction between students from other countries. Universities overseas such as Princeton and Harvard have already opened virtual campuses.
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (newspaper, 7/2) – Waseda University will start a cross-cultural exchange project with Princeton University through Second Life. Waseda opened a campus online as a place where students can interact.
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (newspaper, 7/1) – METABIRDS will soon open a website for selling and purchasing items and merchandise used within metaverses such as Second Life.
Yomiuri Shimbun, The Daily Yomiuri (newspaper, online, 6/30, 7/1) – The Cabinet Office is planning to open a virtual museum devoted to disaster management in Second Life, “a globally popular Internet site.”
The Japan Times(newspaper, 7/2) – Waseda University opened a campus Tuesday in Second Life. The private Tokyo university will use the virtual campus to promote joint studies with Princeton University of the U.S., which has already opened a campus in Second Life.
Online
The Second Times (online, 7/8) – According to “Nielsen Online”, metaverses Second Life and Club Penguin both ranked among the Top 10 fastest growing web services in England.
[http://www.secondtimes.net/news/japan/20080707_tohoku_yamagata.html The Second Time (online, 7/7) – Tohoku University and Yamagata University started a demonstration live-streaming broadcast of the Hokkaido Toyako Summit.
Japan.Internet.Com (online, 7/6) – An audience participation event was held in SL by U.S. English Robin, whose CEO Mr. Fox said, “Up until now there were not many opportunities for audience participation through TV and radio, and it was hard to grasp the true reactions of the viewing audience. The ability to communicate between the promoter and the audience that the Internet has brought us will lead to more possibilities for future company promotions and the broadcasting field as well.”
All-in-One INTERNET magazine 2.0 (online, 7/6) – Masashi Hagiwara of NetRatings Japan Inc. and Kentaro Emura of Video Research Interactive Inc. talked about the differences between the numbers of website traffic and web audience ratings.
ITmedia (online, 7/6) – Unlike the first generation of virtual worlds where the main focus was on recreating the real world as close as possible like Second Life, the second generation of virtual worlds would be focused more on a widespread variety of unrealistic but eye-catching virtual content.
The Second Times (online, 7/1) – HORIBA, Ltd. opened the “HORIBA MUSEUM of SUPER NATURAL SENSOR”, a museum where you can learn on Second Life about the “sensoring” ability of wild animals.
Week Ending July 4, 2008
Key Coverage by Market
US Trends
--Vollee announcement
--Medical uses of Second Life
Vollee coverage:
CNET Crave blog
Download.com
Other coverage:
FOX News reports on Keio University’s medical breakthrough that allows a paralyzed patient to walk in Second Life. The story originated from the AFP.
WIRED discusses the recent breakthrough of Keio University researchers, as a result of a rapid response pitch.
The Globe and Mail presents an interview with interview with Gerri Sinclair, executive director of the Masters of Digital Media Program Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver, who is very bullish on virtual worlds for business, education, healthcare, and more.
The Omaha World Herald reports on the Second Life economy and the people who are making real money with inworld businesses. The team provided background information on Second Life for this story, which is also posted on LinuxInsider.
Geek.com reports on San Jose State University’s new campus in Second Life. Also posted on Yahoo! Tech and DVICE.
The San Jose Mercury News reports on a summit being hosted at the Tech Museum on virtual worlds featuring a presentation by Philip.
ReadWriteWeb posts a story on the growth of Second Life’s popularity in a struggling economy.
Design News reports on a mass transit system that was designed in Second Life.
UK Trends
--Business use of Second Life
Coverage:
Business Weekly discusses the future of business and technology. Second Life is described as a big and growing sector.
VNUNet reports the presence of Domino’s Pizza within Second Life.
Mobile Entertainment reports Second Life is available through Vollee on mobile phones.
BT Today reports BT’s pioneering online service for small businesses, BT Tradespace, is setting up shop for a trial period in Second Life.
Medical Marketing and Media discusses the benefits of Second Life to pharma healthcare.
Germany Trends
--Vollee brings Second life onto mobile phones
--Dresdner Bank, one of the biggest German banks, is entering Second Life (on a small basis)
--On a panel discussion about legal regulation of virtual worlds, the participants were against intervening too much in virtual environments
One of the biggest news this week that has been covered by several publications like Golem.de, ZDNet.de and Dasjournal.net is that Vollee has managed to bring Second Life onto the mobile phones.
ZDNet.de, Macnews.de and Ecin.de have reported that one of Germany’s biggest banks, the Dresdner Bank, has entered Second Life and is cooperating with Apfelland and the Volkshochschule Goslar.
On a conference about new forms of learning there has been a very interesting panel discussion about whether real law can be applied to virtual worlds. The statement of the participants was that virtual environments shouldn’t be over-regulated, because the users are regulating their own worlds, as Heise.de, Computer Zeitung, Magnus.de and Golem.de reported.
According to Firmenpresse.de, an education institution from Berlin is including the making of machinimas into their curriculum.
Another positive article about education in Second Life appeared on Gizmodo.de.
The Swedish embassy in Second Life is celebrating their national holiday for three days, as Bild.de has found out.
France Trends
--A very interesting and detailed case study on a company that has created an Island in 2007 (Hublot)
--Le Monde presented the results of the KZero research on Virtual Wolrds
--The Virtual recruitment is the point of concern of the Belgium publication l’essentiel
Initiative of the Ile de France region, MetaLab 3D, which is a kind of laboratory, dedicated to creation of new regional territories
Assises du Numériques event
The Belgium publicationL’essentiel published an interesting interview of Gary Cywie, a recruitment specialist at the occasion of the ‘Workings Worlds’, virtual tradeshow dedicated to recruitment. Can you recruit someone if you don’t see him/her in real life?
Very interesting article in LeMonde.fr that propose a complete report (based on the KZero Research results) on existing virtual worlds, Second Life of course, but also Habbo, WeeWorld, IMVU, Neopets, There, Virtual MTV, HipiHi, Home…
Virtual Worlds’ baby boom
World Tempus: Detailed story on the Hublot adventure in Second Life. Why the company decided to go there, what worked well and not. A very detailed SWOT is also available. How Hublot dreamt of Second Life.
PC inpact presented the amazing story of the Japanese paralyzed guys who walked for the first time in Second Life. Paralyzed in the real life, he walks in Second Life
Jet Set Magazine: Presentation of ‘Second Live’ virtual exposition and of Wafa Bourhis, a 3D and virtual specialist artist. Wafa Bourhis wants to conquer Virtual Worlds
Japan Trends
--Excitement among Japanese residents about SL5B.
Japanese communities and organizations such as VWBC, an in-world TV station operated by Prof. Mitsubuchi of Digital Hollywood University, Kansai SL Owners' Association, an organization of SIM owners in Kansai, SUN and many Japanese SL users attended SL5B. It was quite different from last year which indicates how enthusiastic Japanese solution providers and users have become about SL. Particularly the concert in which four Japanese bands played on the Main Stage of SL5B on 27th May generated a lot of excitement among both Japanese and non-Japanese audiences.
Key Coverage
Monthly ASCII (magazine, August issue) – May 8th, NTT announced a capital and business alliance with ngi group to enter the 3D internet and metaverse market.
SUN Co., Ltd. created “Ldex”, a system enabling exchanges between L$ and other currencies. Transactions between L$ and JPY started this April.
Monthly ASCII (magazine, August issue) – An editorial comment on Second Life included the following: The word “Kasou-Sekai” (used for “virtual worlds” but directly translated as “hypothetical worlds”), I believe is not the perfect phrase to describe metaverses. The word “hypothetical” makes it seem all imaginary and not based on reality. I feel doubt about that after seeing, surprisingly, many people distressed over love relationships on SL. Before metaverses become largely popular we better give a second thought to their true nature.
Kokoku Hihyo (magazine, June/July issue) – In a feature article on advertisements in video games, online games and metaverses, there is a brief introduction of the Yamaha motorbike show as well as the Glico Pocky (famous Japanese chocolate snack) festival, both held on Second Life.
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (newspaper, 6/24) – This is the story that has descriptions of other Japanese VWs. For full translation, email Melissa@lindenlab.com.
Nikkei Marketing Journal (newspaper, 6/30) – METABIRDS will open an online virtual commodities market for trading virtual commodities made on metaverses such as Second Life. The market will open July 10th.
Depart Shimbun (newspaper, 6/25) – Japanese supermarket giant Mitsukoshi is holding the “Austrian Exhibit in Cyberspace” on Second Life in the “Mitsukoshi Second Life branch.”
Yomiuri Online (online, 6/29) – The Japanese Cabinet Office opened the “Museum of Disaster Prevention”, a museum themed on disaster prevention on metaverse Second Life.
The Second Times (online, 6/29) – Resonant Solutions Co. opened a virtual open campus service geared for Japanese college universities and technical schools starting July 1st.
The Second Times (online, 6/26) – “SL5B”, an event celebrating the fifth year of Second Life, hosted by Linden Lab, is being held today starting 14:00. There will be four Japanese artists performing live on stage.
The Second Times (online, 6/26) – Kadokawa X Media sold the second issue of “Virtual Walker” on July 27, a magazine intended for the “virtual” generation. Japanese idol Shoko Nakagawa and comedian Junichi Shigeki were on the cover.
Week Ending June 27, 2008
Key Coverage by Market
US Trends
--Several publications and blogs, beyond inworld press, picked up the fifth birthday announcement.
--This week, Cisco’s CEO praised virtual worlds as lucrative business tools during his inworld press conference, and coverge of the business uses has been positive this week.
--We’ve seen an increase in stories on science and research being done in Second Life, another positive trend in the news.
Coverage of SL5B birthday announcement:
San Francisco Business Times
Kotaku
Other coverage:
Science Blogs announces a presentation to be given in Second Life on personalized genetics.
Silicon Alley Insider, in a post by Reuter’s Eric Krangel, comments on Cisco’s involvement in Second Life, even though it’s thought that it is an “overhyped ghost town.”
The Examiner writes a follow up piece on its initial analysis of the virtual world, focusing on the word “avatar.”
MLive discusses the University of Michigan’s use of Second Life for research.
Computerworld presents the potential for business uses of virtual worlds, citing Second Life as one of the leading platforms. Also picked up in Network World.
Computerworld also posts on a Q&A with the CEO of Cisco inworld, predicting that virtual worlds will “explode” in terms of business uses.
WebCPA reports on the entry of several CPA firms into Second Life.
BusinessWeek comments on an article in McKinsey’s Quarterly on open innovation, citing Second Life news as being outdated. The original McKinsey article is available by subscription.
UK Trends
--A positive focus in the press has been on the green benefits of Second Life. The carbon goggles tool was picked up by both the BBC and Guardian
--Continued use of Second Life by UK universities. Glasgow Caledonian University has entered the virtual world to join many of its UK counterparts. Education continues to be a positive topic.
Carbon goggles coverage:
BBC News reports on the creation of goggles which allow users in Second Life to witness and monitor carbon emissions from various objects and processes.
Guardian reports how carbon goggles have been created which allow users to see carbon emissions in Second Life.
Other coverage:
Financial Times blog reports that Second Life avatars are being selected to be placed on the back of business cards sold by Moo, the maker of calling cards for the web 2.0 generation.
Metro describes how Glasgow Caledonian University has created a virtual campus in Second Life, allowing students to attend lectures and hold study groups online.
ComputerWeekly.com discusses what a virtual wedding would be like.
Mobile News reports how a Japanese Mobile Games Firm has created a Second Life-style Virtual World purely for mobile phones.
Electronics Weekly reflects on the importance of the digital world for businesses in the future.
Press Dispensary describes how New Business Horizons, who run the Blue Horizon Business Park in Second Life, won the ‘Best Use of Technology’ Award from the Docklands Business Club and the East London Chamber of Commerce.
The Earth Times reports how Evian are entering the world of online gaming, after last year becoming part of Second Life.
Germany Trends
--The big news about Second Life in Germany was from last week’s article about an alcohol addict who found help in Second Life, which was picked up by several publications – this is a good example of how non-profit organizations can use Second Life
Spiegel online, one of the biggest German online news sites, published a positive article about an alcohol addict. She found help in Second Life and is now dry for over three years. This article was picked up by Nachrichten.ch, der Standard, Pressetext.de and Cynamite.de.
Deutschlandradio Kultur had a long and realistic interview with one of the most renowned professor for media studies, Norbert Bolz. They talk about the first five years of Second Life.
CIO reports about the Gartner study, which says that at the moment 90 percent of all companies in virtual worlds fail within the first 18 months, but the article gives tips and ideas how a company can succeed in virtual worlds.
Wort.lu, a Luxemburg newspaper, published a rather neutral article about the head of the steel company Mittal, Lakshmi Mittal, who held an interview with investors in Second Life. This was picked up by the newspaper Euro am Sonntag.
Ecin.de published the results of the study from House of Research. The study gives a neutral overview on their findings like the age, education and income of Second Life users.
France Trends
--Second Life anniversary has a good visibility in press this week. All articles are quite positive presenting this anniversary as a proof of good health.
--Saint Gobain Glass and Stonefield In world launched the first event of the new Saint Gobain Glass’ island.
Second Life’s anniversary
Several blogs and publications mentioned the beginning of the festivities launched by Philip (7 articles).
ITR Manger
20 Minutes
Neteco
IMarginal
Journaldugamer
slandreamedia
graphic tumbir
Saint Gobain Glass in Second Life
Saint Gobain Glass will organize Wednseday 25th a conference on Environement and Glass. It’s the beginning of a longer initiative of the company that will organize others actions in September (5 articles)
PaperBlog
Virtual Worlds News
David Casetera
CognacBlog
Slmag
Japan Trends
--There were a couple of new business entry news this week. One is that As Know As, a popular Japanese fashion brand in RL, opened a SL branch. Another is the Commercial Department of the Austrian Embassy started the "Austrian Fair in Cyberspace" in cooperation with Mitsukoshi Department at the Mitsukoshi SIM.
Key Coverage
--Denki Shimbun (newspaper, 6/16) – Metaverses to interconnect. “Before the Internet, each individual manufacturer had its own unique online services, which of course became obsolete with the birth of the Internet. At 3Di, we are working on what we call the ‘interverse’, interconnecting metaverses on an open source level,” says Suguru Kamata of 3Di.
--Nihon Keizai Shimbun (newspaper, online 6/20) – Akinori Yonezawa, Professor at Tokyo University, won the Dahl-Nygaard Prize for creating a system linking several programs called “concurrent object-oriented languages.” The system is used on metaverse SL as well.
--Nihon Seni Shimbun (newspaper, 6/19) – The trade activities department of the Austrian embassy will display products on metaverse SL for the first time with the help of Japanese retailer Mitsukoshi, between June 25th to the 29th.
--Nihon Keizai Shimbun (newspaper, 6/21) – General shareholders meetings are being held for companies closing accounts in March. Impress Holdings, is holding a virtual shareholders meeting on SL simultaneously with its real life meeting.
--The Wall Street Journal Asia (newspaper, 6/17) – ArcelorMittal ventures into virtual world. Aim is to reach out to younger investors through the Internet.
--The Wall Street journal Asia (newspaper, 6/19) – ArcelorMittal’s first shareholders meeting in the virtual Internet worlds of SL was married by poor attendance and choppy audio and imaging, hiccups corporate-governance experts say will need to be overcome if other companies are going to adopt the practice.
--Tokyo IT Shimbun (newspaper, online 6/10) – SL founder Phillip Rosedale talked at the VWCE2008. The event generated much excitement due largely to the presence of user participants. When asked about rumors of Linden Labs ailing business, Phillip replied, “We are not considering a stock-market flotation, but we have plenty of earnings and funds.” He also expressed his ideas for enhancing Japanese support systems.
--Tokyo IT Shimbun (newspaper, online 6/10) – VWCE2008 was held during the last week of May, and SL founder Phillip Rosedale gave a talk. “We will enhance Japanese support systems”, he said.
--Tokyo IT Shimbun (newspaper, online 6/17) – Nihon TV’s program “Digital no Konjo” – a program recorded mainly on SL, won the Japan Film and Television Technology Association Video Technology Promotion Awards. Along with this, SL reached its 5th year since the starting of services, and held a ceremonial event.
--The Second Times (online, 6/20) – able seed Co., Ltd which runs the “Kenroku” SIM and online video portal “mobie” have formed a business alliance.
--The Second Times (online, 6/20) – Asahi Broadcasting Corporation have started giving out toy airplanes of their mascot character “Cu-Cu” and other items for free on SL.
--The Second Times (online, 6/20) – Linden Lab has added different types of default avatars to SL. Some are unique like a “cardboard box robot”.
--The Second Times (online, 6/19) – Everyone on Alert! There is a current L$ fraud going on in SL!
--All-in-One INTERNET magazine 2.0 (online, 6/19) – Singer-songwriter and popular artist on SL, Sora Izumikawa, has been chosen to compose music for the SL ballet group “BalletPixelle”.
--All-in-One INTERNET magazine 2.0 (online, 6/18) - The trade activities department of the Austrian embassy will hold the “Austrian exhibition in Cyberspace” in cooperation with MITSUKOSHI, Ltd., and will display in the Mitsukoshi SIM starting the 25th and running to the 29th.
--Nikkei BPnet (online, 6/17) – An F1 race in the world of architecture. A race to build a building on BIM (Building Information Modeling – think of it as a professional version of SL) within 24 hours.
--The Second Times (online, 6/17) – Turning your lights off on SL as well …”A night of a million candles” – People turned their lights off and spent the night with only the light of candles for an event ongoing since 2003. This year the event was held both in real life and virtual life.
Week Ending June 20, 2008
Highlights: We saw some great coverage this week. In the UK, a stand-out extensive piece appeared in the Financial Times as a result of Philip’s interview on his transition into his new role in the Digital Business section. In Germany, the team saw an article in Spiegel about a recovered alcoholic who turned to Second Life for support. In the US, we saw the results of an interview we arranged for Claudia with Education Week, where an article on the benefits of Second Life for K-12 educators appeared.
Key Coverage by Market
US Trends we’ve noticed:
--Overall, mainstream coverage has been positive. Educational uses of Second Life continue to be of interest, with universities creating presences and K-12 educators using the platform, as well as government organizations exploring the use of virtual worlds.
--We’ve seen a few articles that were somewhat negative, including one focusing on concerns of DMCA enforcement and one on ArcelorMittal’s technical difficulties.
Education Week posts a story on the benefits of Second Life for K through 12 educators. The team connected the journalist with educators as well as Claudia for an interview on the educational uses of the platform.
(subscription required)
The Wall Street Journal posts an article on the “technical hiccups” encountered in ArcelorMittal’s shareholder meeting inworld. The UK team worked with Linden Lab to provide a statement to the Dow Jones reporter with a tight turnaround.
The Times-Standard discusses the event NASA held in Second Life for the Mars landing of Phoenix to get the public more involved in NASA missions.
Network World reports that the Cisco Live hub is now open in Second Life, with a Q&A with CEO John Chambers taking place inworld on June 24.
U.S. Insurance News reports that Aviva, a provider of life insurance, has launched a presence in Second Life for agent recruitment, education and training.
The Industry Standard discusses the DMCA policy and the concerns that Second Life content creators have about the enforcement of the policy.
MedGadget reports on a Dutch company that has created a bike that allows Second Life users to control their avatar while getting some exercise.
ComputerWorld presents an article on the use of Web 2.0 technologies for government to better communicate with constituents, including the use of Second Life.
The Hamilton Spectator posts a news brief about ArcelorMittal’s shareholder meeting held in Second Life.
The Daily Reveille, the newspaper at LSU, discusses the University’s plans to expand its presence in Second Life, offering more classes, research and outreach.
Network World presents an article on IBM’s green initiatives in Second Life with the Virtual Green Data Center.
The University of Kentucky News reports on a student art exhibit in Second Life.
UK Trends we’ve noticed:
--Stories of employers and educational projects using Second Life have resonated well in the press, presenting new and interesting stories that are exploring the beneficial uses of virtual worlds, keeping the overall tone in the media positive.
--We’ve seen articles expressing the need to experiment in virtual worlds, which position Second Life as lucrative platform.
Financial Times: Great coverage from Philip’s interview with the Peter Whitehead.
Management Issues discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by employers in using virtual media such as Second Life to their advantage.
The Independent reports how journalists need to start using virtual media such as Second Life if journalism is to be ‘saved’.
Pocket-Lint reports by 2020 HP will be focusing on virtual communities such as Second Life.
Birmingham Mail reports how students at Birmingham City University have undertaken a research project which involves the recreation of their campus in Second Life.
ITPRO reveals that HP research has predicted that virtual collaboration will be one of the most important themes over the next twenty years.
The Earth Times discusses how Second Life will provide a platform for an internet based talent contest.
Online Recruitment reports that Yell has launched its first recruitment gadget ad. Yell has previously used Second Life as an innovative recruitment tool.
Higher Education Academy reports The Higher Education Academy’s Engineering Subject Centre will be holding a seminar in Second Life later this month.
Germany Trends we have noticed:
--This week we’ve seen a very positive article, which appeared in Handelsblatt, one of the most important business newspapers. The article focuses on how companies can use Second Life as an internal communication tool.
--Another positive article dealt with the Dresdner Gemäldegalerie, a museum for classical paintings which is very famous around the world and which is rebuilt in Second Life.
--In general the mood in the press has been positive to neutral, with the absolute highlight example of Handelsblatt.
Handelsblatt.com published a huge and very positive article about how companies can use Second Life as an internal tool. This article was picked up by Yahoo.de. Spiegel writes a very positive article about Second Life – in fact it is an article about a woman who used to be an alcohol addict, and through the American organization “Accelerated Recovery Center” in Second Life she is now clean for two years already. Freie Presse, a regional newspaper, has reported on the latest exhibition on Dresdner Gemäldegalerie, which was picked up by several other media like Nordkurier, Yahoo.de or Sachsen-Fernsehen.de. This is another positive article about the arts and culture topic in Second Life. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes about the social “community” Weblins, and that the creators expect up to one million users until the end of the year. After the hype about Second Life the requests around Weblins decreased though. Theinquirer.net reports in a short neutral article that Microsoft plans a virtual world for the X-Box. Fränkischer Tag follows up on the philosophical week at University of Bamberg, which bears the title “Second Life, avatars, cyberworld. Is there a second life?”. The interesting articles deal with Second Life from a philosophical and a sociological perspective. Golem.de has published a short article about Meta, the Webkit porting tool. The editor explains that a company called Nuanti has developed it. Nuanti is backed by Linden Lab:
France Trends we’ve noticed:
--Coverage of recruitment in Second Life has started to take a negative tone, although the press still finds the topic of interest.
--Valeurs Actuelles presented a feature dedicated to the impact of cyber culture (video games, virtual world…) on children.
Children are in the centre of a feature in Valeurs actuelles. Between cyberaddiction, virtual worlds and video games, some professionals commented new trends.
Blogdei coverage.
Le Point - Interview of Pierre Hervé Bazin, in charge of recruitment at Areva. Recruitment in Second Life begins to have negative feedback. If companies organized a lot of interviews, the finalization of the recruitment is more laborious. Nevertheless, Second Life is still a useful tool to identify relevant profile.
Lemondeinformatique.fr – After ‘speed recruiting’, ‘speed unemployement’
An interesting topic in Ma Principauté.com that present the topic of the Philosophy test of the French School Leaving certificate: Is Art changing our perception of reality? Some official corrections mentioned Second Life.
LePost – interview of Michael Stora. Interesting case study on how avatars could manage psychotherapy in Second Life.
[http://jeuxvideo.fluctuat.net/blog/31400-le-moteur-de-second-life-entre-enfin-dans-les-annees-2000.html
Fluctuanet] - Second Life finally bellows to 2000/ New Second Life update and Shadow Draft project
Japan--Trends we've noticed
--Two innovative business approaches to SL by Japanese companies were in the news this week. One is a NTT DoCoMo event held on the NTT DoCoMo SIM for their new smart phone, FOMA HT 1100, launched on June 12th. Participants could obtain the HT 1100 for their avatars and a HT 1100 HUD equipped with a translating function there. NTT DoCoMo also held a RL event called 'Touch! HT1100 in Tokyo Midtown' in Roppongi, Tokyo on June 14th. The company will conduct their new sales campaign both in SL and RL.
--Another approach is the SL branch of “As Know As,” which is a popular apparel brand in Japan. As Know As sells clothes for avatars recreated for sale in RL. Visitors can also access their shopping site to buy real clothes for RL. They are also planning to make their SL branch a facility to offer information about the brand.
Most coverage in print articles
Sankei Shimbun (newspaper, 6/16, w/photo) – After sharing views with people from academia, industry and government who are involved in SL research and activities, LL Chairman Phillip Rosedale presented his thoughts on establishing a Japanese support center. Mr. Rosedale says, “Japan has excellent technology in connecting SL – a virtual world – with real life,” and will continue responding to user requests and sharing information on SL technological innovation.
Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun (newspaper, 6/12) – SL is mentioned in an article on NTT promoting NGN (next generation network) technology, in which an NTT executive is said to “have been researching the so-called Web 2.0 business from an early stage, starting with Second Life.”
- URL available but fees required
Kanagawa Shimbun (newspaper, 6/8) – Junichi Ushiba of Keio University, Department of Biosciences and Informatics, has succeeded in proving that it is possible to control an avatar within the metaverse SL by using only brain waves.
BCN Tokyo (magazine, 6/16) – LL Founder and Chairman Phillip Rosedale visited Japan and exchanged opinions with people from government, academia and entrepreneurial business ventures.
Mainichi Shimbun (newspaper, online, 6/16) – The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy is holding a design competition to create an eco-friendly “sustainable town-building,” all within SL. Their goal is to explore effective countermeasures to global warming and people’s reactions in real life, through experimenting in the virtual world.
Senken Shimbun (a fashion trade newspaper, 6/13) – An article on the recent growing connection between fashion – mainly for the youth generation – and the Internet. The opening of “American Apparel” (clothing brand) store in SL drew much attention, but closed August 2007. The chief editor of virtual fashion magazine “Second Style” said, “in order for an existing brand to be successful in virtual worlds, they must provide high quality designs” – high quality as in high grade computer graphics in portraying realistic shadows and folds, and details like lace and trim.
Zaikai (magazine, 6/24) – A feature article on ngi group inc. in which CEO Koike Satoshi says, “There are already several 3D virtual sites starting with SL, but each one are closed worlds. In an open source world, engineers from all around the world provide each other with cutting edge technology. Here at ngi, we are working on the international standardization of a 3D internet.”
Kyouiku Katei Shimbun (newspaper, 6/7) – UCHIDA YOKO CO., LTD. announced they will start research on the educational usage of SL.
Asahi Shimbun Osaka (newspaper, 6/8) – Junichi Ushiba of Keio University Science and Technology department developed a new technology whereby placing three electrodes on the scalp, a machine is able to read brain waves and enable the user to control an avatar on metaverse SL by using only thoughts.
Adver Times Tokyo (newspaper, 6/4) – SL, challenged to improve user-friendliness, shows confidence in the future. When LL Chairman Phillip Rosedale was asked about the slow growth in Japanese SL users he replied, “There is a need to simplify and make it easier to participate” and explained specific ways to achieve this. Along with this he said, “When the Internet first appeared there were similar complaints, but now it's a fundamental tool in society. Virtual Worlds will become that way as well.”
International Herald Tribune/The Asahi Shimbun (newspaper, 6/10) – Researchers said they have developed technology that allows users’ thoughts to control movements of avatars in a popular virtual world on the Internet. The technology is used with the 3-D virtual world Second Life, operated by U.S. Linden Lab.
Week Ending June 13, 2008
Key Coverage by Market
US Trends: Many reports on business uses of Second Life
The Dallas Morning News presents an article on using Second Life for higher education
The San Francisco Chronicle presents a story about the San Jose Tech Museum using Second Life to gather exhibit ideas.
LinuxInsider discusses the use of Second Life for virtual space exploration and experimentation.
Planadviser discusses Second Life as a potential tool for the financial industry to reach out to a younger, more tech-savvy generation.
The Examiner posts an article from Suzanna Stinnet, author of “”Little Shifts,” about her experience in Second Life.
SlashGear mentions a demo of Second Life for Intel’s new Mobile Internet Device platform.
Network World discusses the launch of two new virtual worlds, positioning Second Life as the leader of this growing space.
WebCPA reports on several CPA firms that have set up shop in Second Life, including Maryland Society of CPA’s “CPA Island.”
IntoMobile reports on Vollee’s announcement to bring Second Life to mobile phones.
Reason Online discusses the new age of reason, citing Second Life and virtual worlds as liberated spaces for identity experimentation.
Insurance and Technology mentions the marketing strategies of a few insurers in Second Life.
Kotaku posts on the paralyzed Japanese man who was able to walk in Second Life.
UK Trends: Many stories of business use of Second Life
Business Feet describes the impact of Internet marketing on the American presidential candidacy. Hillary Clinton is described as being involved in the virtual world
Marketing Week reports on Random House which has launched a series of digital initiatives involving Second Life, which includes the creation of a digital warehouse which will store every book written by a Random House
Pocket Gamer.Biz reports on popular online MMOs and virtual worlds, including Runescape, Habbo, Second Life and Club Penguin:
Online Recruitment describes the opportunity to do job-hunting via the mobile phone. Innovative employers are said to be recruiting through Second Life:
HRZone reports on using Web 2.0 online methods to attract or recruit employees, using technology such as Second Life
Families in Business reports on a shareholders meeting held by steel giant ArcelorMittal. While some will travel to sit in a large auditorium in Luxembourg, others will participate through Second Life:
The Guardian describes the work of a charity, which has set up an office in the Second Life. ‘Contact a Family’ helps the parents of disabled children to communicate and to access services:
The Inquirer describes the coming up of a mouse specially adapted to 3D computer models, web sites and virtual worlds. Linden Labs recently upgraded Second Life to support the innovative mouse, which is priced at $60
Techradar describes virtual brothels, for example brothel owner in Second Life who might make around $50k per year in real money by selling virtual sex
eGov monitor reports on Union Island (www.slunionisland.org), the Second Life home for trade unionists:
Principia reports on businesses that have launched virtual worlds. The adoption of virtual worlds for the enterprise began picking up steam this year, buoyed by the success of Second Life, a 3D environment in the consumer space where people interact with one another as avatars
Eurogamer describes a research by Strategy Analytics. The report suggests that 22 percent of all broadband users will register to a virtual world by 2018
LX News reports on the Liverpool Sound City. It will be the first event to be simultaneously webcast on the hugely popular Second Life online platform
Germany Trends
-The Focus interview of Mark Kingdon caused some commotion in Germany, as the magazine published an online article with some incorrect quotes from Mark. Unfortunately these quotes were misinterpreted and put into a negative perspective
-The Vollee release is still picked up by some publications
-The IT publication Computerzeitung covered the findings of a research, which said that by 2017 every fifth broadband user will be in a virtual world
On Monday Focus, one of the biggest German business magazines, published an interview with Mark. Unfortunately there is no online link available yet. Other pick up in Magnus.de, Portel.de, Onlinekosten.de and Die-Topnews.de
The online portal medienhandbuch.de has published an article about a research from “House of Research”. Their chief researcher Rolf Amann contacted OCTANE last year and asked for support. He conducted 500 interviews with German Residents. Unfortunately the article just talks about Second Life as the archetype of virtual worlds and not the findings. Despite of the hype cycle the numbers of active users have increased steadily:
The University of Bamberg is regularly hosting the “Hegelwochen”, named after the famous German philosopher. This year the event’s topic was “Second Life – Avatars – Cyberworlds. Is there a second life?”. The newspapers Fränkischer Tag and Coburger Tageblatt published some articles about the event
Shortnews.de, Handy-mc.de and Infoweek.ch covered the Vollee release, that it is possible to have Second Life on your mobile phone
According to Ecin.de, Pixelpark regards Second Life as a serious game
Computerzeitung, one of the most important IT publications in Germany, quotes a study, which says that by 2017 every fifth user of a broadband access will use virtual worlds. Companies should consider this in their marketing strategies, according to “Strategy Analytics
France Trends
-A lot of coverage to announce the meeting with ArcelorMittal in Second Life by the end of June
-The great article published earlier last week in Challenges has a good echo in blogs and website
A surprising announcement on the Virtual World Agencies French market Heaven Agency buys Extralab
Journaldunet.com
neteco.com
mass-media.fr
Many publications relayed the ArcelorMital announcement. ArcelorMittal is organising a meeting in SL with its CEO and stakeholders] boursica.com fininfo.fr euroinvestor.fr zonebourse.com boursedirect.fr lesechos.fr
Second Life is still a recruiting and training for companies Autorecrute.com details how Michelin trains its team in Second Life
Michelin won Intraverse event first prize thanks to its traning tool in Second Life. eduborse.com journaldunet.com
Japan Trends: Philip Rosedale's Japanese Visit at the end of May resulted in the following press coverage.
Coverage from the Virtual Worlds Conference
[http://www.4gamer.net/games/033/G003334/20080529043/ 4Gamer.net: Report on Virtual World Conference & Expo 2008, LL Chairman Phillip Rosedale stated, “virtual worlds will grow 100 times n scale.”
CNET Japan: SL founder Phillip Rosedale gives first lecture in Japan. Virtual World, not a mere GUI, nor a mere business chance.
IT pro: LL Chairman Phillip Rosedale talked about the current and future state of SL.
PC Online: (Same article as above)
Nikkei Trendy Net (Shorter version of the two articles above)
Here is coverage from the Business Roundtable with Philip and various community members and Solution Providers
CNET Japan : “The Japanese are good at reconstructing the real world and connecting it with sales and marketing opportunities” – SL Chairman.
THE SECOND TIMES Because of the “Virtual World Conference & Expo 2008” held last week, our article updates have been slow, but at the same time our top page-view article was: “’The Japanese Market is important. We will enhance support’, SL founder and main SL players in Japan hold a opinion exchange session (roundtable).”
MYCOM Journal: SL founder & Chairman Rosedale visits Japan, holds roundtable discussion.
INTERNET Watch: The Cabinet Office, Nihon Television, Hatake (musician) and others exchange views with founder of LL.
IT media: SL founder visits Japan for the first time, says “We will improve user-friendliness.”
Mainichi JP: SL founder, Chairman Rosedale visits Japan. “Japan is an important market” – to create an enhanced structure.
Coverage from Roundtable -- Print
• Weekly Toyo Keizai (magazine, 6/14, w/photo) – Metaverse “Second Life” will enhance its services in Japan. They will increase the number of staff and start a Japanese telephone support, and will set up a server in Japan for faster connections. Japan is 4th in monthly time spent in-world after America, Germany and England, and is an important market with over 150 companies participating online. LL founder Phillip Rosedale said he wants to, “increase user-friendliness and gain more Japanese users.”
Coverage from the community party at Bar Tube in Tokyo:
THE SECOND TIMES A link to featured segments on various topics discussed on VWCE2008.
All-in-One Internet Magazine LL founder Phillip Rosedale visits BarTube!