Riptide team meeting February 7: Jonathan Hartstein
Every two weeks we have a company meeting to update the team on all things Riptide Games. At the end of each meeting we select one member to present something they’ve found interesting or worthwhile to share with the group.
This week’s presentation was from Jonathan Hartstein, one of our Game Developers. This is what he shared with the team, along with a short explanation:
LayerWise's new Metal Additive Manufacturing techniques have allowed it to create objects incredibly strong and complex, and to be printed directly from CAD models. Their new 3D Printing process essentially takes powdered metals (titanium, hardened steel, aluminum, etc.) and uses lasers to melt them into extremely thin layers, which are built on top of each other to create complex objects. One of the promising details about this technique is that it allows LayerWise to create complex shapes that are structurally sound, without the need for gluing, welding, or other fastening methods. The technology is already being used to create custom moldings used for medical, mechanical, and artistic purposes. One woman was recently given a titanium replacement lower jaw made with LayerWise technology, customized to fit her body exactly.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-
http://www.layerwise.com/
Many iPhone, Android, and other touchscreen device users who live in cold-weather places have experienced it: You are wearing gloves on that 20-degree day and your phone rings. Your only options are to ignore the call or take off your gloves, because the touchscreen sensors don't recognize your fingers inside the glove. Mujjo has created a solution! These stretchable winter gloves are made with silver-coated nylon fibers, which makes them conductive and thus compatible with the touchscreen. Now we can answer calls, text our friends, and play games while waiting outside in the cold for the bus to show up.
http://www.mujjo.com/mujjo-
In honor of Super Bowl 46, this guy has created a Minecraft world made to simulate Field Goal attempts. It's a pretty interesting system: Stepping on the first plate starts the ball rolling down a track. Stepping on the 2nd place ignites a fuse for a row of dynamite. If timed correctly, the dynamite explodes when the ball is in the correct position, and the blast propels the ball through the uprights!
http://www.minecraftforum.net/
Memorializing Riptide's Orlando retreat and trips to Cape Canaveral:
http://www.theonion.com/