wii besotted
Five stages of wii besottment:
#1: Curiosity: what is that blue light?
Takashi Aoyama revealed that the blue flashing light on the wii is actually timed to the bird call of the Japanese bush warbler, a familiar chirp heard throughout Japan in the spring and summertime.
#2: Infatuation: Oh Boy! I can check the weather!
The channels on the wii menu, many of which provide reiterative information (which folks generally access via news, computer, iPhone) are there to help create a seamless and stress-free experience as compared to the PC. What if, instead of telling your sweetheart or kids to “Turn off that machine!” you asked “Can you check the weather for me?” — providing a pleasant delivery of day-to-day data. In addition to the standard information, additional content and games are available for download, all packed into the menu space through the helpful and intuitive interface idea of “channels.”
#3: Admiration: Good Intentions
One of the original intentions of the wii development was “something new everyday.” Aoyama states: “Players can fill their Wii consoles with positive memories,” which makes me think more of a treasure chest or a sticker album than a game console. As an afterthought to this stage, I also like that the console seems to be looking out for me, withe the little notice that says “Don’t forget to take a break!” Finally, I admit to being entirely intruigued by a company that comes up with ideas on the principle of discovering the fun things in even the most strange habits and behaviors (the oddest of things: is weighing yourself everyday fun? so meet the wii balance board…)
#4: Awe: The wii remote, Johnny Lee, and potential
After reading about how the wii is a friend to television in Japan, providing schedules and information, and the “channel” metaphor for the interface display, the idea of the wii controller as a “remote” makes a whole lot of sense. However, this TED talk by Johnny Lee, researcher and inventor of some incredible wii remote applications, absolutely amazes…