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IBM engineers are demonstrating the integration of Lotus Sametime with the several virtual world platforms.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzuiEzTah5w

A 3-D meeting can be launched directly from within Sametime, creating a virtual meeting space that uses Sametime capabilities available in a virtual environment, including presentation tools, access to the avatar’s inventory and full avatar functionality demonstrating the business value virtual environments can bring to the future of unified communications.

This is a proof of concept and a first good step. There are lot of companies trying to develop gaming and informal environments such as second life. I believe, virtual world is moving towards augmented reality. We have processor speed now that could process CGI animation in real time using a normal desktop computer. 

I think we would see a lot of application focusing on virtual and augmented reality.

IDEO’s David Kelley says that product design has become much less about the hardware and more about the user experience. He shows video of this new, broader approach, including footage from the Prada store in New York.

As founder of legendary design firm IDEO, David Kelley has helped design the icons of the digital generation — the first mouse, the Treo, the Leap chair. But equally important to him: Designing great places to work, learn and create. 

David Kelly has a good view into the needs of the user.

His firm, IDEO, has been able to push the role of product design deeper into companies. Getting companies to use the design process in more & more places. It helps every design person everywhere when IDEO promotes the value of the design process.