S-World VSN

Virtual Social Network

The “Hook” to S-World VSN is the “Teleport to GPS” function; it does not take a million ideas to make a great product, indeed often it is best to have just one, and then build the product around the idea. This notion is best summed up by Criss Cox VP of Facebook referencing the “tagging” idea as described in the introduction video within the Facebook careers community page.

“There were 20 great photos products around in 2005 that had millions of dollars in cash, that had hundreds of features, and here we came along with a handful of people and a month and a half and built a product that boiled down and removed all of those features, except for one thing, which was tagging it so that we organized photos on the web around people and it completely changed the experience. That was, just like that!”

The concept of S-World VSN is organizing people around where they are and where their friends are.

Once one has entered a site via the Maps Tab, a variety of options become available, this screenshot is specific to “Twitter.” Along the bottom right we can see 10 icons representing various social networks and photos products, as we can see the “Twitter” icon has been activated. The list of celebrities selected pops up on the screen in the various locations where they can be found at the time.

To the left of the Social Network options are the four locator buttons. These buttons select the type of GPS positioning available. The single dot represents an exact location, from which one can virtually teleport directly to the celebrity and see all that they can see, albeit a virtual representation.

The Dot with a single circle represents the locator accurate to 5 miles, indicating what town a celebrity is in but not their exact location. The single dot with two circles indicates a 20-mile approximation, highlighting the City or rough position within a county and the crossed out dot represented the locator is off and the last known or inputted position is indicated.

There will be times when celebrities or friends wish to share their location and there will be times when they do not. The option to change the locator on a participant’s smart phone requires only a simple click.

Next we move to a simulation of friends abroad. The locator is set to “exact positioning” so only friends with exact positioning turned on can be seen.

Please also notice within the Social Network options “Twitter” has been rendered inactive and both Facebook and LinkedIn are active, showing friends from both networks.

Centre bottom of the globe we see Zenda Scholtz, as the mouse runs over her picture; the virtual representation of where she is appears. In this case, Zenda is at a pool party. She could equally be on the beach, on Table Mountain, at a Safari, visiting the local vineyards or considering trying the world’s highest Bungee jump.

Clicking on Zenda’s photograph enables the “Teleport to GPS” function.

After we have “Teleported” to Zenda’s Location, we can “walk around” and see all there is to see using the green buttons found on the bottom right of the screen.

The rendering you see is the “SIMS Basic” mode; however, at the click of a button, if available, a Hi Resolution version can be displayed.

Please notice the “Simulate People” menu button is green, so the system has simulated people having fun around Zenda. On this topic please note the green halo over the male figure above the green buttons, which indicates a real person, to whom one can initiate a conversation via the “Engage Other” button.

The Show Map function is a local highlights map, which one can follow.

The Photo diary option allows the observer to follow Zenda’s movements throughout the day, orientated by the photographs she has taken on her journey

Skipping back to our “Celebrities on Twitter” page, it is easy to see how the twitter experience is boosted by not only receiving the tweets in the text box, but also seeing where the tweeter is and has been.

S-World VSN TV

S-World TV has a number of components. First we shall see how it interacts with S-World VSN, and look back to the example made in July 2011 within the Facebook Product presentation for Criss Cox, which details a day out with U2.

In this example we examine interaction from the virtual world with real life footage, in the form of an S-world TV camera crew spending the day with U2 prior to their concert in Green Point World Cup Stadium, Cape Town.

Partly due to promotion, partly as they like to interact with their fans, but primarily because Bono wishes to raise money for the residents of the Mandela Park Township, U2 agreed to spend the day before the concert in S-World VSN interactive mode. They turn their cell phone VSN locators to exact positioning and allow a small film team to follow their movements, with one camera filming the band and two others taking artistic shots of the location and scenery.

After breakfast, U2 takes a 20-minute boat ride to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated in the Apartheid years before being released to become president. Bono has a few words to say upon arrival at Nelson’s actual cell and the band members chat and discuss the journey. At any time one can click on the “more info” button and bring up documentary footage about Robin Island, Nelson Mandela, or Apartheid history.

After 90 minutes and an amusing incident with a penguin, it’s back to the mainland and the decision as whether to walk or get the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Partly out of curiosity and in part as a collection of S-World, viewers have some pledged money if Larry Mullen takes a walk. Larry walks while the rest of the band takes the cable car. This works perfectly for the S-World film crew, because it provides more entertainment for VSN viewers as they have two focal points: Bono, The Edge and Adam in the cable car. Shortly after taking in the view, and possibly having a drink, viewers watch as Larry tackles Platteklip Gorge.

There is a certain camaraderie that comes with climbing Platteklip Gorge, and it would not be a surprise to find Larry bonding with his camera-carrying counterparts which makes for a much better one-to-one S-World VSN experience, particularly as they chat away on the frequent rest breaks that come between the continuous and unrelenting track up to the top. Larry has the opportunity to talk face to face with his sponsors, which of course makes for more interest and so brings more donations. For some it takes 45 minutes, the average time being two hours. Larry and the S-World crew made it in 90 minutes, which is a noteworthy time, and the $10,000 or so Larry has raised will undoubtedly assist the residents of “The Mandela Park” township.

At any time, S-World VSN viewers can switch between actual footage of their journey and the virtual view. Once the band is reunited, it’s on to the next leg of their journey, which is to the Mandela Park Township, 10 miles as the crow flies, 45 minutes via cable car then road, or two and a half hours on foot, going down from Table Mountain across the 12 Apostles down to Constantia Nek. So out come the cell phones and the band watch a 5-minute virtual journey of the more adventurous route. Two and a half hours down is a lot easier than 90 minutes going up, so the band, including Larry who has now reached hero status with those following his day, all take the scenic trail to Constantia Nek before heading into Hout Bay and the Mandela Park Township.

Once at the township all the band members go into interactive mode, choosing to speak to various VSN viewers regarding the township as they walk around and meet the largely Malawian and Zimbabwean population who, despite their living conditions, are extraordinarily upbeat and for the most part happy. During this process the charity drive is increased and by the time they leave, fifty thousand dollars or so has been raised for the residents. Now it’s back to the hotel and on to the concert.

During the concert, one can simply choose to watch it in standard TV mode, or interact with the audience who are periodically being interviewed. If one knows someone in the audience, one can request they go to a VSN camera for a live chat. Alongside this, one can choose to view the concert from any specific TV camera, swooping from different angles at will. Lastly, each person who uses VSN has an Avatar that can appear on screen, either a simulation of themselves, or an animal or indeed anything one may care to be. The avatar can go wherever it wishes; for example, if the avatar happens to be a kangaroo, the option to jump on stage and bounce around with Bono and the band during the concert is available.

All told this is a significantly enhanced experience compared simply to watching the concert on TV.

S-World Virtual Business Network

Alongside Facebook Gifts, the following S-World software, travel and real estate concepts are covered in detail within the concluding two chapters of this book, and various chapters on the www.s-world.biz website.

Much like Facebook gifts, the S-World environment S-World VSN (Virtual Social Network) is at its heart a simple concept, in essence the internet viewed via a 3D simulation of the world, popularized by the ability to see where your friends are via their cell phones GPS’s, and the ability to “teleport’ (zoom) to their location seeing their Avatar within a 3D virtual representation of their location, where one can look and walk around seeing all that can be seen. If one’s friend is lost, one could even give them directions.

In S-World, everything is as it should be except the shops, which change to the S-World and Businessbook’s member’s shops. Once a shop is entered one can interact with the company’s sales staff, via their Avatar or Skype. Or just browse a sophisticated display of the company’s services or stock displayed, photographed, filmed and rendered in a superior fashion, for little or no cost by the media teams that support the network. In retail, for instance, instead of a photograph of a dress, movie clips on the catwalk and various locations are presented. For travel and Real Estate, a detailed 3D walkthrough of the venue is available alongside photographs, reviews, client ratings, engineer’s and architect’s plans.

Whilst the gimmick of the virtual world is walking into the shops, the shops could be accessed by many portals, Facebook, websites, search engines, smart TV’s and smart phones to name but a few.

All goods sold on the network via S-world, Facebook gifts, S-Web or other internet portals, are rated by clients. Poor ratings see product lines or accommodation venues dropped, thus the network becomes and incorporates a “per human experience” search engine.

The voting panel is accessed via the S-World profile page, which can come in many forms, its default a 3D room with various doors for various actions, once inside one has access to all products and services purchased presented in a engaging manor. As an attractive incentive, members S-World retail credits are given each time a vote is cast. In addition to this, many staff and companies on network are impressed by profit share and dividends, which are paid in the form of network credits, and can be used to buy anything from houses to ant farms. To further incentivize the voting until previous votes have been cast new credits can not be used.

There are many factors making the voting system very hard to hack and manipulate. The most obvious being, if one does not buy a product, one can’t vote on it. Voting is often a tiresome process thus votes will not be detailed, just a simple choice of, poor, good, or excellent. Various safeguards protect against “luck of the draw” votes, negative people vs. upbeat people’s votes averaged over time.

All search engines are desired as primary partners, who receive payment for each purchase made via their introduction. As goods are rated by humans, search engines can happily and fairly rank high vote scoring S-World & S-Web affiliated websites above all others.

While S-World is designed to replace the e-commerce on the internet, stand alone websites for retail, travel, real estate, and services are far from ignored.

S-Web provides attractive database-driven free websites, offering many formats and designs. Clients simply upload product pictures, write a description and add prices. If a company already has a database- driven website the databases are synchronized. The main financial advantage for all is the ability to add complimentary stock and services from any other company on the network, taking a commission each time someone makes a purchase. The process also works in reverse; other companies on the network can choose to display and sell your goods and services.

There is another contingent to the S-World e-commerce family: S-World UCS was first envisaged in 2004 it combining a tutorial simulation, in the form of a colonization game, which, when mastered, allows one to conduct real business.

(Retrospective Note: S-World UCS has now become the central part to the S-World software and takes centre stage within the fifth part to American Butterfly “Quantum Time”)

Put together Facebook gifts, S-World VSN, S-Web, S-World UCS and the “per human experience” search engine and one has every right to say the combination will take a big bite out of e-commerce market’s share, especially considering the good PR and branding. The internet is a hit or miss unmonitored devise, there is little point reinventing the wheel, unless the wheel is square. The internet is like a square wheel. S-World & S-Web improves the experience and representation. The “per human experience” search engine monitors and so improves the quality of goods and services for the consumer, making the square wheel circular, with the exception or rogue traders and cowboy films, every one wins.

S-world is not designed only as an internet and smart phone device. Over the next few years smart televisions will become the norm. S-world is designed to become the industry standard operating environment. Not only is S-World a great product, the overall network from the start has made provisions for the creation of many localized TV series, and high-budget series and films each year. The larger the network, the more media created.

Current Media Company’s essential to both positive PR and the goal of becoming the industry standard operating environment for smart TV’s are included in the share options available for ownership of S-World alongside the technology companies and electronic communication devices manufacturers.

There is no individual company that will own S-World. S-World will be owned by all that help to build and promote it. All that is sold on the S-World network is from partners, so the financial aspect is simple; the exact mark up/levee/commission varying from industry to industry, profits to be split between the partner companies that create S-World and the referring entity, be it a search engine, a media company, a TV manufacturer, or the browser on a computer or smart phone.

S-World – Global Travel Systems

Currently about 20% of holidays are booked on line. About 50% of people choose their destination via the internet, then book through a high street operator, largely for safety reasons.

Tourism accounts for about $900 billion each year, and business travel seems to be higher. It certainly is in the USA, total global travel estimates are about $2.5 trillion, 3.5% of Global GDP, a percentage not to be taken lightly. Once again, there is no point introducing a system if it is not an improvement. A number of initiatives help to do just that.

First, Safety: As S-World is part of a major organization, travelers can book without concern for false representation as assisted by the “per human results” search engine.

Second, the Agent Initiative: knowing the industry intimately, first-hand knowledge is a very important factor. High street travel agents and large travel agencies have staff who usually have never been to the country they are recommending, let alone the venue, and are usually offering the venue that offers the highest commissions. S-world travel seeks to recruit individuals from the towns that clients wish to visit. The system offers the venues, thus S-World travel reps and agents only need refine the clients’ choice.

Different representatives will be available to clients. For instance, if a group of fun-loving twenty something’s wishing a lively holiday, choose a “nearly made it” model or actor, it makes sense as they can recommend villa parties, lively beaches, advise on the best nights to go to clubs and indeed in most cases get themselves on the guest list. However if one wished a cultured holiday experience mixed with visiting some wine estates, the customer can choose a representative with similar interests.

Third, S-World 3D Virtual Representations: Simple photographs and write-ups rarely tell the whole story, especially if wide angle lenses are used. While one can be relatively sure a top-end hotel is fairly well represented, small hotels, guest houses and villas are not so particular.

By taking a walk through the venue, one ascertains the entertainment flow, size of the swimming pool, view from windows, indeed one could feasibly pick a particular room because of the view. Throughout the 3D walkthrough, icons are available that show real pictures and a collection of guest comments and general blurbs are available. The option to walk around the venue, seeing how far it is to local attractions, and indeed see what local attractions are available, is an influencing bonus.

How exactly is S-World going to map much of the world in 3D when Google has been trying for a year and has mapped only a very small proportion would be a fair question, the first key is simplicity, preferring to partner and use “The Simms” technology where an 8-year-old can design and furnish a house within twenty minutes is a good starting point.

The operation centers have a large staff contingent called “Spartans” who can assist. S-World travel representatives will render accommodation venues and local surroundings as their name will be attached. Some tourism boards will pay to be rendered alongside venues that wish a level-two representation. The largest factor however will be the gamers playing S-World UCS. All one needs is a pen laser and a camera and hey, presto, that street in “Call of Duty” is your street.

S-World – Global Real Estate Systems

The same advantages presented in travel, also can be used in real estate, not that many people would ever buy a house they have not seen. However via the S-world representation they can eliminate properties that are not suitable. Knowing the industry well, it is strongly advised if a client is looking in a certain area, be it a specific town or general area, it’s best to see every house from every agent, maybe over a hundred, with a few hours on S-World and a task that less than 1% of people ever perform is achieved with ease.

Location, location, location is a major factor within the business plan, adding percentages to houses due to enhancing or detracting local features. It’s simple enough to attain the land registry document of houses sold in any area, which gives a baseline price for different house types, both in bedrooms and size, adding the location factors, and further tightens up an estimate. Add an agent’s personal opinion, where they are penalized for exaggerating and one has an accurate base line sale price.

For sellers that are not duly fussed over and coached, the sale price maybe 10% more as, purchasers will perform what is known as a love buy, based on their emotions only. On the other hand if a client is in a hurry to sell, they can price the property under the estimate. Banks and financial institutions selling a repossessed property can offer even lower prices, and in this case, one could see property moguls buying on the S-World representation alone. Once a critical mass of Real Estate is displayed on S-World, most would assume if a property was not represented, it was overpriced. Alongside suggested selling prices will be suggested prices for remodeling the property and upgrading where needed.