July 2010 - TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION AT THE NORTH EAST BIC
Tech enthusiasts were able to indulge in a veritable feast of nostalgia when the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) opened their doors to an exhibit of gadgets and gizmos of yesteryear.
As well as a host of classic computer systems and other items of tech-antiquity, visitors were also able to get a hands-on demonstration of cutting edge equipment from some of the region’s leading technology businesses.
Lisa Smith, manager at the BIC’s Big Ideas facility, said: “The idea of the exhibition was to allow technology fans to get to grips with the machines that paved the way for our gadget-dominated age, whilst providing business networking opportunities in a fun and informal environment.”
Video by: John Hudson, Online Video CV
BACK TO THE FUTURE
As well as looking to the gadgets of the past, the exhibition also featured a contemporary technology section, where visitors could view a projection of what they may look like in 20-30 years, based on their current lifestyle habits.
Games development company Ideonic, based in Middlesbrough, demonstrated their MirrorMe application, which allows users to take a photo of themselves before entering an overview of current habits, and morphing their face into its degenerated future form. This can then be shared via social networking and other media channels.
Sunderland based Stereografix – one of the world's first integrated stereoscopic content and hardware consultancies – displayed a cutting edge 3D TV system, which requires no glasses or other applications to view three dimensions.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
After enjoying a casual perusal of the retro-equipment, cutting edge technology and a BBQ meal, delegates were invited to take part in a games challenge, utilising the retro systems on display at the exhibition. Over 30 competitors dusted off joysticks and reignited their finger-bashing skills to battle through 8 rounds on classic games, including Jetpack and Daley Thompson’s Olympic Challenge on the Spectrum 128k, Sonic the Hedgehog and Micro Machines on Sega Megadrive, and MarioKart and Goldeneye on the Nintendo 64.
Winners at knockout stage then took part in finals on Nintendo Wii in the BIC’s central atrium area, before John Hudson of Online Video CV Ltd proved victorious, defeating Matt Jenkinson of IT firm DaMtech to be crowned Games Challenge champion.
The BIC will continue to display many of the items from the exhibition in its Big Ideas facility over the summer. To make an appointment to visit, email marketing@ne-bic.co.uk.
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