Welcome to MetaGoo

MetaGoo is an ideas company. We develop new concepts in interface design, software tools, online education and games

Mariner, Release 1

Mariner is about to launch with Release 1 of the product. An unfortunate robbery at our CBD offices last weekend has slowed us a week (good news is the cops are having some success with that). There was a demonstration of Mariner to a small group on Friday 3rd July. This is a great learning tool for boating safety. It has taken more than a year longer to produce than we anticipated, and it's a much better product than anyone thought it would be. This is Release 1, but we're constantly coming up with new features, so there will be monthly releases throughout 2009.

Interested?

Over the next few days we'll put some screenshots up here so you can see Mariner properly. As soon as the online shopping cart technology is in place, MetaGoo will offer downloads of Mariner. It will also be available to purchase using more-traditional methods such as invoice, cheque, or even popping in to our offices next to Kirkaldies for a demo and hopefully a sale.

Stay in touch

MetaGoo encourages anyone who has an interest in Mariner to email us at the address below, or email Dan directly at dan@metagoo.com, or call us (use the mobile for out-of-hours calls). We'll make sure you are emailed or called as soon a the product is offered for sale, which is any day now

More Detail about Mariner

Mariner simulates various ocean scenes. Release 1 shows buoys, markers, other vessels etc. in the scenes. In Learning mode, mousing-over the object gives learning information; in Quiz mode, mousing-over an object tests your knowledge.

There are at least fifty objects to learn about, set in three different three-sixty degree scenes. It is just like standing in the cockpit and turning around to view everything on the water. The Learner is able to control the environment, for example the sun can be made to set, and rise again. As the light fades, the various lights twinkle on, so teaching the Learner all about lights at night also. There is also the option to turn visual "pollution" on or off - streetlights on shore, for example.

Looking up shows not just the sky and clouds, but teaches about different cloud formations and their signal to the mariner of weather ahead.

The software is a download that then runs on a Windows, Mac or Linux computer without any further need to connect to the internet - it is a stand-alone "swf" file. In fact, we'll ship it on CD also, for the minority who'd rather not download larger files. It can be set to run on older computers - the bottom limit may be 800Mhz. The screen is designed for modern widescreen monitors, but again it will display on older monitors too.

We at MetaGoo have had so many new ideas of what Mariner could do, that the only way to squeeze it all in is to release upgrades once a month (Release 1, Release 2 etc). Otherwise we'd be developing in perpetuity and never getting it in front of you. For example: Birds will enliven the scenes in Release 2, and looking down at the deck will show various knots and wrinkles, and how to tie them. Plus there will be a whole lot more in Release 2. In Release 3, expect amongst other things to see the Westpac helicopter chop its way cross the screen, and some new scenes such as Marlborough Sounds.

The cost of Mariner will be kept low enough to be easily obtainable, at this time we intend to sell for NZ$25. As functionality increases, so will the cost increase, but anyone who as already purchased will simply receive free upgrades. So it makes a lot of sense to get involved now. The product is already well worth NZ$25, will sell initially for more overseas, and will increase in price with time.

MetaGoo really appreciates your comments and feedback, please feel free to email or call us to discuss any aspect of this