Found reference to this bit while surfing SmartMobs
EmoteMail is an email client that is augmented to convey aspects of the writing context to the recipient. The client captures facial expressions and typing speed and introduces them as design elements. These contextual cues provide extra information that can help the recipient decode the tone of the mail. Moreover, the contextual information is gathered and automatically embedded as the sender composes the email, allowing an additional channel of expression.
So I feel this an interesting step toward bringin more natural interfaces to internet communication. In order to widen the channel so as to leave less room to mis-interpretation and at the same time allowing more commitment and trust in the media (see also early thoughts about this topic)
This make me think about books and how much I love 'em more than TV and Radio when it comes to "one way" communication...
So, these are my feelings:
- one way communication: the narrower the channel, the better. Because it allows more space to fantasy and imagination and creativity... I can transpose all concepts in my own internal language and get the most out of it.
- two way communication: the broader the channel, the better. Because I can get more intimate with the other communication endpoint, taking advantage of things like: paraverbal and nonverbal communication, environment.
Emotemail is a project made by Jussi Angesleva & Carson Reynolds (Media Lab Europe & MIT Media Lab), and it's available both for Mac and Win platforms.
Now, if only I had a webcam for the powerbook... ;)
