Zwinky
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zwinkies are customizable social avatars that are part of the MyWeb Searchbar on computers running Windows. A user creates a non-animated cardboard cutout-like character (a Zwinky) to represent himself or herself in any networking site or blog that supports Zwinkies. When users change the appearance of their Zwinkies, all sites in which that avatar is currently displayed will update accordingly.
Zwinky is currently advertised on social networking sites such as MySpace, along with television shows and networks which target young audiences. It is owned by IAC Search and Media and launched in June 2006.
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Side effects and Spyware
Zwinky adds the MyWeb Searchbar to the following applications: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, AOL 9.0 Email and Browser, Becky!, IncrediMail, MSN Dial-up Service, AOL Instant Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger.[1]
Once Zwinky is installed, the MyWeb Searchbar runs on startup. When users attempt to visit nonexistent pages, the software redirects them to search.mywebsearch.com. MyWeb Searchbar has been included on lists of known spyware.[2] A review from McAfee SiteAdvisor of the Zwinky website states, "In our tests, this site promoted downloads that some people consider adware, spyware or other potentially unwanted programs." There are also many user review complaints about the spyware that the Zwinky website supports.[3]
Zwinky features
Zwinktopia
On April 29, 2007, "Zwinktopia" was launched. The most prominent feature is a persistent world for Zwinky avatars to inhabit. Within this world, Zwinkies can purchase dormitories to live in and decorate using items purchased with Zbucks, the currency used in the virtual world, or a Zcard, a debit card. Zbucks can be earned by visiting areas and playing games within Zwinktopia, and by inviting friends to create their own Zwinkies. Zbucks can also be added to Zcards using PayPal or a major credit card. The virtual world includes many mini-games, and many brands that would appeal to tweens and teens.
Zwinky Chat Rooms
There are various chat rooms in Zwinktopia, including: The End Zone, The Omegaaad, The Dungeon, The Abacus, Graveyard, ZSU, ZSI, Beach, Underwater, Park, Stage Z, The Colozeeum, Splash, Zarcadia, ZeePlex, Kingpin Korner, Zwinchester Mall, Lexi Hall, Bus Stop, Java Jolt, The Cafe, Heaven, Hell, Zlux, and Wishlist.
Zwinchester Mall/Z-Lux Boutiques
Boutiques in the Zwinchester mall is the place Zwinkies like to shop. There are 11 boutiques in the Zwinchester Mall. The following stores are: The Castle, University Club, Like Dat, The lair, The Surf Shop, Z's Greetings, Z Avenue, Shoebuy, Rocawear, Z-Loft, and HodgePodge. There are 2 virtual fast food restruants for hangouts like Z's Burgers, Z's Pizza. There are seasonal boutiques over time for Christmas (ZaLalala (2007)/Deck The Halls (2008)/The Wishlist (2009)) , Halloween (House of Boos (2007), The Skeleton's Closet (2008), Boo-tique (2009)), and Valentine's Day (XOXO (2008), Red (2009)). The former boutique was The Rock Vault in which it was closed in March 2009, and there was a boutique called Sears for the "Arrive" promotion.
4 new boutiques arrived in Zwinktopia, in the Z-lux mall. The special boutiques are Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, T-Pain, and Justin Timberlake.
Events in Zwinky
Over time in Zwinky, Zwinky hosts events like Prom, Halloween Parties, Winter Wonderland, New Year's Eve festivities, Valentine's Day parties, Sears Arrive event at Lexi Hall, Zwinky's Birthday, Beach Parties, Medieval Days,and fashion shows.
Zwinky Cuties
In September 2008 IAC launched another Zwinky site called Zwinky Cuties. Zwinky Cuties targets girls ages 6 and up. The site operates like Zwinkies, but controls user chat by only allowing communication through a set of pre-approved words and phrases.[4]
Facebook connect
In September 2009, Zwinky allowed users to login and access other functionality1 using Facebook Connect. This feature connects his/her Zwinky account to his/her Facebook account in which Zwinkies post their Zwinky avatar to the Facebook wall, and to recruit their Facebook friends to join Zwinky. Zwinkies also check their friends' list to see if they're connected with Facebook.
Artists
These artists and bands have a featured profile in Zwinky.
- Slipknot
- Nickelback
- Sex Pistols
- Kelly Rowland
- Teddy Geiger
- Scott Ian
- Lil' Mama
- Jordan McCoy
- 50 Cent
- Aly & Fila
- Jason Fox
- Chris Brown
- Jordin Sparks
- Hinder
- Crash Romeo
- Paloma Faith
Movie Promotions
Zwinky has also promoted some movies at the Zeeplex Movie Theater in Zwinktopia. These movie promotion activities however were only available while the movies were still shown in theaters or available for DVD purchases.
References
- ^ ""Features"{". zwinky.com.
- ^ ""Chapter 6: Top Spyware Threats"". PCSecurityNews.com Spyware Report. @Motion, Inc.. http://www.pcsecuritynews.com/spyware_top_threats.html. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
- ^ ""zwinky.com - Web Safety Ratings from McAfee SiteAdvisor"". http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/zwinky.com. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
- ^ "IAC Consumer Applications & Portals Debuts Zwinky Cuties". GlobeInvestor.com. http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/PRNEWS.20080916.NY33096/GIStory. Retrieved September 19, 2008.
A windows (pop-into) of information (full-content of Sensagent) triggered by double-clicking any word on your webpage. Give contextual explanation and translation from your sites !
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