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Kaneva04.25.08 |
Kaneva combines social networking and media sharing in the setting of a 3D virtual world.
Kaneva combines social networking and media sharing in the setting of a 3D virtual world. Developed by Kaneva Inc., the virtual world launched in March 2007 and has more than 800,000 current users. In Kaneva, users can decorate their virtual houses with not only furniture, but their own photos, music, and favorite YouTube videos and television shows as well. Users can buy Kaneva currency with US dollars to purchase new furniture, clothing, and accessories. Users can meet and chat with others in public areas including virtual malls. Kaneva prides itself on its simplicity, making it easily accessible to those who are new to virtual spaces.
Basics
Publisher: Kaneva, Inc.
Launch Date: 2006
Number of registered accounts: Over 300,000
Target Audience: Ages 13+
Cost and subsequent subscription fees: Kaneva is free to download and use.
General Description: The virtual world of Kaneva is a 3D social online world aimed at youths and adults. Kaneva provides users with a personal room, where they can purchase and display furniture, show videos and photos, and invite other users to visit. Users can visit virtual clubhouses and comedy clubs, and public spaces also target special interest groups such as anime fans.
Technical
Platform: PC
2-D, full 3-D, or other: 3D virtual world
Special hardware required (upgraded video card, sound card, etc): None
Language availability: English
Option for authoring (can users create and build?): No.
Design tools available: Not applicable.
Search (does the world offer a way to search users and/or places?): Yes, users can search for interest groups and communities as well as individual people. People can be searched by gender, age, location, hometown, interests, relationship status, religion, ethnicity, education level, height, personal habits, or by profiles with photos.
Security (is there protection against hacking, identity theft, or theft of IP?): Users are not allowed to create items.
Can the virtual world be accessed through mobile devices: No.
Can the virtual space be accessed offline: No.
Is the world persistent? (Does the world continue when the user logs off): Yes.
Legal & Management
Entry (what personal information is required?): Birthdate, email address, gender, country, zip code
Is a free trial account available (if so, what are the account restrictions)? All accounts are free.
Are there age restrictions: All users must be 13 years of age or older.
User Profiles (what do they contain?): Age, location, gender, username, friends, blog posts, screenshots, interests, and personal comments.
Privacy management (protecting personal data, information sharing with other companies): As per company privacy policies, no personal information is shared with other companies.
If a premium membership exists, what benefits are there to upgrading? Users can purchase additional land or space to build night clubs, clubhouses, or even have an island retreat.
Can access be restricted to designated groups? Kaneva allows 18+ content, which is accessible only with an 18+ access pass. Users must pay $14.99 a year to access this content.
Intellectual Property management (who owns users' creative works?): Users cannot create items.
Are there in-world moderators: Users can request that a moderator investigate their issues with Kaneva or other members.
Management of abusive behavior: Users can have their account suspended or banned depending on the severity of the offense. Moderators may alter or delete posts, blogs, pictures, or content that is deemed inappropriate or offensive.
Virtual Space
Avatar description (are they customizable?): Avatars begin as basic human male or females. New clothing can be purchased through the Kaneva store, including 18+ content.
Is in-world property ownership available? Yes, all users are given a hangout made up of rooms that they are able to customize to their hearts’ content. Users can also purchase larger rooms once they have the credits for it. Property spans from apartments, to night clubs, to green pastures free for building.
What are the common meeting places? The Underground is a popular place in Kaneva. The Underground is an 18+ club accessible only if the user carries the access pass. Users can chat and dance to the music in this popular night club.
Video or animation capabilities: Users can set up streaming video and animations in their virtual spaces; if a user has a TV in their personal home, they can add a link or upload a video to be played. When a user visits your home, if they turn on your television, they will see the video that you uploaded.
Are there any restrictions on what users can create in their "owned" space? Users cannot create mature content in their own personal spaces without the 18+ access pass. Users who have the pass and create 18+ content can restrict others without the pass from their personal spaces.
Example of a prominent corporation present in the virtual world: Youtube, TBS
Socialization/Communication
Does the world include in-world instant messaging? You can private whisper another user.
Out of world instant messaging? No.
In-game email? Yes.
Blog space? Yes.
Screenshot or photo albums? Yes
Can other users be blocked or ignored? Yes, users can be ignored or blocked if found offensive.
Is there language filtering? Yes, by default inappropriate language is filtered.
Economy
Does the virtual world have currency? Kaneva uses credits (bought with real life cash) and rewards (earned) as its official currency.
How does the user obtain currency in-world? Users can obtain credits by purchasing them directly from Kaneva. Rewards are earned by participating in the virtual world, such as attending and throwing parties, decorating your personal space, and chatting with other users.
Can a user convert real world cash to in-world currency? Yes. Credits begin at $9.99 for 2000 and larger purchases qualify for discounts.
How does the company assist with in-world trade? (Official commerce sites/auction sites/etc): Kaneva sells virtual items through a web catalogue only.
Does it cost money or currency to upload user created content? Files are free to upload and link.
Educational Presence
Prominent educational, government and corporate organizations known to be using this product for educational purposes: None known.
Examples of areas in which instruction is currently offered: None.
Are there special privileges for instructors? None.
Are there virtual classrooms or meeting areas? No.
Strengths of this product as an educational or learning tool: None.
Opportunities for Philanthropy
Prominent educational, government and corporate organizations known to be using this product for philanthopic purposes: None known.
Are there zones or areas reserved for promoting real life issues? No.
Do users find the virtual world an appropriate place for philanthropy? No, Kaneva is primarily used as a social hangout and virtual nightclub for 18+ members.
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