A technology demo is a prototype, rough example or an otherwise incomplete version of a product, put together with the primary purpose of showcasing the idea, performance, method or the features of the product. They can be used as demonstrations to the investors, partners, journalists or even to potential customers in order to convince them of the viability of the chosen approach. A frequent example of tech demos in the computer industry is Douglas Engelbart's demonstration of oN-Line System in 1968 . Computer technology demos should not be confused with demoscene-based demos, which, although often demonstrating new software techniques, are regarded as a stand-alone form of computer art.
Fakes
Occasionally, technology demos prove out to be rigged or even completely fake. For example, an empty case with some blinking LEDs can be presented as the product, a demo of Internet QoS software can be done on a LAN with manually-regulated traffic, and a pre-rendered video or pictures with notably higher-quality models or resolution can be presented as actual game footage. This last example happens so often in the game industry, it has earned the nickname bullshot. "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from a rigged demo." - Andy Finkel
See also
- Game demo. A game demo is usually distinguished from the full game not by being unfinished or untested, but by deliberately including only a portion of the full game's content (released to advertise the game and prove its quality to prospective players).
External links
- The mother of all demos - Douglas Engelbart's demonstration
- 3dfx technology demos - from 1997 "Wizard of Tower" demo for Voodoo1 to 2000 "Rocketburger" demo for Voodoo5.
