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Screen Shots:
vrml01
vrml02
What it is:
A three-dimensional environment, sometimes called 3-D Worlds.
They can be standalone or shared.
They can incorporate sound and animation.
Sometimes are used as a simple interface, used as a way to navigate a site. In this scenario "real world" objects represent menu items or areas.
Browsers can be "synched" so that when people click on an object a particular page loads
It can also be used for entertainment, chatting, games, etc.
Example: PC Mag Technical Excellence Awards
Ambitious, live simulcast of an awards ceremony.
Avatar of our editor presented awards, while the text scrolled.
Each award category had its own room.
Example: Alphaworld
A fun shared world, where users could log in, set up a "virtual homestead" and build stuff, interact with other users, etc.
The business model was advertising and selling "space." For example, once you entered the world, you first had to "walk" through the town square, cluttered with billboards, etc. Alphaworld was selling the space. Also, there were stores, newsstands etc.
Although technologically advanced, it died from lack of interest from advertisers and potential partners.
Pros:
Interesting 'real-world' way to portray information.
Interacting with other users this way can be fun.
Good for things like walkthroughs of houses, streets, etc.
Game-like presentation can make browsing a site fun.
Cons:
Worlds can be difficult to develop
Plug-ins required, although both browsers come w/rudimentary players.
Even though VRML is vector based, downloads can be large.
Downloads aside, VRML worlds can take a lot of processor power.
Not easily integrated with Web content.
Sometimes the 3d navigation is difficult.
The "world" metaphor can get tiresome or confusing.
Examples:
Proteinman's Top Ten Gallery
Cybertown
Resources:
VRML User
Yahoo! (VRML)
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