Since VRLM/X3D times there was no other interesting replacement for web 3D graphics. Unfortunately VRML/X3D was also not so widely used as it was expected. Perhaps it was to innovative for its times.
Around two weeks ago Google (in contribution with Khronos) released new JavaScript API for creating interactive 3D graphics applications that run directly in a browser window using a special plug-in. More information here.
At this moment there are only few configurations that are fully supported and my old hardware is not on this list. Just to get a taste of O3D I used my friend’s computer to create a simple example with o3djs.simple utility library.
example 1 example 2
It took around a quarter to create each of above examples. O3djs.simple library is anyway only for very basic use. Despite the fact, that this library is simple and does not allow many useful functions, is a bit slow. But OK, JavaScript is slow in general.
On the website there are many more advanced samples showing features that should please professionals.
At the end there are good news that should gratify both basic, and advanced graphics: there is a possibility to convert contend from few programs (e.g. Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, and Google SketchUp) using COLLADA Converter, and load it directly in o3d.
Reading comments on Google o3d blog I saw many voices pro but also some against this new approach. One is sure: it is worthy of keeping track on it.
Nice examples. :) Pity you had to use a friend's computer to use O3D. There are currently technologies around that are much more mature and works on almost all hardware.
ReplyDeleteWhile not open-source, the Unity web plug-in has gained wide popularity. For example, Cartoon Networks made their fullblown MMO FusionFall as a 3D in-browser game with Unity ( http://www.fusionfall.com ). It's very affordable though, so small indie game developers use it too, to create games such as Off-Road Velociraptor Safari and RC Laser Warrior.
It's also interesting how Google's Beach Demo looks similar to Unity's vast Tropical Paradise Demo (except this one is a huge island and has collision physics):
http://unity3d.com/gallery/live-demos/tropical-paradise
Nevertheless it will be interesting to see where things will be going with an open source project like this!