The Khronos Group has recently announced the completion of WebGL 1.0, a new web based graphics library that provides a 3D graphics API (Application Programming Interface) without the need for plug-ins. This enables the rendering of interactive 3D graphics directly within your browser. Pretty cool, but while it’s supported by Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Safari, Microsoft has decided not to support it in their upcoming Internet Explorer 9.
This should not come as a surprise since WebGL’s predecessor, OpenGL, is a competitor of Microsoft’s DirectX. If all of this technical jargon is a bit much for you, think of it like this, while OpenGL and DirectX are software packages that turn your desktop into a gaming machine, the new WebGL API does the same to your browser. Although browser based video games have been around for quite awhile, this new technology will increase both the performance and appearance of them.
Microsoft has instead decided to implement any 3D web graphics through plug-ins such as Adobe Flash and Silverlight. They have yet to release any native 3D rendering software, but instead insist that the current plug-in architecture is adequate. This of course doesn’t mean we won’t see a web-based implementation of DirectX sometime in the future.
WebGL isn’t without its competitors, the Aves Engine and Rocket Pack are also providing non-plug-in based browser rendering using the HTML5 standard and JavaScript. Zynga, who owns Dextrose AG, the creators of The Aves Engine is well known for their large catalog of Facebook browser games. Rocket Pack is backed by Disney, and their first game, Warimals is already available for download. Adobe’s flash isn’t about to give up either, they are developing a more robust 3D implementation of flash called Molehill. It is unlikely that any one of these new technologies will come to dominate the market, but will coexist, providing web programmers with a wide array of options.
One impressive aspect of these new technologies are the non-gaming applications currently in development. One application runs alongside Google maps and provides a 3D viewing window alongside driving directions. Although it’s in the nascent stages, this could add real value to GPS based navigation systems.
If you are interested in previewing these new technologies you will need to download and install test versions of the latest operating systems. Directions on how to do this can be found here. If you’re interested in testing Internet Explorer 9, a release candidate can be found on Microsoft’s website. An interesting site that uses new IE9 features to map the night sky can be found here.
If you are a developer wishing to learn more about WebGL libraries, or are casual user interested in previewing some demos, these websites provide a wealth of information and tools on the subject.
http://www.ambiera.com/copperlicht/index.html
Bio: Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go College, where recently she’s been researching college grants for women as well as financial aid programs. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, practicing martial arts, and taking weekend trips.
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I have seen wonders happening with html5. The special effect html5 sites, eye caching google doodles, time consuming addictive games and what not. This 3D things coming in with web browser will revolutionize internet and user’s experience. Lets wait and watch the upcoming technological crest.
So very true! That’s all I needed, something to keep me even more fascinated with the internet!
It is nice to see that the tech companies are responding well to the increasing demands of internet users. HTML 5 has been a very fine example and with introduction of new technologies from big names in tech, it would surely see a new horizon.