The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space
Published by 4th Wave, Inc.
Issue #727 10/08/97
--------------------------------------
CONTENTS
727.1 Quick News By John Latta,
Jonathan Sunberg
Primary Image Announces Piranha
(October 1)
As a follow-up to an earlier story in WAVE, Primary Image
has formally announced its Piranha product. Using 3Dfx chips it
will support full-screen anti-aliasing with 24-bit color textures
and high-resolution images (1280 x 1022).
http://www.primary-image.com/
----
Oak Creates Reference Design with DVD and
3D
(September 23)
Oak's Tableau reference design combines Oak's WARP 5 3D Graphics
Accelerator, its Troika DVD Presentation Engine and the IDB DirectShow
DVD Navigation Software. Tableau melds three technologies from
Oak. Oak's IDB is a complete end-to-end 32-bit DVD software environment
for the PC and the market's only navigator supporting Windows
95 and DirectShow that is available for production today. IDB
provides a modular DirectShow filter graph environment, allowing
a hardware, hybrid or complete software DVD solution in the PC.
IDB is DVD 1.0 compliant. It supports a complete MCI layer, does
not require MMX, supports Windows 95 OSR2 and provides a migration
path to Windows 98. The Tableau reference design will be available
at the end of October for evaluation. BOM is in the sub-$100 range,
depending on features and options.
http://www.oaktech.com
----
Fujitsu ASICs use .25 micron Technology
(September 24)
Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. will begin
marketing the new CS71 Series of standard cells and CE71 Series
of embedded arrays in the first quarter of 1998. Both new products
use 0.25 micron CMOS technology, with effective 0.18 micron transistors
and 0.8 micron pitch wiring. The new CS71/CE71 series will increase
density while reducing design time for new system LSIs. Fujitsu's
announcement of the new CS71/CE71 series also addresses new assembly
technology with fine-pitch pads and a new package design, a wide
range of package options with enhanced pin-to-gate ratio has been
made available. These include: QFP (maximum 304-pin), EBGA (maximum
672-pin), FBGA (maximum 288-pin), TBGA (maximum 720-pin) and FCBGA
(maximum 1600-pin). Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. designs, markets
and manufactures advanced semiconductor and electronic devices
including memory products, embedded and SPARC processors, and
3-D/multimedia products.
http://www.fujitsumicro.com/
----
E&S Will Supply Simulators to United
Airlines
(September 24)
Evans & Sutherland was chosen by United Airlines to supply
six visual systems for its training center. This is the largest
order ever booked by the E&S unit since its formation in 1994.
These simulators are scheduled for delivery to UA's Flight Training
Center in Denver, over a nine-month period, beginning in mid-1998.
E&S will deliver complete visual systems for four new full
flight simulators, including two B747s, a B757, and an A320, as
well as two systems to upgrade existing B777 and B737 simulators.
The visual systems will be integrated into flight simulators being
built for United Airlines by CAE Electronics, Canada, and by Thomson
Training & Simulation, UK. The visual systems are based on
E&S's ESIG(R)-3350GT image generator, ESCP-2000 raster/calligraphic
projectors, and a 150 x 40-degree field-of-view display system.
http://www.es.com/
----
EA Ships NHL98 with 3D
(September 24)
Electronic Arts has begun the shipment of NHL 98 for the PlayStation
and PC. NHL 98 includes 3-D polygonal players that incorporate
the use of state-of-the-art motion capture technology where real
NHL players have been digitized into the game to provide authentic
animations and player graphics. NHL 98 features all of the NHL
teams, logos and over 700 players with the latest trades, statistics,
and player ratings. Each player has his name and number on his
uniform, including those that are made in the "create a player"
mode. The role of general manager can also be assumed in the transactions
mode in order to trade, create and release players. NHL 98 has
eight different camera angles and unlimited instant replay angles,
allowing players to view the hockey action from down on the ice,
in the press box or up in the rafters. Enhanced sound effects
include chanting crowds, grinding blades against the ice, the
slamming of the penalty box door and stadium-pounding organ music.
NHL 98 for both the PC and the PlayStation carry a suggested retail
price of $49.95 per product.
- http://www.ea.com/
----
Zoran/CompCors SoftDVD supports 3D Audio
(September 29)
Zoran/CompCore SoftDVD now supports Aureal Semiconductor's
A3D Surround 3D Audio Software. Aureal's A3D Surround audio software
is now available as a 3D audio option that interoperates with
Zoran/CompCore's SoftDVD product. SoftDVD is a software application
program that enables users to playback DVD Hollywood movies on
their PCs. By implementing A3D Surround software on the SoftDVD
platform, PC users will now be able to experience surround sound
using only two speakers. SoftDVD provides a software platform
to tie together many diverse technologies including MPEG-2 video
decoding, Dolby Digital audio decoding, DVD navigation capabilities,
tamper resistant copy protection, and audio virtualization software
from companies like Aureal.
http://www.zoran.com
http://www.aureal.com/
----
Microware’s OS-9 Selected by Sun
for PersonalJava Reference
(September 29)
Microware Systems Corporation announced that its OS-9 real-time
operating system (RTOS) has been chosen as a reference implementation
platform for PersonalJava by Sun Microsystems, Inc. In an effort
to promote PersonalJava for use in smart products for the consumer
and business markets, Sun will make Microware's PersonalJava implementation
on OS-9 available for evaluation and demonstration. Microware
was one of the first real-time operating system software companies
to license Java and the HotJava browser from Sun Microsystems
in February 1996. In April 1997, Microware expanded its Java license
to include EmbeddedJava and PersonalJava APIs from JavaSoft.
http://www.microware.com
http://java.sun.com/products/personaljava
http://www.sun.com
http://java.sun.com/
----
Infini-D 4.1 for Windows Ships
(September 30)
Infini-D 4.1 for Windows 95 and NT is now shipping and represents
the most significant revision of Infini-D since its initial release
six years ago. Extensions include MetaCreations' Real Time Geometry
(RTG) multi-resolution technology and interactive 3D-over-video
compositing. Users can adjust polygon count on any 3-D model to
optimize rendering and animation performance on their machine.
3-D artists and game developers can create multiple versions of
the same model at different resolutions, a feature not available
in any other 3-D package in Infini-D's price category. This combines
video integration, 3-D animation power, high-end special effects
and RTG technology. Infini-D 4.1 is targeted to video professionals,
as well as animation and multimedia artists in both the broadcast
and corporate arenas.
Infini-D 4.1 is currently available for Windows 95 and NT at
a suggested price of $899; Upgrade Price is $199
http://www.metacreations.com/
---
Compaq Gets Aggressive in the Workstation
Market
(October 1)
Compaq is offering workstations at desktop price points through
reductions in the Professional Workstation 5000 line. The 2D graphics,
multiprocessor-capable Professional Workstations now have a starting
price as low as $2,669. With additional price reductions and a
$1,600 channel rebate the price of 3D graphics workstations is
now down to 2D graphics workstation prices. For example, the Professional
Workstation 5000 with Elsa Gloria-L graphics now starts at $3,859.
With pricing on the newly introduced Pentium II processor-based
Compaq Professional Workstation 5100 the starting price with the
Pentium II-based system with its Highly Parallel System Architecture
begins at $3,449. Further, the pricing on the Compaq Professional
Workstation 6000 line has been reduced by up to 29 percent, and
a Pentium II processor-based minitower workstation begins as low
as $3,599.
- http://www.compaq.com/
---
Guillemot International Announces Maxi
Gamer 3D
(September 26) by John Latta
For $199, Guillemot International is offering the Maxi Gamer 3D
basedon 3Dfx’s Voodoo chip. The card has a 2MB frame buffer
and 2MB texture buffer. Included in the bundle will be Pod and
Sub Culture.
http://www.guillemot.com/
----
Pixel Releases the Computer Animation Dictionary
by John Latta
With over 4,000 entries covering 247 pages the Computer Animation
Dictionary is a unique resource. Created by Robbi Roncarelli,
the book costs $24.95.
The company also publishes a directory of Producers, Schools
and Resource Companies in the Animation business. This directory
is updated daily and copies are printed from the database. In
book form it costs $89. In electronic form it is $890 per year
with quarterly updates. For orders fax to
(416) 424-1812
e-mail: pixel@inforamp.net
http://www.pixel.on.ca/
---
Microsoft Releases List of DirectSound
5.0 Developers
(October 6)
In support of its DirectSound 5.0 and DirectSound 3D APIs Microsoft
announced that its developers include: Analog Devices Inc., Aureal
Semiconductor Inc., Aztech Labs Inc., Chromatic Research Inc.,
Cirrus Logic Inc., Creative Labs Inc., Diamond Multimedia Systems
Inc., DiamondWare Ltd., Dream-Atmel, ENSONIQ Corp., ESS Technology
Inc., EuPhonics Inc., Focal Point 3D Audio, Harman Interactive
Group, NeoMagic Corp., Oak Technology Inc., Philips Electronics,
QSound Labs Inc., Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Roland Corp.,
S3 Inc., Spatializer Audio Laboratories Inc., Texas Instruments
Inc., Trident Microsystems Inc. and Yamaha Systems Technology
Inc.
http://www.microsoft.com/
- ----
727.2 Conference Announcement
-
- Conference Announcement - SOFTBANK Forums and the AFI
Announce First Networked Entertainment World
(September 25)
SOFTBANK Forums has joined with the American Film Institute
(AFI) to host the Networked Entertainment World (N.E.W.) Conference,
the first gathering of industry leaders focusing on the future
of entertainment on the Internet. Ziff-Davis Inc. has signed
as a co-sponsor of the event. The N.E.W. Conference is scheduled
for Feb. 11-13, 1998, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills,
Calif. The N.E.W. Conference is a by-invitation-only forum where
leaders of the interactive entertainment, computer and communications
industries will meet to discuss the role the entertainment industry
will play in the development of the Internet as a mass consumer
medium. Participants at the two-day summit will include infrastructure
providers, tool and platform providers, creators of enabling
technologies, original content producers and holders of branded
properties, in addition to advertisers and their agencies, the
financial and investment community and foreign providers of content
and access.
http://www.sbforums.com/
----
- 727.3 ARS Announces Impact of Low
Cost PCs
(September 24)
- According to channel sources, PCs priced under $1,000 may
account for nearly 25% of retail PC sales. "The under $1,000
PC is one of the fastest growing categories of PCs," says
Michael Autrey, a Desktop PC Analyst at ARS. "In the past,
if a consumer wanted a PC priced below $1,000, they would have
to settle for a system that was out-of-date and usually being
blown out of inventory. Now, cost-conscious consumers have several
choices and can buy a well equipped PC with current technology
for under $1,000."
-
- Several manufacturers including Packard Bell NEC, Compaq,
and Acer have created new products specifically designed to hit
price points under $1,000. "Although some of these products
have limited upgradeability, they are helping manufacturers put
a second or third PC in the home, or penetrate a home that may
have been unable to buy a PC before," says Autrey. The fourth
sub-$1,000 offering from Compaq, the Presario 4505, started hitting
the retail stores and mail-order companies this week. The model
has an estimated channel margin of 9% and includes a 166MHz Pentium
processor with MMX technology, 16MB of SyncDRAM, a 2.1GB hard
drive, 16x Max CD-ROM drive, 1MB of Video RAM, and a 33.6 modem
that is upgradeable to 56k. Another model, Packard Bell NEC's
L197 model, with a 200MHz Pentium processor and the same basic
specifications as the Compaq model has been available in the
channel for $999 since mid-July.
-
- According to channel sources, Compaq and Packard Bell NEC
combined for between 52% and 55% of sub-$1,000 PC sales in July.
The full impact of the sub-$1000 product category is yet to be
seen. It is an investment category for many manufacturers. Although
they are expanding the market of users, in doing so, they are
also shifting some buyers to the lower margin PCs. "New
products in the sub-$1,000 PC category typically earn between
7 and 9 percent," says Autrey. "Offering these lower
priced PCs could consequently shift buyers away from PCs earning
12 to 15% channel margin, and that affects the PC manufacturer's
and reseller's revenue."
-
- This strategy of lower priced PCs may also impact the potential
market for Net PCs and TV web browsers such as WebTV. For instance,
Compaq's Deskpro 4000N Net PCs announced this week range in price
from $1,149 to $1,499.
-
- To help track the PCs that are available in the channel for
under $1,000 ARS has added a unique page on its web site devoted
to tracking Desktop PCs priced under $1,000. The new web site
page will be updated weekly and will provide viewers with a snapshot
of new, refurbished, and older PCs that are priced less than
$1,000 that are now available in the channel. Manufacturer, model,
configurations, price, and reseller are all noted on this new
sub-$1,000 web page. Currently, there are 53 Desktop PCs from
over 20 channel sources provided this. To see the listing of
sub-$1,000 PCs found in the channel, please visit the ARS web
site at
- http://www.ars1.com/
-
- ----
- 727.4 Java Makes Major Inroads into
Real Time OS
(September 24)
- Sun Microsystems Inc. announced that leading real-time operating
system (RTOS) vendors Acorn, Chorus, GeoWorks, Lucent Technologies,
Microtec, Microware, QNX and WindRiver Systems have been licensed
to integrate and sell the PersonalJava and EmbeddedJava platforms
with their products to deliver complete, Java-enabled embedded
software solutions to their customers. These companies represent
more than 50% of the total market for commercial real-time operating
systems which supports consumer devices like set-top boxes, webphones
and pagers.
-
- Sun also announced that it plans to post the final PersonalJava
specification and a "style guide" for building PersonalJava
applications next week.
- PersonalJava and EmbeddedJava are designed to complement
an RTOS and to allow consumer devices to run Java programs and
connect to any network. PersonalJava has been designed primarily
for devices with sophisticated displays while EmbeddedJava has
been designed for devices that have a character-based display
or no display at all.
-
- Sun has granted each RTOS vendor a license to resell PersonalJava
and EmbeddedJava binary code with their platforms to their customers,
the device manufacturers. This will enable the RTOS vendors to
offer a complete software solution to their customers. These
agreements come at a time when whole segments of the consumer
electronics industry are standardizing on PersonalJava and EmbeddedJava.
-
- Last month, telecommunications providers Alcatel, Nortel
and Samsung announced that they are incorporating PersonalJava
into their new webphone products.
-
- Sun also announced today that it plans to post the final
PersonalJava specification at
- http://java.sun.com/products/personaljava
-
- A style guide for building PersonalJava-enabled devices will
also be posted at
- http://java.sun.com/products/personaljava
- http://www.sun.com
- http://java.sun.com/
- ----
727.5 Vadem and General Software Combine
X86 core with BIOS
(September25)
Vadem, a supplier of x86 embedded single-chip PC platforms,
and General Software, a provider of BIOS and DOS for embedded
x86 applications, announced that Vadem's VG330 single-chip PC
is now supported by General Software's Embedded BIOS and Embedded
DOS-ROM products. Vadem's VG330 is a single-chip x86 solution
for embedded applications. General Software's support now provides
0EMs with an extended functionality, low-cost third party BIOS
solution for the VG330.
-
- The VG330 integrates peripheral controllers for a serial
interface, an LCD, PCMCIA, SIR, memory and dual interrupt controllers,
making it well suited to a broad range of embedded applications.
Additional, external peripheral controllers may be interfaced
to it via its ISA bus pins. General Software's Embedded BIOS
will provide support for the VG330's peripheral set, and support
its power management capabilities.
http://www.vadem.com/
- http://www.gensw.com
- ----
- 727.6 Intervista's WorldView 2.0 VRML
Browser to Ship with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0
(September25)
Intervista Software, has announced that its WorldView 2.0
VRML browser will ship with the release of Microsoft Internet
Explorer 4.0. The WorldView 2.0 browser will be an add-in option
for users downloading Internet Explorer 4.0.
- Intervista is also showcasing ten hot 3D multimedia demonstrations
that can be viewed with the new Internet Explorer 4.0 WorldView
capabilities. Check out:
- http://www.intervista.com/mastercorp/index.html
-
- 1) 3D Business Presentation and Reporting Application Demo
-
Intervista
-
- http://www.intervista.com/mastercorp/index.html
2) Web based Advertising - Out of the Blue
-
- http://www.outoftheblue.com/html/internet.htm
-
- 3) Entertainment - MediaDome and Protozoa - Driftwood
-
- http://www.mediadome.com/Webisodes/Protozoa/Fun/
-
- 4) Astronomy - Sagan Memorial on Mars
-
- http://mars.sgi.com/worlds/4th_planet/models/mp_latest_lo.html
-
- 5) Biomedical - The Human Brain Project
-
- http://hendrix.imm.dtu.dk/vrml/vrmlhome.html
-
- 6) Chemistry - Web Molecules
-
- http://molecules.com/vrmlmols/
-
- 7) Games - Spawn by Hollyworlds
-
- http://www.mediadome.com/Webisodes/Spawn/Game/
-
- 8) Product Demonstration - Intervista's Laptop demo
-
- http://www.intervista.com:80/3D/Laptop/Laptop.htm
-
- 9) Virtual Tours - Collegenet
-
- http://www.collegenet.com/vrml/
-
- 10) Educational - Aqualand
-
- http://vrml.fornax.hu/aqua/
----
727.7 Ray Dream 3D Ships
(September 26)
MetaCreations Corp. has announced it is shipping Ray Dream
3D. It is designed to introduce newcomers to 3-D and provides
a complete set of tools for 3-D modeling, rendering and animation
for both Macintosh and Windows platforms. Families, hobbyists
and graphics enthusiasts will be able to create 3-D graphics
and animated text and images. Built from the same engine as Ray
Dream Studio, MetaCreations' professional 3-D package, Ray Dream
3D provides first-time users an entry-level 3-D package with
a path for growth in the same familiar 3-D environment. For more
stylized looks, Ray Dream 3D's unique Natural-Media renderer
from ThinkFish Productions Inc. produces images resembling hand-drawn
styles like cartoons, paintings or sketches. Ray Dream 3D is
also a tool for producing content for the World Wide Web, supporting
VRML 1, VRML 2 and RealSpace VR formats for creating Web-ready
interactive 3-D environments.
Ray Dream 3D for Windows and Macintosh is available at an average
selling price that is expected to be less than $99. Customers
who own Ray Dream Designer may upgrade to Ray Dream 3D for $49
directly from MetaCreations. Ray Dream 3D customers may upgrade
to Ray Dream Studio for $199.
http://www.metacreations.com/
----
727.8 VIA Technologies VP3 Core Logic Chip
Set to Support 100MHz SDRAM
(September29)
VIA Technologies, Inc., has announced support for Double-Data-Rate
synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM). The upcoming new version of the
Apollo VP3 will further drive performance capabilities by upping
the CPU bus speed to 100MHz.
DDR SDRAM works by doubling the clock frequency rate, enabling
operation speeds beyond the 100MHz limit of SDRAM. DDR SDRAM will
eventually be available at operating speeds up to 250MHz, with
transfer rates then reaching 2.4GB/s. Designed to fit into a standard
168-pin DIMM socket, DDR SDRAM provides board-level integrators
a clear upgrade path. DDR SDRAM is one of three memory types slated
to accelerate next generation high performance and multimedia
intensive PCs. Other next-generation DRAM types, including Rambus
(dRDRAM) and SLDRAM, require considerable re-workings of the current
mainboard platform and are not slated to become mainstream until
sometime after DDR SDRAM.
Based on proposals set forth at the most recent JEDEC council
meeting in Taipei, Taiwan, Sept. 8-12, DDR SDRAM is preceding
toward standardization. Samsung will be the first supplier, followed
by a number of other key memory vendors.
Apollo VP3 Key Features include:
-- FPM, EDO, SDRAM and DDR SDRAM (SDRAM II) support
-- Single chip 64-bit socket-7, 64-bit system memory, 32-bit PCI
and 32
bit AGP interfaces with VT82C597
-- Supports 66MHz and 133MHz AGP bus transfer rates and sideband
access
-- PC97 compliant ACPI/OnNow, UDMA and USB technologies with VT82C586B
-- 3.3v and sub 3.3v CPU interface, 3.3v (5v tolerant) DRAM, AGP
& PCI
interface
-- Support for up to 1GB of FPM, EDO, SDRAM memory types
-- Increased system reliability via optional memory system Error
Checking
and Correcting (ECC)
The two-chip Apollo VP3 is now in mass production. 100Mhz versions
of the chipset will be available in late Q4 '97/early Q1 '98.
Apollo VP3 is manufactured with .35-micron process.
http://www.via.com.tw/
----
727.9 Sega GameWorks Secures Preliminary
Injunction Against the Importation, Distribution and Operation
of Sega's Game "The House of The Dead" (September 29)
A preliminary injunction has been issued in connection with
the unlawful importation, distribution and operation of Sega's
hit coin-operated video game, "The House of the Dead."
The order was issued by Judge George King of the United States
District Court for the Central District of California in the copyright
infringement action brought by Sega Enterprises Ltd., and Sega
GameWorks L.L.C., the exclusive U.S. distributor for Sega coin-operated
video games, against an importer/dealer and an arcade operator.
"We are delighted that the Court has seen fit to validate
the important copyright interest of Sega being threatened by the
actions of this dealer and this operator," said Al Stone,
president of the game sales division of Sega GameWorks. "We
are confident that operators across the nation will get the message
that the only proper source of Sega games, the finest in the industry,
is from authorized Sega distributors, also the best in the industry."
http://www.gameworks.com/
WAVE Report Note:
This action is part of GameWorks efforts to halt the "parallel"
import of games that come to the US outside of the GameWorks distribution
channel. Up until recently the law permitted such parallel imports.
With the law having lapsed GameWorks is seeking to stem any import
of its products that it does not directly control in the US.
We find it ironic that as the coin-op business struggles, Sega
GameWorks seeks to send a message to the operators. This action
makes about as much sense as Apple telling Motorola, a supplier
of its PowerPC chips, that it can no longer sell Macintosh clones.
It is all about destroying a food chain to accelerate the decline
of a market. Short term gain for long term destruction.
----
727.10 Intergraph Announces ExtremeZ Graphics
Workstations for Graphics Arts, Prepress, and Publishing Markets
(September 30)
Intergraph Computer Systems announced its ExtremeZ Graphics
Workstations, a product line based on the Intel Pentium II. The
ExtremeZ Graphics Workstations are targeted to users of Macintosh
and other platforms to provide cost-effective Windows NT solutions
including bundled applications.
It is claimed that the ExtremeZ Graphics Workstations are the
only systems in the graphics, prepress, and publishing markets
to include features that address the connectivity, productivity,
and color management issues facing users in the publishing industry.
For example, the capabilities include:
Reading and writing any Macintosh-formatted media, including
-- Iomega Zip(TM) and Jaz(TM) disks and floppy disks
-- Full peer-to-peer connectivity to Macintosh OS systems through
AppleTalk
-- Printing from Windows NT-based machines to AppleTalk printers
-- Managing fonts with prebundled Adobe Type Manager more
-- Onscreen preview of color-calibrated imagery prior to output
with
prebundled color management software
The ExtremeZ Graphics Workstation product comes with the following
standard configuration:
-- 300 MHz Pentium II processors (single or dual)
-- 4 GB hard disk
-- 64 MB RAM
-- RealiZm II Z 13 OpenGL 3D graphics accelerator with DirectBurst
Technology
-- Windows NT Workstation 4.0
-- A complete connectivity package that includes: Miramar's PC
MACLAN
Connect for Windows NT; DataViz' MacOpener for opening Apple
formatted media; ColorSolutions CM Starter; and Adobe Type Manager
(ATM).
ExtremeZ Graphics Workstations are available with three software
bundles that include the market's most popular graphics applications:
-- Creator Bundle: QuarkXPress 4.0, MetaCreations Painter 5.0,
MetaCreations Kai's Power Tools and Convolver Special Effects
-- Designer Bundle: Adobe PhotoShop 4.0, MetaCreations Painter
5.0, MetaCreations Kai's Power Tools and Convolver Special Effects
-- Pro Bundle: Adobe PhotoShop 4.0, MetaCreations Painter 5.0,
MetaCreations Kai's Power Tools and Convolver Special Effects,
The ExtremeZ Graphics Workstation product line is available
immediately, with prices starting at $10,000 for a single 300
MHz Pentium II system with 64 MB of RAM and 4 GB of disk storage.
http://www.intergraph.com/ics/publish
- ----
727.11 JAVA and CE The Story at SD/Web
97
by Jonathan Sunberg
- During the week of September 29th Miller Freeman Inc. hosted
both the Web Design and Development (Web ’97) conference
and Software Development ’97 (SD ’97) conference in
Washington, DC. Workshops, roundtables, and product demonstrations
focused on the growing importance of Java development and the
Windows CE.
-
- Java Apps:
-
- In the Java arena Symantec seemed to attract the most interest
with its three new upgrades to Visual Café 2.0.
-
- Visual Café v2.0 for Java
Database Development Edition (DDE) $499.95
Full-scale Web and Java database application
with full JDK 1.1, JavaBeans, JAR and support for
over 30 databases.
Professional Development Edition (PDE) $299.95
Java development environment with Java Bean, JDK
1.1, HTML authoring, fast compilers, and debuggers.
Web Development Edition (WDE) $99.95
JDK 1.1, drag and drop Java Beans, and templates
for Web page creation.
-
- Of particular interest were the new Java-based charting and
graphics applications presented by NetFactory, Three/D/Graphics,
and KL Group that allow real-time, immersive graphic solutions
for web development.
-
- NetFactory introduced ChartBlaster, an impressive high-quality
charting program that allows users without any HTML or Java skills
to
create, edit, and publish Java powered graphs and charts on the
Web or
as a stand alone product. NetFactory has already gained 30 OEMs,
including Oracle, Hewlett-Packard, Sybase, Tivoli, and Cisco.
A full-
featured demo can be downloaded from NetFactory’s Website,
along with
a price list for all of NetFactory’s products at
http://wwww.netcharts.com
- Three/D/Graphics debuted Perspective JavaChart, a 100% native
Java
Bean and class library for creating charts in a Java environment.
A
beta version of Perspective JavaChart is currently available
on the
website and a final version is expected to ship in November for
$995/server. Three/D/Graphics website can be found at
http://www.threedgraphics.com.
- Windows CE
-
- Several companies announced software for Windows CE, based
on the introduction of Microsoft’s three new Windows CE
- Toolkits:
-
- -- Visual C++ 5.0: allows development among customized Windows
CE/OS
configurations.
- -- Visual Basic 5.0: enables Visual Basic development for
Windows CE
based devices.
- -- Visual J++ 1.1: Java application development and debugging.
-
- For a complete listing of new products and presenters at
the show, check out our SD/Web ’97 links page at http://www.fourthwave.com./
-
- Future of User Interfaces
-
- One of the most interesting presentations of the week came
from Jakob Nielsen of Sunsoft on the future of user interfaces.
Mr. Nielsen began by explaining, "present-day user interfaces
are not content oriented, instead application oriented. Pixels
(rather than using content) are instead taken up by junk."
His following table illustrated the misuse of display space on
the average web page;
-
- Small displays (15" or less)
-
- %age of display Use
- 31% UI Machinery (Scroll bars, pull-downs, etc.)
20% Actual content (in this case a map)
23% Site Navigation
10% Advertisement (i.e. banner)
16% Blank Space
-
- Mr. Nielsen continued by stating, "the problem is there
is too much site navigation needed within each website, because
the web browsers do not support navigation well themselves. (Browsers
have brought) little progress in supporting users."
- So, what would Mr. Nielsen offer to bring more content, standardized,
integrated information sites?
-
- "Websites should have alternatives to navigation."
He presented the strength of Amazon.com’s timeline navigation
feature, but further explained that more categories should be
available for users to choose, so he or she could customize the
search, such as offering a search based on author or best sellers
or subject. "Need to add richness to the user interface,"
explained Mr. Nielsen.
-
- Another example of adding richness was an example of a recycling
bin. He explained, "when a user would trash a very large
file a very loud noise would be made, when the user throws out
a small file a quieter noise occurs. Thus the user would be made
aware of the severity of trashing certain files."
-
- He also explained how web sites need to be scaled to the
speed which a modem is downloading the information. Thus sites
could offer less data if it is a slower modem and more data if
it is a faster modem.
-
- Mr. Nielsen also spoke of his thoughts on the importance
of some technologies in regards to interfaces
-
- Of import:
-
- Integrated Video Source
- Video will be important, but be careful not to offer real-time
video because it tends to attract the user’s eyes and take
away from the rest of the site.
- Eye Tracking
-
- Mr. Nielsen explained that Sun is very interested in eye
tracking technology. He explained one project where a user would
look at a picture and it would turn an image into a video based
on the eye contact.
- Star Fire VideoConferencing
-
- Instead of present-day "puppet-like" videoconferencing
systems. Mr. Nielsen spoke of a room-sized display that would
contain a full size wall with an image of people projected at
a table. Thus creating a sense that the people at the remote-site
are actually sitting at the boardroom table.
-
- Less important interaction styles:
-
- 3D
- Mr. Nielsen feels 2D is often better for N dimension data.
He further stated that, "3D creates confusion, not very
good outcome. For some things, though, it is good for (i.e. medical
apps and architectural planning). Navigating information spaces
only brings hassle. There are too many variables to control (x,y,z).
Users seem to almost always get lost, the user does not know
when he or she is walking, when he or she is flying, etc."
-
- Speech
-
- "The user still needs to know what to say. It really
is just a different way of giving commands." Speech will
have applications for driving, blind people, and people who can’t
use their hands.
-
- So what does Mr. Nielsen see as the User Interface of the
Next Generation?
-
- "Computers will be used to protect the user from excess
information. Content-driven interaction. Rich
attributes, explicit representation of quality, on multiple devices
(away from the box interface and into
multiple interfaces.) We need to get away from Mosaic look."
- http://www.useit.com/
- ----
727.12 Company Profile - Cyberware
by John Latta
-
- The WAVE Report spoke to Sue Addleman, Vice President, to
hear the company perspective on 3D and digitization. The company
began in 1982 and launched into larger markets in 1990 when it
introduced the Model 330/MS general-purpose scanner. Cyberware
is probably best known for its Whole Body Scanner the Model WB4,
which costs $410,000.
-
- At SIGGRAPH they introduced the Model 15 desktop unit. The
field-of-view is 10 X 6 X 3 inches. Its price is $22,900. The
unit comes complete with the scanning unit, motion subsystem
and software. The software only runs on SGI computers, however,
the company expects that its first Windows NT software product
will operate with the Model 15. The output of the digitization
is a "cloud of points." The optional software package
Cysurf, $2,000, converts the scanned output to NURBS. In addition,
this software can take a texture map from the scan and map it
onto the NURBS surface.
-
- The company has two software products that work with its
scanners: Echo and Plexus. Echo is used to control the digitizer
and includes digitizing, viewing, analysis and data modification
functions. There are three versions of Echo: Studio for basic
digitization, Technical with the modification and analysis functions
and Machining with all the capabilities including machining commands.
- Plexus also enables images and files to be combined, re-sampled
and viewed. The strength of this program is its ability to allow
users to manipulate and combine multiple scans.
-
- The focus of the company is the digitizers it manufactures,
yet, Sue stated that the software is an important advantage of
their products. The range of file formats and data manipulation
capabilities integrates the scanning with the ability of the
users to create a wide range of output products.
-
- Cyberware continues to be surprised at the many varied applications
their scanners are being put to. The application areas include
not only the obvious creation of objects for animation but the
digitization of ancient artifacts, medical research that includes
maps of body burns, reverse engineering and personal portraits.
One interesting application is the digitization of feet for custom
shoes. Cyberware is also participating in a research project
for the Defense Logistics Agency to do full body scans of military
recruits. This information would then be used to pull best presewn
uniforms and define the tailoring required for their exact fitting
on the recruits.
-
- http://www.cyberware.com/
-
- ----
727.13 – Creative Labs Announces
the Graphics Blaster Extreme
(September 23)
by John Latta
-
- Creative Labs has released three products based on 3Dlabs
Permedia II chips. The Graphics Blaster Exxtreme product line
includes the following.
-
- Value Edition
4MB 100MHz SGRAM
ESP $129.99
No Bundling
October Availability
- Home Edition
8MB SGRAM
ESP $149.99
November Availability
Game Bundle of 2 – 5 Games
- Professional
8MB 100MHz SGRAM
$199.99
November Availability
- All models include DirectX 5.0 support, OpenGL support for
both Windows 95 and Windows NT with an ICD. A VMI connector is
on each card also.
-
- Competing boards include those from ELSA, Leadtek, Symetric
and AccelGraphics. The Diamond Multimedia Fire GL 1000 card lists
for $299 with 8MB of memory.
-
- http://www.creativelabs.com
- ----
- 727.14 – Book Overview –
Phoenix – The Rise and Fall of Video Games
by John Latta
-
- This is the 2nd edition of the book by Leonard Herman. Self
published by the Rolenta Press it is the most complete history
of the home video game industry. Loaded with a wealth of information
and history. $19.95
-
- Rolenta Press
P.O. Box 3814
Union, NJ 07083
e-mail: rolenta@aol.com
- --------------------------------------
Copyright 1997 4th WAVE, Inc.
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