LudoCraft's Virtual Expo: Spherical Virtual Worlds Based On realXtend (Read more...)

Virtual Expo is a virtual world created within Tila - Spaces and Places programme coordinated by Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation.
Virtual Expo is created by the game studio LudoCraft which is also one of the main developers of realXtend.

"By getting to know the Virtual Expo, exploring its exhibitions, having meetings with avatars and participating in seminars one gets a personal experience of the possibilities that 3D graphics and sound have in improving communication and the immersive experience. The world can be created into an open online exhibition where companies can update their material in real time."

The new concept of Virtual Expo is that the worlds are spherical, not flat.

"In general virtual worlds have been flat so the challenge of creating a sphere was taken up.
As a shape it is technically challenging, especially creating a natural movement within it. Virtual Expo has succeeded in this.

The space is built up as a large sphere, inside of which the user moves with an avatar by either flying or walking.

Virtual Expo is not only a 3D modeling of reality but a vast space offering immersive experiences. It challenges and changes the entire concept of space.

There are waterfalls, autumn leaves, ice cubes - the seasons change as the user moves on the surface and comes across exhibition material and other users’ avatars."

Virtual Expo uses open source virtual world technology: it's built on the open source virtual world platform realXtend.

Also essential in Virtual Expo is the global avatar created in realXtend. Avatars can be easily moved between different worlds.

Instructions for creating a user account and getting to know Virtual Expo:
http://world.virtualexpo.fi

I will try to take some screenshots to show you these days, for now have a look to these others from realXtend and other works from LudoCraft.

Virtual Worlds In The PlayStation Portable (Read more...)

Sony wants to take their virtual world PlayStation Home to the PlayStation Portable, called Room.

Photo by JoshMcConnell

Users of PS Room will be able to build avatars, engage in real-time chat, and network with other players. It is aimed to a teen and kids audience. Not really a 3D world but something more like 2D toon graphics.

You can read more on PS Room here, and also look to some screenshots (not real yet, but simulated on how it will look like), here.

3DVIA Mobile Contest: 3D On Your iPhone, Win A Kindle (Read more...)

3DVIA has launched a new application for the iPhone. At the same time, there's a contest that has an Amazon Kindle as prize.

Log into and manage your 3DVIA.com account; search and interact with the thousands of models posted on 3DVIA.com; or create new art with 3DVIA Collage all from your iPhone. This can be done with the free software 3DVIA Mobile.

There's also a contest to win an Amazon Kindle, the ebook reader device. You must do a fun photo that contains a  dinosaur model with your iPhone.

http://www.3dvia.com/blog/3dvia-mobile-challenge/

Save $100 On Poser 8: Only $150 With DAZ3D (Read more...)

DAZ3D has just published a new offer: you can purchase Poser 8 for just $150, if are part of the Platinum Club, or join before purchasing Poser 8.

So it's simple, if you're a Platinum Club member, visit this link and get Poser 8 saving $100. If you aren't, join DAZ3D and the Platinum Club.

This offer expires October 6, 2009.

Gleman Jun: Dynamic 3D Art Inside Second Life (Read more...)

Gleman Jun is an artist that uses Second Life as a platform to show his works of art.

These days, you can watch some of them at S&S gallery of fine SL Art. These are dynamic artworks, that evolve through time.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hazel/3%20/221/1527

I recommend to visit his page at YouTube, where you can read more about this superb artist and watch more of his works.