From: cyberoid@u.washington.edu (Robert Jacobson) Subject: EVENT: "Net in the VET," WSA Online Advantage, Seattle, Feb. 13-14 Date: 19 Jan 1996 19:17:21 GMT Organization: Worldesign Inc., Seattle For More Information on the VET, Call: Shannon Smith, Worldesign Inc. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! Phone: 206/781-5253 January 18, 1996 Fax: 206/781-5254 Email: shannon@well.com Fax: 206/889-8014 ONLINE ADVANTAGE '96 PREMIERS VIRTUAL REALITY TOUR OF THE INTERNET: WASHINGTON SOFTWARE ASSOCIATION HOSTS WORLDESIGN'S "THE NET IN THE VET" BELLEVUE, Wash. The Washington Software Association (WSA) and the Digital Media Alliance (DMA) today announced that Worldesign, Inc., will create an immersive 3-D virtual environment, "The Net in the VET," in which Online Advantage '96 (OLA) attendees can tour the Web. Sponsors for this first-time jump into cyperspace include Sun Microsystems, Inc., Netscape, Inc., and AmPro Corporation, among others. "Attendees can participate in a truly unique experience," said Kathy Wilcox, executive director for WSA. "Attendees will share virtual space and a kinetic tour of the Internet's World Wide Web. This is the first time for this kind of convergence and OLA attendees will have an opportunity to see it here first." Worldesign's Virtual Environment Theater (VET) is a large cube, 10-feet to a side, will take attendees into virtual space using high- resolution projectors (270-degrees of projection surface) and 3-D surround-sound. Worldesign Inc. is an award-winning Seattle-based software development company specializing in advanced-interface products for online business applications. VET participants immersed in a 3-D virtual environment where participants will be able to tour Web sites in a way that has never been previously experienced. Attendees will "commutate," a term used by Worldesign CEO Dr. Robert Jacobson to describe the sensation which, more similar to flying than walking, simulates how the mind perceives and interacts with the environment. "The Net in the VET" will hold up to 10 people at one time and will last about eight minutes, providing a simultaneous experience of virtual worlds using VRML. OLA attendees interested in touring "The Net in the VET" may sign up online at Worldesign's Web site, http://www.worldesign.com/worldesign or during the conference. The VET will feature visits to the most exciting and ground- breaking Web sites and exhibit new technologies such as HotJava and JavaScript, leading softwares from Sun Microsystems and Netscape. In addition, "The Net in the VET" will demonstrate Web features not possible on conventional computer monitors, according to Jacobson. "We are definitely breaking new ground and opening up the Web for group experiences and applications." OLA '96, held in the Meydenbauer Conference Center February 13 and 14, features two full days of keynotes, panels and presentations by the software industry's best and brightest. Over 60 exhibitors will show off the latest in creative software products and services. For more information on the conference or to register for OLA call 206/889-8880 or http://www.onlineadvantage.com The Washington Software Association is the main association for software and digital media companies in Washington State. Founded in 1984, the organization has a membership of over 1,000 members, and is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the nation. EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, pictures of the VET, or to sign-up for the private press showing of the VET on February 13 at 6:00-7:00 p.m., please contact Michele Ruegg (Mruegg@aol.com) at Kaufer Miller Communications at 206/450-9965. Virtual Environment Theater and VET are trademarks of Worldesign Inc. [MODERATOR'S NOTE: Commercial postings are offered on this newsgroup as a public service. Their appearance here does not indicate endorsement by the moderators or by the USENET or its administrators.]