From: pbeardow@superscape.com (Paul Beardow) Subject: ANNOUNCE:SUPERSCAPE TO EMBRACE VRML STANDARD FOR INTERACTIVE 3D Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 17:42:40 GMT Message-ID: <337b4a38.31075790@news.demon.co.uk> Organization: Superscape VR plc NEWS RELEASE: Thursday 15 May 1997 SUPERSCAPE TO EMBRACE VRML STANDARD FOR INTERACTIVE 3D -new VRML 2.0 browser under development -commitment to open standards with support for VRML (.WRL) and SVR file formats -endorsement from the VRML community Santa-Clara-based Superscape Inc, developer and publisher of 3D Web page authoring and interactive 3D (virtual reality) software announces that a new version of the company's Web browser, Viscape, is currently under development which will support the VRML 2.0 standard format (.WRL), in addition to the SVR file format. The new Viscape browser will be developed to pure VRML standards with no custom extensions, ensuring its compliance to true open standards. Superscape Inc is a charter member of the VRML Consortium. President of the VRML Consortium, Neil Trevett, said: "Superscape's Viscape VRML 2.0 browser is a significant contribution to the further adoption of VRML 2.0 as the standard for delivering 3D content on the net. The VRML Consortium is working to ensure that VRML 2.0 provides an open platform for bringing 3D productivity to the corporate desktop. The innovation of companies like Superscape, combined with the momentum of VRML, makes a potent force that is beginning to bring truly useful 3D to real business end-users." Ian Andrew, founder and President of Superscape said: "This is a significant announcement for the rapidly expanding interactive 3D community and for Superscape. By announcing support of the VRML standard in the next version of Viscape, we will provide the ability to explore both Superscape VRT-created 3D Web pages and worlds, and those built using other VRML-authoring tools. Viscape is already recognized as being the world's fastest 3D browser and we will be seeking to maintain this leadership in the new version." He continued: "Our objective in launching this new product is to contribute as actively and aggressively as possible towards the worldwide adoption and widespread usage of interactive 3D in the corporate marketplace . At this stage in the development of the 3D market, it is our belief that an open standards approach, supporting both pure VRML 2.0 and the SVR file formats will provide clients with the best of both worlds, as they implement their long-term 3D strategies." Sue Wilcox, VRML Evangelist said: "Wow, I'm impressed. It's a great idea to support VRML 2.0 and SVR format in one viewer. This saves users having to change viewers when they move from the Virtual World Wide Web (vwww.com) to the www and helps bring a seamless cyberspace closer to reality. And if the new Viscape can match the performance speed of the current one, it will be a notable achievement." "Superscape's decision to support the VRML standard is proof that VRML is continuing to build steam", said Rikk Carey, one of the architects of VRML, "and the release of the company's authoring system will fuel competition and innovation in the sorely needed authoring tools arena." Bernie Roehl, Co-Author of "Using VRML" said: "It's exciting to see VRML being embraced by a well-established desktop VR company such as Superscape. Superscape has been around since the very beginning and by applying their years of experience with authoring tools and high-performance rendering engines, they're likely to make a major contribution to our industry in the years ahead." The VRML version of Viscape will be available later this year. Evaluation copies will be available for free download from the Superscape Web page (www.superscape.com). For further information, please contact: Maggie Templeman (PR Manager) Superscape Inc, 3945 Freedom Circle, Suite 1000, Santa Clara CA 95054, USA Telephone: (408) 969 0500 Fax: (408) 969 0510 Email: mtempleman@us.superscape.com or Jenny Seaborn (PR Assistant) Superscape Limited, Cromwell House, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook Hampshire RG27 9XA, UK Telephone 01256 745745 Fax: 01256 745777 email: jseaborn@superscape.com Notes for editors: Superscape develops and publishes the world's fastest 3D virtual reality (VR) software for the World Wide Web and stand alone VR applications. Superscape VRT, currently in release 5, is the company's award winning authoring software. Viscape, the world's fastest 3D Web browser, is an ActiveX control for Microsoft Internet Explorer and a plug-in for Netscape Navigator. In addition to supporting the VRML standard, Superscape also supports the Virtual World Wide Web format SVR. The Virtual World Wide Web is a rapidly expanding network of independent 3D Web pages. Superscape was founded in 1983 by Ian Andrew, has US headquarters in Santa Clara, California and is traded on the London Stock Exchange. The company's software is installed in more than thirty countries worldwide, for clients including Microsoft, Intel, CompuServe, Nortel, Motorola and Land Rover. For more information, visit the Superscape Web site (www.superscape.com) and the Virtual World Wide Web (vwww.com). ================================================= Paul Beardow pbeardow@superscape.com http://www.superscape.com http://vwww.com http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/1555 [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.]