Excited by Dassault's mission "in democratizing the usage of 3D so that everybody can use it in its everyday life," I set out to try the environments and models on the 3D Live Via site.
First up, something that looks like fun: Toyota Auris - The Ice experience! hosted on Toyota's Web site. But the fun ends far too quickly when I am instructed to "Je suis deja inscrit, j'aimerais m'ameloirer" [I already am registered, I would like to play] and then provide my login and password. Sorry, no Joeur! for me. In any case, a note in orange indicates that I need to first download Virtools.
I am tired of the on-going requirement to download plug-ins (which often then don't install correctly, like the latest version of Flash) and the endless need for yet another login and password registration. Maybe that's how Google will take over the world: the utopian promise of a single login for all services.
Next, something related to work: Lumec -- 3D luminary in real environment. I click to enter the site, hosted by Lumec, but am faced by this bright green warning: "3D Life Player is not supported by this browser or operating system."
The same problem occurs when I attempt to Unravel the Mystery of The Khufu Pyramid.
This "3D for all" is rapidly becoming "3D for all but Ralph."
Finally, I took a look at the collection of 3D models. I decide on "3DVIA's spotlight" model, the simple iPhone by tmlvx of Paris, France using 3d studio. The Web page comes up. So far, so good. There's an image of the model with a PLAY 3D button. Looks promising. I click PLAY 3D. "3D Life Player is not supported by this browser or operating system."
I give up.
You might be thinking, "Just download the Virtools plug-in, stupid. Use the Web browser that Dassault wants you to use, and get over it."
I shouldn't have to. This is supposed to be 3D for everyone, regardless of browser, race, or OS.
Dassault had a non-plugin based product years ago -- CATweb.
3DVIA uses a plugin. It's inherent to its design, and is an important factor in its interactivity.
It's also an important factor with AfterCAD RealWorld -- which uses Flash.
Posted by: Evan Yares | Jun 26, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Ralph, were you hitting these sites in Opera or IE.
I know in opera i tend to get many of those unsupported messages, but occasionally I might get one in IE.
as far as plugins, it gets old, It'd be nice if websites would host the plug in to download, instead of having to browse through another site, and filling out yet another form
Posted by: Donovan | Jun 26, 2007 at 08:54 PM
your topic is so excellent.
Global Associates and Convert2cad.us combined with resources to benefit the AutoCAD user & Job sites too. The process of creating and defining components and systems is both exciting and challenging. Design development, 3D mechanical design, electrical and plumbing drawing.
Posted by: Biswaroop Todi | Jun 27, 2007 at 01:24 AM
AfterCAD RealWorld also requires a plug-in to be installed: Flash.
Autodesk Freewheel does 3D without a plug-in for both MSIE and Firefox on Mac, Linux, and Windows. http://www.dwfit.com
Posted by: Brian Mathews | Jun 27, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Brian, Evan:
Thank you for the correction on RealWorld. I've removed my inaccurate statements about it.
Posted by: ralphg | Jun 27, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Actually AfterCAD RealWorld is a pure Ajax solution and doesn't require Flash at all!
Ralph, if you remember the first demo we gave you (same one we gave Brian ;) we have a default set of ajax controls to move the model around, click on stuff etc. The demo is still up there and i'd be happy to demo it again to refresh folks memories. As CAD gets liberated from arcane, proprietary CAD formats, it needs to live in the web world and we offer a Flash player option to widgetize the RealWorld model so that forward thinking Web 2.0 types can use it in Blogs, mashups and most importantly, combine it with other Flash content. Flash is pretty ubiquitous, I believe its on about 94% of the machines out there so its important to offer that choice.
To be fair, PDF also has a respectable install base and with the excellent new 3D capabilities in PDF, it should also help make 3D a barrierless experience...and yes, we'll have a SilverLight option for those who need it.
I totally understand your fustration and nobody wants another 3D plugin to install, that technology is dead. Proprietary CAD formats like DWF, are just another barrier to access and that technology is dead too.
At AfterCAD we maintain our stance that while we have a one fits all solution, choice is imperative if CAD is going to evolve.
Posted by: Chris Boothroyd, CEO AfterCAD | Jun 28, 2007 at 07:21 PM