Tech Demo: Fractal Lab - WebGL

A web-based 3D Fractal generator using WebGL is available at http://fractal.io/. You will need Google Chrome or Firefox 4 Beta to run this application.

We have been waiting years (since VRML) for a suitable web-based 3D platform for apps. to be delivered as a web service. This WebGL technology looks impressive, as the fractals generated are formed using GPU Shaders that implement a form of real-time ray tracing. If we can get this sort of efficiency with a web-based delivery, we may not be too far off viable native web-apps. for 3D Virtual Worlds and Games.

BTW, the Mandelbulb (pictured) is amazing, and runs perfectly well on my tiny GeForce 9400M powered Mac.

Ross

Video: Virtual World Web Technologies

Video here from Damon Hernandez' youtube channel, showing a demo site he built using web based virtual world technologies such as HTML5. An Augmented Reality window is included to show a complete set of web-based test applications in various virtual interaction modalities.

A key driver for uptake of software applications is the ease of use. Using HTML5, WebGL, X3D, and X3Dom technologies will assist in widespread deployment of applications for easy access by clients.

Although I do remember people saying this a few years ago about VRML as well. :-)

Ross