Web 3D Applications
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| In this virtual
web world (DAAP), one can fly up, but cannot then look down
on the sculpture (sculpture ©2000, Michael Wallace) |
If you've used a 3D web browser, you know the incredible potential
for 3D on the web. So why isn't it more popular? Perhaps because
it isn't as intuitive as it should be.
Sure, you can memorize a few key commands to do some crude navigation
(up, down, forward, etc.). But what if you want to go in a different
direction than the limited offering? Or what if you want to look
in a different direction than the default views? For example, if
you want to 'fly' above your landscape, does your browser easily
let you look down (see image at right)?
In fact, the '3D' of these Web worlds is somewhat of a myth, since
they are built around the paradigm of a 2D input device, and use
many 'tricks' to steer you into limited navigation options.
Orbs offer the potential to turn today's web 3D worlds inside out,
and help them live up to their promise.
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