Google: 3D Browser

Apr 23, 2009

Google Labs has released the open source API O3D for testing. Still in an early phase of development, O3D intends to make 3D browser applications possible.

The search engine company chose an early release to benefit from developer feedback. The goal is to create, or at the very least to discuss, an open standard for 3D graphics on the web. The debate was started by the Khronos consortium and Google sees itself as partner in the discussion, not a competitor.

O3D can be installed as a plug-in for Windows and Mac browsers. The installation for Linux is more difficult, with the Linux version still classed as "experimental". Instructions can be found here. Valid for all systems is the fact that O3D will only run on 32 Bit. A demo is available from Google Labs, with various demos and examples that should run after a successful browser installation.

In the first discussions, Google's Java-script API received negative feedback. Doubts were shed on the necessity for a new API with some commentators claiming the OpenGL-API to be sufficient.

Related content

  • Google Chrome Ready For Business

    Google announced that Chrome is ready for business and the wait to deploy Chrome and Google Apps for Business is over.

    more »
  • Hijacking Browsers

    Bits of JavaScript from a malicious website can put your browser in a trance. A tool called BeEF encapsulates that power in a most diabolical way, providing yet another reason to avoid unknown links and keep your browser up to date.

    more »
  • Founders Award for Google Chrome

    For Google to publish figures about its various projects and activities is unusual. With the web suite Chrome however, things are different. Google has released information on user numbers and bonus payments to team members.

    more »
  • Google Fleshes Out Details for Android 2.2

    WiFi tethering, full Flash support and improved performance among features highlighted in demonstration.

    more »
  • Qt Applications as Browser Applets

    "Qt Everywhere" is the motto of Nokia's GUI toolkit smiths. Now developer Morten Sorvig has transplanted Qt apps into the Firefox browser.

    more »
comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Events Hardware Linux Linux Pro Magazine Mobile Programming Security Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source