Robust Intel Internet 3D Graphics Technology to Be Integrated With Pervasive
Macromedia Shockwave Player
NEW ORLEANS, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Intel Corporation and
Macromedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: MACR), the leading provider of solutions for
compelling and effective Web sites, today announced joint development efforts
to bring Intel's Internet 3D Graphics software technology to the Macromedia(R)
Shockwave(TM) Player. The Intel Internet 3D Graphics-enhanced Shockwave Player
will enable the next generation of bandwidth-friendly, high quality
interactive games, engaging entertainment, and more intuitive online shopping.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990921/MACRLOGO )
The combination of Intel's Internet 3D Graphics technology with the wide
reach of the Shockwave Player, the most widely deployed multimedia player on
the Web with 137 million users, will help broaden the use of 3D content on the
Web from niche applications to widespread adoption.
"Our work with Macromedia is part of Intel's strategy to continue to
accelerate industry innovation and develop technologies to improve the
experience people have when using the Internet," said Steve Spina, director of
technology marketing at Intel's Architecture Lab. "Combining our Internet
3D Graphics technology with the Shockwave Player will allow 3D to take off on
the Web."
"Our joint development efforts with Intel will bring the realism and
impact of interactive 3D to e-merchandising, e-learning, and entertainment on
the Web," said Diane Rogers, vice president of product management for
Macromedia. "Shockwave Player's high performance engine is ideal for this kind
of sophisticated interactivity and visualization. By easily integrating into
any Macromedia Flash or HTML Web site, Shockwave content gives consumers the
magnetic Internet experiences unavailable with any other technology."
The technology the two companies are developing is gathering strong
industry momentum. 3D software developers Alias|Wavefront, Discreet Logic,
NxView, and SoftImage today pledged their support and are working with Intel
and Macromedia to make sure their software applications will work with this
new 3D technology for the Internet (See separate release).
What the Technology Delivers
The Intel Internet 3D Graphics technology, developed by Intel's
Architecture Lab, utilizes Adaptive 3D Geometry, a set of dynamic algorithms
that enable 3D content to have multiple resolutions, automatically increasing
or decreasing 3D quality based on the computing power of each user's system,
offering the best experience possible. The Intel technology also enables
content providers to create smooth, photo-realistic surfaces, cartoon
rendering and effects that include elements such as smoke, fire, water, and
vapor.
Across the Web, Shockwave content draws users in by its differentiated
content including stunning visuals, flexible interactivity, multiuser
communities, and strong Web integration with HTML, Macromedia Flash, XML, and
QuickTime. 3D content will also benefit from the compressed Macromedia
Shockwave format, which was optimized specifically for streaming over narrow
bandwidths.
The technology also seamlessly integrates with 3D modeling software from
Alias|Wavefront, Discreet, and other software developers.
Uses for the Technology
Adding 3D capabilities to new and existing Web sites with Shockwave
content can increase a site's appeal to users. Existing users of Macromedia
Shockwave, such as Timex, Sharper Image, and Lexus, will be able to add
3D graphics and be confident they are creating an engaging Web experience for
site visitors. Interactive 3D graphics enrich applications such as
e-merchandising and e-learning, and are at the core of online entertainment.
Consumers will take active roles in designing, customizing, and personalizing
their merchandise. For example, they will be able to model clothes, experience
interactive product demonstrations, and learn how to do home repair using
step-by-step examples. Manufacturers can save time, money, and improve
customer satisfaction by creating real world simulations that make it easier
for consumers to order the correct parts in a more reliable and efficient
manner. More than 90 percent of the best-selling CD-ROM games use
3D technology, so extending Shockwave 3D technology to online, multiuser
gaming is ideal.
Macromedia and Intel expect to announce further details about the
technology later this year.
For additional information about the Intel Architecture Labs and the
technologies it develops, please visit http://www.intel.com/ial .
About Macromedia Shockwave Player
The Macromedia Shockwave Player, which reaches more than 137 million
users, is the Web standard for multimedia playback. Shockwave Player is a free
Web player from Macromedia. Shockwave Player users will have immediate access
to 3D through the player's auto-update feature. Shockwave Player displays
destination Web content such as high-performance multiuser games, interactive
product simulations, online entertainment, and training applications. Through
Xtras, Shockwave Player is also extensible to play back custom-built
applications. For more information on the Macromedia Shockwave Player, visit
the Macromedia Web site at http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/ .
ABOUT INTEL
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of
computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about
Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom .
ABOUT MACROMEDIA
Macromedia is passionate about what the Web can be. Its award-winning
products empower developers to provide the most engaging experience on the
Web, and enable more effective e-business. Head-quartered in San Francisco,
Macromedia has more than 1,200 employees worldwide and is available on the
Internet at http://www.macromedia.com.
SOURCE Macromedia, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.macromedia.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990921/MACRLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467
CONTACT:
Megan Kirkwood of Macromedia, Inc.,
415-252-2225, or mkirkwood@macromedia.com; or Manny Vara of Intel
Corporation, 408-765-6829, or manny.vara@intel.com
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