Tom,
I really enjoyed your last couple of posts about 3D technology on the Web. I totally agree with you that there are a lot of pent up demands out there for 3D, but I think it is going to take a wait until increased bandwidth before it is really significant. However, increased bandwidth is coming.
I disagree that you say that there is a lot of 3D models out there waiting to be put on to the Web. Up until now, it has been very difficult to produce good 3D models. It is sensitive, time consuming, and takes specialized talent. Certainly, Meta Creations has a possibility of achieving in this area. But, I also agree with you that Macromedia is going to be one of the big winners.
Another, in my humble opinion, is going to be Immersion IMMR. They not only have the ability now to put touch sense for feedback on Macromedia’s Shockwave, but with their recent acquisition of the 3D capturing technology that they are now licensing as LightScribe is simply amazing. This $8,000.00 piece of equipment and software can put a very detailed 3D model, which is also touch sense enabled and ready for placement on the Web in about an hour. Sure, automobile companies may have five or ten models of their cars in a 3D format ready for the Web, but how about everything else that may go into the car, including the car keys, the spare tire, the floor mats, etc.? How about Toys ‘R Us? Their catalog has thousands of objects, which, of course, would include all of the hundreds of the latest toys necessary for their Christmas Web sales. This is going to be a huge field because once people have bandwidth, they are going to want to have the 3D technology. It is going to drive sales on these web sites when the consumer can zoom in, rotate, and if they are buying a ballpoint pen, click the end of the pen, feeling that click, and watching the pen emerge. Or, how about a cell phone? They will be able to flip the cell phone open, feeling that flip and then press the buttons.
It certainly is going to drive sales and, therefore, increase earnings for everyone involved.
Rob |
