It's finally here - the long awaited Contact 6 Beta. With the continued problems at Blaxxun, many of the software developers have formed a new site, BitManagement.DE for the release of Contact 6. It installs like a dream and has advanced graphics, bumpmapping, streaming and multitexture support. Contact 6 is also the only current stable MPEG4 player. MPEG4 (also MPG4) is the emerging standard for next generation multimedia and 'Net streams. It's movie- and TV-like qualities make its integration into VRML (and ultimately X3D) an important milestone.
There is one thing about the Contact 6 Beta that most surfers are finding annoying - the huge watermark in the lower right of the VRML panel. We're talking BIG, it occupies almost 15% of the screen and is impossible to miss. Many people have uninstalled it over the watermark. Though not explained, it's assumed the watermark is to make certain people dump the Beta and go for the Final when it comes out. A Beta II is planned before the Final. The Final should be available some time before May 2003, though with Contact 6 being released about a year late, release dates are somewhat fluid.
As with Blaxxun, a developers area is open with many tips and information. The pages on new extensions should be looked at by any serious VRMList, particularly the bumpmapping and multitexturing pages. Now if someone can talk BitManagement.DE into developing an inexpensive, easy to install, great looking 3D VRML chat program server.
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