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Joen
07-26-2000, 08:35 AM
Before reading, consider that Adobe has aquired Metastream, and is working close with Swift3D with LiveMotion. And consider also, that Pulse3D already has technology for it.
http://www.metastream.com
http://www.pulse3d.com

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INTEL AND MACROMEDIA TEAM UP TO POPULARIZE 3D TECHNOLOGY ON THE
WEB
Robust Intel Internet 3D Graphics Technology to be integrated with pervasive Macromedia
Shockwave Player

SIGGRAPH 2000, New Orleans, Louisiana—July 25, 2000—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 Shockwave 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.

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% of the best-selling CD 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
(NASDAQ: MACR) has more than 1,200 employees worldwide and is available on the Internet at http://www.macromedia.com.

John Dowdell
07-29-2000, 06:07 PM
> Before reading, consider that Adobe has aquired
> Metastream, and is working close with Swift3D with
> LiveMotion. And consider also, that Pulse3D already
> has technology for it.

I'm glad you found this initial announcement of interest. fwiw, there's a bit more conversation in the 3D section here.

MetaStream and Pulse3D both tend to focus on display of single objects... they can go a bit further, but that's the main emphasis.

The Intel rendering engine can go more into multi-object worlds... the combination of multires mesh with subdivision surfaces means that even complex scenes can stream in a reasonable way.

Other differences include the integration with a full-fledged interactive media player, and the auto-update of existing Shockwave Players... having a significant installed base makes a big difference.

The term "web 3D" can cover many things, but there are some real differences among the types of things these solutions can deliver. I can't wait until we actually get the thing deployed, to see what people do with it...! 8)

Regards,
John Dowdell
Macromedia Tech Support