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), 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 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 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 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 www.macromedia.com.
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