Dimension X Releases the Liquid Reality Developers Kit; LR Provides the First 3-D Java Class Libraries that Developers Can Use to Deliver VRML 2.0 Content.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 1996--Dimension X released a beta version of their Liquid Reality developers kit.

Not only is Liquid Reality the first platform independent implementation of VRML 2.0, but also the only VRML 2.0 toolkit coded entirely in Java. This toolkit grounds the platform upon which developers will create and deliver the next generation of 3-D Internet content. Liquid Reality with VRML 2.0 support is available on the Windows 95, Windows NT, Solaris and Linux platforms with Macintosh, and Pippin versions to follow. The beta version can now be downloaded from the Dimension X Web site.

"We view Dimension X as a premiere solution provider of 3-D in Java and VRML 2.0 technology," says Brad Chase, general manager, Internet Platform and Tools Division with Microsoft Corp. "We are excited to see the tight coupling of the Liquid Reality architecture with Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 to deliver a compelling end-user experience."

On the Microsoft Windows platform, Liquid Reality is tightly integrated with the Microsoft ActiveX and DirectX technologies -- providing seamless browser integration, and high-performance rendering and audio services, respectively. For use with Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0, Liquid Reality is implemented as an ActiveX control that takes advantage of the built-in Java support. Furthermore, Liquid Reality utilizes Microsoft's Direct3D real-time 3-D graphics API to provide its 3-D rendering services, enabling transparent access to hardware acceleration on the broad base of supported 3-D graphics hardware emerging on the market.

Liquid Reality Toolkit

This Java and VRML 2.0 based authoring toolkit includes:

- Support for 3-D sound;

- Compatibility with multi-user servers;

- An open API;

- 250 classes to support 3-D content creation;

- Java classes upon which developers can quickly and simply build

a branded VRML 2.0 browser;

- Access to ICE a low level high speed 3D graphics engine giving

developers the power to alter core rendering routines

that allow for extension or enhancement of the game/world;

- Users can create VRML 2.0 applets, which unlike other VRML

plug-ins & browsers would not have to be installed on the

client's desktop.

Together these elements deliver a software environment built in Java that enables developers to create flexible 3-D shared spaces and experiences. Because the system supports the VRML 2.0 standard any developer can build upon the open architecture to easily create their own 3-D world.

"Liquid Reality is an incredible breakthrough for VRML, it represents the complete integration of Java and VRML, and is undoubtedly one of the finest efforts to date which brings interactivity and behaviors to VRML, and 3-D scene description to Java," said Mark Pesce, co-creator of VRML.

Liquid Reality & Java

The combination of VRML and Java in Liquid Reality provide the development community with an unrivaled method to create, deliver and view 3-D interactive environments on the Web. Liquid Reality is a sophisticated development environment, offering more than 250 Java classes which developers can leverage or extend.

The Liquid Reality architecture is unique and provides a building block framework for developers to mix, match and select the optimal classes for their specific design. Other APIs do not deliver Liquid Reality's open architecture which gives developers access to not only the high level but the low level interfaces for better integration, complete control and flexibility.

"Without starting from scratch, Java content developers can now easily create distributed 3-D applications and environments using Liquid Reality. This extensible platform saves enormous time and encourages concentration on the subtleties and creative aspects of a world, yet doesn't prevent them in any way from getting at core code and making changes at the lowest levels," said Scott Fraize, CTO of Dimension X.

Because Liquid Reality is coded in Java it boasts features such as platform independence and greater extensibility enabling developers to author on any platform and deliver on any platform. Developers also receive the best VRML 2.0 behavior integration and performance, to create much richer behaviors than other VRML 2.0 implementations.

Liquid Reality Advances

The Liquid Reality Server is a true 3D, multi-user Internet gaming engine coded in Java, that enables real-time shared space interaction in virtual places on the Web. The Liquid Reality Server will provide the following platform independent interfaces that enable developers to concentrate their skills on the intricacies and content of the environment:

- Game/environment Management -- number of participants, team

selection, rank and world/level determination;

- Mapping -- the birds eye view allows for total player and game

perspective;

- Telemetry and Avatar nodes that track, maintain and update

positions of the players in the worlds;

- User determined avatars -- players can customize the appearance

and behaviors of their avatar;

- Chat capability to further enhance the 3-D experience by

encouraging conversation between players.

Dimension X is committed to further evolving this platform to allow end users to create their own VRML 2.0 content.

Your Customers

The immediate benefits that end-users will garner from worlds created in Liquid Reality is access to 3-D worlds on the Web using the platform of their choice. This can be done through any Java enabled browser such as Internet Explorer 3.0 and Netscape Navigator 2.0, thereby avoiding typical plug-in complications.

A practical application of Liquid Reality's impact on end users is illustrated in the Kenwood Web site created by Dimension X. The new Kenwood KC-Z1 Stage 3 Home Theater Controller has a TouchPanel that controls your complete home entertainment system. Within the 3-D environment potential customers can use this device to try-out and control various home entertainment components via Liquid Reality.

Dimension X and other developers are creating similar Liquid Reality experiences, so expect to see other unique and interactive LR environments in the near future.

Dimension X, founded in February of 1995, is the leader in providing tools to create interactive Java content on the Internet. Dimension X's product Liquid Motion gives artists and Web designers a progressive, but simple to use Java tool to invigorate the static Web sites. Liquid Reality, Dimension X's extensive Java/VRML tool chest, empowers users to create 3-D VRML interactive experiences and worlds on the Internet. Dimension X unleashes the power of Java and sets your creativity in motion.

Our clients include: Sega of America, MCA Records, Intel, Fox Broadcasting, AT&T, Kenwood, and Entertainment Radio Networks.

Dimension X is located at 181 Fremont St., Ste. 120, San Francisco, CA 94105. For more information about Dimension X, Liquid Reality, Liquid Motion or Java, visit the Dimension X web site, http://www.dimensionx.com, or for pricing contact Munjal Shah at 415/243-0900. -0-

Note to Editors: Other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Dimension X

Megan McFeely, 415/243-0900

415/265-5527 (cellular)

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