Virtual Explorer for Internet Explorer

Virtual Explorer for Internet Explorer 2.0 -- Virtual Explorer is Microsoft's answer to WebFX as an inline VRML browser for Internet Explorer. This plug-in client brings the VRML world to life for Internet Explorer users by offering an impressive array of features and quick performance, similar to the web browser itself. Features like Viewpoints, which allow you to quickly jump to various parts of a VRML world (think of them as the VRML equivalent of a bookmark), collision detection and prevention, direct manipulation examine mode, camera animation (FlyTo mode), Microsoft's RealityLab 3D rendering engine for improved performance, hypertext (HTML) support, and multiple navigational modes make Virtual Explorer more than adequate as a VRML browser; still, there are several features currently missing in this release, and the client does have its fair share of bugs. Features currently missing include VRML editing tools, wireframe rendering, online help documentation (another feature expected to be implemented in the near future), and support for sound and animation. However, Virtual Explorer is still in beta release and is likely to see massive improvements and many additional New features by the time it is formally released. Overall, users of Internet Explorer will be quite pleased with the current Virtual Explorer offering, but they will no doubt be eagerly awaiting the next release as well. Pros: Near flawless integration with your favorite web browser, solid VRML capabilities Cons: Lacks VRML editing tools, examine, online help documentation, and similar features New: Improved performance, camera animation, RealityLab 3D rendering engine Version Reviewed: 2.0 Date of Review: 1/21/96 Reviewer: Forrest Stroud apps conference Main Menu