Chapter 2: World Wide Web the Next Generation
”I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.” -Albert Einstein
On the Web, the next generation is rapidly approaching. It is in fact, constantly evolving. This chapter profiles a few of the exciting developments on the horizon.
In the overheated realm of the Web, it is probably accurate to characterize Sun Microsystems' Java as the white hot leader of the pack. Simply put Java, brings action to the Web, which currently consists of inactive, static document elements. First, let's clarify some terms.
Java is a new computer language. HotJava is a Web browser implemented in Java.(1) According to Bill Joy, co-founder of Sun, Java is "C++ done right". Java is an interpreted language. Little chunks of Java code are sent through the net to the browser and when appropriate they execute, right there on the user's machine. Those little chunks of code are called applets. In current Web browsers, text, graphics, and sounds just sit there. Applets can make the graphics animate, the sounds play, and the text move.
According to the Sun White Paper on Java, Java is(2):
"Java: A simple, object-oriented, distributed, interpreted, robust, secure, architecture neutral, portable, high-performance, multithreaded, and dynamic language."
This is a mouthful any way you slice it. However, the body of the white paper is interestingly written and goes on to explain the relevance of each of the admitted buzz words to Java.
Java's result is the ability to interact with graphics, sounds, and text in new and compelling ways. For example, a cube appearing on the Web document page can be spun around, a button will detect the presence of a cursor, buttons can highlight when a cursor is near, and image maps can show you where those invisible hot spots really are. To take one example: a HotJava page contains a stock market ticker tape with some animated strip charts and a dynamically updated table. (3)
The toolkit you use to develop Java applets is called the Java Development Kit (JDK).
The JDK includes a nice utility called the appletviewer. The appletviewer takes an HTML file as its input and runs the Java applet. You don't have to be on-line. It is very convenient.
The Applet Viewer running a sample applet.
Java also addresses many of the problems of portable code. Because it is an interpreted language you simply port a Java interpreter to a particular hardware platform. Most Java code, and the applications should run on that platform. This technique is not new; UCSD Pascal, Smalltalk, and Lisp have used the same idea in the past. As soon as HotJava browsers appear on different computing platforms, the applet Java code can be executed on those platforms.
The interpreted nature of Java also allows the HotJava Web browser to adapt new data types on the fly. If a new sound or video compression format sweeps the Net, Javabased browsers will be able to adapt rather than being upgraded. The HotJava White Paper describes this capability:(4)
HotJava's dynamic behavior is also used for understanding different types of objects. For example, most Web browsers can understand a small set of image formats (typically GIF, X11 pixmap, and X11 bitmap). If they see some other type, they have no way to deal with it directly. HotJava, on the other hand, can dynamically link the Java code from the host
that has the image, allowing it to display the new format. So, if someone invents a new compression algorithm, the inventor just has to make sure that a copy of the Java code is installed on the server that contains the images the inventor wants to publish. All the other browsers in the world will have to be upgraded to take advantage of the new algorithm. HotJava upgrades itself on the fly when it sees this new type.
Netscape includes a Java interpreter with its secondgeneration browser. Microsoft has also licensed Java for use with its Web browser, the Internet Explorer. Sun wisely decided to open up its technology to all rather than put yet another browser out onto the Net.
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Netscape, the Web company to watch, seems to be run by a bunch of kids snatched right out of their college cradles into instant entrepreneurial stardom. Started by Marc Andresson and most of the other original creators of Mosaic, with the able assistance of Jim Clark, who started Silicon Graphics, Netscape has recently announced a flurry of new products packed with new features. Actually Netscape is almost constantly introducing new features as it tries to remain ahead of Microsoft in "The Browser War."
Reportedly, Netscape has captured 70-85% of the Web browser business. It certainly seem to get enough hits on its site: in Feb. 1996 they were claiming to get 40 million hits per day, and by April 1996 50 million hits per day! Netscape 2.0 will solidify that margin if its new features are used. Authors will be able to create compelling new content that will only be viewable on the Netscape browser. Other browsers makers will probably either follow Netscape's lead or start screaming for more adherence to standards. Only time will tell.
Let's look at the technical changes new to Netscape 2.0. The two major items are the incorporation of a Java interpreter and the capability of adding "plug-ins." Plug-ins enable third-party vendors to write code that cooperates with Netscape through a clearly defined Application Program Interface (API). For example Adobe has created an Acrobat API that enables Netscape to display Acrobat PDF files in-line; it's called Amber. Other plug-ins under development include Apple's QuickTime for digital video and Macromedia Director Player, called Shockwave, for full multimedia interaction. All these media types are presented to the user in-line on the Web page. The inclusion of a Java interpreter allows for dynamic elements such as animations and live information updating to also appear inline. (See Section 2.1 Java/HotJava for more details.) These dynamic elements are possible through the inclusion of Java applets (mini programs) right in the HTML document.
In addition to these major technical and architectural changes described, Netscape 2.0 adds a feature called Frames. Frames are primarily a graphic design and user interaction enhancement. A page can have multiple frames; each frame refers to a separate URL. These multiple rectangular page areas can be scrolled independently and can also independently submit queries and display results.
Static areas for such things as button bars and tables of contents are called Ledges. As you can imagine Frames and Ledges may lead to a lot of "graphic abuse" on the Web. Ledges can also solve an interesting problem faced by Web advertisers. You are probably familiar with those oftenannoying rectangular graphic ads on the tops and bottoms of web pages. A Web site can place an ad in a Ledge and it will just sit there, not interfering with the rest
of the everchanging document. Infoseek and Web searching service has begun to do this.
As this book was nearing completion, new versions of Netscape were being betatested.
The next version, Netscape 3.0, also called the "Atlas" version, continues the frenzied pace of change. Atlas fixes the annoying "Back" behavior introduced by Frames. In version 2, the Back button does not now take you "back" a Frame if only the frame changed; you must use a menu item for that. The previous Back behavior was an annoying user interface change. However, never let it be said that the Netscape folks don't admit to mistakes and learn from them.
The mail facility is more robust and adds some drag and drop capabilities. Continuing the dreadful trend of HTML "enhancements," Netscape 3 now allows individual table cells to have different background colors.
On the plug-in front, a streaming audio plug-in is included with the Live3D (formerly WebFX) VRML browser and an AVI digital movie player. The most interesting software included with the release is CoolTalk.
CoolTalk is a suite of software for collaborative computing. It includes a realtime audio tool to literally talk to other users, much like Internet phonetype products. More significantly it includes a full-featured white board that people can share. While the audio is nice it's unclear how useful it is due to the bandwidth limitations of modems.
However, the white board is clearly a big winner. The first time I tried it I connected to some chap I first thought was in another state. It turned out that he was across the globe in Israel. We shared drawings and chatted (yes, there is also a chat tool), and it really worked! This type of facility used to cost many thousands of dollars and a significant workstation. CoolTalk is by InSoft Inc. You can visit them at: http://ice.insoft.com.
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"I know a lot of people without brains who do an awful lot of talking.” The Scarecrow, Wizard ofOZ
Chat systems offer users the ability to congregate in "virtual rooms" using only textual interfaces to talk to each other. Internet Relay Chat (IRC), is the protocol used to support this interface. The results can be quite amusing. With the coming of the Web and technologies such as 3D interfaces, via VRML, users are being offered new types of interfaces on top of the traditional chat services.
One approach is to simply offer a "helper" application that is integrated with a Web browser. The Global Chat client by Prospero Systems is just this type of application.(5) Prospero Systems also created Global Chat client and Global Stage server.(6) They offer chat servers in three friendly sizes: the cafe, the theater, and, the stadium.
Quarterdeck's Global Chat stand-alone or helper chat application.
One fascinating extension to the Web comes from a company called Ubique Ltd. This Israeli start-up company has created something called Virtual Places. It works either as an extension to existing browsers or with a modified Mosaic browser called Sesame. Ubique was acquired in mid1995 by AOL.
Ubique's Virtual Places running with Netscape and icons on a page for people. The chat log on the bottom window gives a history of the conversation.
Ubique's technology offer three basic capabilities: integrated chat and Web browser; real time audio communications; and guided tours, either automated or with a tour guide. Let's
take a brief look at each.
Users are visually represented in a Virtual Place by an icon. You can select from among the variety of existing cartoony icons or design your own, such as a small photo of your face.
When you go to a Web site that is running a Virtual Places server, you can place your icon on the page. This lets other people click on your icon, signaling the desire to start a conversation. If you start a chat, an extra line on the bottom of the Sesame Web browser displays the chat.
If you and the person you are chatting with have a fast enough Internet connection and the right sound hardware, you can start talking. Yep, you can use thousands of dollars of computing hardware and the Internet to replace a telephone. Actually, it is useful for quick conversations, though the sound quality is variable and dependent on the bandwidth of the moment. Furthermore, it's cute as all hell and makes a great demo. (See Section 2.6 Streaming Technologies-Audio/Video for information on these products.)
The most interesting capability Ubique offers is the guided tour. Basically, you can, offer people a ride on a magic carpet. Up to 10 people can get on the carpet with you. After all are aboard, you can surf the Web, showing people whatever you want. Their Sesame Web browser goes along for the ride. This is a fabulous way of showing people Web sites.
With the purchase of Ubique by AOL, the magic carpet facility has been converted into the AOL Road Trip. AOL itself offers many of its own Road Trips, and users can create their own. After you create a Road Trip, you can enter a chat room and ask others to hop on for a ride.
To top it all off, you can set up a script that acts as a little automaton and takes people on tours. In this way, people can be guided though the wonders of your Web site without your actually being there.
2 . 3 . 2 Web and Real Time Audio
Another interesting capability is the increasing interest in the Internet as a replacement for the telephone. While I don't think AT&T has anything to worry about, the possibilities are intriguing. The potential lies primarily with the integration of live audio with other computing activities.
Some interesting products are just beginning to appear. Two are the Internet Phone from Vocaltec, and PowWow from Tribal Voice. Of the two, PowWow seems geared more towards integration with the Web, and Internet Phone more as a replacement for the
telephone.
Real conversations are difficult because of the halfduplex nature of most sound cards and the software. This means that the sound can only go in one direction at a time, rather like 1970's CB radio conversations. You need to say "hello how are you...over" or something like that to indicate that you're finished talking. It is a great way to talk to people overseas and in faraway lands without paying the phone company though.
PowWow multi-party chat windows and audio control panel.
In terms of integration, the PowWow people have a leg up. They work with a URL that uses the "powwow" protocol and is integrated more with Web browsers. For example a Web page might have the PowWow icon on it. When selected it executes a URL that looks like: "powwow:sandy@interramp.com." This URL would cause your running PowWow process to try to contact my running PowWow process. With a successful connection we could chat via typing or with audio.
Another nice integration feature of PowWow is its ability to take people on a Web "cruise." Once you establish yourself as cruise leader, you can use your Web browser to surf the Web, and all other members of the Web will "travel" with you, using their Web browsers. This is virtually the same as the Ubique "road trip."
Finally, there is PGPfhone developed by Phil Zimmerman of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) fame. PGP, is the encryption software that has gotten Zimmerman into hot water with the U.S. government on numerous occasions, and elevated him into a "cause celebre" with the right to privacy advocates. PGPfhone is a free encrypted audio system than enables users to have secure audio conversations. PGPfone is distributed by MIT. Depending on the resolution of various export control laws, PGPfone may be available only for citizens of the United States and Canada.
-'vmr~-
PGPfone, encrypted audio software.
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"Reality is whatever refuses to go away when I stop believing in it.” - Philip K. Dick
One of the most compelling ways to look at the Web is through a threedimensional interface. Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) allows authors to build 3D worlds. Eventually, you will be able to interact with other people, see their avatars, (their visual stand-in), and collaborate on work, or just chat.
VRML is the Web's answer to adding 3D user interfaces to your browsing experience. A 3D graphical environment representing a store, shopping mall, house, museum, library, human body, or anything else you can imagine can become a user interface. Through it you can potentially access Webs of information about topics that match the various environments in intuitive spatial ways.
How it all started.
One of the strengths of VRML, and one reason it emerged and became popular so quickly, was the wise decision not to reinvent everything. VRML 1.0 is based on Silicon Graphics Open Inventor. The decision to use a subset of Open Inventor was quite controversial. Ultimately, pragmatics and the willingness of Silicon Graphics to contribute a parser and the specification to the public won the day. In the words of Mark Pesce the principal VRML cheerleader concerning Open Inventor, "it was already debugged." Pesce managed to promulgate compelling visions of a 3D Web, and, quite simply VRML caught fire.(7)
What it is and what it isn 't
VRML is really not all that complicated... yet. It is simply another 3D modeling language, but with one crucial difference: it associates URLs with those objects. In some sense, this is not all that major a development. There are probably dozens of ways of representing 3D models. But 3D Web interfaces are important. They bring the full potential of complex, realistic computer graphics into an intimate relationship with the Web and the information available there. This stuff isn't just cool (which it is) and fun (which it also is); it's useful and intuitive. A VRML world, of a "museum" through which you could wander and get information, is a simple yet powerful user interface.
VRML also has clever mechanisms of referring to files via URLs to create worlds, something "normal" 3D modeling languages also lack. The WWWinline statement, part of
VRML, is like a C language #include statement or macro expansion, and lets you create worlds by referring to other files that are included in the main world. The reference to a file, however, can be a URL pointing to a file on any Webaccessible machine. Therefore, complex worlds created with files distributed all over the globe are realistic.
Another novel use of VRML is to help visualize the statistics of activity on a Web site. The vrstat perl program, developed by Denis Leconte, can produce 3D bar charts that can be spun around in real time using a VRML browser such as Live3D. While it's unclear how useful this is yet, it makes a great demo, and extensions will clearly make it useful.
Two views of the VRML output of vrstat, Web site statistics.
2 . 4 . 2 VRML 2.0 Moving Worlds
Now it's time for VRML The Next Generation, actually called VRML 2.0. After a frenzied year activity, more extreme hyperfrenzy took place because of the VRML community's desire to put behaviors into the models. One proposal the "Moving Worlds" specification, led by Silicon Graphics, Sony and a several others, garnered so much support that Netscape decided to endorse it and buy the leading VRML browser company, Paper Software Inc., makers of WebFX. Politics aside VRML 2.0 is a quantum leap beyond 1.0.
VRML 2.0 has many new features. The most significant change is the addition of behavior. With VRML 1.0 you can travel around in a cyberspace world, but it's a dead world. Nothing moves or reacts to you. With VRML 2.0, objects can execute scripts that cause them or other objects to take some programmed action. The Moving Worlds proposal(8) explains:
VRML 1.0 provided a means of creating and viewing static 3D worlds; VRML 2.0 will provide much more. The overarching goal of the Moving Worlds proposal for VRML 2.0 is to provide a richer, more exciting, more interactive user experience than is possible within the static boundaries of VRML 1.0. The secondary goals of the proposal are to provide a solid foundation that future VRML expansion can grow out of, and to keep things as simple and as fast as possible for everyone from browser developers to world designers to end users given the other goals.
Moving Worlds provides these extensions and enhancements to VRML 1.0:
• Enhanced static worlds
• Interaction
• Animation
• Prototyping
You can add realism to the static geometry of your world using new features of Moving Worlds:
New nodes allow you to create ground-and-sky backdrops to scenes, add distant mountains and clouds, and dim distant objects with fog. Another new node lets you easily create irregular terrain instead of using flat planes for ground surfaces.
Moving Worlds provides sound-generating nodes to further enhance realism -- you can put crickets, breaking glass, ringing telephones, or any other sound into a scene.
If you're writing a browser, you'll be happy to see that optimizing and parsing files are easier than in VRML 1.0, thanks to a new simplified scene graph structure.
No more moving like a ghost through cold, dead worlds: now you can directly interact with objects and creatures you encounter. New sensor nodes set off events when you move in certain areas of a world and when you click certain objects. They even let you drag objects or controls from one place to another. Another kind of sensor keeps track of the passage of time, providing a basis for everything from alarm clocks to repetitive animations.
And no more walking through walls. Collision detection ensures that solid objects react like solid objects; you bounce off them (or simply stop moving) when you run into them. Terrain following allows you to travel up and down steps or ramps.
Moving Worlds wouldn't be able to move without the new Script nodes. Using Scripts, you can not only animate creatures and objects in a world, but give them a semblance of intelligence. Animated dogs can fetch newspapers or frisbees; clock hands can move; birds can fly; robots can juggle.
These effects are achieved by means of events; a script takes input from sensors and generates events based on that input which can change other nodes in the world. Events are passed around among nodes by way of special statements called routes.
Have an idea for a new kind of geometry node that you want everyone to be able to use? Got a nifty script that you want to turn into part of the next version of VRML? In Moving Worlds, you can encapsulate a group of nodes together as a new node type, a prototype, and then make that node type available to anyone who wants to use it. You can then create instances of the new type, each with different field values -- for instance, you could create a Robot prototype with a robotColor field, and then create as many individual different-colored Robot nodes as you like.
The scripts associated with Moving World Nodes can be in several languages, particularly Java. Also note that Paper Software Inc., now owned by Netscape, is the developer of Live3D, the Netscape VRML plug-in, which will follow the Moving Worlds proposal.
Finally one area being delayed a little for standardization is that of multi-user interaction. Everyone in the VRML community wants to be able to create worlds in which people can meet and share an environment. This is being left for further addendums to VRML 2.0 but the possibilities are wide open such as networked games. This is one area to watch closely.
Creating a VRML world is not as simple as creating a Web page. You need an authoring tool. Although readable, VRML files, are generally pretty nasty, filled with lots of polygons and lighting definitions. Modifying VRML with a text editor is doable but it is not a pleasant experience.
VRML authoring tools are popping up all over. Worldbuilding systems such as Virtus Walkthrough and Caligari, have been around for a few years and are adding VRML as a file format they can create.
If you happen to have a Silicon Graphics workstation you can use WebSpaceAuthor. This tool is as close as you can get to WYSIWYG VRML authoring. It has controls for specialized VRML constructs such as levels of detail (LOD), links, and inlines.
Using these tools, you create the world visually and associate the URLs easily. As these tools mature they will provide more support for VRML features, such as file references
via URL and the definition of predefined viewpoints. The result will undoubtedly be more creative integration of VRML worlds with the Web.
2 . 4 . 4 Integration with other Net Technologies
The integration of chat services and VRML worlds offers another host of possibilities. Imagine the touring capability of Ubique taking you along on a VRML ride. You will talk to store clerks, in cyber malls. Tour guides will show you around their cyber museum.
Worlds Chat from Worlds Inc. is a fascinating social 3D environment. It offers users the ability to pick a persona, an avatar, and wander around, chatting with other people in the environment. The environment has numerous clever dimensions and designs, plus sounds effects to complete the ambiance. Worlds Inc. also offer another more complex environment called AlphaWorld, where you can claim land and build structures. As time goes by, more and more complex architectures and spaces are being created.
A scene from Worlds Chat, a VRML based, social chat environment.
One of the most robust, new environments, is CyberGate from Black Sun Interactive. The folks at Black Sun have teamed with Point Communications, which rates Web sites to create an environment with lots of useful links.
