Sony today released a beta version of what it says is the first 3D Web browser compatible with the VRML 2.0 standards due for final approval in August.
VRML 2.0 is an upgrade of the standard for exchanging 3D data online and is expected to spur a significant increase in the number of 3D Web sites. Version 2.0 will allow 3D images to be more interactive with sound and video.
Cyber Passage 2.0 is a tool for using Java to create and browse 3D worlds based on VRML 2.0. A beta version of Sony's Cyber Passage 2.0 is currently available as a free download from Sony's Virtual Society Web site.
Sony officials say it wants developers to use Cyber Passage so that they can contribute to further refinements of the VRML 2.0 draft specifications.
The company will announce plans for delivering the final version this summer.
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