Logitech's 3DConnexion lets 'Second Life' users mouse around

3DConnexion's SpaceNavigator mouse.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

It might not be a Wiimote, but it's still got that whole "immersive" thing going on.

Linden Lab, publisher of virtual world Second Life, announced Thursday that its members can use some officially-sanctioned new toys to navigate the metaverse. Logitech's 3DConnexion line of 3D mice can now navigate through Second Life, as a result of Linden Lab's decision to make its code open-source last year.

Second Life members can now use 3DConnexion's SpaceNavigator ($59, or $99 for a premium edition), SpaceExplorer ($299), and SpacePilot ($399) mice to control their avatars, fly, and build objects in-world. They can, of course, also perform more mundane two-dimensional functions, like tweak settings and preferences.

Both Mac and Windows operating systems will be able to handle the 3D mice, and according to Logitech representatives, Linux users should be able to use them, too.

The devices, the first to be made available to Second Life through a partnership with Linden Lab, are not yet compatible with other virtual worlds and 3D multiplayer games like There.com or World of Warcraft. The Logitech representatives, however, said that they will explore other gaming and virtual world opportunities after using Second Life as a first step.

Currently, the SpaceNavigator and its pricier brethren are used for design and modeling software as well as 3D applications like Google Earth.

[caduser_aust]

Hello, we are 3Dconnexion distributors for the Australian, New Zealand and Indonesian region. Just to clarify something on these hardware items, the SpaceNavigator series currently comes in three flavours of which, 2 are the same hard ware, just differing licenses for usage.

The SpaceNavigator SE at $99 USD is for commercial use license and comes with full support.

The SpaceNavigator PE at $59 USD non-commercial use license and only has online support.

Both the above items are the same in models, just the licensing and support is different.

the SE is intended for commercial use, the PE for home users and educational purposes.

So, for gamers using Second Life, I would imagine that the SpaceNavigator PE would be the ideal choice.

SpaceNavigator Notebook edition has came out recently and is a smaller version of the above items with a zip up small protective cover good for travel.

The others such as SpaceExplorer and SpacePilot are the higer end units that have several user programmable buttons in easy reach of your fingers. Would make programs such as Second Life much more easier to navigate and control.

For Australian, New Zealand, Indonesian users, you can obtain the items direct at the online shop http://tip.com.au

CADSearch Australia is the main distributors.

hope this helps to clarify the types of models etc.

thanks!

CADUser.