Second Life Grid to Support 3Dconnexion Mice

Online virtual world offers support for 3Dconnexion's 3D mice, including the SpaceNavigator.

3Dconnexion's mice, including the SpaceNavigator, will be supported by Second Life starting the middle of April, offering Second Life residents enhanced control over digital 3D objects. While traditional mice control motion on a two-dimensional plane, 3Dconnexion's mice allow movement and control within a 3D environment. On the Second Life Grid platform, this means that actions such as moving, flying, and designing are more intuitive. While designing, users can simultaneously pan, zoom, and rotate without stopping to select commands.

"Being able to move freely within and around the environment is a crucial component of the Second Life world experience," said Joe Miller, vice-president, platform and product development, Linden Lab. "3Dconnexion's 3D mice have the capability to increase the immersion and improve the overall experience of our residents, and we're always open to such developments."

3Dconnexion's president Dieter Neujahr added, "3Dconnexion's 3D mice make the Second Life world experience even richer because avatars can now move in a more intuitive and fluid manner; movement no longer needs to be predicated on keyboard commands. Beyond supporting a more immersive virtual experience, 3Dconnexion's 3D mice bring professional 3D design capabilities into the hands of Second Life residents who enjoy creating their surrounding world, as well as to groups using the Second Life Grid platform as a collaborative tool for education and business training."

The Second Life Grid platform will support 3Dconnexion's product line on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Macintosh OS X 10.4.6. SpaceNavigator Personal Edition ($59), SpaceNavigator Standard Edition ($99), SpaceTraveler ($199), SpaceExplorer ($299), and SpacePilot ($399) are available from major online resellers including Amazon, Apple.com, Buy.com, CDW, Dell, and PC Mall, and directly at www.3Dconnexion.com.