WebGL brings 3D graphics to browsers without using plug-ins
updated 04:25 pm EDT, Mon September 14, 2009
Khronos Group preparing new standard for 2010
Developers working with Khronos Group are currently testing a new standard, WebGL, that aims to bring hardware-accelerated 3D graphics to a wide range of browsers without requiring a dedicated plug-in. The system is based on the Canvas element within HTML5, but adds the ability for OpenGL functionality to be accessible using JavaScript.
The technology potentially could be used for integrating advanced graphics into web-based games, along with a variety of other content. The standard would work cross-platform on most popular browsers.
Khronos initially announced the WebGL working group at the Game Developers Conferences earlier in the year. Companies involved in the fledgling project include AMD, Ericsson, Google, Mozilla, Opera and NVIDIA.
The Wolfire Blog has posted a preview of several layout tests included in WebKit build r48331. The video demonstration shows several basic elements such as rotating planets and a teapot, although the potential exists for developers to create content with much greater complexity.
Khronos anticipates the first public release of WebGL should occur in the first half of 2010.
