June 26, 2003 - Paris, France

For Immediate Release -
Category : Interactive 3D Applications / Technology

VIRTOOLS™ Releases Virtools Web Player 2.5 for Macintosh OS X

Paris, June 26, 2003 - Virtools™, the leading provider of 3D interactive media authoring tools, announces the release of the Virtools Web Player 2.5 for the Macintosh platform.

Virtools Web Player 2.5 for Mac is a free browser plugin for MacOS X that plays interactive real-time 3D applications authored in the Virtools development platform. Now, interactive 3D games, multimedia and industrial application produced in Virtools Dev can be seamlessly played on a PC or Mac with no significant modifications required.

The Virtools Web Player 2.5 for MacOS X is now available for free on the Virtools website and significantly improves upon the previous version of Virtools Web Player 2.1 for Mac:

• Designed for MacOS X
  
• Compatible with the standard internet browsers (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Safari, Camino and Netscape).
  
• More reliable. Improved core engine, graphics and sound.
  
• Localizable. Better support for input and display of European texts.
  

• VSL: The Virtools Scripting Language is ideal for replacing complex parameter operations (math calculations, string operations) and creating advanced behavioral scripts. Now, with a few lines of script, you can achieve advanced effects that run on Mac.
  
• Behavioral Server Pack (client-side). The Mac Player allows the enrichment of the end-user experience by connecting to a distant behavioral server which streams the application data.
  
• Multi-User Pack. Virtools multi-user applications are now available on Mac. Share your experience with other people on Internet or on a LAN. This is perfect for creating stunning multi-user games or virtual reality collective applications. The Mac Player both implements the client-side and the embedded server.

To get the Virtools Web Player for MacOS X: http://player.virtools.com/


About the Virtools™ Development Solution

Built around Virtools' flagship product, Virtools Dev 2.5, the Virtools development package is currently one of the most comprehensive and competitive solutions available in terms of functionality and performance. Thanks to the different modules and add-on packs, Virtools Dev provides a comprehensive, cost-effective development platform: the Physics Pack to add physical behaviors to 3D objects, the Multiuser Pack to enable the creation of shared universes, the Virtools Behavioral Server to deploy interactive content dynamically, and the Virtools VR Pack to create and experience 3D worlds on multiple screens, using any input device, and run it all on a PC cluster. Now, the Virtools AI Pack allows clients to create intelligent autonomous characters.

Virtools solutions are now widely used in complete productions from start to finish, and renowned companies like France Telecom, Electronic Arts, Microïds, Microsoft Ensemble Studios, Warner Bros Online, EDF, Blue Fang Games and Ubisoft all use Virtools development solutions.

For more information, go to http://www.virtools.com/solutions/products/virtools_dev.asp

About Virtools™

Founded in 1993, Virtools™ enables Global 2000 companies and their integrators, as well as game studios, to develop and deploy 3D applications with game-like interactivity. Costs and timeframes are kept under control through a scalable set of software and server-based solutions that reduce the risks associated with developing interactive applications.

France Telecom are among the growing number companies that have benefited from Virtools technology. Using Virtools, clients reduce development costs and increase interactivity. Virtools software is used by online and offline game development studios such as: Electronic Arts, Microïds, Microsoft Ensemble Studios, Warner Bros Online, Blue Fang Games and Ubisoft. Virtools solutions are also used for industrial applications for major corporate clients like EDF, EADS, CEA, CNRS, and France Telecom.

More information at: http://www.virtools.com

Press contacts

Virtools SA
93 rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
Tel: (+33) 1 42 71 46 86
Fax: (+33) 1 42 71 86 53
Email: info@virtools.com