Articles / Blog
Google O3D looks to jumpstart web-based 3d development
With the recent release of the open source O3D project, Google is seeking the provide a way for developers to create true 3d which taps into a user’s graphic chip using only javascript and a browser plugin. The plugin is fully cross-platform and cross-browser compatible.
The future of web-based 3d games (and other 3d content) could become radically more interesting if developers begin to embrace this technology. Amazing demos (especially the Beach Scene demo) and developer
GoDaddy offering free SSL for OS projects
Have an open source project and need an SSL certificate? Granted, it’s only one year and its a domain-only (translated: low quality cheapy) certificate, but GoDaddy will give you one for free: https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/ssl/ssl_opensource.asp .
The incredible orphaned XML
It’s best to show an example on this mysterious AS3 quandary:
var demo:XML = <wrapper>
<child id=”element1″ />
<child id=”element2″ />
</wrapper> ;
var element1:Object = {} ;
var element2:Object = {};
// Create an object reference to each child node
element1.xmlRef = demo.children()[0];
element2.xmlRef = demo.children()[1];
// Now, remove the second node
delete demo.children()[1];
// This should be ‘null’ or ‘undefined’, or throw an RTE, right?!
trace(element2.xmlRef.toXMLString());
However, such is not the case. While trace(demo.toXMLString()) shows the correct document structure, the trace line above shows that the
Incredible PHP Debug Tool
For PHP developers, this debugging tool is incredibly helpful. It’s a small script called dBug - get it at http://dbug.ospinto.com/- which creates CFDUMP style output of data structures. Its a great timesaver, helping avoid digging through hard-to-read var_dump outputs.
Restoring File Explorer Windows on Startup
For some people, this might be an annoyance instead of a feature. But for many, its a great timesaver.
On Mac OSX, when you startup, your previously open Finder (the Mac equivalent of the File Explorer) windows re-open automatically. On Windows, you can get the same effect by opening the File Explorer and going to Tools > Folder Options. Select the View tab, and check the Restore Previous folder windows at Logon option near the bottom
Vista Price Cuts
MS has unexpectedly announced price cuts in the premium Vista versions. For example, Ultimate is $219 (down from $299), and Home Premium is $129 (down from $159). Read more at CNet .
A reason to finally make the jump to Vista, or a yawner?
MacWorld 2008 Roundup
Steve Jobs’ keynote revealed the latest list of “wow, cool”s in Apple’s product line. From the amazing Macbook Air, to Time Capsule backups, to Online Movie Rentals, there was a little something for everyone. CNET offers a great roundup of all the new stuff - see it here .
Mozilla Joins the Desktop-RIA Crowd
Nothing new, just a new flavor. Mozilla is talking about Prism, basically an Adobe AIR alternative. A good perspective-giving article is given by Mike Chambers here: http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2007/10/25/mozilla-prism-and-the-disingenuous-web/ .
Future Adobe “Thermo” Announced
A new product code-named Thermo has been announced by Adobe. The product, targeted at designers, will allow for easy creation of rich internet apps in a familiar designer workflow.
Check out the Labs wiki for more -> http://labs.adobe.com/wiki/index.php/Thermo
Happy Birthday, Google
In case you haven’t noticed, Google turned 9 years old today. Seems a lot longer, doesn’t it?
