Roadmap Update

The core software of the client is ready to be released. I am already using the client day to day. I wish there were a Google Chrome extension. But it has only Firefox and IE currently. So I am using more Firefox than usual.

The biggest remaining problem: although the software is ready, it needs configuration. If you have a web server which hosts an avatar description and if you have an XMPP account and if you are prepared to add both to the config file like I did for my tests, then the software works for you. This is probably not the case for most of you. Therefore, I have to add a bit of auto-configuration before I can release the software (is this correct?). I can release now, but would you want it with so much work on your side? Tell me what you think.

Anyway, I updated the roadmap and I will keep it up to date from now. Here is the task list:

Translations and Release Packaging

In the last blog post I mentioned a list of remaining tasks:

• Translations
• Release packaging
• Installer testing
• Auto start
• Tray icon
• Settings dialog
• Browser compatibility
• Web portal

I just ticked off 2 tasks: Translations and Release packaging. This is the remaining list in the most likely work order:

• IE Support
• Auto start
• Tray icon
• Settings dialog
• Simple Web site
• Installer testing

Most of these tasks are of medium size. We might defer Google Chrome support until after the first beta release. Maybe someone from the community wants to take this task. We hope to complete these tasks until August 2011.

There are more tasks which should and will be done after the beta release:

• Google Chrome support
• Personal inventory of virtual items
• Virtual Items on Web pages
• Real Web portal with item shop and (avatar) trading
• Facebook, Twitter, OpenID authentication
• More social interactions (wuscheln and more)
• Porting to MacOS

Some of these tasks are big chunks of work. But most will be done until the end of this year.

Roadmap Update

The roadmap has been updated. Dates have been shifted because we want to make some parts a bit easier for testers. We decided to provide a Jabber account. Originally we planned an "early release" which needed much more user skills. We will now run a Jabber server for you, so that the client simply starts after installation and you do not have to get an external Jabber account on your own. So we have to set up at least a bit of a server infrastructure, which includes setting up the web development earlier. That also drives us into vacation time and "costs" 10 more days.

The chat release will be very "raw", i.e. it has no avatars, just a chat window. But we want to release early and often to get your feedback. Not only from users, but also from developers.

Of course, we won't leave you without avatars. The display showcases show what we plan. They are also already test beds for front-end implementation while the back-end was not ready. There will be avatars (soon) and items on web pages (a bit later).

Note: the roadmap is linked in the link list in the top right corner of this page.

OVW Meeting IV

I am happy to announce that the 4th open virtual world meeting will take place this very thursday. Come join us.

Topics:

• Schedule
• License
• OpenID & registration
• Weblin & stuff

Place: Haus 73, Schulterblatt, Hamburg, Germany
Date: 13.08.2009, 19:00

Open Meeting 3

Locations and displays:

• There will be multiple displays per location. If URLs of 2 browsers point to the same location, then both browsers will have the same display. This means, that multiple "displays" can be attached to a single "location".
• A chat window will be regarded as a "display". As a (positive) side effect, it will be possible to be in a room with only a chat window, but without a browser window.

Browser tabs:

• Browser tabs will keep you entered, but you won't see people since you do not see the web page. A tab change will not leave/enter.
• Only the status will change so, that other people know, that your tab is not active. There will be a special status for "active, but not on this page".

Roadmap timeline:

• The roadmap has been updated with dates for the next milestones. Please see the roadmap page.

Place: Haus 73, Schulterblatt, Hamburg, Germany
Date: 18.06.2009, 13:30

Roadmap

We are developing a layered virtual world system with social game mechanics. We are starting with technology decisions, then we implement the base system. Finally we will add advanced features and content.