Barely a fortnight after their initial version 0.1 software, Finnish developer RealXtend (in conjunction with OpenSim, Admino Technologies and LudoCraft - I think we might have to just start calling it the 'RealXtend Project' in future to save on typing) has released the next version of their software. An avatar portability system that allows your avatar to be transferred to any compatible world where you have an account is definitely a handy feature now that additional Second Life style grids are starting to spring up all over.

"We have been testing and fixing bugs as much as possible and we have a few new major features. One of the new features is the Avatar system, under RealXtend your avatar has been completely redesigned to support transfer between virtual worlds. Earlier avatar systems used by other virtual worlds have been tied to one world or grid only and could not travel with the user," said RealXtend project manager Jani Pirkola.

RealXtend's viewer is licensed under the GNU GPLv2 (sans quicktime components), and all the server-side code as a part of OpenSim is under the BSD license, which is a very broadly permissive open source license.

RealXtend releases updated software originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Adam Zaius Quiplash announces the opening of Open Life, an alternative Second Life grid developed in conjunction with Finnish developer RealXtend (apparently the companies Admino and Ludocraft are in there somewhere too, but we're still a little hazy on the big picture [Did I mention we're a bit hazy? Pardon the dust]) - who have developed a custom viewer with additional features (like real 3D meshes instead of prims, python scripting, textures-via-HTTP, multiple attachment points per body part, and more) that are unsupported in Second Life currently.

The new grid is going live in the next few hours, apparently, and it seems that everyone's invited. Open Life appears to be renting out simulators for $75US/month. We don't have a lot more information available to us right now, but it all looks very exciting , though reportedly there are stability issues that make the new grid only for the adventurous.

[Update: Okay, this is a bit of a muddle, and we've put together a correction based on better information, check below the fold]

Continue reading New non-Linden grid opening [updated]

New non-Linden grid opening [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.