Month: November 2012

SL project news week 48/1: server and beta, viewer, maps and memory

Posted on by Inara Pey

Server Deployments

After indications from LL that there may not be a Main channel deployment on Tuesday 27th November, restart commenced as the deployment made to the RC channels last week went ahead as per the usual schedule.

Wednesday 28th November should see the three main RC channels updated as follows:

  • BlueSteel and LeTigre: should receive a maint-server project.  There are a few new flags for the LSL function llGetObjectDetails(), but the most important changes are some fixes for physics and mesh-based crash modes – see the server release notes
  • Magnum should receive the say package, with additional stability improvement changes – see the Magnum server release notes.

As usual there is a forum thread for the week’s server deployments.

Viewer News

Release Viewer

The 3.4.2 viewer code finally reached the release (production) version of the LL viewer with the release of 3.4.2.267137 on Monday 26th November, which I briefly reviewed here.

Beta Viewer

The beta viewer, now cleared of the crash issue bottleneck, moved rapidly through the 3.4.2 code base prior to Thanksgiving in the US, as previously reported in the news updates, and then reached 3.4.3 with the surprise release of 3.4.3.267135 during Thanksgiving week, after it had been indicated there would be no viewer releases during the week due to decreased support staff availability during the long weekend period. As reported last week, this release includes the first phase of Monty Linden’s HTTP texture fetch project, which should see people experiencing significantly faster texture rezzing when in-world.

CHUI Viewer

The CHUI – the Communications Hub User Interface – project viewer is due to go through another couple of iterations before moving towards a development / beta viewer code merge. There has already been one update since the project viewer, which is aimed at improving the capabilities and reliability of in-world text and Voice conversations, first appeared.

CHUI: potentially a couple more iterations to come

While he has not followed the project first-hand, Oz Linden believes CHUI to be nearing a “feature complete” status. The advice is that if you haven’t tried it out and wish to give feedback, now is the time to do so.

Mesh Deformer

Nalates Urriah provides an update on some of the ongoing work around the mesh deformer. In the meantime, speaking at the Open Development User Group meeting on Monday the 26th November, Oz linden responded to a question from White Rabbit as to what garments are still required for testing by saying, “That’s a great question. I’m setting up a meeting with the people responsible for avatars to try to get a proper acceptance test defined for both that and STORM-1800.” STORM-1800 relates to the vertex weights of the default avatar character mesh.

While Oz didn’t specify a date for the meeting, those with a direct interest in either supplying mesh clothing for testing or in the JIRA should be hearing from him in the near future on the meeting details.

Continue reading “SL project news week 48/1: server and beta, viewer, maps and memory” →

SL production viewer reaches 3.4.2

Posted on by Inara Pey

Update 18:35 GMT: Sometimes one reads the release notes and misses things. See the section on the Volume Controls towards the end of this article

The official SL viewer has now moved to the 3.4.2 code base with the release of version 3.4.2.267137.

This release brings with it a couple of signficant changes and a host of updates and fixes.

Steam Link-up Changes

Anyone performing a completely fresh install (including the removal of all account-related folders from the computer) will clearly see that the code for the forthcoming link-up with Steam is now present in the viewer, as the prompt to create an account will be prominently displayed.

The prompt displayed for anyone who installs the SL viewer for the first time – primarily aimed at those who will soon be able to download the viewer through Steam without necessarily having an SL account.

For those who do not perform a clean install, the prompt will not be displayed (as the viewer will locate existing account-related folders), nor will anyone who automatically updates their viewer should they see a prompt to do so. This means that the pop-up dialogue will not plague everyone who has an SL account, so shouldn’t be a source of annoyance. However, the cleaned-up bottom section of the screen (also with a “Create Your Account” option in the lower right corner) will obviously be visible to all, and gives a further indication that things are progressing.

This change also doesn’t mean the Steam link-up is live; I understand from Linden Lab that there are still some steps to be completed outside of this work. But again, given the viewer updates are starting to appear, it is reasonable to anticipate the time for a formal announcement to be drawing closer.

The prompt will also (I believe) be seen by those who come to SL via the “traditional” route of signing-up for an account first via the SL website (or any of the third-party sign-up options which may still be available) and then downloading the viewer. As such, it’ll be interesting to see if anyone gets a little confused by a prompt asking them to create an account when they believe they’ve already done so, rather than simply ignoring the pop-up by clicking CONTINUE.

Group Services Code

Large group management via HTTP service now part of the official release viewer

Key among the rest of the updates to the viewer is Baker Linden’s Group Services code designed to make use of the new HTTP service already available on the grid.

As there has been some confusion as to what this is all about, and at the risk of repeating myself, here’s a quick recap of the main points:

  • The new code allows for improved loading of membership lists of very large groups, together with improved reliability in editing such groups (i.e. assigning roles, removing people, etc.), by the group moderators
  • Until such time as the viewer-side code has been incorporated into all TPVs, the “old” method of loading group lists into the viewer will still be available. However, viewers using the “old” method (a protocol referred to as UDP) will have group loading capped at 10K members. This means:
    • That for groups with 10K or fewer members, there will be no change regardless as to whether the viewer is using HTTP or UDP
    • But for groups large than 10K, viewers running the UDP code will be unable to load the group until such time as they have been updated to the new code
  • The code will not lead to any improvements in group chat reliability, and is not aimed at improving group chat.

The new code is gradually appearing across all third-party viewers, with many already incorporating it ahead of this release from LL. Further, the Lab will not be “turning off” the UDP service in the short-term, so there is no risk of a viewer which hasn’t yet updated being completely unable to load any groups at all.

Volume Controls – Update

New volume control options

This release also see the official viewer adopt the “Quick volume” controls from Firestorm. These provide access to ALL major volume control options for the viewer, rather than just the master volume control, and can be accessed by hovering the mouse over the speaker icon in the top right of the viewer window.

The controls appear colourless as they are awaiting work to render them in the official viewer UI skin colour; as this work has yet to be completed (JIRA STORM-1868), I missed the fact that the update has reached the release version of the viewer when writing this update.

Other Notable Changes

The list of updates for the release is extensive (and unfortunately without any JIRA references where relevant and tha JIRA themselves are still public). As such, it is advisable to take a look at the release notes to determine what has been fixed / updated.

What’s NOT Included

The new HTTP texture fetching service code from Monty Linden is not in this release. this work is currently a part of the beta viewer project (viewer code base 3.4.3), and will be making its way into the release version of the viewer in the near future.

Performance and Feedback

Performance-wise, 3.4.2.267137 is very good on my personal set-up, and allowing for the arbitrary nature of such FPS tests.These were performed in my “new” test area, a premium sandbox with 3 other avatars present (and building):

  • Deferred off:
    • Ground: 38-39 fps
    • 370 metres: 43 fps
    • 2875 metres: 62 fps
  • Deferred on + lighting set to Sun/Moon + Projectors; ambient occlusion off:
    • Ground: 11 fps
    • 370 metres:16-17 fps
    • 2875 metres: 18 fps

The non-deferred rates have me wondering what might be achieved on an i5 machine with something like a GTX660 and oodles of memory with a 64-bit OS…

This is a somewhat overdue update to the official viewer and marks a return to periodic viewer releases. Linden Lab still have much more in the pipe to filter down to the release viewer, and it’s liable that we’ll be seeing Christmas before everything is sufficiently caught up such that the release cycle returns to its normal pace. In the meantime, there will be on-going frequent beta updates with changes filtering through to the release viewer as and when they are deemed ready. Overall, however, this release should be welcome news for those who use the official viewer.

Related Links

Whiskey’s shots: now to be savoured in real life

Posted on by Inara Pey

I’m going to say this up front: I’m posting this without the subject’s knowledge, because I do know how hard it has been for her to promote herself. I hope she won’t be upset with me for doing so.

I’ll also say that while Whiskey Monday and I don’t know each other in-world, I know her through Twitter and via her blog at Whiskey Shots I have a great affinity with and respect for her views, thoughts and outlook – not because we necessarily have a lot in common, but because every word she uses is beautifully crafted, from the heart and rich with insight and emotion, all of which naturally draw me to her. Whiskey is quite simply, one of the most creative and caring people I’ve ever encountered; and I’m far from alone in saying that.

Whiskey’s heartfelt outlook and creativity also combine in her images, which day after day never fail to stir one’s emotions. They reach well beyond the traditional nature of virtual world images and are works of art, which sit both independently from, and very much a part of, the blog posts with which they appear.

Now Whiskey has – in response to repeated requests from friends – now crossed over the digital divide and is offering her images as fine art prints for sale in real life, supplied through Fine Art America. The images are supplied as high-quality giclee prints on art grade paper, and Fine Art America offer them in a range for formats and finishes, from greetings cards through to full canvas print options, each in a range of sizes and very reasonable prices.

Once Upon a Time – one of Whiskey’s amazing shots, now available through Fine Art America

Each item Whiskey has selected for reproduction has not only been carefully chosen, it has been subject to very careful edited to remove every blemish and unwanted artifact which can otherwise result from tha vagaries of the snapshot floater / viewer image processing (such as the unfortunately tiling lines so common in high-resolution SL photography). The results are, even on the Fine Art America pages, stunning.

Pricing for items is given in local currency (and there is a converter on each page in case the website / your browser hiccups on displaying the required currency), and Fine Art America do ship worldwide. For those worried about their pseudonymity – relax! Fine Art America handle everything directly; as Whiskey herself says, “FAA handles all shipping and handling for me, so I’ll never see your real world or payment information. This seemed the easiest way to make prints available while protecting all of our interests.”

Depth Perception– one of Whiskey’s amazing shots, now available through Fine Art America

The initial set of prints on offer may seem small – but it stands as a huge amount of work on Whiskey’s part to prepare them, not to mention a huge leap of courage to make the crossing as she has. She is planning to expand the set further as time permits. In the meantime, if you are looking for that exception image, be it for a wall or a gift or as a message to send to a loved one / friend, Whiskey’s shots offer a very unique and beautiful way of doing so.

But don’t take my word for it; go see for yourself and read Whiskey’s blog.

Related Links

Runestone: picturesque romance

Posted on by Inara Pey

Runestone is a place I’ve visited on a number of occasions, but have never blogged about. The region is a rustic landscape which can change over time and with seasons, owned and landscaped by Portia Lytton and the Run Keeper’s group. It is open to the public at ground level and offers a picturesque place to visit – particularly with a loved one.

Runestone

Winter has yet to reach Runestone, and the region is currently in the golden and green shades of autumn – colours which heighten the romantic feel of the place. What you do once you arrive is entirely up to you; whether you opt to keep to the cobble paths which run through the region, spanning stone bridges, or whether you wander at random through tall grass and under the shade of trees, or seek-out places to dance or swing – or simply find somewhere to sit and ponder, Runestone offers you an open invitation to simply relax and enjoy.

Runestone

The rustic feel of the region is heightened through the use of a number of Maxwell Graf’s excellent range of houses, one of which visitors can also enjoy (including the Greedy Greedy table inside one. For the more energetic, the water-mill offers the chance to knead dough, or there are hidden places to be found.

Runestone

Runestone, like many places in SL, invites you a fiddle with your windlight presets as well; while the normal day / night cycles is used, the fact that the footpaths are lit by lamps, as are the bridges, tends to encourage one to fiddle around with the time of day slider – which is good, as this also can add to the romantic atmosphere of you so desire. As per usual, I roamed the region, constantly playing with the presets and sliders, looking for options which work and then making a note of them…

Runestone

There is something of a nautical feel to Runestone as well; to the north-east side of the island a tall ship – one of Lia Woodget’s unmistakable builds  – lies at anchor in the lee of the island, hinting at the location of a hidden horde, while across the water to the north, the sister region of Syrinx has a distinctly piratical feel to it. Parts of this region – also operated by Portia Lytton, appear open to the public, although I confess, I’ve not made the trip over as yet, despite the rowing boat drawn up on the shore (which is actually Syrinx itself, even though it looks to be a part of Runestone – watch out for the line denoting the boundary between the two).

Runestone – looking north to Syrinx

There are lots of places for couple to share their time on Runestone, with love seats, places to dance and so on to be found scattered across the island. There is also much to offer the photographer as well, particularly given the ease with which Runestone allows you to use many different windlight settings, as mentioned above. Should you need a prop or two when taking snaps, rezzing is open – just please remember to pick anything up again once you’ve done with it!

Runestone

All-in all a delightful place to visit, and a welcome break when otherwise leaping from point to point across the grid.

Related Links

Runestone

My thanks

Posted on by Inara Pey

Shug Maitland contacted me earlier this evening to inform me that this blog had come top in a New World Notes reader’s poll of SL blogs.

I’d be lying if I say I was unaware that such a poll had taken place – for one thing a couple of people tapped me about it when it was on-going, and for another I read at least one blogger requesting people go vote for their blog and another asking people to not vote for their blog!

Anyway, suffice it to say, I’m sincerely surprised and very flattered that people feel so strongly about this blog they’d actually go vote for it somewhere, and I would like to take a moment to thank all who did so; not so much for putting me at the top of a poll – with due respect to Hamlet, that actually matters not – but for taking the time and effort to show your appreciation of this blog; it really means a lot to me, and encourages me to work to improve my coverage of SL in the future.

Thank you :).

Viewer release summary 2012: week 47

Posted on by Inara Pey

This summary is published every Monday and is a list of SL viewer / client releases (official and TPV) made during the previous week. When reading it, please note:

  • It is based on my Viewer Round-up Page, a list of  all Second Life viewers and clients that are in popular use (and of which I am aware) and which are recognised as adhering to the TPV Policy
  • By its nature, this summary will always be in arrears
  • The Viewer Round-up Page is updated as soon as I’m aware of any releases / changes to viewers & clients, and should be referred to for more up-to-date information as the week progresses
  • The Viewer Round-up Page also includes comprehensive links to download pages, blog notes, release notes, etc., as well as links to any / all reviews of specific viewers / clients made within this blog.  

Updates for the week ending: 25 November, 2012

  • SL Viewer updates:
      • Beta version rolled to 3.4.3.267135, on November 20 – release notes
      • Development version rolled to 3.4.3.267201 on November 20
  • Exodus rolled to 12.11.24.1 on November 24 – core updates: large group management code; full pathfinging implementation (incl. navmesh visualisation); removal of OpenSim support from grid selector; removal of –loginuri support; various UI updates, bug fixes and minor changes – release notes
  • Zen Viewer rolled to 3.4.3.0 on November 24 – core updates: latest mesh deformer code; Reverted OpenJPEG Decoder; Area Search, Local Bitmaps, Build floater updates (script (Contents tab) and texture (Texture tab) options) from latest Firestorm Beta; re-categorized and shortened Object Context Menu  – release notes
  • Cool VL updates:
    • Stable branch rolled to 1.26.4.40 on November 24 – core updates: Reworked & renamed Audio & Video Preference tab (to Audio & Media); backported a fix to the new target omega code from viewer-development v3.4; fixed improper support for wheel mouse scroll events in parcel media; added a setting to override auto-zooming on media faces; added a “mute” button to the Media HUD; assorted minot fixes and ports
    • Experimental branch rolled to 1.26.5.20 also on November 24 – core updates as per main release, plus: Media on a Prim compiled and enabled. See this thread
    • Release notes
  • Libretto – removed from round-up page due to website being unavailable and client removed from the SL Third-party Viewer Directory.

Related Links