SL Mobile demonstration by Grumpity Linden – a screen capture from the June 2023 development video from Linden Lab
On Tuesday, June 27th, Linden Lab released a new video highlighting the development work for Second Life Mobile App. This video is embedded below, with what follows intended to form a short summary of comments made on the work during the SL20B Lab Gab session with Grumpity and Mojo Linden (and for which I’ll have a text summary available soon.
Key Points
Development work is continuing, with an emphasis on performance and rendering (for example: the capabilities of the hardware running SL Mobile is assessed to see if it can render with shadows enabled).
The user interface has been revised and improved.
The overall aim remains to provide an immersive an experience as possible, and provide users with an many of the capabilities found within the viewer as makes sense to include in a mobile device.
As it is, SL Mobile provides:
Chats and IM capabilities.
Friends on-line information.
Destinations / Places.
Teleport capabilities.
Groups and Group chat functionality.
High-quality rendering.
Avatar navigation via an on-screen joystick (only visible when in use).
Work will continue in adding features and capabilities and refining SL Mobile over the next two quarters.
The current time frame for releases is:
Limited “private” alpha testing towards the end of 2023.
Broader user beta testing in 2024.
Further news and updates will be made available as and when there are updates to share.
Rendering in the SL Mobile app / viewer – screencap via the June 2023 development video from Linden Lab
The Video
The new video – embedded below – provides insight into the work carried out since the last update / video released at SL19B, and highlights some of the purposes LL sees SL Mobile being put to.
Note that elements such as the UI as seen in the video are subject to possible change as the product develops.
Inventory Extensions in the official viewer: Item and folder contents preview images (l) and the Single Folder View (r)
On Monday, June 26th, Linden Lab issued the Inventory Extensions project viewer, offering two new inventory features intended to make browsing inventory and inventory folders and ascertaining what they / their contents are a lot easier. An official blog post accompanied the new viewer, and this post is intended to offer a little meat an bones on that post for the curious.
The new capabilities comprise:
Inventory Previews (previously referred to as Inventory Thumbnails):
The ability to take images of individual items within inventory (clothing, body parts, accessories, attachments).
Have these images persistently linked to the item (unless intentionally deleted or changed) and displayed when the mouse pointer is hovered over the item in question.
The ability to use your own images, either from inventory or uploaded through the preview tool, which can be persistently associated with the item when the mouse pointer hover over it.
The ability to create and include images for other inventory asset types such as Calling Cards (e.g. a photo of the person to whom the card relates), EEP Settings, Landmarks (e.g. a photo of a location), Notecards, Gestures, Scripts, etc.
The ability to associated images with an entire folder (e.g. a photo of a complete outfit contained in a folder).
There is no fee associated with creating such preview images, whether taken using the in-viewer tool or when uploading your own image via the tool (note the fee will be applied still if you use the Build → Upload Image option).
Merchants and creators can add previews to their delivery folders and items, and these will be automatically displayed on mouseover with the item / folder.
Single Folder view: the ability to see the contents of a single inventory folder in its own window.
As far as I’m aware, these previews should not place any overhead on inventory loading.
Please note: at the time of writing, these features are only available via a project viewer available via the Alternate Viewers page, and thus should be regarded as being for testing purposes, and they may be subject to further iterations / changes between now and when they do review a de facto release status. Those trying the viewer are encouraged to file any bugs they may find via the Second Life Jira.
Inventory Previews
Creating a Preview via the Preview Snapshot
Select (and wear / display, as applicable) the item for which you wish to create a preview image. In this example, I’m using a hairstyle.
If you are creating a preview of an item of clothing or other wearable, you might want to pose your avatar (although this obviously isn’t essential).
Position your camera so you are ready to take your preview image.
Open your Inventory and locate the item for item for which you wish to create a preview image and right-click on its name to display the Context Menu. Select Image… from the menu.
This will open the Change Item Image floater. To take a preview image directly, click on the Use Snapshot Tool button on the floater (second button from left, with a camera icon).
Creating an Inventory Preview Image of of of my hairstyles
When using the Snapshot Tool, clicking the button will open the Item Snapshot floater:
Use the Take Photo button to refresh the preview of the image about to be taken, if required.
When you are satisfied with the preview image, click Save.
The preview image will be generated and automatically associated with the inventory item.
Viewing A Preview Image
In Inventory, hover the mouse over an item.
If there is a preview image set for it, it will be displayed whilst the mouse remains over the item.
Hovering the mouse pointer over an item in Inventory will display any preview image associated with it
Buttons on the Change Item Image and Item Snapshot Floaters
The image below provides additional descriptions for those buttons on the Change Item Image and Image Snapshot floaters which might not be obvious at first glance.
The buttons on the Change Item Image and Image Snapshot floaters
Additional Notes
When using the Upload From Computer and Use Texture (e.g. a snapshot saved to inventory or other texture in inventory) in the Change Item Image floater, there is no need to take an additional snapshot using the floater – once displayed in the floater, the image will be associated with the item.
To create an image for an entire folder in inventory (such as an outfit), follow the steps for Creating a Preview via the Preview Snapshot, but right-click on the folder itself to select Image… from the Context Menu.
Using the Preview option with an outfit (l) and a Landmark (r)
Single Folder View
This option allows you to see the contents of a single inventory folder in its own window.
Locate the required folder in inventory.
Right-click on it to display the Context Menus and select Open in a New Window.
The contents of the folder are displayed in a new floater:
Any items with associated preview images have said images displayed in the upper part of the floater.
Items without any associated preview image are listed in the lower portion of the floater.
The Single Folder View (aka open folder in a new window)
General Notes
There have been some claims that the Inventory Preview is an attempt by LL to move in on popular products such as CTS Wardrobe; however, these claims are not really accurate. This kind of inventory preview has long been requested for the viewer, whereas CTS and similar are geared towards web-based inventory organisation (and may require the use of RLV), whilst offering a more rounded feature-set in terms of tagging and other capabilities. As such, they are not in any way invalidated by the release of this functionality, and there are those who may find such systems remain more attractive as an option.
That said, the Lab’s inventory preview is a useful feature, and one that will hopefully be used by content creators as well as by users in general. The single folder inventory view is also useful, although I have a minor niggle over consistency of naming (if the capability is called Single Folder View, how about calling it that in the Context Menu?).
Currently, and as noted above, both features are still in development, and hence only available through the Alternate Viewers page at present, and may be subject to change. Depending on what, if any, changes are made, I may revisit this viewer and provide a further piece on it once it reaches de facto release status.
On Monday, June 26th, Linden Lab streamed a special session of Lab Gab featuring Vice President of Product Operations, Patch Linden.
The interview was built around questions submitted by users in the wake of the announcement of the session, together with those asking during the session via the live and asked via You Tube audiences.
Notes:
The following is a summary, not a full transcript of everything said.
Timestamps to the video are included within each topic / sub-topic.
Originally a Second Life resident and business owner who joined the platform in 2004, and became a Linden in September 2007.
Initially worked as a support agent and then as a support liaison. From there he moved to the Concierge team, eventually becoming that team’s manager.
Shifted focus to the role of Operations Support Manager for a year, then moved to the Product group, the team responsible for defining the features, etc., found within Second Life.
At Product he developed the Land Operations team, which includes the Linden Department of Public Works (LDPW).
In 2018, he established the company’s support office in Atlanta, Georgia, and in 2020 he oversaw the move to larger office space in Atlanta, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019 he was promoted to Vice President, Product Operations.
Together with Grumpity, Mojo and Brett Linden, he forms the leadership team overseeing Second Life’s continued development.
In his management team role, Patch continues to oversee all of the Lab’s user support operations (some 5 teams), including the LDPW.
No specific announcements on additional benefits, but this is something LL are constantly reviewing to see what fits with the overall structure of Premium and Premium Plus.
The next release after this is code-named “Thousand Island” – which is a hint as to the theme – and the code-name derived from salad dressings (coming off the back of “ranch” – geddit?).
[Video: 1:10:23-1:10:58] The Linden Homes web pages will be updated so that if you already have a Linden Home, it will be possible to see if a theme you’d like to switch to is currently available, rather than having to abandon your existing home in order to see the list of available themes via the web page .
In the interim, the avatars have undergone further testing and approvement.
The project now has an overall brand name – Senra (which fits with the Linden branding, given the latter is a tree and Senra is a genus of plant).
Alongside the new avatars, LL has developed a full line of clothing, accessories and attachments, which will be released at the same time as the avatars.
A devkit with licensing agreement, for creators wishing to support the new avatar ecosystem and producing clothing and accessories they may wish to sell into that environment, is also in the final stages of preparation for release.
These avatars and their clothing / accessories lines (both from LL and creators) will be featured in the new Welcome Hub shopping areas (see below).
The entire system is almost now ready for release, and is just waiting on a couple of pieces to be put into place. One of these is on the web side of SL, where incoming new users will be able to select an avatar and customise it .
A preview version of the new, single mesh (head-to-toe) avatars now under the Senra brands, as originally unveiled at SL19B in June 2021
New Welcome / Community Hubs
The new Motown Experience and the additional regions are a new Welcome Hub Experience.
It comprises multiple regions built around a central Welcome Area, which is part of the renewed Mentor programme.
This will be the model for future Welcome / Community Hubs.
The shopping area within the Hub idea will include times for the NUX Avatar described above, feature other items aimed at new starters, with stores being periodically rotated for different creators.
Within the current Hub, the Motown Experience will continue to be expanded in terms of events and offerings.
Other partnerships along this line are under consideration, and may be seen Soon™.
As noted above, the new Welcome Hub features a partnership with Capitol Record Group via their Motown label.
This is the latest in a series of partnership with external organisations (Adult Swim, Zenescope, Film Threat, etc.).
These are likely to continue.
Currently, development is in the works to see Second Life featured in a “fairly significant TV show” which is currently airing (at least in the US, if not on streaming services in general – details were not made clear – and about to enter its 2nd season). Within it, SL will have a “pretty prominent placement”.
Due to the volume of work the LDPW is committed to, there have been changes in priority for various projects, meaning resources do get swapped between projects according to demand.
However, there are a number of Mainland initiatives underway, which may not always be particularly visible, but which are proceeding as resources allow (e.g. ongoing work to improve the Second Life Railroad (SLRR) and Mainland roads infrastructure).
As the page is turned with regards to the old Linden Homes themes and mini-continents, it is anticipated that more Mainland-focused work and activities will come to prominence. For example (and allowing for their historical value) Mainland Hubs might be given an update / refresh in the future).
Mainland residents with ideas for Mainland improvements can (preferably) submit them as Feature Requests through the Second Life Jira, although they can be accepted via a Support ticket.
General Q&A
General observations in opening comments:
Linden avatars may at times be carrying a tablet. This is apparently clickable and related to the Bellisseria / Mainland passport system (run via the Bellisseria Bureau of Bureaucracy – residents who have a BBB passport can touch an Linden’s tablet and obtain their “passport stamp”.
The inclusion of Adult themed regions at SLB20B and the Shop and Hop was a conscious decision to express all of SL’s diversity at a milestone event.
Will previously-offered Last Names be brought back? – Probably not, unless the name generates an exceptional number of requests for it to be brought back – and even then it would mean reversing a public statement that “used” Last Names would not be re-featured.
Will the cadence of new Last Name options be increased? – releases have largely been with an event / seasonal focus (with some themed offerings as well). It is unlikely this will change.
This has been requested from time-to-time. However, as:
Adult activities / furnishings are permitted in private homes within Moderate Regions (+ Parcel Privacy can be invoked),
And additional research by the Lab suggests there is not a general request for residential places with Adult activities can be acted on in public,
It is not seen as offering benefit at present, at least in terms of replicating the current themes of Linden Homes within Adult-rated regions.
That said, this doesn’t preclude the potential for a special “Adult Theme” of Linden Homes within their own regions, were sufficient demand to arise. There are just no plans in the works for anything like this at present.
Is Zindra (the Adult continent) ever going to be “finished” (in regards to shape, coastlines, etc)?
Yes. There are plans to add on to the Adult continent. However, this may not be done utilising the current Zindra “theme”.
Rather there are plans in development which may result in a complete overhaul / update of Zindra (at least in terms of the core builds by the LDPW).
Is it possible to order Private regions attached to Zindra or the Adult Horizons regions? – Yes, but with a caveat:
LL operate the Community Land Partnership Programme (CLPP), and requests for Private regions to join with LL continents as a whole (including Zindra and Horizons) must comply with the requirements of this programme.
[Video: 47:47-49:50] Can users consult with LL directly over issues of ToS, copyright, and other policies?
The best route for general enquiries / questions on matter of TOS and other SL policies as enforced by LL is via Support, who can generally answer general questions and provide assistance with navigating the policies to gain a clearer understanding.
However, Support (and user-facing LL staff in general) cannot consult on legal matters or provide any form of legal advice or recommendations, although very specific questions might be escalated to the Legal Dept for feedback.
Where matters of TOS / Community Standards / violations are concerned, users should file these via the Abuse Report mechanism.
The differentiation between prizes (physical world car and gaming laptop for the US-centric National Sweepstakes and Premium / Premium Plus prizes for the Global Sweepstakes) for purely practical reasons (taxation, shipping, etc.).
There have been shifts in demographics over the years, some of which are clearly visible in-world, thanks to the changing face of content creation (e.g. from hobbyists happy to bang prims together to semi-professional mesh creators).
There have also been other shifts that have been visible – from the technically curious and engaged to the more socially-seeking users (in terms of making connections, seeking social events, etc.).
Demographics and changing patterns as a whole are something the Lab tracks as a part of efforts to try to encourage more people to enter SL and become engaged with it.
This will continue in the future as LL continue to seek to engage and draw and keep SL vibrant and active as a platform. It may include casting back to older initiatives and trying them again (hence the recent informal Twitter poll by Alexa Linden on Teen Grid and perhaps bringing that back), if it is believed they might work – not that a return of Teen Grid is currently in the works.
On Monday June 26th, Linden Lab launched the first Linden Homes theme expressly for Premium Plus subscribers. As had been promised, the theme is “Ranch”, and comprises a total of seven styles. Also as promised, these houses are on 2048 sq metre parcels with a land capacity of 703 LI. For the initial release, a total of 28 regions have been established by LL, located in their own group alongside Bellisseria’s major Stilt Home regions.
The houses themselves are of various footprint, the smallest looking suitable for a 512 s m parcel, and the largest looking like they might feel a little squeezed were they to sit on a 1024 sq m of a Premium home. Here, however, they fit the plots well, although the little cabin-style units do – to my eyes – look very out-of-place.
Premium Plus Ranch Theme: the Stable View (the Spring View is almost identical, but with a slightly smaller footprint)
The landscaping around the houses is well designed, undulating nicely to offer different heights throughout, dirt tracks offering through routes and drives which almost reach onto the parcels. The latter are marked by fences which exist just outside of their boundaries, given a nice sense of property without encroaching on the parcel LI. Lanterns hang from posts which have an unfortunate resemblance to a simple gallows whilst grain silos, water towers, tractors, windmills and other items perhaps common to ranchlands helping to give a sense of place.
As well as presenting different footprints, the houses are a mix of single and two storey units, all framed and clad in wood and incorporating the expected porches. All of those set out for viewing in the region are referenced as “open plan”, even though they have individual rooms. However, whether this means the versions rezzed by default are “open plan”, with their more open spaces to be sub-divided at the owner’s discretion, whilst there are other versions available through the rezzers with their larger interior spaces already sub-divided, or whether these seven styles with their mix of open-plan spaces and individual rooms marks the entire theme, I’ve no idea. However, given I am unsure, the following descriptions may not fully reflect all of the the styles available via the rezzers:
Buffalo Pastures: a large house with 1.5 floors. A full-length front porch with double doors provides access to to a large front-to-back room with rear door accessing a smaller porch. A second front-to-rear room features a staircase at the front rising to a galleried landing and single upper floor room.
Grizzly Point: essentially the same as the above, but with larger footprint to allow a larger main room on the lower floor.
Creek Stone: a small cabin-style house, with front and rear porches. This appears to either only have a single room, or is presented only in its open-plan format.
Knotty Pine: a large, single-storey building with full-length porch to the front and half-length porch to the rear. A single front door provides access to a large front-to-back main room with a door to rear porch. A central hallway parallels the main room, providing access to three further rooms, all with doors and with front, side and rear aspect views respectively, as well as connecting to the main room via both an arched entry and a door towards the rear of the room. A hatchway within this hall provides access to a loft area (with fold-down steps).
Premium Plus Ranch Theme: Silver Spurs
Sliver Spurs: a single-storey L-shaped house with full-length front porch and centre-placed rear porch to half length. A single front door provides access to the main room with views to the rear aspect and door to the porch. An inner hall provides access to two additional rooms.
Stable View: a large two-storey house featuring full-length front and rear porches and double front doors opening into an entrance hall with dogleg stairs to upper floor. Two large connecting rooms (both connecting to the entrance hall on the lower floor. Galleried upper floor landing leading to two side-by-side bedrooms on one side and a further bedroom on the other.
Spring View: similar to the Stable view, but with slightly smaller footprint and only featuring the two upper side-by-side bedrooms.
I’m not entirely sure what it is with this theme – or whether I’m just increasingly jaded – but I admit to finding them lacking appeal and character. Out of the seven styles, Grizzly Point and Stable View are little more than Buffalo Pastures and Spring View on a light dose of steroids, whilst several of the builds seem to have deliberately oddly-shaped permanent (i.e. those with fixed doors) rooms, some of which seemed cramped even sans furnishing. And while the Knotty Pine does have a novelty of an attic (with window), it’s not enough to lift it into the realm of “like” for me. There is also the weird novelty of stone chimneys rising from several of the designs but without any connection to an actual fireplace. Whist this obviously leaves a freedom of choice as to any actual fireplace actually installed on the part of the owner, it still potentially limits where any fireplace might go if sensibilities of look are to be maintained, which seems to defeat the object – so why not just include one to start with?
Premium Plus Ranch Theme: Grizzly Point (the Buffalo Pastures is almost identical, but with a slightly smaller footprint)
Which is not to say the Theme isn’t proving popular. Whilst writing this piece, the houses around me were being snapped up with horses and stables appearing even before furnishings! For those who are Premium Plus and who like horse riding, will likely find much to enjoy with this theme. For me, however, it’s not enough to tip me anywhere close to considering pumping my subscription up to PP.
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 