Logos representative only and should not be seen as an endorsement / preference / recommendation
Updates from the week through to Sunday, March 15th, 2026
This summary is generally 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 Current Viewer Releases 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.
This page 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.
By its nature, this summary presented here will always be in arrears, please refer to the Current Viewer Release Page for more up-to-date information.
Outside of the Official viewer, and as a rule, alpha / beta / nightly or release candidate viewer builds are not included; although on occasions, exceptions might be made.
Official LL Viewers
This list reflects those viewers available via the first four links in the LL Viewer Resources section, below.
Default viewer – Legacy search; WebRTC improvements; QoL improvements – 26.1.0.22641522367 – March 12 – NEW
The CCUG meeting is for discussion of work related to content creation in Second Life, including current and upcoming LL projects, and encompasses requests or comments from the community, together with related viewer development work.
This meeting is generally held on alternate Thursdays at Hippotropolis and is held in a mix of Voice and text chat.
Introduces the ability to moderate spatial voice chat in regions configured to use webRTC voice.
Second Life One Click Install viewer 26.1.0.21295806042, January 26, 2026 – one-click viewer installation.
Viewer Notes
Viewer 2026.01
Promoted to default release ahead of the meeting – see above.
Viewer 2026.01.o1
The next viewer targeting promotion to default status.
Comprises the one-click installer / updater.
It is hoped promotion of this viewer is “weeks away” rather than “months”.
Viewer 2026.02
2026.02 remains on track for the “Flat” UI and font updates + plus a possible refresh of the log-in splash screen.
It now also includes the WebRTC voice moderation capabilities (as seen in the project viewer) to help align viewer-side WebRTC updates more with the hoped-for server-side deployment.
Example of the upcoming flat UI. Via: Geenz Linden / Github #4681/2
Viewer 2026.03
Some changes on this – originally defined as the SLVP – Second Life Visual Polish viewer, the status has changed such that 2026.03 is liable to one of the following:
The SLUA viewer update, or
The Visual Polish viewer, including the long awaited SSR improvements. PBR specular for residents who are more familiar with the old Blinn-Phong work flow + HDR controls in EEP so residents can decide how bright or dark things should be, or
A new performance improvements viewer option.
It is possible that further water improvements might find their way to this SLVP viewer, and also that as some of the updates require sever-side changes, the promotion of SLVP might be subject to delay once available, to allow time for the server changes to be slotted into the simulator release schedule.
It is also possible some of the above might be combined into a single viewer release under the 2026.03 banner.
The potential for making monthly promotions to get all the current inflight viewers up to release status is also being discussed at the Lab.
Viewer Performance Discussion
Better performance is obviously always a benefit to using SL, and currently there is an internal discussion at the Lab overtrying to make some further performance improvements ahead of any release of the SLVP viewer, to enable the latter to better leverage them (e.g. by “shaving off” some VRAM usage).
VRAM is particularly problematic for performance as many SL creates will try to crank the texture resolution for every single material slot to the maximum, whether it is visually beneficial to do so or not. The 2K white emissive texture is an example of this.
Geenz Linden has been making changes to introduce “texture channels”. That is, to more intelligently stream specific maps – diffuse, normal, emissive,, specular, etc., at different resolutions to more intelligently manage VRAM usage with little reduction by way of a scene’s visual fidelity, particularly in scenes with a lot of high resolution textures for every material / material slot.
It has been noted that for this to work, there must be a means for users to make adjustments to suit their visual needs. These might take the form of a texture quality drop-down in the viewer’s Graphics settings.
The texture discussion led to musings on how best to identify texture size / resolution, and the complexities involved (e.g. the asset system doesn’t know – or need to know the specific resolution of a texture, it doesn’t entirely make sense for the logical to determine a texture’s resolution and how to manage it o sit within the server, which leaves the viewer – which requires the texture to be downloaded anyway – and such controls can be ignored by specific viewers simply by not adopting the code, so proactively handling texture resolutions is complicated.
Other work on performance might see changes to the avatar render cost calculations because, ironically, these appear to impact performance.
General Discussions
SLua:
There is a “breaking change” coming to SLua “in the next couple of weeks” which is apparently not deemed worthy of a blog post, so notification will be via Discord and social media – because “communications”.
It will require every current SLua script to be recompiled and restarted.
A discussion on using GPU texture compression to help with performance – something that would require work on LL’s part, but not out of the question for consideration.
HDRI support for environments – again, not out of the question. The major question is how are they to be encoded:
Creating a new asset type specifically for them is not seen as “super practical”.
While the JPEG2000 specification supports HDRI, it is “probably not the most effective application for SL’s specific use for HDRIs.
There needs to be a means of encoding them that is GPU memory friendly, as HDRIs are memory heavy (whilst HDRIs are already used in the rendering pipeline, LL uses them as sparingly as possible for this reason.
EEP would also require updates to fully support them.
None of the above is seen as particularly impossible to overcome, it does require further discussion among all the relevant stakeholders0.
It is hoped that tweaks to the EEP ambient sky settings will help make environments using PBR to “pop” more and will help improve the current Mainland ambient lighting issues.
A number of general discussions on WIBNis (“wouldn’t it be nice if….”), none of which are currently in development..
Falling Tide, March 2026 – click any image for full size
I came across Falling Tide in the Destination Guide recently, where the description pricked my curiosity, so off I hopped to take a look.
Falling Tide is a weathered coastal town where old songs, faded lights and quiet stories linger in the salt air. Wander the docks, paths and streets, find hidden markers, listen, remember. Take your time, explore, let the place get under your skin.
– Falling Tide description
Falling Tide, March 2026
A part of the Winchester estate operated by Clara Winchester (clarabellwinters) and Daniel Winchester, Falling Tide occupies a Full region located between, but not connected to, two other of the estate’s regions. Several of the other regions in the estate also have their own public areas, although for this article I’m focussing solely on Falling Tide.
The Landing Point for the region as given by the Destination Guide, sits within the centre of the little town occupying half the setting. A second Landing Point (neither is strictly enforced) is located on the north-west coast of the region, atop a deck built out over the water. This appears to be favoured by the teleport HUD and boards.
Falling Tide, March 2026
The town Landing Point has a giver for the Winchester Group HUD, which can be used to access other public areas in the estate, whilst equally close to the Landing Point is a teleport board which does much the same. Both are Experience driven, so do be sure to accept it if prompted.
The coastal Landing Point, reached via the TP HUD or whilst exploring, has two notecard givers in the form of empty crates. One offers the opportunity to find stories about Falling Tide scattered around the region (six in all), the other offers visitors the chance to join The Lost Playlist Hunt, which comes with its own back-story.
Falling Tide, March 2026
The town is very much as its description states: somewhat rundown and past its prime but still marching forward and offering various attractions – notably the art gallery – with the old motel offering visitors opportunities to stay a while. At the southern end of the town and extending eastwards is a row of six modestly-size cabins available for rent, so please be aware of this when exploring so as to avoid trespass into rented units.
Water forms a good part of the setting, with a large bay separating it from the region to the east, and the land breaking into a couple of islands to the north-east, reached via a tarmac road surface. However, it appears these two islands have been recently formed as a result of tidal incursion, despite the setting’s name, which has washed away parts of the road in separating the islands from the rest of the land, leaving the locals to place a couple plank bridges to cross the new channels.
Falling Tide, March 2026
It is this outer landscape to the east and north of the town which really brings home the tired beauty of the setting. The buildings, from the lighthouse to the boat repair shop all carry a sense of age and of slipping gently into retirement. Where once tourists might have roamed, birds and waterfowl prevail, notwithstanding the presence of a tramp steamer sitting just off the northern coast.
This quiet sense of age, coupled with the dour grey sky actually makes Falling Tide very photogenic – although some tidying-up of footpath / road prims around the town is in order to remove overlaps and the resultant texture flickering. The outlying islands certain offer plenty of opportunities for photography, and more can be found in following the outlying roads and trails.
Falling Tide, March 2026
Serene in its gentle aging, quietly linked to the wider Winchester estate and even with opportunities for a bit of boating on the waters, Falling Tide makes for an unhurried visit.
Logos representative only and should not be seen as an endorsement / preference / recommendation
Updates from the week through to Sunday, March 8th, 2026
This summary is generally 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 Current Viewer Releases 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.
This page 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.
By its nature, this summary presented here will always be in arrears, please refer to the Current Viewer Release Page for more up-to-date information.
Outside of the Official viewer, and as a rule, alpha / beta / nightly or release candidate viewer builds are not included; although on occasions, exceptions might be made.
Official LL Viewers
Default viewer 2025.08 – 7.2.3.19375695301 – maintenance update with bug fixes and quality of life improvements – December 2.
Notable addition: new VHACD-based convex decomposition library for mesh uploads.
Second Life Release Candidate viewer 2026.01 – 26.1.0.22641522367, March 5 – NEW
Legacy search; WebRTC improvements; QoL improvements.
Linden Lab Adult Hub, Second Life, March 2026 – click any image for full size
If memory serves, it was around 2 years ago (maybe slightly longer) when Linden lab first dropped hints about a new Adult Hub for Second Life. It appears that any “coming soon” associated with the Hub was of the Blizzard variety, given that here we are, some two(ish) years later, and the hub has finally arrived.
Or at least I assume it has only recently arrived; there’s been no announcement that I’ve seen, nor any chat about it (although, in fairness, I try to avoid the Forums, where it may have been announced). In fact, I was only alerted to its presence in-world by long-time friend, Miro Collas – so thank you, Miro!
Linden Lab Adult Hub, Second Life, March 2026
Called simply and appropriately the Adult Hub, the new facility is open to both existing and new residents – with mentors available to help the latter. In terms of setting, it has a strange semi sci-fi feel about it; not sure why – Adult activities are hardly constrained to that particular genre, but it does mark the hub as distinct from others the Lab has provided, with dark tones to the buildings, together with neon and LED-like lighting.
The Landing Point forms n open plaza with a heart motif, sitting in the centre of the major structures at the hub. The largest of these buildings is the Illusions Lounge – a club which, if I recall correctly, was featured in the early hints given about the Adult Hub back in 2024.
Linden Lab Adult Hub, Second Life, March 2026
On either side of the steps leading up to the lounge are teleport portals. The three to the left offer access to newcomer friendly locations, the middle to adult clubs and entertainment and the third to arts and culture. The single portal to the right of the stairs links to the main SL Welcome Hub. The three “destination” portals also have adverts for the SL Destination Guide between them. Each of these portals also has a sign above it naming the current destination were one to step through it.
To either side of the Landing Point are maps of the entire region, highlighting the various buildings and other facilities. These comprise the swimming pool, facing the lounge from across the Landing Point and overlooking the main beach (itself with a nude beach to one side); a beachside fire pit; a glamping space with three A-frame tents and couples mattresses; the imaginatively names Sexy Spa and Sexy Hotel; and The Fall, which form a part of the hub’s extensive gardens and outdoor spaces.
Linden Lab Adult Hub, Second Life, March 2026
Not directly annotated (but still shown) on the map are these saunas, the hub’s bar (which is linked via a terrace to the Sexy Hotel), and the walks through the gardens and outdoor spaces. These are all also pointed to via the hub’s plentiful signage.
The hotel is deserving of particular mention. The ground-level foyer presents five private sky-base rooms, each one with a photo and an indicator as to whether it is available for use. Clicking the Availability sign will display a dialogue asking you to confirm if you wish to use the room for up to 30 minutes.
Linden Lab Adult Hub, Second Life, March 2026
Responding “Yes” to this dialogue presents a further dialogue box explaining how to use the room on your own or with another guest or guests. When you have clicked your preferred choice (and entered the name of the other guest(s), if you are sharing), clicking the Available sign will teleport you to the room. As one might expect, the bed within each room includes adult animations. Each room also has an Exit door, which will return you to the Hotel foyer. Note that if you leave a room prior to your 30 minutes being up, you might not be able to select another room until your time has expired.
Similarly, most of the ground-level sitting positions – such as the glamping tents, the fire pit seats, the loungers at the pool and the various sitting spots secluded around the gardens all display a dialogue box when you first sit on them, allowing you to decide if you want to have sole control over their animation menu, or wish to share it with someone you are with. Very handy if you wish to avoid being disturbed by an unwanted guest. Also, like the hotel rooms, the Glamping tents are available for up to 30 minutes a session.
Linden Lab Adult Hub, Second Life, March 2026
The beaches are both surprisingly light on places to sit – the main beach appears to be more geared towards dancing and events. The gardens are one of the most pleasing aspects of the hub, offering both somewhat secluded spots in which to pass the time as well as much needed colour through the flowerbeds, some of which are neatly and symmetrically placed around the main Landing Point, making it feel more welcoming and relaxed.
In all, the Adult Hub is pretty well done, and as I explore I found the black / neon / colour scheme growing on me. The overall design is nicely low-key and relaxed, the signage and information boards will placed and informative.
Linden Lab Adult Hub, Second Life, March 2026
I did find one or two little glitches – the two maps at the Landing Point, for example, are supposed to be interactive (“Click locations for more information”), but this wasn’t working during my visit. That aside, I did like the neon 3D sculpture which, when views from the right angle forms the Second Life eye-in-hand logo, complete with a pair of horns and a devil’s tail.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Adult Hub fares and how new users are directed to it (criteria, etc.).
Hippotropolis Theatre: home of the OSD/TPVD meeting
The following notes were taken from:
Pantera’s video (embedded at the end of this article) and my chat log of the Open-Source Developer (OSD) meeting held on Friday, March 6th, 2026, together with my chat log of that meeting.
Please note that this is not a full transcript of the meeting but a summary of key topics.
The OSD meeting is a combining of the former Third Party Viewer Developer meeting and the Open Source Development meeting. It is open discussion of Second Life development, including but not limited to open source contributions, third-party viewer development and policy, and current open source programs.
This meeting is generally held twice a month on a Friday, at 13:00 SLT at the Hippotropolis Theatre and is generally text chat only.
Introduces the ability to moderate spatial voice chat in regions configured to use webRTC voice.
Second Life One Click Install viewer 26.1.0.21295806042, January 26, 2026 – one-click viewer installation.
Upcoming Viewers
Viewer 2026.01
Was lined up for promotion to release status, but LL has ben seeing some suspiciously low fault rates – less than 1%, rather than the more usual average fault rate accounting for freezes and crashes being closer to something like 5-7%.
As a result, the view is going to be left at RC status through until early in week #11.
Viewer 2026.1.1 – One Click Install
2026.1.1 is the new designation for the one-click install and velopack viewer (currently 26.1.0.21295806042).
This is unlikely to move to release status for at least a couple of weeks as it works through QA testing, particularly given this viewer represents a pretty big migration from the old updater to the new one.
Viewer 2026.02
This viewer is about to undergo an “Alpha” update, designed to gather feedback from users.
This is the viewer with the new “Flat” UI updates, font changes and WebRTC voice moderation capabilities, and might additionally receive some backported updates to texture streaming.
Example of the upcoming flat UI. Via: Geenz Linden / Github #4681/2
Viewer 2026.03 -“SL Visual Polish” (SLVP)
2026.03 is set to include:
The “long baking” SSR improvements that were started last year. This version of the viewer will likely have a long beta soak time to allow feedback on these changes to be gathered.
PBR specular for residents who are more familiar with the old Blinn-Phong workflow. This will:
Include another texture slot (tint of the specular reflection).
Work with metallics.
Follow the glTF specification, but will likely initially be without glTF overrides, as this requires server-side work.
This work is currently being wrapped-up.
HDR controls in EEP so residents can decide how bright or dark things should be. This work does require simulator-side updates. This will likely initially have server-side support on Aditi (the Beta grid).
It may additionally include:
Further mirrors optimisations and a new “Ultra” quality setting that will enable a system mirror for water. A caveat on this work is that while this “water mirror” might up the quality of water reflections, it will do so at a performance hit; SSR for water will always be faster and less intensive.
Inclusion of an emissive strength setting for PBR.
Further performance optimisations.
The current repository for this viewer (valid March 6th, but may change) is available here.
This viewer may be in a head-to-head with the SLua viewer as to which gets promoted first when the time comes.
Grid-Wide WebRTC
A small deployment to the Preflight simulator Release Candidate channel was made on Thursday, March 5th, intended to address some server stability issues.
It is hoped that the deployment will quickly move to the BlueSteel RC.
There is still no Voice echo canyon for WebRTC for self-testing your own Voice system. However, one is still under consideration.
General Discussion
please refer to the video as well.
Geenz Linden has not had time to address the much-requested alpha-gamma fixes due to a focus on the SLVP viewer. It is also anticipated this work will require a decent bit of scoping, including understanding what needs to remove server-side to avoid a potential permissions hole.
Geenz has also has made further commits for the reimplementation of SSR after he found a good way to get hierarchical Z tracing working in the viewer.
He has also finally got the separable SSR pass working from another branch, which leads to a ton of optimisation potential for SLVP. For example, this now allows rendering of SSR at half or even quarter resolution, while the output for glossy SSR can be filtered, leading to less graininess on PBR surfaces and water.
There is also now a mirror for water reflections – which as was noted above, requires the Ultra quality setting and will impact viewer performance. but which is independent to SSR for water reflections.
The long-awaited Appearance fixes, as supplied by Kitty Barnett, are being targeted for the 2026.03 viewer.
There has been some musing on re-working the viewer graphic settings to make them easier to parse (such as making options drop-downs grouped by the Low to Ultra quality settings, with only the relevant options appearing for each. However, this work is only at the musing stage, not something being pursued.
A general discussion of texture handling – including the option to add blank texture detection and reduced these to 1×1 to help reduce the RAM load with textures.
A general discussion on a number of issues bugs (e.g. the AMD bug which sees the avatar textures broken on newer AMD GPU drivers – which is hopefully being addressed by AMD; MOAP input handling bugs on Linux & Apple, said to make playing some games in SL impossible, etc- see the last 15 minutes of the video for more).
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 