Chat Site

For most of its life, the Web has been a two-dimensional medium, with pages consisting of text and images. Now, however, Web 3D is about to take off, thanks to the rollout of broadband Internet access and a range of new technologies being made available to Web designers. This book shows the cutting-edge work currently being produced. It looks at immersive 3D worlds which allow users to chat and move around virtual environments; the use of 3D technology as a navigational metaphor for sites; 3D representations of merchandise on e-commerce sites; and animated 3D work, for example, on sports Web sites. In-depth case studies highlight the cutting-edge of current Web 3D, for example: Habbo Hotel, Lego, Mini, Spacelounge, and B3D Music Videos. Each case study will describe the project and the technology used to create it, with commentary from the designers. The book ends with thought-provoking predictions for the future of Web 3D.

"This book is an exceptional training manual to bring a web developer or flash designer with scripting skills into an entirely new world of coding." --Christopher Ian Smith, XML Developer, RespondTV.com "This is a 'must-read' for any Flash developer." --John Paul Rawlins, Editor FlashNewz.com "Flash and XML shows designers and developers how to integrate these powerful technologies and create dynamic web sites. With this thoroughly readable guide you take Flash to the next level, interfacing ActionScript with XML. Empower your Flash projects with dynamic content, backend databases, server-based applications, peer-to-peer, and more. "Flash and XML is a tutorial that brings you up to speed on both technologies, offering clear and concise explanations. In addition, this book presents a number of important web technologies, including PHP, MySQL, and sockets. It shows how to work with these technologies to create n-tier, interactive systems that access the full resources of the Internet. Sample projects (trivia game, XML browser, simple chat) showcase the capabilities of Flash and XML together and demonstrate important concepts, approaches, and techniques. The companion web site at http: //www.FlashandXML.com contains all of the source code referenced in the book, as well as updates, discussion groups, and links to other resources. Containing plentiful examples, experience-based techniques, and just enough theory, "Flash and XML is a one-stop sourcebook that will guide you in the development of web sites that are not only animated, interactive, and powerful, but extremely useful as well.