Microsoft® Launches Visual Studio 2008 Pro in SL

I was at the well-attended launch of Microsoft's Visual Studio 2008 and .NET 3.5 in Second Life today. It was an interactive presentation of the new features from the latest version of the popular Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Following two main paths, both framework and Visual Studio, VS 2008 touts more options for .NET users and many improvements over older versions.

If you'd like to see the features for yourself, visit http://slurl.com/secondlife/Microsoft%20Island/188/75/21. But put on your peg leg and eye patch, it's all done in a pirate's theme!

The Cranial Tap WeatherBug® Panel

When WeatherBug® announced their API contest in June we knew it was a good opportunity for us to demonstrate the breadth of our skill set for creating data driven objects within virtual worlds. The fact that the WeatherBug® API is so well thought out and simple to use just made our job that much easier.

Our entry for the contest, aptly titled The Cranial Tap WeatherBug® Panel, relies on design and functionality that is core to all virtual world business applications, including: remote data access, meaningful data visualization, and simple, but effective, user interface design. The panel is not just a static data display - it is fully interactive, engaging, and fun. We think it will be a big hit when we release it to the Second Life® population.

WeatherBug® has a more detailed post about our panel and how it works on their blog, Inside WeatherBug, but if you've got Second Life installed you can see it in action right now by visiting our new virtual headquarters on the island of Cortex: slurl.com/secondlife/Cortex/27/231/56.

Google's Lively World

Google made it's first foray into virtual worlds today with the announcement of Lively. The above screen shot shows my character, CranialDave, hanging out in a coffee shop environment. While it was slow loading over my wireless data card, it finally offered a rich space resembling There.com. Users can create their own rooms using provided templates and fill them with common furnishings.

It's a nifty beginning for the search giant, though Orkut was less than a success. They are also competing with established mini-worlds like Meez and IMVU. Now if they link Google Earth to this, they can support users strolling down virtual streets and visit shops at corresponding actual addresses. We'll be keeping a close eye on this.

New Cranial Tap HQ

Cranial Tap is designing a new virtual headquarters, located on the island of Cortex. It will open in the next couple of weeks. Featured above the forest is a stylized building in the shape of our brain mascot. Visitors can learn about our latest business solutions that support global collaboration, training, presentations and spacial data displays.