OpenGL started as an API that could only be supported on the most powerful of SGI workstations. How far we have come. The Khronos group has been working on a new 3D standard for web browsers called WebGL. This standard is based on OpenGL ES 2.0 and allows web developers to create interactive 3D content for any browser supporting the standard. So far Mozilla, Safari and possibly Chrome are on board. No word on stagnant Microsoft products.
News coverage here, here and here.
How does it work? The HTML Canvas Element has been extended to provide an “OpenGL context”. Essentially the result are JavaScript bindings to OpenGL without requiring any browser plugins. The 3D rendering is accelerated by OpenGL drivers locally on the client. The best part? It’s already being built into nightly Firefox builds.
This has the potential to really open up how we see and use the web. 3D games seem like the most obvious first step. But no reason to stop there. Google Earth already has the ability to render in OpenGL, no more need to download and install an application. Maps are an obvious use for 3D. But shopping and viewing products in 3D isn’t a far stretch. Kudos to the WebGL group for getting something substantial out so quickly.
Nokia N900 Demo
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