We are happy to release a new version of Pano2VR. While looking at the features we decided that this justifies a minor release number instead of just a 3.0.1 release. Of course this moved back the planned features for 3.1 to 3.2 as you can see in the updated roadmap.

The major new features are WebGL support for the HTML5 output so now Firefox >=4.0 and Chrome >=9.0 are also supported. Another highlight is the built-in web server to simplify local testing.

Here is the complete list of the new features:

• Built-in web server
• HTML5 WebGL support (Firefox, Chrome)
• HTML5 Gyro support
• HTML templates now use SWFObject
• HTML5 multi-touch support for Android 3.1 and Blackberry Playbook
• Hebrew and Greek translations

There have been also a lot of bug fixes. For instance, Flash panoramas work again in Flash 9/CS4.
We also did a lot of the improvements in every other part of the software.

To download this release please visit the Pano2VR download page.

After way too long, we are happy to announce a new beta of Object2VR. The new features for this beta are:

• HTML5 export
• SWF and External elements in the Skin
• Margins in the Skin
• Updated Qt framework
• Many bug fixes
• New license model

As object movies don’t need any specific 3D features in HTML, the HTML5 exported object movies also work in older browsers, down to even Internet Explorer 6. Depending on the browser features not all functions may be available. In particular, the zoom/fullscreen and area hotspots require a modern browser. The HTML object movies work with all features on Internet Explorer 9, Firefox 4, Safari 5, Opera 11 and mobile devices like the iPad, iPhone, Playbook and Android devices.

You can see some examples at http://ggnome.com/o .

We also changed the license model to match the new Pano2VR license model. If you already have an Object2VR license nothing changes. For new customers the licenses are now issued per seat and you can add the unbranded option.

To download this beta, please visit the Object2VR download page.

After many hours the Cache Manifest tip is out, with two projects to download, additional code for your html page and videos, you will be able to download and display your panoramas off line using an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. You can see the tip here

We have also added a new Getting Started with Pano2VR (3.0) video.
The video outlines how to input an image, output to Flash, HTML5 and create Thumbnails.
You can see the video here.

The Gnomes are off to Portugal for the 2011 IVRPA meeting in Palmela this weekend, but don’t worry we will be looking in on the forum and e-mails daily.
For those that are going, see you there.

We have just added a Tip and Video covering the Flash Lens Flare Plugin.
The Lens Flare has adjustments for Alpha and for the Blinding effect which means you can adjust for light sources at different distances in the panoramas, the closer having a stronger effect.
You can see the tip here

As you may have heard this year’s IVRPA conference will be in Palmela, Portugal from June 1st to 5th, 2011 and I will give a short talk about Pano2VR 3. As the whole Garden Gnome team will go to Portugal this may be a good opportunity to meet up with us and other panorama photographers.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you there!