X3D version 4.0 Development

[X3D version 4.0 Development] efforts are considering potentially major additions to the baseline X3D architecture.

• Major technology under consideration: HTML5/Declarative 3D/X3DOM
• Major technology under consideration: Augmented Reality Continuum (ARC)
• Relaxing prior design constraints can enable a broader new basis for X3D integration
• Normalizing interaction semantics with HTML5 might further open up X3D for Web authors

Please contact us if you think additional technologies need to be considered. X3D futures planning is currently a Web3D Consortium member-only activity.

Backwards/forward compatibility

• A major feature of the X3D standard is full backwards compatibility with prior VRML97 and X3D content
• Continued growth for the current X3D architecture continues with X3D version 3.4 Development
• Our goal is to maximize, but not necessarily require, backwards compatibility in version 4.0
  • A majority of X3D 3.3/3.4features are likely achievable without change
  • Some X3D features may require import/export conversion for compatibility (ROUTEs and sensors perhaps)
  • A few features might be refactored, deprecated or obsoleted (none yet identified)

The comprehensive forward compatibility of VRML97 and X3D with later-developed X3D versions shows that careful anticipatory design is achievable.