SceneCaster: Setting up and sharing 3D scenes, the easy way

Service: SceneCaster

What it does: Lets users create virtual 3D scenes, which can be shared with the SceneCaster community. Scenes can be viewed, rated and edited by other SceneCaster members.

Why it will succeed: SceneCaster's simple interface makes it easy to create virtual spaces -- something that can't be said for most other 3D modeling tools. It's been integrated with social networking sites as an application for sharing scenes and their objects with friends, and with Flickr for sharing images. Partnerships with Amazon, eBay and other online merchants allow retail items to be placed in users' scenes, presenting shopping and advertising opportunities for sellers, and a more realistic 3D experience for users.

Why it hasn't succeeded yet: SceneCaster is still finding its niche. While it incorporates many of the visual aspects and advertising methods now seen in 3D games, SceneCaster is not an actual vehicle for participating in virtual worlds. The service currently occupies a middle ground that falls somewhere between casual 3D modeling, virtual advertising, and social media sharing.

'Net views:

Larry Dignan, ZDNet: "SceneCaster is well conceived as a collaborative environment and an ecosystem for 3D content."

FaceReviews: "This is one of those applications that you must try. Seeing is believing. This app is super engaging and has quite a depth of features."

psquare7: "SceneCaster works perfectly with my Google Models. I am able to do more with my Google objects now!"

Management: Mark Zohar, Founder; Alain Chesnais, CTO.

Related prediction:

• Prediction: SceneCaster will come out of beta by June 1, 2008

Other related content:

• Prediction: Second Life usage will not break 40 million user hours per month by the end of 2008
• Slideshow home: Opinion: 10 'Net services that will succeed (and 10 that will probably fail)
• Second Life: Interface, infrastructure and growth woes continue
• Modiface: Virtual facelifts for the masses

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