Intel & Macromedia Team Up For 3D Technology

INTEL AND MACROMEDIA TEAM UP TO POPULARISE 3D TECHNOLOGY ON THE WEB
Robust Intel Internet 3D Graphics Technology to be integrated with
pervasive Macromedia Shockwave Player

AUCKLAND, July 26, 2000 - Intel Corporation and Macromedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: MACR), the leading provider of solutions for compelling and effective Web sites, today announced joint development efforts to bring Intel's Internet 3D Graphics software technology to the Macromedia Shockwave Player. The Intel Internet 3D Graphics-enhanced Shockwave Player will enable the next generation of bandwidth-friendly, high quality interactive games, engaging entertainment, and more intuitive online shopping.

The combination of Intel’s Internet 3D Graphics technology with the wide reach of the Shockwave Player, the most widely deployed multimedia player on the Web with 137 million users, will help broaden the use of 3D content on the Web from niche applications to widespread adoption.

"Our work with Macromedia is part of Intel's strategy to continue to accelerate industry innovation and develop technologies to improve the experience people have when using the Internet," said Steve Spina, director of technology marketing at Intel’s Architecture Lab. "Combining our Internet 3D Graphics technology with the Shockwave Player will allow 3D to take off on the Web."

"Our joint development efforts with Intel will bring the realism and impact of interactive 3D to e-merchandising, e-learning, and entertainment on the Web," said Diane Rogers, vice president of product management for Macromedia. "Shockwave Player’s high performance engine is ideal for this kind of sophisticated interactivity and visualisation. By easily integrating into any Macromedia Flash or HTML Web site, Shockwave content gives consumers the magnetic Internet experiences unavailable with any other technology.”

The technology the two companies are developing is gathering strong industry momentum. 3D software developers Alias|Wavefront, Discreet Logic, NxView, and SoftImage today pledged their support and are working with Intel and Macromedia to make sure their software applications will work with this new 3D technology for the Internet.

What the Technology Delivers
The Intel Internet 3D Graphics technology, developed by Intel’s Architecture Lab, utilises Adaptive 3D Geometry, a set of dynamic algorithms that enable 3D content to have multiple resolutions, automatically increasing or decreasing 3D quality based on the computing power of each user’s system, offering the best experience possible. The Intel technology also enables content providers to create smooth, photo-realistic surfaces, cartoon rendering and effects that include elements such as smoke, fire, water, and vapor.

Across the Web, Shockwave content draws users in by its differentiated content including stunning visuals, flexible interactivity, multiuser communities, and strong Web integration with HTML, Macromedia Flash, XML, and QuickTime. 3D content will also benefit from the compressed Macromedia Shockwave format, which was optimised specifically for streaming over narrow bandwidths.

The technology also seamlessly integrates with 3D modeling software from Alias|Wavefront, Discreet, and other software developers.

Uses for the Technology
Adding 3D capabilities to new and existing Web sites with Shockwave content can increase a site’s appeal to users. Existing users of Macromedia Shockwave, such as Timex, Sharper Image, and Lexus, will be able to add 3D graphics and be confident they are creating an engaging Web experience for site visitors. Interactive 3D graphics enrich applications such as e-merchandising and e-learning, and are at the core of online entertainment. Consumers will take active roles in designing, customising, and personalising their merchandise. For example, they will be able to model clothes, experience interactive product demonstrations, and learn how to do home repair using step-by-step examples.

Manufacturers can save time, money, and improve customer satisfaction by creating real world simulations that make it easier for consumers to order the correct parts in a more reliable and efficient manner. More than 90 percent of the best-selling CD-ROM games use 3D technology, so extending Shockwave 3D technology to the Web, multiuser gaming is ideal.
Macromedia and Intel expect to announce further details about the technology later this year.
For additional information about the Intel Architecture Labs and the technologies it develops, please visit http://www.intel.com/ial.

About Macromedia Shockwave Player
The Macromedia Shockwave Player, which reaches more than 137 million users, is the Web standard for multimedia playback. Shockwave Player is a free Web player from Macromedia. Shockwave Player users will have immediate access to 3D through the player’s auto-update feature. Shockwave Player displays destination Web content such as high-performance multiuser games, interactive product simulations, online entertainment, and training applications. Through Xtras, Shockwave Player is also extensible to play back custom-built applications. For more information on the Macromedia Shockwave Player, visit the Macromedia Web site at http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/.

ABOUT INTEL
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom.

ABOUT MACROMEDIA
Macromedia is passionate about what the Web can be. Its award-winning products empower developers to provide the most engaging experience on the Web, and enable more effective e-business. Head-quartered in San Francisco, Macromedia (NASDAQ: MACR) has more than 1,200 employees worldwide and is available on the Internet at www.macromedia.com.

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For more information please contact:
Stephanie Silvester, Intel Australia, Tel: (02) 9937 5886, Email: stephanie.silvester@intel.com
Nimita Morarji , Botica Conroy, Tel: (09) 303 3862, 021 950058, Email: nimitam@bca.co.nz

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