MAKENA RELEASES THREE NEW TOOLS

Facebook it with There Connect

By: Jaager Himmel

THERE.COM will have a Facebook application as part of a trio of exiting new tools.

Makena Technologies has revealed the virtual world will be compatible with Mac OSX, and the launch of a 3D messaging tool.

There Connect is a Facebook app which allows users to showcase their in-world profiles, skills and upcoming events. It also provides links to There.com's auctions, where users can buy virtual merchandise such as clothing, cars and home decorations.

Continuing to explode

Users can now run There on Mac OSX versions 10.4 and higher for the first time. The Mac interface is similar to the PC counterpart and was developed using OpenGL graphics.

Finally, ThereIM is a new instant messaging service which allows members to travel between There and a 3D application that's easy to run on slow machines. The lightweight application sits on your desktop and allows you to maintain your avatar while communicating with friends who are both in and out of the world.

Michael Wilson, CEO of Makena Technologies, said: "Social networking continues to explode and in order for virtual worlds to continue to grow, we, as site operators, have to make it as easy as possible for consumers to access them."