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[Plug-Ins] [Plug-In Pack]

FutureSplash
[Imagemap]

Purpose: Vector-based animations
Company: FutureWave
Platform: Mac, Power Mac; Win95, NT, 3.1
Plug-in cost: Free
Developer tool: FutureSplash Animator
Download from: http://www.futurewave.com/livedemo/index.html

In late 1995, there were already several options for animating the Web, and FutureSplash was just another plug-in on the pile. Its developer, FutureWave, touted it as a tool for enhancing site interactivity: On top of vector-based animation, designers could add simple interactive features, such as buttons that move when a cursor floats over them. But for one reason or another, the plug-in never caught on.

Problem was, many designers were already familiar with Macromedia Director and the Shockwave plug-in; they just didn't want to spend time mastering FutureWave's new (and confusing) creation tools, SmartSketch and FutureSplash Animator. Of course, it di dn't help that FutureWave released new versions of the plug-in that were incompatible with their predecessors.

Vector-based graphics (small, scalable files that allow users to zoom in on details) remain FutureSplash's one selling point. If the folks at FutureWave could partner up with a major name in graphic design software, they might be able to draw more of a following. Until then, they could make us happy by just picking a standard, and sticking with it.



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