Hive 7 - an AJAX Virtual World

JavaScriptSearch
Thursday, March 30, 2006; 03:58 AM

Another AJAX community website was launched today.  Unlike other Web 2.0 sites, however, Hive 7 offers a graphics-based medium for interaction.  It employs customizable avatars,  virtual environments, and the ability to interact within that online world.  The unusual thing about Hive 7 is the technology used to create the virtual environment - it is built using AJAX and does not require additional software other than a browser.  In that respect, the site is pushing the envelope of what is possible with JavaScript and XML, without using plug-ins or dedicated software.

How does it work? Once you open the Hive 7 website, you are greeted to a welcome area, filled with avatars and doors.  The avatars are other people, the doors take you to other areas of the Hive 7 world.  The welcome area cannot be contained within a screen  smaller than 1600x1200 dpi; scrolling bars come in handy here.

Several buttons allow you to customize your experience: for example, an avatar can be created by selecting from a list or uploading your own picture.  There are templates for creating rooms and objects.  Several mini-games are available within the Hive 7 world.

There have been similar attempts to spice-up online chat rooms by using Flash or graphics.  Hive 7 admitedly offers more flexibility and promise than those early attemps.  Whether a lively community will form up around and within Hive 7, we have yet to see.

The chess room in Hive 7