I want to thank everyone who downloaded the SL Viewer Beta with Basic
and Advanced modes, gave it a try, and shared feedback with us. Since
the initial launch last week, we’ve also deployed an additional beta
version with fewer bugs and more stability and performance improvements.
Today, we are releasing the SL Viewer into general availability and it
is now the default download for new users. A few new features that are
included are the destinations guide which allows rapid access to
selected areas around SL for new users by interest, the ability to
change avatars quickly and “click to walk.” Just click on a point ahead
of you and your avatar will automatically start walking there.
Additionally, we encourage you to fill in your “Interests” in the Edit
Profile tab of your Profile page. Eventually, you’ll see that we are
going to do some fun things with Interests once more people fill them
in.
Keep in mind, that we’re just at the beginning of developing the Basic
experience for new customers and that we will continue to improve it,
and add features, as time goes on.
An important step in this process is to get new users trying the
software. With a simplified user experience, we should see an increase
in new customers staying in Second Life to explore, make friends, and find
interesting things to do. And, ultimately, the more customers in Second
Life, the better for everyone. Once a new user is acclimated to Second
Life, and has learned some basic inworld skills, then they may want to
switch to Advanced mode to use voice, purchase virtual goods, join
groups, and create content.
We look forward to working with you to help make our world grow.
Thanks,
Rodvik
Helpful Links
• Download SL Viewer with Basic and Advanced:
Windows | Mac | Linux
• SL Viewer Release Notes
• SL Viewer JIRA for Bugs (And click on the "bugs" button on the upper right.)
• Knowledge Base FAQs on SL Viewer Basic Mode
• Feedback Forum on SL Viewer Basic Mode
• Twitter hashtag #slviewer
