News from the Second Life Team – September 2023 Edition

Linden Labs are always working to improve Second Life, so we wanted to share with you a more detailed look at the additions and improvements we’ve been making recently. In this first edition, we’re sharing several updates from the last few months. We think there’s something for everyone, whether you are a creator, landowner, or you just use Second Life for your second life!

🎛️ User Interface

New Translations

With Version 6.6.12.57998, say Hola or Bonjour or Hallo or Ciao or Olá or Kon’nichiwa to updated UI translations for the following languages:

  • 🇪🇸 Español (Spanish)
  • 🇫🇷 Français (French)
  • 🇩🇪 Deutsch (German)
  • 🇮🇹 Italiano (Italian)
  • 🇵🇹 Português (Portuguese)
  • 🇯🇵 日本語 (Japanese)

Transparency Bug Fixes

We made the following transparency-related bug fixes in Version 6.6.13.580918:

The ‘Highlight Transparent’ function (accessed via Advanced->Highlighting and Visibility), was making highlighting textures opaque. We have fixed this problem.

Transparent objects were hiding when turning on highlights in the Beacons window. This is no longer the case so playing ‘transparent-object hide and seek’ will now be much easier.

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Improvements to Estates Options

In Version 6.6.14.581101, we made improvements to the Estate options:

We increased the number of Estate Managers to 20 and Ban list entries to 750. That’s a big increase, and we hope these new limits will give you all the capacity you need.

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We added a new option ‘Show Ban Lines On Collision’ so you can see your neighbor’s ban lines but only when you get very close to the parcel boundary.

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👩‍💻 Scripting

A handful of new scripting enhancements are available on RC regions and will be rolled out to the entire grid in the coming weeks.

Coming soon: easier experience KVP data use

Experience KVP functions (llCreateKeyValue, llDeleteKeyValue, et al.) allow scripts associated with an Experience to store and retrieve arbitrary string key/value pairs. In the past, scripts using these functions needed to run on parcels or regions that had opted into the same Experience. Soon, scripts will be able to use KVP data regardless of whether or not the land they are on has enabled the Experience they are compiled with.

Coming soon: Prim click action can be set by llSetLinkPrimitiveParams

Users who wish to control click actions using llSetPrimitiveParams family of functions can now do so using the PRIM_CLICK_ACTION parameter.

 
default {
state_entry() {
llSetLinkPrimitiveParamsFast(LINK_THIS, [PRIM_CLICK_ACTION, CLICK_ACTION_NONE]);
}
}

🖥️ Miscellaneous

Simulator channel name is coming back

The channel name your region belongs to has been added back to the About Second Life window. This will make it easier to understand what features your region has as we release new functionality. 

Here you can see that the simulator channel name is ‘Second Life RC BlueSteel’.

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🧪 Project viewer news

GLTF PBR Materials Viewer

Expanding material support with the ability to import and edit GLTF Physically Based Rendering (PBR) Materials will be a big step in the next wave of content creation in Second Life. The GLTF PBR Materials viewer is now available as a Release Candidate, offered to a small group of Residents, but anyone may install it. Visit Version 7.0.0.581684.html

At this time PBR Materials has limited availability on our Main grid (Agni) as a Beta Project and may be previewed on specific regions:

  • Rumpus Room (and Rumpus Room 2, 3, 4 and 5)
  • Preflight0 through 8 (Limited access)

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Inventory Item Preview

Also available in RC is a Viewer with Inventory Item Previews. You will now be able to add preview images to your inventory items to help you find your favorite items more quickly. The option menu for inventory items, including folders, now has the option “Image.”  The image window offers a number of ways for choosing an image to attach to an inventory item of your choice. Best of all, there is no L$ charge for uploading an image as an item preview.

Merchants and creators can add previews to their delivery folders and items, and you will see those previews in your inventory with no extra effort on your part.
For textures and snapshots, you do not need to add previews yourself — the Viewer will show previews automatically. You’ll see your texture packs and photo albums as you’ve never seen them before!

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Single Folder View

The other new feature is what we call Single Folder View. This allows you to see the contents of a single inventory folder in its own window. 

Let’s say you want to put all of your shoes in a new folder “All Shoes” and another new folder “All Boots.”  You can create those folders, open a single-folder view on each of them, and drag items from your main inventory into those folders. No more scrolling and carefully aiming your cursor to drag into the intended folder!

Single folder view works well alongside the traditional scrolling view. You can use either of the views, or switch between them on a window-by-window basis. Single folder view is entirely optional for the traditionalists among you.

Single folder view also makes it easy to see item previews. By default, the single folder view will show you any previews attached to items inside that folder. 

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😀 Emoji Viewer

This viewer is also in RC and is based on a contribution by Kitty Barnett, and adds the ability to insert emojis in text chat.

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📱 Mobile Update

We are making great progress on Second Life on mobile — our latest round of work includes some major improvements to avatar movement — walking and running are so smooth now!  Stay tuned for our plans for a private beta! In the meantime, enjoy these screenshots:

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🏡A Whole New Game of Homes

Coming very soon, the new Linden Home Store will make selecting your new home much easier. With this upgrade, we’re putting the power of choice and control right at your fingertips.

The new Linden Home Store looks and works great on your mobile device’s browser. Whether you’re on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can now view and select from all Linden Homes.

By popular demand, you can browse all the Linden Homes even if you already own one, you are not logged in, you do not yet have a Premium subscription, or the Linden Home model you want is not currently available.

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Have A Great Weekend From All Of Us At Zoha Islands / Fruit Islands

 

Enforcing Viewer Login MFA

 

Enforcing Viewer Login MFA


 

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We previously announced a grace period following the release of multi-factor authentication support in the Viewer so that third-party viewers had time to implement it. Well, the “near future” we mentioned has arrived! We rolled out a login change today that requires MFA Capable viewers for accounts that have MFA enabled in their preferences. If a viewer is not MFA Capable yet, then those accounts will no longer be able to log into Second Life using that viewer.

If you haven’t done so already, please see the wiki for details on the new login parameters needed to make your viewer MFA Capable.

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If you haven’t turned on MFA for your own account, visit the knowledgebase article for instructions on how to do so. MFA provides additional protection in the event of a phishing incident or other password compromise. When you speak for your third-party viewer project, the authenticity of your voice in Second Life really counts!

Have A Great Week From All Of Us At Zoha Islands/Fruit Islands

Remembering 9/11 in a Virtual World: 22 Years Later?

September 11, 2001, is a date etched into the collective memory of the world. The tragic events of that day left an indelible mark on humanity. As we approach the 22nd anniversary, it’s imperative that we continue to remember and honor the lives lost. In an increasingly digital world, platforms like Second Life offer a unique space for reflection and commemoration. This blog explores how even in virtual spaces, we can pay tribute to the victims and the resilience of the human spirit.

A Virtual Memorial: Second Life’s 9/11 Tribute Sites

Second Life, a virtual world where users can create and interact with immersive 3D environments, has proven to be a powerful tool for expression and remembrance. Over the years, many residents have built virtual spaces dedicated to commemorating 9/11. These spaces range from detailed recreations of the Twin Towers and Ground Zero to artistic installations that evoke the emotions and somberness of that fateful day.

One such location is the “World Trade Center Memorial” which features a faithful reconstruction of the Twin Towers and surrounding area. This space serves as a poignant reminder of the buildings that once stood tall, as well as a tribute to the lives lost.

Education and Reflection 

Beyond visual representation, Second Life also provides opportunities for education and reflection. Through virtual museums, galleries, and interactive exhibits, users can learn about the events of 9/11, the heroes who emerged, and the global impact it had on societies worldwide.

These immersive experiences allow individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the human stories that emerged from the tragedy. By engaging with these virtual resources, we ensure that the memory of 9/11 lives on for generations to come.

Community and Support

Second Life also serves as a platform for community and support. Users can come together to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions surrounding 9/11. In virtual meetings, discussions, and gatherings, people find solace in connecting with others who share their reverence for the lives lost and their commitment to promoting peace and unity.

Additionally, Second Life offers a platform for charitable events and fundraisers, enabling users to contribute to organizations that continue to support survivors, first responders, and families affected by 9/11.

A Space for Artistic Expression

Art has always been a powerful medium for processing and con veying complex emotions. In Second Life, artists have created moving installations and interactive experiences that invite users to reflect on the impact of 9/11.

From immersive soundscapes to evocative sculptures, these artistic endeavors serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creativity to heal and inspire.

Conclusion

As we mark the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, it is essential that we continue to remember and honor the lives lost on that tragic day. Second Life provides a unique and powerful platform for us to do so, offering spaces for memorialization, education, community, and artistic expression.

By engaging with these virtual environments, we ensure that the memory of 9/11 endures, and we uphold our commitment to promoting peace, unity, and resilience in the face of adversity. In doing so, we honor the legacy of those we lost and continue to find strength in our shared humanity.

After visiting all the 9/11 sites that used to be in Second life I found only one place remains. Sadly “NEVER FORGET” was forgotten in Second life?

 

Please take a moment of silence and Remember this day as it changed the world and all of US within it.

 

Have a Great Week From All Of Us At Zoha Islands / Fruit Islands

SpeedLight Unlimited Online Experiment For All Users

In early July 2023 the SpeedLight team announced via Discord channel that they are experimenting with removing the online time limitation for all users. The SpeedLight team are excited to push the boundaries of the server capabilities and accommodate a larger number of Second Life residents online.

Hopefully soon the online time limitation will be officially removed. There has not been any further updates since the start of July 2023 from the SpeedLight team.

SpeedLight is a mobile viewer for Second Life for Android and for iOS devices. It’s lightweight, cross-platform viewer and it allows you to stay online, contact your friends using IMs and local chat, teleport across the world. The latest version of SpeedLight is v30 which is the mid of summer update.

SpeedLight V30

Glaznah Gassner posted this update on the SpeedLight Discord channel and on the Second Life Forums on 9th July 2023.

 

TL;DR: We’re experimenting with removing the online time limitation for all users. Feel free to login with SpeedLight, engage in your usual Second Life activities, and help us test our server capacity. Your feedback on missing features is welcome, except for voice support, which we plan to release later this month.

Details

Here at SpeedLight, we’re excited to push the boundaries of our server capabilities and accommodate a larger number of residents online. Currently, we have successfully handled thousands of users and are eager to take it further.

I kindly invite you to participate in our experiment by logging into Second Life using SpeedLight and carrying out your regular activities, such as IMing, exploring in 3D, and managing your virtual endeavors:

In browser: https://speedlight.io
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/speedlight/id1519467733
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.speedlight.viewer

Your input is highly valuable to us. I appreciate any comments or suggestions regarding missing features (except for voice support, as we have plans to release a preview version later this month). Thank you for participating! Your contribution is greatly appreciated. ^_^

More updates will be posted on my blog soon on SpeedLight.

Have A Great Week From All Of Us At Zoha Islands /Fruit Islands


New Scavenger Hunt & Art Exhibition Debuts in Motown

New Scavenger Hunt & Art Exhibition Debuts in Motown


 
 

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The Swaginator hunt has hit Motown! Now’s your chance to embark on a soulful journey in search of hidden prizes in the nostalgic streets of virtual Motown.

Bring your friends and follow the clues that will guide you in your quest. As you unravel each clue and edge closer to the treasure, not only will you be rewarded with the joy of the hunt, but there are also a limited number of extra special prizes waiting to be claimed for early hunters.

Stop by Motown at 12pm PT today to meet and party with VP of Product Operations Patch Linden and other Lindens as we kick off the hunt together! 

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The excitement doesn’t stop with the Swaginator hunt. Motown in Second Life is soon opening an Art Gallery with art from one of our talented Residents, JudiLynn India. Meet the artist inworld this Saturday, August 26th from 2pm to 5pm PT. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or an art lover, Motown promises something for everyone. Watch out for more events coming soon! 

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The virtual world of Second Life is a melting pot of experiences, and the Swaginator hunt at Motown is just one of its many gems. So, whether you’re joining for the hunt, the upcoming art gallery, or just to soak in the Motown ambiance, this destination is set to create memories that will linger long after you log off. 

See you at Motown! 

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Motown

Experience classic and current Motown hits in an entirely new way! Meet new friends and dance in a music-filled virtual world that features multi-station radio streams of classic and contemporary Motown songs, animated gestures, and much more!

More Info Teleport
Have A Great Week From All Of Us At Zoha Islands / Fruit Islands

Watch: Philip Rosedale

Watch: Philip Rosedale “Philip Linden” & Wagner James “Hamlet” Au About the Rise of AI, VisionPro, and Making a Metaverse That Matters

UPDATE, July 28: Bumped up for weekend watching! And be sure to check out the interesting, somewhat ranty reader comments, and add some of your own.

Recorded at Linden Lab last week Friday, I’m honored to be the latest guest in Philip Rosedale’s new YouTube vlogast, where we do a deep dive on the past, present, and future of Second Life and other metaverse platforms. I have not seen Philip in person since the pandemic, so it was great to catch up, get a glimpse of his upcoming projects (more on those soon) and delve through Making a Metaverse That Matters and related topics.

It was a thorough chat, much of it dwelling on What We Might Have Done Differently with Second Life, and touches on famous SL personalities like Blueberry, AM Radio, and Bettina Tizzy. Here’s some other highlights:

  • 0:00 – Prologue
  • 1:50Will AI’s replace Actors?
  • 6:00 – Journalism in virtual worlds vs. IRL ?
  • 10:00 – Communicating with both text & voice
  • 11:58 – Would you say that you ‘lived’ in SL?
  • 13:50 – Walking through every SL sim
  • 14:45 – Second Life Mainland versus Islands
  • 16:50 – Would you have done SL teleporting differently?
  • 20:15 – What game does everyone want to play?
  • 25:15 – What did SL get right?
  • 28:14 – Are virtual worlds like Roblox good for kids?
  • 31:50 – Most interesting people and things in SL
  • 35:18 – What would you have done differently?
  • 43:34 – Can SL work on mobile?

More after the break!

 

  • 46:29 – The State of Play conference and getting past the Metaverse Age Cliff
  • 50:20 – Can virtual worlds make us better people?
  • 55:58 – The Love Machine
  • 58:45 – VRChat
  • 1:03:20 – Body movement without VR headsets
  • 1:05:00 – Why it’s very hard to change features on metaverse platforms, and the Tao of Linden
  • 1:10:03 – Web3 in virtual worlds?
  • 1:13:40 – Why curious generalists are good at creating virtual worlds
  • 1:16:15 – How Bitcoin vending machines in Second Life helped launched the cryptocurrency
  • 1:17:00 – Vision Pro?
  • 1:22:45 – What it was like for Philip to watch Facebook become Meta
  • 1:25:10 – ChatGPT and BunnyGPT
  • 1:27:00 – Why the Metaverse still generates more interest over ChatGPT
  • 1:31:35 – Advice for entrepreneurs

Disclosure: SF to LA travel costs and a nice sandwich generously provided by Philip and Linden Lab.

Philip Rosedale Wagner James Au metaverse book youtube podcast

Have A Great Week From All Of Us At Zoha Islands Fruit Islands