Hrm, looks like I am making a few Java-related posts today. Project Looking Glass is an effort by Sun Microsystems to add a new dimension (literally) to the end-user environment, you can see some screenshots of what they are thinking here (via Channel 9, interestingly enough).
So both Microsoft and Sun are gunning to improve the end-user experience. Whilst Avalon has impressive 3D capabilities the way that a developer can decorate 2D controls is nothing short of amazing – I’d characterise this as a revolution happening inside the application.
Looking Glass seems to be trying to revolutionize the shell by mapping 2D textures (application screens) to a 3D environment. Two different approaches - which is best?
Well to be honest, its apples and oranges, having said that – I think that end-users will actually benefit from Avalon’s rich in-application experience (TV generation users), but I think that Project Looking Glass will frustrate end-users who already struggle with 2D window management.
I’d love to see how much money each company is investing in usability studies.