CompuServe Messages

I think it's important to emphasize the content-generation aspect of this. This merger (better word: swallowing) doesn't necessarily mean that Microsoft will someday produce a 3D program. They want their own 3D software for generating content for these set-top boxes. They want "talking chimps in the GUI." I do find it more interesting to speculate about what kind of 3D program Microsoft might release. It's not inconceivable that they'd want to enter the CAD and/or 3D markets someday. With several structured drawing packages adding 3D components, and several presentation packages getting closer and closer to true 3D rendering of their charts and animations, we're not far from wanting to exchange data between 3D Studio and Excel and Harvard Graphics.