We have built a simple world which contains a number of shared applications and whiteboards within it (Habitat world). In addition, at the University of Essex we have built a mixed-reality environment for teaching and learning (MiRTLE).

We want to now make these worlds available to you to try out and see what you think. They will hopefully be available until the end of March 2009. Please be patient if you find that the servers are unavailable for one reason or another.

In order to access the worlds you will need:
- A broadband internet connection of at least 1MB per second download speed, or a connection to your University network.
- A suitably configured computer (PC, Mac, or notebook).
- A headset with a built in microphone.

See here for a simple guide on how to check your system. 

In order to use Wonderland you need to have the Java Runtime Environment installed on your PC. To do this go to the Java website and follow the instructions given there.

To access the Habitat world click here.

To access the MiRTLE world click here. 

You should then see the 'Downloading Application' window.
A Security warning window is then displayed that states that the applications digital signature cannot be verified. Ignore this warning by clicking on the 'Run' button.
Another Security Warning window is then dispalyed that states that the applications digital signature cannot be verified. Once again click on the 'Run' button.
It may take from several seconds to several minutes to download the files depending on the speed of your internet connection.
The Wonderland client window should then be displayed with the Username field completed as the person you are logged in to your PC as. Leave this username as is, and leave the password field blank. Click the 'Login' button. 'Connecting' should appear in this login window.
A window showing your avatar in the world should then appear. You have now successfully logged in to the world. It is worth setting up your audio using the method identified on the Project Wonderland Audio Setup Guide.

Your avatar is your virtual representation in the world. You can specify personal attributes such as gender, hair style, skin colour, dress style, style of spectacles, and even facial hair (if you so desire!). Instructions are here for guiding you through the process of customising your avator in the world.

Click here for a guide to navigating and controlling shared applications in the world.

You can see a video here on how the MiRTLE system has been used.

You can also see some Habitat project blog posts on the subject of Wonderland below:

http://www.openhabitat.org/blogfeed/blogspot/wonderland-spillage
http://www.openhabitat.org/blogfeed/blogspot/walking-inter-wonderl
http://www.openhabitat.org/blogfeed/blogspot/wonderball

If you have any problems then please email me at mgardner@essex.ac.uk