The browsing is an interesting alternative to currently available software, but the 3D metaphor breaks down once you visit a webpage. A window opens within the ViOS browser and loads the 2D page you've clicked. Most of the content on the Web is still flat and 2D, but this makes ViOS merely a 3D directory rather than software that will provide a true 3D Internet experience.

The 3D rendering was quick and seamless, though. Even when our avatar was flying or running, it added a new dimension to the browsing experience rather than calling attention to the artificial 3D world. Still, if you're interested in downloading the software, we recommend that you have a fast connection. ViOS is a hefty 75MB.

Summary: ViOS's topnotch 3D rendering makes it a must-see for those interested in determining where Web browsing may be headed. Although its 3D world is essentially a directory, the technology is interesting enough to make the 75MB download worthwhile.

Pros: Good navigational metaphor; fast rendering of 3D world; browse together with other avatars.
Cons: Large download; 3D world is only a directory to 2D pages.

Company: ViOS
Price: Free
Available: Now
Category: Internet browsers
Platform: Windows
Requirements: Pentium II processor 300-MHz or better; at least 64MB of RAM; Windows 98, 2000, or Me; DirectX 7 or higher; AGP graphics card with at least 8MB video RAM, 16MB recommended; 150MB of free hard drive space; monitor capable of 800x600 16-bit color resolution.