The recently released Google O3D browser plug-in demonstrates how complex architectural models can be displayed in 3D within a modern browser. The "Interiors" demo is very similar to that of Autodesk's Project DragonFly except it lacks the 2-dimensional layout tools. However DragonFly is handicapped by a very slow Flash 3D rendering engine, whereas Google's O3D proof of concept is very smooth and responsive to use.
This demo's performance suggests that in the foreseeable future programs such as Google Earth and SketchUp maybe delivered directly through the browser rather than as desktop applications. In a more general sense this 3D-enablement of the browser may have a significant positive impact on the way architectural professionals can visualise 3D designs on the Web.
