This was just recently (hours ago) announced on Twitter. They give a link to the download page, which doesn’t really say anything about Beta 2… duh. But, the beta link does lead to version 2.4.0(216393), which they are calling Beta 2. This appears to be the Dec 3rd release announced on the blog days ago. But, on December 3rd I blogged about the 2.4.0(215891) Beta release, which is Beta 1. You would never know there was a change by looking at the blog or download page.
SLV2, 3, 4, 5, 6. & 7 Series
The Linden made series of viewers
Second Life Viewer 2.4 Beta Released
We have a new Beta version out. See the announcement: Try Out the New Viewer 2.4 Beta, Now Available. Jack Linden posted the news today.
Auto-Updater
This new feature is included in this Beta release. I’ve been watching it coming through Snowstorm this week. It will be interesting to see how well it works… or not. The idea here being that viewer updates will download in background. At your next logon you will be asked if you want to install the upgrade. You have a choice.
This should make the process of updating a viewer much simpler for non-techs and less tedious for power users.
Second Life Viewer 2.3.0 Released
Today Linden Lab’s Jack Linden posted the new standard viewer is now version 2.3.0-214726. Logging on I find it is not yet mandatory for 2.2.0 users. Those using 1.23 and TPV’s will be able to continue using those viewers. However, because Display Names are part of this release how one uses the 3 input fields in older viewers is now an issue.
Installing
The download is really fast. The file is still 24mb and my connection has not changed, according to my speed tests, so the Lindens have done something different.
UPDATE
Many people are having a problem getting this version to run. To make sure it works, uninstall all your SL Viewers, Beta, Development, Projects, and previous SLV2 version. I don’t plan to ever use the 1.23 again so I removed it too. Manually remove all the SL Viewer related folders (local, roaming, and program files). Install 2.3.0 and then reinstall the Beta or any other SL Viewers you use and it should work.
Snowstorm's Second Life Viewer Progress
If you don’t already know, the Snowstorm Project is the SL Viewer (SLV) development project. There are several things currently going on that will affect new releases of the viewer. These are the ones I found interesting.
Prim Alignment Tool
Many of you have seen the Qarl Fizz Prim Alignment Tool that is now starting to appear in TPV’s. It is in the Imprudence Experimental viewer. It is great. See: Qarl Fizz Prim Alignment Tool
Because of some technicalities about signing agreements and code licensing it appears Linden Lab cannot just ‘use’ the code. So, whether they are going to talk to Qarl and come to some agreement or write their own version of alignment has not been decided. Whatever, the feature is in the backlog. You can vote for the feature here: STORM-468 Add Qarl Fizz Prim Alignment Code to SLV2
Second Life Beta Viewer 2.3.0 Released
The new SL 2.3 Beta version viewer is out. You can read the official release information here.
Display Names
The big change is the addition of Display Names. There is a Torley video at the link above showing how to use Display Names.
While the viewer has the feature not all the regions have it turned on. The Lab is being cautious rolling it out. They made changes from user input. Griefing and impersonation being the leading concerns.
Second Life Chat/IM Log Format
The newer SLV2’s, since the Display name versions, use a new chat/IM log format. The previous logs have been plan text files. The LLSD type files are basically a type of XML file. There are advantages and disadvantages to changing the format. Whether or not it is a good thing for you, the change is here.