Sign in Subscribe
Internet services

7th Level and RealNetworks Partner for Streamed Character Animation Technology

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

7th Level, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEVL) and RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK) have announced a distribution agreement for 7th Level's streamed character animation technology. Under this agreement, RealNetworks will distribute 7th Level's Agent7, a software tool that enables users to create and stream interactive, intelligent animated characters over the Internet. With the partnership, 7th Level aims to become the market leader in streamed character animation technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • 7th Level's Agent7 technology enables users to create and stream interactive, intelligent animated characters over the Internet.
  • The software tool allows users to add their own voice to the character, which triggers animation, including lip synching.
  • The initial release of Agent7 will include a library of ten (10) characters.
  • The partnership between 7th Level and RealNetworks will help 7th Level achieve market ubiquity for its technology.
  • RealNetworks' distribution network will enable the Agent7 characters to populate the Web.
  • 7th Level's technology will support the RealNetworks Media Architecture and benefit users of RealPlayer G2.
  • The partnership cements 7th Level's position as a leading developer of Internet animation technology.

Statistics:

  • 100,000 daily downloads of RealPlayer
  • 22 million RealSystem users
  • 7th Level's new streaming character creation tool, Agent7, will be released with a library of 10 characters
  • Agent7 will support 28.8 Kbps bandwidth
  • The partnership between 7th Level and RealNetworks will help 7th Level achieve market ubiquity for its technology

Sources:

  • Business Wire, April 28, 1998, "7th Level to Support RealNetworks RealSystem G2"
  • 7th Level's press release dated April 28, 1998, "7th Level and RealNetworks Announce Partnership for Streamed Character Animation Technology"
  • RealNetworks' web site, www.real.com, archived from the original
  • NASDAQ listing for 7th Level, INC. (SEVL) and RealNetworks, Inc. (RNWK)

Read more