Weblin Announces Fully Browser-Based App

Weblin announced today the launch of Weblin lite. While the service has always been about taking avatars to the Web to enable social browsing, it previously required a download and registration, creating a barrier to entry. Now users can simply use Weblin lite as a portal. Enter the url of your destination, hit enter, and then browse through Virtual Worlds News with a generic weblin that lets you chat, walk around the site, and interact with anyone else viewing the page as well.

Right-clicking on the weblin lets you navigate to other pages, emote, set availability, or invite friends to start using the lite service and browse along with you. Occasionally, a window will pop up asking if you'd like to download the full version, but not so frequently as to be annoying.

The service works across Windows, Mac and Linux platforms on all browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Opera.

"Weblin adds a social element to Web surfing that encourages people to meet new friends with similar interests," Jan Andresen, CEO of Weblin, said in a statement. "With Weblin lite, we wanted to give new users a simple way to try out weblin and use an avatar as they explore the Web, while giving our existing fans an outlet for accessing weblin from anywhere."

Comments

[Dedric Mauriac]

This has actually been around as a lite version for quite some time now. Registration was only required if you wanted to be remembered between sites, exchange gifts, and have a larger choice on appearances (or even make your own custom avatar).