Linden Labs new virtual world.

[Tad Carlucci]

What I see is Linden Labs following Microsoft into the smaller-is-better world of mobile devices. Look at the mess Microsoft has made, every two years scrapping their established technologies in favor or new ones: Windows Forms, Silverlight, Windows Presentation Foundation, Modern (aka Metro-style) Apps. None of them are compatible. Each came along because they were chasing a new technology (Desktop computers, Web applications, Distributed cross-platform applications, Mobile devices).

The issue is everyone seems to be thinking the new environment will replace Second Life. Linden Labs has tried that before; it didn't work then, it probably won't work now.

What it will be is a different environment. It will succeed or fail on its own merits. It won't replace Second Life. Those who like the severe limitations of a mobile device might like it. Those who can't get on Second Life, today, because their only hardware is a mobile device will still be unaware of what Second Life can do.

There won't be a cut-off. You won't get an email saying the new service is coming up and Second Life is going down.

I'm sure Linden Labs would **love** everyone migrating. And, I'm sure, at least initially, there will be a mad rush to check out the new service.

But the point about Avination should be a warning to Linden Labs. If they simply put it out and wait to see what happens, it'll probably be a gold rush followed by a bust when 'mere users' find there is no there there.