EOTB: No More Browser Viewer: Linden Lab Announces End to Project Zero

 

Linden Lab announced it was pulling the plug on an alternative viewer, one accessible through one's webbrowser. 

 

In January 2025, Linden Lab announced "Project Zero,"a viewer accessible through one's computer webbrowser. Browsing sessions through it were limited in time, though a few signing up would randomly be chosen to experience Second Life through it. Later, "priority access" would be an option, but it would cost $2.99 for five hours of time. In March 2025, there was a Firestorm version available, though people had to pay to use it as there was no free option available.

 

Since then, there hasn't been anything about Project Zero that caught the Newser's attention. That is until now. Yesterday, April 21, Linden Lab announced it was "Ending Support" for it.  

 

Last year, we introduced Project Zero as an experiment to explore a new way of accessing Second Life through a web browser. 

Many of you took part in testing Project Zero and shared thoughtful feedback along the way. Your involvement (and the feedback you shared) has been incredibly valuable in helping us better understand how lowering the barrier to entry – by removing the need for downloads or high-end hardware – could help improve new user onboarding and engagement. Thank you for being part of that process.

Based on what we’ve learned, we’ve made the decision to end support for the Project Zero Viewer ... 

 

They would go on to say support would end on Friday April 24 at 5PM SL time.  Those who have unused time were asked to file a support ticket to get up to 30 days worth of time back. The mobile and desktop viewers are not affected. 

 

"The insights gained from Project Zero will directly inform improvements to these core experiences, helping us focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact. Our work to make Second Life more accessible, welcoming, and engaging is ongoing. We look forward to sharing more with you soon."

 

For the blog post in full, Click Here. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Firestorm Webrowser Viewer Made Available on Limited Runs

 

Normally, Linden Lab doesn't say much about Team Firestorm, the group of volunteers behind the most popular Second Life viewer. But on Friday, they made them the subject of the latest post on the official Second Life blog. They announced there would be a Firestorm version of the Project Zero mobile viewer. 

 

But, there would be a catch to using it. One needed to pay to use it, and it would only be for a total of several hours.

We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new way to experience Second Life with Firestorm. Now you can use it directly from your web browser! No download, no installations, just quick and easy access to your virtual world with high performance and low lag.

To celebrate this launch, we’re offering an exclusive test run: special packs of five hours for just L$250 (US $1). This is a limited offer to help test the service, and it will not reflect the final pricing when we fully launch.  

As the Lab stated, it was a limited time offer, and in about a day the "special packs" had all sold out.

 

 For the blog post in full, Click Here.