http://orbit.m6.net/forum/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=12237
Looks like Martin is taken a bold new step in improving Orbiter. In this post, he's actually seperating the main graphics engine from the simulation core. If I understand correctly, the simulation core will be run on an online server while the graphics engine will be run on your normal computer [which saves a lot of the resources]. On top of that, the graphics engine will be open source, which allows everyone to improve upon it. But the two parts will have to be linked via a plugin module[s].
This is all complicated right now. And since this is a bold step into the future of Orbiter, no one knows how the next version will come out. This has several advantages:
1. Martin Schweiger [the one who wrote the code for the simulation of Orbiter] will be able to improve upon the simulation core while the average user will be able to improve upon the seperated graphics engine which will be open source.
2. Since the simulation core will be based on a server, the user's computer will only have to focus on two things: keeping the link via a plugin module and running the graphic engine. This allowing the home computer to work less [or so we I think it could].
The disadvantages:
1. We have no idea how this could turn out.
2. Addon developers will have to relearn everything since Orbiter will be completely rewritten.
3. Since the graphics engine will vary greatly from one home computer to another, [again] no one knows for sure how this will turn out.
I don't know about you guys, but this bold new strategy could become a model for future games and other simulators one day. Imagine this happening to the FS series.
Please note: I still don't understand much about the message Martin has posted. For all I know, I may have understood wrong.
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