HP, Microsoft Link Up on New 3-D Software

Palo Alto-based Hewlett-Packard Co. said it has developed a new technology that improves the performance of 3-D images on a computer a hundredfold, and it said Microsoft Corp. will incorporate the technology into new multimedia software standards. HP’s DirectModel technology will be included in new software products by the end of the year. The technology makes its easier to view 3-D images and lets users on any type of computer view an image that previously could be seen only on certain machines. HP said the software will make it easier for companies to do things such as set up “virtual malls” on the Internet.