Abstract: When new users are first introduced to virtual environments, the new users may be confused and uncertain as to how to interact with the virtual environment. Several new user orientation features have been added to the virtual environment user interface to help orient new users to the three dimensional computer-generated virtual environment and to prevent the new users from making common mistakes. Example beginning user orientation features include clearly distinguishing when the user is interacting with the virtual environment and when the user is interacting with virtual environment application controls, limiting the vertical field of view of the new user's Avatar to prevent the user from becoming stuck looking straight up or straight down, providing the user with visual feedback when switching between first and third person points of view, and providing the user with clear instructions as to how to control their Avatar and how to reenter the virtual environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a visual indication of audio context in a computer-generated virtual environment is provided. In one embodiment, visual indicators of which other Avatars are within communication distance of an Avatar may be generated and provided to the user associated with the Avatar. The visual indication may be provided for Avatars within the viewing area regardless of whether the other Avatar is visible or not. The visual indication may be provided for Avatars outside of the viewing area as well. When Avatars are engaged in a communication session, an indication of which Avatars are involved as well as which Avatar is currently speaking may be provided. Context may be user specific and established for each user of the virtual environment based on the location of that user's Avatar within the virtual environment and the relative location of other users' Avatars within the virtual environment.

Abstract: When new users are first introduced to virtual environments, the new users may be confused and uncertain as to how to interact with the virtual environment. Several new user orientation features have been added to the virtual environment user interface to help orient new users to the three dimensional computer-generated virtual environment and to prevent the new users from making common mistakes. Example beginning user orientation features include clearly distinguishing when the user is interacting with the virtual environment and when the user is interacting with virtual environment application controls, limiting the vertical field of view of the new user's Avatar to prevent the user from becoming stuck looking straight up or straight down, providing the user with visual feedback when switching between first and third person points of view, and providing the user with clear instructions as to how to control their Avatar and how to reenter the virtual environment.