The Kronos Group has announced the formation of the WebGL webgroup, which should bring 3D graphics to the web. Using JavaScript bindings with OpenGL, it should bring 3D support without the need for any browser plug-ins.

The Kronos Group is known for their work on OpenGL 3, as well as the mobile OpenGL ES standards and the recent OpenCL standard. Previously the Kronos Group announced with Mozilla a joined effort to bring a 3D standard to the web, and now they've announced their final plans. Following Mozilla's prototype they plan to make a JavaScript binding between the browser and OpenGL ES 2.0. Third parties can work on APIs on top of this, to offer richer experiences (as OpenGL is the most abstract form).

Since the announcements other browser companies joined in, including Opera Software and Google. You might think why Google, as they already work on O3D. But O3D is a plug-in (which may be bundled with Chrome), and requires a separate installation, hampering easy adoption. However O3D also offers better 3D performance, which will unlikely be matched by WebGL. Henceforth Google will support WebGL, while work continues on O3D, which may offer more and better opportunities for faster and much richer 3D content (Runescape and Quake Live in O3D?).

No word yet on support from Apple (who participates in the Kronos Group) or Microsoft (another member), hopefully we'll see some announcement soon and prevent this upcoming standard from being yet another failed 3D standard.