Virtual fireworks for a real fourth of July

July 3, 4:56 PMGadgets ExaminerDan Appleman

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Screen shot from the virtual show at fireworkspop.com

Fireworks are a long time Fourth of July tradition, but in many places has become a harder and harder tradition to follow. Many cities and counties now ban private fireworks out of safety concerns and to reduce the risk of fire. This year budget cutbacks have axed many local fireworks shows.

Technology offers a poor substitute, but it’s better than nothing. For example: websites can allow you to view or customize a virtual fireworks show. At fireworkspop.com you can click for each explosion over the New York skyline. fireworks.com lets you control interactive fireworks over multiple cities.

There are a number of fireworks screensavers that are highly configurable. One of the best is MBSS Fireworks 3.2 that is free to try (only $15 to buy an enable all the features). This one is highly configurable and offers 3d effects.

There are also thousands of past fireworks shows of varying quality you can watch on YouTube.