Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 announced

Autodesk gets set to release the 2012 version of 3ds Max, providing artists with a new range of creative toolsets -- read on for preview videos of the Nitrous Viewport Nitrous Accelerated Graphics Core helps artists make better creative decisionsWith the 2012 versions of Autodesk software for digital entertainment creation set to arrive this April, Autodesk has added a number of new tools to the release of 3ds Max. As audiences and artists require more sophisticated content, Autodesk has emphasised its new, single-step interoperability that maximises creative capabilities and workflow. There have also been a number of preview videos...

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New features for Maya 2012 announced

Autodesk has unveiled Maya 2012, adding new tools for pre-viz, games prototyping, extended simulation capabilities and better pipeline integration Viewport enhancements: now offers a range of full-screen effects3D software giant Autodesk has announced a range of new features for leading 3D animation tool Maya. Alongside enhancements to the Viewport and the addition of editable motion trails, is a focus on interoperability with other software including MotionBuilder, Mudbox and Softimage. Maya 2012 contains single-step workflows, enabling users to move 3D data directly between the latest versions of Autodesk’s 3D product line. Do more with...

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Review: LightWave 10

Industry veteran NewTek has brought out an update to its 3D application. 3D World finds out whether it’s worth the upgrade Newtek has updated LightWave at NAB 2011 – find out what’s in LightWave 10.1. Using the Piranhalien from the LightWave 10 content. Unlike the VPR equivalent (right), this final render includes motion blur and depth of fieldPrice: Full version: £599 / $895 / €695 Upgrade: £339 / $495 / €395 Developer: NewTek Main features: Viewport Preview Renderer (VPR) Linear workflow Improved I/O 3Dconnexion support The last time 3D World reviewed LightWave was version 9.5 in December 2008. LightWave 9.6, widely considered the best...

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Software review: Vue 9

3D World looks at the improvements in e-on software’s 3D modelling application for digital environments Price: $1,495 (xStream), $995 (Infinite) | Developer: e-on software | Platform Windows/Mac Main features Relighting Improved terrain modelling/painting Parameter Publishing HyperBlobs Flicker reduction Let’s start with some good news for Mac users: Vue 9 comes rebuilt (“from the ground up” according to e-on) as a 64-bit native Cocoa application that equals its Windows counterpart in speed and stability. So, if you’re running Vue on Mac it seems like version 9 is a must-have upgrade regardless of other features. But what about Windows users...

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Review: modo 501

Expectations are high for the latest version of Luxology’s flagship application, but does modo 501 deliver? modo handles more complex scenes with ease, especially in 64-bit, provided you have the RAM to take advantage of itPrice: £642 / $995 / €756 or £255 / $395 / €300 (upgrade) Developer: Luxology Platform: Windows/Mac Main features: Improved render speed and quality Pixar subdivision surfaces Multi-resolution sculpting Occlusion shader Enhanced depth of field and bokeh effects Numerous toolset and UI improvements Enhance:modo Texture suite included Since its inception, Luxology has primarily marketed modo as a modelling tool, and one that...

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