Google released version 8 of its 3D modeling software SketchUp for Mac OS X and Windows. Google SketchUp 8 comes with built-in Google Maps for adding geo-locations to models; accurate 3D terrain data for added geo-locations; enhanced Match Photo functionality for tracing photographs to build a model; DWG/DXF 2010 support (Pro version only); and more. Google SketchUp is free, SketchUp Pro adds several professional features for $495 US / 430 EUR per license. Upgrades to SketchUp Pro 8 are 83 EUR. [source]

Prime Focus Software, the R&D arm of Prime Focus, announces the release of Krakatoa 1.6, the company's production-proven volumetric particle rendering, manipulation and management toolkit for 3ds Max that creates believable natural phenomena like dust, smoke, silt, ocean surface foam, plasma and even solid objects. Version 1.6 features improved performance; a dedicated Shadow Generator, compatible with other 3ds Max renderers; advanced FumeFX conversion to particles workflow and support for FumeFX 2.0 and Thinking Particles 4; support for dedicated render elements that utilize the 3ds Max Render Elements management system; and more. The price of one standard bundle of Krakatoa including one workstation and two render nodes is listed at $995 US plus $248.75 US for the first year of support and upgrades. An evaluation version can be downloaded from this location. [source]

MAXON Computer, German developer of professional 3D software, announced the immediate availability of CINEMA 4D Release 12, the next generation of its highly-acclaimed professional 3D application for Windows and Mac OS X systems. Release 12 boasts dozens of new productivity enhancing features including improved rendering with Linear Workflow, Color Profiles and IES Lights, enhanced rigid body dynamics based on the Bullet engine, new deformers for modifying objects based on a low-poly cage or within the screen space, and superior character animation capabilities including a powerful, integrated pose-mixing and morphing system (CINEMA 4D Studio only).

The CINEMA 4D Release 12 product line includes new editions, as well as an upgrade to BodyPaint 3D, MAXON's painting and texture application, as follows: CINEMA 4D Prime (core professional 3D graphics package), CINEMA 4D Broadcast (now includes features of the previous MoGraph module, GI rendering and an extensive library of objects, materials and presets), CINEMA 4D Visualize (includes all features of the previous Architecture and Engineering Editions - Advanced Render, Sketch and Toon and NET Render 3 modules plus extensive object and material libraries), CINEMA 4D Studio (the most comprehensive CINEMA 4D edition includes all available features), BodyPaint 3D Release 12 (3D Painting, Texturing and UV Editing). A Product Comparison Chart is available on the MAXON web site. MAXON will no longer be offering individual modules for purchase. Demo versions are available here (requires registration).
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NewTek published a series of videos from official SIGGRAPH demonstrations of its upcoming LightWave 10 3D modeling, animation and rendering software (more). The videos, showing rigging tools, virtual cinematography, shaders, and other features, are available for your viewing pleasure at this location. [source]

Adobe released several updates to its Acrobat Pro, Acrobat 3D, and Adobe Reader applications. The updates "address critical security vulnerabilities while providing more overall stability." New versions: Adobe Acrobat 9.3.4 Pro Extended f. Windows; Adobe Acrobat 3D 8.2.4 f. Windows; Adobe Reader 8.2.4 f. Windows; Adobe Reader 8.2.4 f. Mac OS X Intel; Adobe Reader 8.2.4 f. Mac OS X; Adobe Acrobat 8.2.4 Professional and Standard f. Windows; Adobe Acrobat 8.2.4 Professional f. Mac OS X; Adobe Reader 9.3.4 f. Windows; Adobe Reader MUI 9.3.4 f. Windows; Adobe Reader 9.3.4 f. Unix; Adobe Reader 9.3.4 f. Mac OS X Intel; Adobe Reader 9.3.4 f. Mac OS X; Adobe Acrobat 9.3.4 Pro f. Mac OS X. [source]

Canadian cartoon animation software developer Toon Boom Animation Inc. announced the upcoming release of Toon Boom Studio 6, an updated version of its Mac OS- and Windows-based animation system for students and hobbyists. Version 6 features a complete bone rigging animation capabilities, including Skeleton Effect Layer in the timeline; Bone Level for segmenting and animating the character; easy settings for rotation, length and position of the bones; practical manipulation of the bones in the timeline; real-time preview of Bone Effect; SWF export of Bone effect (Vector shapes only); and more. Toon Boom Animation is offering a special pre-launch price of $299.99 US, instead of $329.99, valid until September 1, 2010. Upgrades from version 4.5 and 5 to version 6 can be purchased at $79.99 US, instead of $99.99 US. [source]

New update for Adobe's flagship DTP software InDesign provides key fixes in the areas of Documents, Export Graphics, Text, UI, PDF Export, and Architecture. For a full list of resolved issues, read the Adobe InDesign CS5 7.0.2 Release Notes. Downloads: InDesign CS5 7.0.2 for Windows; InDesign CS5 7.0.2 for Mac OS X; InCopy CS5 7.0.2 for Windows; InCopy CS5 7.0.2 for Mac OS X. [source]

Adobe released an update to its flagship vector illustration software Illustrator CS5. Version 15.0.1 fixes out of memory problems specific to Macs with RAM exceeding 4 GB, including failure of shortcut keys, rulers, or file open operations; Glyph Panel issues; crashes occurring at launch or quit; and various other problems. Visit following links for downloads of: Windows version; Mac OS X version. [source]

DeviantART.com, with plug-in support from Wacom , introduced a Web-based drawing tool for artists, featuring pen pressure sensitivity, layer capabilities and multiple brush options. The drawing tool, named deviantART Muro, is developed in HTML5 and offers Wacom pen tablet and interactive pen display users a natural and intuitive way to draw, paint and express their creativity within the deviantART community. [source]

Pixologic, Inc. released the long-awaited fourth version of ZBrush, company's flagship digital sculpting and painting software for Windows and Mac OS X systems. For more information on features, read our previous announcements. All current ZBrush license holders are entitled to a free upgrade to ZBrush 4.0, regardless of when they purchased ZBrush. In addition to the usual backup CD option, Pixologic is also offering a limited 10th Anniversary Special Edition package of ZBrush 4.0 and - for a limited period (till 9th Sept., 2010) - Pixologic is offering ZBrush 4.0 downloadable licenses with optional Special Edition packaging at the existing purchase price of $595 US per license. After that date, regular pricing incl. Special Edition packaging will be $699 US per license. [source]