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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Native Instruments introduced ABBEY ROAD 80s DRUMS, the third instrument developed together with the iconic British recording studios (read about Native Instruments ABBEY ROAD 70s DRUMS here). With two expertly engineered premium drum kits for use in the free KONTAKT PLAYER and the KONTAKT 4 sampler, ABBEY ROAD 80s DRUMS allows musicians and producers to recreate the defining drum sound of the 80s with the highest level of sonic fidelity and authenticity. The set contains two characteristic instruments that significantly contributed to the sound of the respective musical decade - a vintage Yamaha 9000, one of the most groundbreaking and most-recorded kits in music history, and a Slingerland Magnum Chrome with single-headed concert toms and a full set of Octobans, the melodically tuned tubular toms that were popular among drummers of that time. Both drum kits were set up and sampled in Abbey Road's Studio Two and Studio Three, taking full advantage of the acoustic properties of these famous recording rooms, as well as the revered Abbey Road's gear. ABBEY ROAD 80s DRUMS is available for purchase for an MSRP of $119 US / 99 EUR. [source]

Propellerhead Software released for sale worldwide the biggest overhaul to its Record - Reason music creation application family to date. These highly anticipated upgrades introduce new instruments, effects, sequencing, sounds, patches and more for composing, beatmaking, loop-mangling, vocal treatment, songwriting, remixing and music production. For more information on new features, watch the following video demos: Introducing Kong Drum Designer (Reason); Dr. REX octuples into Dr. Octo Rex Loop Player (Reason); New Neptune Pitch Adjuster and Voice Synth Device (Record); Block based pattern sequencing mode (Reason, Record); Expanded Factory Sound Bank with Signature patches (Reason); Live sampling (Reason)... All full versions and upgrades are available now (Propellerhead's online store), full versions of Reason are 305 EUR / $349 US; Record costs 279 EUR / $299 US, bundle of both is 405 EUR / $449 US. Record 1.5 Upgrade is offered free of charge, while Reason 5 Upgrade from any version is priced at 99 EUR / $129 US. Record for Reason Owners Sidegrade (includes Reason 5 upgrade) costs 149 EUR / $169 US. Updates and demo version are available here. [source]

German audio software developer updated its drums and percussion sampler BATTERY 3 for Audio Units, VST, and RTAS (under Pro Tools 7/8) hosts or stand-alone running on Windows and Mac OS X platforms. Version 3.1 adds the emulation of MPC60 and SP-1200 vintage drum machines; MIDI Learn function for all sliders and knobs which can be automated; and new loading behavior option (more). BATTERY 3.1 is a free update for all users of version 3; users of older version can upgrade for 99 EUR, while full versions cost 179 EUR. [source]

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]

Griid is an advanced clip grid interface which allows you to control Ableton Live (running on your desktop or laptop) from your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Using specially developed touch objects and simple gestures, Griid is designed with the performance experience in mind. Finely tuned for rapid navigation, you can enjoy the freedom of playing Live sets of any size with ease, combined with wireless operation, this means you can perform with Ableton Live without ever needing to look at the computer screen. Griid is available in three flavors: Griid Lite (free), Griid, and Griid Pro - read about version differences here. [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]