San Rafael, Calif. - Autodesk Inc.’s
Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 software--the latest version of the company’s 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing application--incorporates mRigids rigid-body dynamics, enabling artists to use the multithreaded
NVIDIA PhysX engine to create compelling, dynamic rigid-body simulations in the 3ds Max viewport.
Key new features in Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 include:
mRigids Rigid-Body Dynamics — mRigids is the first module released in the new MassFX unified system of simulation solvers. Artists can use the multithreaded NVIDIA PhysX engine to create more compelling, dynamic rigid-body simulations directly in the 3ds Max viewport.
Nitrous Accelerated Graphics Core — Accelerated by modern GPUs and multicore workstations, Nitrous enables artists to iterate faster and handle larger data sets with limited impact on interactivity. Advanced scene management techniques, along with multithreaded viewport scene traversal and material evaluation, result in a smoother, more responsive workflow.
Substance Smart Textures — Artists can achieve a vast range of look variations with a new library of 80 Substance smart textures and filters — tiny, multi-output, customizable and resolution-independent textures
iray Renderer — Using the newly integrated, NVIDIA GPU accelerated, iray rendering technology from mental images, artists can set up their scene, press “render” and get more predictable, photoreal results without worrying about rendering settings — similar to a “point-and-shoot“ camera.
Enhanced UVW Unwrapping — Artists can create better UVW maps in less time, with a new Least Squares Conformal Mapping (LSCM) method, enhancements to existing tools, and more streamlined workflows
Sculpting and Painting Enhancements — Artists can enjoy greater control over brushstrokes and their effects on geometry, thanks to new sculpting and painting workflows
Autodesk anticipates that 3ds Max 2012 will be available in English in April 2011. Autodesk expects to announce Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2012 software in late-March 2011. The Autodesk suggested retail price (MSRP) for an Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 stand-alone license is US$3,495. The MSRP to upgrade from 3ds Max 2011 to 3ds Max 2012 is $1,745. Autodesk Subscription is available for purchase simultaneously with the product or upgrade purchase for $495 MSRP per year.
Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 is also expected to be available as part of the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012. The Suite offers 3ds Max together with Autodesk Softimage 2012, Autodesk Mudbox 2012 and Autodesk MotionBuilder 2012 software for $6,495 MSRP, representing a 42 percent cost savings compared to purchasing the software separately.