Autodesk updates product lines.(PRODUCT: MODELING-ANIMATION)

Autodesk celebrated the 10th anniversary of Maya by introducing Maya 2009, which includes a number of advancements in modeling, animation, rendering, and effects that maximize productivity and optimize workflow. The company also unveiled new versions of its other 3D modeling products.

Among the highlights in Maya 2009 are tools to better manage complex scenes, including the new Maya Assets toolset for encapsulating a set of nodes into a single container, a new Render Proxy feature within Mental Ray, additional multithreading capabilities and algorithms for boosting simulation and rendering performance, and stereo-production capabilities. In addition, the software offers a new nParticles simulation module and Muscle feature set. Maya 2009 will be available this month for $1995 for Maya Complete (standalone) and $4995 for Maya Unlimited (standalone). Upgrade pricing is also available.

The company also rolled out the first extension release for 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max Design 2009, which include new particle effects capabilities for more realism through PFlowAdvanced technology. Furthermore, the update will allow artists to add multi-track audio and sound effects directly into their animated scenes via ProSound technology. And, the new ProOptimizer technology allows artists to optimize high-poly count 3D models, ...