Autodesk Inc. has announced two new versions of its Autodesk 3ds Max modeling, animation, and rendering software: Autodesk 3ds Max 2009 for entertainment professionals, and 3ds Max Design 2009 tailored for architects, designers, and visualization specialists. Both versions boast new rendering capabilities, improved interoperability with industry-standard products, and timesaving animation and mapping workflow tools. 3ds Max Design 2009 also provides lighting simulation and analysis technology. In Autodesk 3ds Max 2009, the new Reveal rendering tool set streamlines iterative workflows, whereas the ProMaterials material library assists in simulating real-world surfaces. Biped enhancements, new UV editing tools, and Recognize, a new scene-loading technology, rounds out the latest version.
3ds Max Design 2009 includes all the features in Autodesk 3ds Max 2009, with the exception of the software development toolkit (SDK). 3ds Max Design also includes Exposure technology for simulating and analyzing sun, sky, and artificial lighting to assist with LEED 8.1 certification.
Autodesk anticipates that 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max Design 2009 will be available in English during spring 2008. The Autodesk suggested retail price for 3ds Max 2009 or 3ds Max Design 2009 software is $3495. The Autodesk suggested retail price to upgrade from 3ds Max 2008 to either 3ds Max 2009 or 3ds Max Design 2009 is $895.
From March 31, 2008 to July 17, 2008, existing Autodesk VIZ 2008 software Subscription customers will be able to cross-grade to 3ds Max Design 2009 for $249. During this same timeframe, Autodesk VIZ 2006, 2007, and 2008 customers who are not on Autodesk Subscription will be able to cross-grade to 3ds Max Design 2009 for $895, if they purchase Autodesk Subscription for 3ds Max Design 2009.
Autodesk Subscription will be available for purchase simultaneously with the product purchase or upgrade. The Autodesk suggested retail price for Autodesk Subscription for 3ds Max or 3ds Max Design will be $495 per year.