Softimage recently released a 30-day trial version of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5. Softimage is well known software for 3D modelling, character creation, animation and rendering. The new 30-Day trial version is available in English and Japanese, and it will make it possible for students and professionals to try the new features of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5. The trial can be downloaded from this link.

Pixologic announced the release of a 30 days trial version of its well known 3D sculpturing, painting and rendering tool; ZBrush 3.1. This 30 days trial is a fully functional version of ZBrush 3.1. You can download the 30 days trial version for Windows operating systems from this link, www.pixologic.com/zbrush/trial

Three years has passed since the last update of GIMP, the open source image editing and image authoring program for the Linux, Windows, and Mac OSes. Highlights of the new update include scalable filters, redesigned selection tools, new align tool, newly organised menus, and additional supported format.

GIMP is totally free, so there is no excuse not to give it a try. The UI is different from that of Adobe’s Photoshop, so it might take you a while to get used to it.

Please be aware that running GIMP requires the GTK + 2 Runtime which you can download from here.

You can learn more about GIMP and download it for free from the GIMP homepage.

[via Download Squad]

Autodesk released today the 30-day trial of its latest update to its 3D modeling, texturing, and animation tool 3DS Max. The new version is features accelerated performance as noted by the users of CGTalk, a new integrated MAXScript Pro editor, and a new ‘Review’ toolset for providing instant feedback on certain render settings. Ryan Lesser has written a detailed review of the new MAX over at VFXWord where he came to the conclusion that Max 2008 falls short of being a major milestone, but “as a productivity booster and overall enjoyable experience, this rev of Max delivers“.

You can download the trial version of 3DS Max from here to judge it yourself.

[via CGIndia]

Adobe recently announced the official release of Flash Lite 3, the latest version of the player for mobile devices brings support to FLV video similar to the experience we currently have on the web. Unfortunately, the new Flash Lite 3 does not support ActionScript 3 though features 15-20% improved ActionScript performance and 20-30% rendering performance over Flash Lite 2.1. You can view the launch press release at Adobe or view the Feature Comparison table.

The first Flash Lite 3 supported device is expected to be Chumby, the widget powered internet gadget.

Wacom’s Bamboo tablets first released in Japan a few months ago are now announced to be shipping to the US. Wacom finds itself ready to ship both the $79 Bamboo (casual photo retoucher) and the Bamboo tablets. The small $99 and the medium $199 Bamboo tablets cost more due to being more fun to deal with as well as the availability of an extra mouse. All feature four ExpressKeys, the “touch ring” zoom / scroll controller, and a textured surface to give the real pen on paper feel. Both work well with OS X’s InkWell and Vista’s Tablet features. For further information please visit Wacom’s engadget and Wacom’s official website here.

Electric Rain (ERain) recently released Swift 3D version 5 for Windows. Swift3D v5 for Mac is coming out this year and it is going to be a big hit. Swift3D is the only 3D program that can be directly integrated with Adobe Flash and provides fast high quality vector rendering.

“When it comes to creating 3D vector animations, Swift3D doesn’t have any competition. For its ease-of-use and rapid development of 3D Flash, it really can’t be beat.” says MacReview.

Of course, you don’t have to export 3D animations as vector, you can also export as video which gives you all the capabilities of motion graphic design.

For more information, go to the Swift 3D page.

Softimage Co, announced the shipping of Softimage|XSI 6.5 Essentials targeting artists, and Softimage|XSI 6.5 Advanced created for production facilities. At a price of US $ 2,995, Softimage|XSI 6.5 Essentials is packed with Hair, Fur, and Syflex Cloth features.  Softimage|XSI 6.5 Advanced is packed with five batch rendering licenses for facilities and priced at US $4,995. To read more about the new features, click here.

Toon Boom animation Inc. recently released the latest version of Toon Boom Studio, their 2d animation software for the Windows and Mac platforms. Toon Boom Studio 4 new features include an increase ease of us for animating bitmap images, extended styles and calligraphy, feather edges for creating blurred vectors and glow effects, improved motion effects, advanced web publishing options and other features as well. You can learn more about Toon Boom Studio by visiting their official website here.

Luxology releases modo 301, the 3d modeling, painting and render tool today. The current version costs $895. Modo 301’s enhanced features over modo 203 include animation and especially true-3D sculpting. Now available for immediate download.

For more information visit Luxology’s official website.