Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 7, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
At the opening of the annual Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, Autodesk announced this week that it has expanded its portfolio of 2D and 3D software tools for entertainment, multimedia and design professionals on Macintosh. The three new 2009 products for Mac OS X are Autodesk Toxik procedural compositing software, Autodesk Mudbox digital sculpting and texturing software, and Autodesk ImageModeler, a solution for image-based modeling and photogrammetry. The 2009 versions of Autodesk Maya, the 3D modeling, animation and rendering software already available for Mac, and Autodesk Stitcher photo-editing software are also available.
“Given the growing adoption of Mac OS X and the increasing production demands of the Mac community, we are extremely pleased to provide Mac artists with these first-class creative tools,” said Stig Gruman, Vice President of the Digital Entertainment Group at Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “Autodesk’s product offering gives expression to artistic ideas and provides Mac users with the tools to turn their creativity into reality.”
“Mac OS X Leopard, combined with our powerful Mac hardware, provides creative and design specialists with a compelling platform for creating everything from stunning 2D visual effects to sophisticated 3D models for digital entertainment,” said Ron Okamoto, Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations at Apple. “We are thrilled that Autodesk is expanding its portfolio of 2D and 3D software for Mac artists.”
Autodesk Media and Entertainment Products for the Macintosh Platform
Autodesk Toxik 2009: The ideal complement to Maya 2009. This node-based digital compositing software provides powerful integrated compositing and effects capabilities for independent 2D effects specialists as well as major film and television studios. Toxik 2009 enables highly efficient, collaborative and iterative workflows and provides new tools supporting stereoscopic productions and shot creation through interactive, high-resolution real-time compositing. Toxik 2009 for Mac OS X is expected to be available in English from March 2009. Autodesk’s suggested retail price for Toxik 2009 is expected to be US$3,495*.
Autodesk Mudbox 2009: An application for highly intuitive creation, texturing and retouching of 3D models. Mudbox software gives 3D modelers, artists and designers the freedom to be creative without having to focus on technical details. Mudbox 2009 breaks with the predefined forms of conventional 3D modeling applications and provides an organic, brush-based 3D modeling and texturing experience that ignites the creative process. Mudbox 2009 for Mac OS X is expected to be available in English from February 2009. Autodesk’s suggested retail price for Mudbox 2009 is expected to be US$745*.
Autodesk ImageModeler 2009: Image-based modeling and photogrammetry software that creates 3D models from photographs and provides architects, designers and entertainment-content creators with a new approach to 3D modeling. Its easy-to-learn three-step workflow enables users to achieve photorealistic results with real-world precision. The Mac OS X version is expected to be available in English from March 2009. Autodesk’s suggested retail price is expected to be US$995*.
Autodesk Maya 2009: A powerful integrated 3D modeling, animation and rendering solution based on an open architecture. Maya is used by film and video artists, video game developers, multimedia designers, design professionals and 3D enthusiasts to create lifelike digital images, realistic animation and exceptional visual effects. A 32-bit version of Maya 2009 is currently available in English and Japanese for Mac OS X and Intel-based Macintosh computers. Autodesk’s suggested retail price is US$1,995* for Maya Complete 2009, standalone, and US$4,995* for Maya Unlimited 2009, standalone.
Autodesk Stitcher Unlimited 2009: Easy-to-use software for creating wide-angle and panoramic images with views of up to 360 degrees. Its intuitive user interface and automatic photo-blending module make the software ideal for creating virtual tours for the internet, dramatic backdrops for film and video game productions, environment maps for 3D rendering, and high-quality panoramic images for artistic presentations. Stitcher Unlimited also works seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop. The program is currently available in English, French, German and Japanese. Autodesk’s suggested retail price for Stitcher Unlimited 2009 is US$350*.
*International prices may vary.