According to unconfirmed rumors, photos of recent slides purportedly presented by Autodesk mention faster load times, optimized use of memory, better asset management, tighter integration with renderers, and a more consistent, node-based UI with task-oriented workspaces. Some of the features mentioned are looking really good. Keep in mind though that if any of this is valid info and gets to be implemented in Max it will most likely not happen in the near future. Shane Griffith from Autodesk stated that the information leaked will probably make them “reveal much more about XBR publicly”. An official response from Autodesk is being prepared. More to come.
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Sadly looks like NodeJoe or/and Zookeeper will have a tough time – Autodesk should have implemented Nodes years ago … But good to see some new directions to come!
True. Though we don’t know how long it will take Autodesk to implement all these features, plus we should see how they compare to what these plugins have to offer. There are reasons for enthusiasm but also for healthy skepticism. As you mentioned, Autodesk should have implemented some of these features years ago.
Ken Pimentel posts the slides here:
http://area.autodesk.com/blogs/ken/excalibur_xbr_notes