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Madrid-based Next Limit is previewing the upcoming version 10 of its fluid dynamics software. New features include: Dyverso multi-physics solver that can simulate interacting rigid, elastic bodies and physics of granular materials, optimized Dyverso brings significant speedups in both GPU and CPU, Hybrido improvements, Particle Skinner daemon, K Volume Object Mode daemon, Falloff Object Mode daemon, numerous workflow improvements, etc. The software is available for pre-order starting at 795€ / $895. Also of note, Next Limit has re-adopted its earlier versioning system (it had changed in RealFlow 6 to 2012). Watch new features videos and find out more on RealFlow's website.

The number of Natron free plugins developed by users of the open source compositing software is growing fast, and a repository has been created to gather them all in one place. Many useful tools are already available, including nodes for chromatic aberration, a shaker similar to AE's wiggle, etc. Installers are available for various operating systems. With v2.2 of Natron on the way, the repository is a signal of how fast Natron's user base is growing, thanks to the open source development model and the collaboration of its users. More on GitHub: PyPlug repository, OpenFX repository.

Blackmagic Design has published a new hands-on training book that covers all aspects of editing with DaVinci Resolve 12.5. More on Amazon.

New features in 3Dflow's image-based modeling software include: (more...)

After numerous requests from artists, Serif has finally announced the open beta testing of Affinity Photo for Windows, its image editing application, which is now freely available for download. Affinity Photo supports end-to-end CMYK, LAB colour, 16-bits per channel editing, ICC color profiling and Photoshop PSD file format / 64-bit plugins. Version 1.5 brings HDR merge capabilities, focus stacking, macros, batch processing, tone mapping, 360 degree image editing, etc. (more...)

Check out the great stylized video created by Israeli artist Eran Hilleli (Knowledge of the Cone, Inside Out) for the Style Frames conference. Watch it on Vimeo.

With the aim to expand Corona Renderer's adoption, Render Legion has announced the Corona Academy, an educational program for CG tutors, instructors, lecturers and artists who would like to improve their rendering skills and get to know everything about Corona Renderer. All those who successfully complete the Corona Academy will become Primary Certified Instructors, able to organize and charge for their own authorized “Corona Renderer Educational Courses” and certify other instructors, schools and regular users. (more...)

3DVF interviews fractal artist Julius Horsthuis on his work and creative process. (French|English online translation)

The video recordings from the presentations given at the recent Blender Conference are finally being uploaded, find Ton Roosendaal's talk, Martínez Lara on Grease Pencil and EasyRigging, Mike Erwin on Viewport 2.8, Nikos Priniotakis on the first 100% Blender degree in a French university, etc. Watch them on YouTube.

QuatTwist is a free Maya plugin by Brave Rabbit that provides an easy solution for creating twist functionality for any kind of character rig. Version 2 delivers more stable results when working with animation. Download it from Brave Rabbit's website.