UnPLUG Tools has released TearKnit,  a new procedural fibre-knit based cloth tearing plugin for Maya. Find out more on Gumroad.

Chaos Group has been working on a set of Python scripts to render glTF 2.0 files with the V-Ray SDK. An initial version is now available that works with the V-Ray App SDK and V-Ray 5 for 3ds Max. Read more and download the scripts from Github.

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Autodesk has announced that Maya Bonus Tools 2022 is now available. New additions to the collection include a boolean-based speed cut modelling tool (currently only working on Windows) and an Extrude Instance Mesh tool. Learn more and download for free from the Autodesk app store. 

Lightmap has announced HDR Light Studio - Xenon Drop 3, the latest version of its HDR creation and editing tool. New features include a new filter that allows the user to add linear motion blur to HDRI lighting, an updated Cinema 4D connection that provides a more responsive experience, plus several UI improvements. Read more about the release on the Lightmap website. 

Ciro Cardoso has released the first of several videos that explores how 3ds Max users can start the transition away from legacy maps to using OSL-based nodes. In this instalment, he looks at how to use the OSL Bitmap Lookup and Uber Bitmap nodes. Watch it on YouTube. 

Intel has announced the release of Open Image Denoise v1.4.0, its open-source denoising library used by several applications (including Blender). (more...)

Chaos has announced an update to Chaos Vantage, its real-time standalone ray-tracing renderer. Improvements include support for V-Ray 2 Sided materials, the addition of the NVIDIA AI Denoiser, support for importing cameras with animated properties and more. See a full list in the software's documentation. 

State of Art Academy has published a handy article (with videos) outlining how to import and export scenes using the new USD plugin for 3ds Max alongside several tips and tricks to help reader get the most from the Max implementation.  Read it on SOA's website.

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