Autodesk has squeezed in another release of Maya 2018 before Maya 2019, which would normally have been released a few months ago if it followed the usual release schedule. Maya 2018.5 features several bug fixes as listed in the online release notes.

Madrid-based Next Limit has released RealFlow for 3DS Max, a native integration of the popular fluid simulation software that's compatible with Max's native PFlow and World Space modifiers. 

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Chaos Group has released an updated version of V-Ray for 3DS Max. New features include a new viewport IPR mode that is also faster and now supports atmospheric effects, completely redesigned glare and bloom effects for improved speed and accuracy, (more...)

The Blender Foundation has announced the official release of the Blender 2.8 beta. This version has been some 3 years in the making and the list of new features and improvements is too large to list in its entirety here, but a few highlights include the completely revamped user interface with harmonised tools, gizmos and shortcuts for a more consistent experience across the application. A part of the UI overhaul also saw the introduction of workspaces that enable the user to optimise the interface for common tasks like sculpting, texture painting or motion tracking.  (more...)

Abvent has released a new version of Artlantis, it's renderer aimed at architects, interior designers, landscapers, urban planners, and other design professionals. (more...)

SCG Studio has released a new 3DS Max script for editing vertex normals. It is able to calculate normals in one of three ways, using either the mesh's topology, a projection gizmo, or by projecting the normals from another mesh. It also includes a layer system that enables the mesh to be divided into up to 7 layers, each of which can be calculated independently. The script costs a minimum of $20 on a pay-what-you-want scheme. To find out more, visit the product's Gumroad page. 

iToo Software has released a new tutorial for Forest Pack about how to master the 3DS Max plugin's area modes to quickly populate scenes with trees and foliage. There's also some RailClone content too, looking at how to add tiles to roofs and add fences using the built-in presets. A video, written version and exercise files are available on the iToo Software website. 

A number of companies will be offering discounts during this year’s Black Friday (November 23) and Cyber Monday (November 26) sales.  Details are already starting to be released and so, as we do every year, we're collecting a list for our readers.   (more...)