Canadian artist Strob compares the startup times from various 3D software. More on Strob's website.

Eos Systems has released PhotoModeler UAS, a new version of PhotoModeler aimed at those using UAVs for generating surface models, orthophotos, or volume measurements. It offers UAS-focused processing (ability to handle GPS data from your UAV to improve accuracy and speed), Volume Objects (allows to model and measure stock piles or other similar terrain shapes, and obtain accurate volumes), multi-spectral image support, Geographic Coordinate Systems, create minor contours with a different look than major contours, etc. (more...)

New features in the crowd simulation add-on for Blender include: defer geometry tool allows to simulate agents using just the armatures (simulations run up to 90% times faster), node trees have gained more tools to help to precisely align your agents, plus updated preferences. More information on CrowdMaster's website. (more...)

Spanish artist Cristóbal Vila has made a CG short dedicated to Japan. Created with Modo. Watch it on Vimeo.

Pixologic has disclosed the new features of the upcoming version of its sculpting, painting and detailing software. Highlights include support for vector displacement maps, real-time Boolean system, improved LazyMouse functionality, transform gizmo similar to other 3D applications, multiple languages support, etc. Also of note, Pixologic has given further details on the feature set of ZBrushCore, its lower-priced version of ZBrush. (more...)

The Blender Foundation announced a new major release of the open source 3D software. New features include: (more...)

Thinkbox has released v2.0 of its meshing plugin for Max, which nearly doubles the performance of previous releases. The new version also offers tighter integration with V-Ray, enabling customizable particle scattering for distributing and rendering millions of mesh instances in Custom Geometry meshing mode. (more...)

LUXX Studios has released an impressive breakdown of the VFX work they delivered for White House Down. Watch it on Vimeo.