modo 401 previewed

Luxology is now previewing modo 401, the next major revision of its 3D software, at the SolidWorks World 2009 show in Orlando, FL (booth #1207). Along with the announced SolidWorks importer, initially a Windows-only feature, the software will also feature updated capabilities for modeling fur, volumetric lighting and replication. Fur technology allows users to build hair or fur from fiber models that can also be built as grass, roots or tinsel. Controls are provided for the texture, displacement and various attributes of the fibers.

Volumetric lighting has also been upgraded, with volumetric shadows that can be used to project shadow rays into a volume, while new texture options have been added to the shader tree. Modo 401 is also introducing an Instance Replicator, which will allow for quickly adding repetitive details like leaves on trees or welds on mechanical objects.

Additional feature information for the update will be announced on Feb. 12, according to the company's website. The final modo 401 launch date and specific requirements have not yet been released, but the current modo 302 costs $900 and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. Customers purchasing modo 302 will be permitted to upgrade to modo 401 for free.

by MacNN Staff