Ozone 4 atmospheric suite

E-on has released Ozone 4, an update to its atmospheric simulation plug-in for 3ds Max, Maya, XSI, Lightwave and Cinema4D. The software is built on the same algorithms and technology as Vue 7 xStream, but with a focus on atmospheres and skies. Users can choose from four atmospheric models -- spectral, volumetric, standard and environment mapping. Over 100 preset atmospheres and 100 cloud shapes are included with the package.

The latest release adds Spectral 2, an engine designed to produce ultra-realistic environments with accurate light dispersion and natural phenomenon such as god rays. Atmospheres are automatically integrated in the scene, casting shadows onto native objects.

Users can customize a variety of aspects such as sun positioning and orientation, mist thickness or multiple cloud layers. Storm clouds can be added to a setting, or the layers can be adjusted for complexity, density, altitude or shape. A variety of special effects are also available, including rainbows, stars or ice rings.

Ozone 4.0 is compatible with Mac and Windows platforms and retails for $300, while owners of Version 3.0 licenses can upgrade for $100. [via Architosh News]

by MacNN Staff