CAD company bought video app from Justin.tv last summer

Autodesk, best known for its CAD and drawing applications, is launching an all-new version of Socialcam, the socially-oriented videomaking app it acquired from original developers Justin.tv last summer, on Thursday. The current version of the app, still available for free on the App Store, has been described as an "Instagram for video" and features effect filters to give created videos a stylized look, along with easy cloud storage and social sharing abilities. The new Autodesk version will add 720p HD, high dynamic range options and new video effects.

Also now in the program will be real-time mapping and one-click color correction. It will offer various filters and effects, and features free uploading to cloud storage so that videos can be viewed on any device with an Internet connection. It can also upload existing videos from the Camera Roll to services such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, along with email, SMS and other services. Users can also use the program to browse publicly-posted videos from other Socialcam users.

The major update is the first since the company acquired Socialcam in a $60 million deal last summer. At the time, it was one of the top video-blogging apps on Facebook, with over 3.7 million active daily users. The move continues the company's drive toward the consumer market, where it has seen great success with its iOS drawing and sketching apps.

Autodesk characterized the purchase of Socialcam as part of an initiative to drive more mobile video into the creative and collaborative processes that have been of interest to the company since it was best known for its high-end CAD software. Autodesk has previously purchased Pixlr, an Instagram rival. It says an Android version of Socialcam will be released next week.

by MacNN Staff