May 15 - 1:55pm EDT   Urbs has announced Modelur, an add-on for Google's SketchUp that is focused on parametric urban design. While typical CAD software starts with a building's exterior dimensions, Modelur allows users to define a set of final parameters such as build area, gross floor area or the number of stories. If any of the basic parameters is changed, the entire building is automatically adjusted and the urban control values are recalculated. [full story]

May 4 - 4:20pm EDT   Following the success of its PC version, Inglobe has released a Mac AR-media plugin for Google SketchUp. The ARplug-in allows users to study and analyze their SketchUp designs in "augmented reality," by creating a virtual model of a design in the real physical space around them. This is done by simply printing a code onto a piece of paper, and utilizing a webcam. The plugin creates a virtual model that moves with the camera so it can be seen from all angles. [full story]

August 29 - 4:35pm EDT   A group of UK developers has produced LightUp, a plug-in for Google's SketchUp modeling tool. The software generates real-time lighting for models, and supports effects such as skyboxes, Fresnel reflections, area and point lighting, and normal and specular maps. Users do not have to wait for files or export them, and can do live walkthroughs of environments. [full story]