Softimage XSI has been re-branded Autodesk Softimage in the first new release since Autodesk completed its acquisition from Avid last November
PRESS RELEASE
25 February 2009—Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has launched Autodesk Softimage 7.5 software for visual effects and game production. With this release, Autodesk has renamed the SOFTIMAGE|XSI software, acquired from Avid Technology, Inc. — Autodesk Softimage. The 7.5 version offers timesaving new features, such as UV unfolding technology, a multithreaded Syflex cloth simulator and an integrated mental ray 3.7+ renderer. Artists have used Softimage to create numerous movies, commercials and video games, including the Oscar-winning film Happy Feet, Coca Cola’s Heist Super Bowl ad, and the Fable II video game.
“Our mission at Autodesk is to deliver integrated pipelines for digital entertainment creation and Softimage is an important addition to our portfolio,” said Marc Petit, Autodesk Media & Entertainment senior vice president. “It has been three months since we acquired substantially all of the assets of Softimage and its integration into Autodesk is going extremely well. The team has kept Softimage 7.5 on plan and it has shipped without delay. We remain committed to delivering solid future releases of the software.”
Key New Features in Autodesk Softimage 7.5
UV unfolding technology: Softimage now features UV unfolding technology that enables artists to unwrap polygon models with just a few clicks. This technology works well on complex organic models, which would be difficult to unwrap manually. Softimage 7.5 also provides UV editing tools that help artists quickly create and edit UV maps.
mental ray 3.7+: Version 3.7+ of the mental ray renderer is now integrated into Softimage 7.5. Highlights include improvements to binary space partitioning for faster render times, multiple final gathering refinement passes and new motion-based displacement. These enhancements help users create high-fidelity images faster than ever before.
Multithreaded Syflex cloth simulator: The production-proven cloth simulator in Softimage is now multithreaded, enabling artists to use the cores on their machine to iterate faster.
Scene compatibility with version 7.0: Scenes saved in Softimage 7.5 will load into Softimage 7.0.
For more information about Autodesk Softimage 7.5, visit www.autodesk.com/softimage.
Availability
Version 7.5 of Autodesk Softimage (formerly SOFTIMAGE|XSI Essentials) and Autodesk Softimage Advanced (formerly SOFTIMAGE|XSI Advanced) are now available. Autodesk Subscription is available for purchase with the product licence purchase or upgrade.
Migration Promotion
Until 15 April 2009, existing SOFTIMAGE|XSI Essentials and Advanced customers, not on Softimage maintenance, can receive up to 50% discount and no back-subscription fees when migrating to Autodesk Softimage 7.5 with Autodesk Subscription.** This offer is available only through Autodesk Value Added Resellers. Locate a reseller at http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=12590867
** Conditions apply. International pricing may vary. Autodesk reserves the right to cancel, suspend or modify part of this promotion at any time without notice, for any reason, at its sole discretion.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualise, simulate and analyse real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
