Wave Issue 9705 3/14/97 Article 3-01

*** trueSpace3 Arrives
by David Lohse

Caligari Corp. has finally announced the release of the long-awaited
next version of their popular 3D modeling and animation package with
Caligari trueSpace3. trueSpace has been at the forefront of the Windows
revolution in the world of 3D modeling and animation, bringing powerful
and affordable 3D capabilities to mainstream PCs. Although Caligari has
come under fire recently by trueSpace users for a perceived shift in
emphasis by Caligari to their Internet tools and applications,
trueSpace3 brings a slew of new features not found in other mid-level
3D authoring applications:

Metaballs (Live Skin) and Plastiform - As the first real-time
implementation of metaballs available with direct manipulation, Live
Skin provides a new unique method for organic modeling. Plastiform
generates new surface particles by deforming objects with a "hot"
engraving tool.

Collision Detection - Accurate collision detection is supported, along
with sticky tool for creating complex models.

3D Paint - trueSpace3 is currently the only 3D program on the PC that
offers integrated 3D painting capabilities, allowing users to paint
textures or bump maps directly on 3D objects.

Plug-ins - trueSpace3 features an API available to 3rd-party developers
for writing 3D plug-ins, as well as supporting 32-bit Adobe compatible
plug-ins.

Animation - Improved forward dynamics, allowing users to apply physical
properties to objects, and inverse kinematics which allows for complex
animations.

Internet - Continuing with Caligari's concentration on the Internet,
trueSpace3 features an integrated VRML 2.0 browser.

trueSpace3 supports Microsoft's Direct3D API, one the first 3D
authoring packages to do so. In addition, trueSpace3 supports formats
including AutoCAD, DXF, 3DS, WaveFront, .BMP, .TGA, FLIC, .AI, and
JPEG. Bundled with trueSpace3 is Caligari trueClips, a CD-ROM of over
200 textures and 600 3D objects.

trueSpace3 will be available at the end of March of a suggested retail
price of $795 or for an upgrade price of $199 if ordered prior to April
1 (after which the price will rise to $299).

www.caligari.com