***Applications
Micrografx Unveils Simply3D Version 3
(February 23)
Micrografx Inc. unveiled Simply3D 3, which creates 3D, text,
graphics and animation for business and the Web.
Simply3D 3 is both intuitive and interactive as it walks users
through the entire creation and implementation process from start
to finish. Project Wizards walk users through the easy step- by-
step process to build 3D text, objects or scenery complete with
animation and lighting.
Simply3D is certified Microsoft Office and Windows 95NT 4.0
compatible, and its interface is both familiar and predictable,
making it easy for users to move directly from navigation mode
into discovery mode.
In navigation mode, users will find Office commands and
functions, making it comfortable for users to quickly shift to
discovery mode where they can begin experimenting with new tools
and effects to create exciting visuals.
With Simply3D 3, users can drag and drop visually represented
objects, animations, lighting effects, materials and deformations
into their current scene or into objects for immediate results.
The scene explorer shows users everything in the scene and
attributes each component in an easy-to-understand cascading
menu.
Micrografx Simply3D 3 is available from well-known retail stores
and is priced at $99.95. It can also be ordered direct from
Micrografx by calling 800/733-3729.
www.micrografx.com
TGS Ships LiveWork 3D for Microsoft Office 97
(March 9)
TGS (Template Graphics Software Inc.) announced the availability
of LiveWork 3D, a 3D add-on for Microsoft Office 97. LiveWork 3D
enables PC users to incorporate visually compelling 3D text and
clipart into business and personal documents, such as
newsletters, bulletins, marketing literature, and term papers.
Moreover, it adds real-time 3D animation to PowerPoint
presentations, and creates cool, custom 3D screen savers.
Unlike heavy stand-alone graphics applications, LiveWork 3D
functions as a native lightweight add-on to Microsoft Word and
PowerPoint. It allows users to create 3D graphics within their
document or presentation as easily as adding text and 2D clipart.
LiveWork 3D is available for Pentium PCs running Windows 95
and Windows NT for $49 (U.S). Chinese, French, German, Italian,
Japanese and Spanish language versions are $89 (U.S.). To
purchase LiveWork 3D, visit the TGS Web site.
www.tgs.com
Parametric Technology Announces Immediate Availability of
DesignWave Version 2
(March 2)
Parametric Technology Corporation announced that Version 2 of the
company's DesignWave desktop CAD (computer-aided design) software
is available immediately. New Features in DesignWave Version 2
include Concurrent Updates - An assembly-oriented function that
automatically updates users working in dependent files as design
changes are made and saved, fostering concurrent engineering.
An intelligent new subsystem that lets users establish geometric
and dimensional constraints for sketches that form the basis for
feature operations; this leverages the underpinnings of the true-
context environment. The true-context environment eliminates
barriers to productivity associated with traditional sketchers. A
new "constraint inspector" provides users with an easy way to
understand constraints applied to a design and modify their level
of influence.
DesignWave's feature-based modeling is enhanced by the addition
of numerous new capabilities. Version 2 includes enhancements to
draft/taper operations, variable radius blends and support for
open profiles. In addition Version 2 introduces a new capability
that allows users to access the full design editing capabilities
of the system from within the drawing environment. Users can
simply click on a feature in the drawing to automatically
activate the full editing parameters of the selected feature.
DesignWave Version 2 also adds comprehensive support for ANSI,
ISO, JIS, DIN and BIS drafting standards, which can be applied
globally, or on a per-drawing or per-dimension basis. This
support contributes to productivity with DesignWave's unique
feature-driven detailing capabilities.
DesignWave Version 2 is priced at $1,995 per user, and is
immediately available to order through Parametric Technology's
global network of value-added resellers. Full no-cost evaluation
copies are also available directly via Web downloads at:
www.ptc.com
SurfaceWorks introduces flagship product
(March 16)
SurfaceWorks division of AeroHydro, Inc. announced SurfaceWorks,
their flagship product. SurfaceWorks is a breakthrough software
product that extends SolidWorks' solid modeling functionality
with fully associative, free-form surface modeling. Developed by
AeroHydro, SurfaceWorks enables an entirely new set of industries
to consider "mid-priced" modeling solutions for their design
needs.
SurfaceWorks is an add-on product to SolidWorks that
synergistically combines solid and surface modeling for
mechanical engineering and industrial design. SurfaceWorks
enables SolidWorks users to model free form parts that would be
difficult or impossible to model with SolidWorks. The
SurfaceWorks user will be able to incorporate free form surfaces
into the design of SolidWorks parts and maintain association and
edibility. The technology will allow SolidWorks customers to
design free form parts that previously could only be created
using far more expensive CAD or design packages.
SurfaceWorks is a native Windows application that runs on PCs and
is tightly integrated with SolidWorks. The product is expected to
ship in the second quarter of 1998. North American MSRP will be
US $2,995.00.
www.surfaceworks.com
Autodesk Creates New Architectural Suite
(March 18)
Autodesk announced a suite for architects and building design
professionals -- the AutoCAD + S8 Architectural Suite software,
immediately available in the U.S. and Canada for a suggested
retail price of $US 4,795.
The AutoCAD + S8 Architectural Suite software is a bundle of S8
Architectural Professional software -- which consists of
Auto-Architect software, Softdesk 8 AEC Tools, Landscape, and
Structural Plans and Elevations -- with AutoCAD Release 14
software.
The architecture-specific features of S8 Architectural software
will improve architects' productivity and performance
significantly over using AutoCAD Release 14 software as a stand-
alone product. Auto-Architect and AEC Tools together provide
robust design and project management features that make it easier
for architects and building professionals to collaborate and
share designs, implement company project standards, and
coordinate construction documents in a team environment.
AutoCAD Release 14 software includes precision drawing tools such
as AutoSnap; data-sharing features, such as the ability to easily
and quickly share drawings over the Internet; raster image and
reference file clipping, photorealistic rendering, solid fills,
and TrueType fonts.
www.autodesk.com.
Wave Issue 9806 4/10/98 Article 8-01