You Are Now Free to Sketch

No-cost version of SketchUp has no obvious impact on professional market

On May 19, Aidan Chopra, the education program manager for Google SketchUp, reported in the SketchUpdate blog that,
"For the first time in months, the waters are smooth, the sky is clear. ..." Chopra's forecast suggests that, with the launch of Google SketchUp (free), SketchUp Pro ($495) and 3D Warehouse squarely behind them, the team is enjoying a lull. But it's quite the opposite on the forum, now abuzz with questions from "newbies" discovering the software for the first time. A quick glance reveals a slew of accolades and technical questions: "Like most of you, I recently discovered SketchUp and ever since have been feverishly sketching things," wrote one; "How do [you] build stuff inside the house or even go inside the house?" asked another.  Read more >>p>

LightWork Design Launches LightWorks 7.6
New release of lighting-simulation solution for 3D modeling software developers is designed to further simplify photorealistic rendering.  Read more >>

MSC.Software, IBM Partner to Provide On-Demand Simulation
Based on IBM Deep Computing Capacity on Demand, the hosted service will enable users to take advantage of MD Nastran as needed.  Read more >>

Hardware: DISTO A6
Handheld laser distance-measuring tool from Leica Geosystems integrates Bluetooth technology.  Read more >>

AEC: Tekla Structures 12
Tekla's new version of 3D product modeling software for the construction industry supports open BIM.  Read more >>

MCAD: Teamcenter for MRO
UGS announces PLM portfolio upgrade for maintenance, repair and overhaul. 
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