(Updated October 3, 2008) Unwrella developers have mentioned in a post at their forums that precise seam placement will be included as a feature in a future version of the plugin.
Wiesbaden-based 3d-io have been working on a very useful Max plugin. Unwrella is a new plugin designed to unwrap 3D models with a single mouse click while simultaneously providing optimal results that combine the minimized texture stretching of automated unwrapping techniques with the efficient space utilization and chunk distribution of UV space that is achieved with manual pelt wrapping methods. Features include fast and simple automated UV generation, optimal UV space usage, creation of less chunks, advanced options which allow for padding & limiting chunks or stretch parameters, load & save settings, and making the creation of seamless textures and normal maps possible. The Unwrella unwrapping plugin for Max 9, 2008, 2009 is now available in a freely downloadable open beta release. Read the complete list of features and check out some sample images at Unwrella.com.

New York-based artist Joe Gunn has released a new commercial video tutorial on photorealistic studio car rendering. To keep costs down and get quick access to training material, the tutorial is available as a digital download. It contains over 2 hours of instructional video not including bonus tutorials.   [ more... ]

Ghost was the renderer that was to become Brazil r/s, which is now poised for another (r)evolutionary technological leap. In a run-up to this event, SplutterFish have announced their new Ghost of Ghost challenge/contest. Over a hundred prizes are to be won, including $7500 in cash with the overall winner fetching a whopping $2500. Deadline is October 15th.

Autodesk have posted more videos showing off the features of the upcoming version of Mudbox. Sculpting, painting, UI and rendering enhancements. Check 'em out!

Rio de Janeiro-based Seagulls Fly have recently completed a great animation on global warming. Created with Max, ZBrush and Combustion. Check it out!

Pixologic have added a new turntable gallery to their site. Some impressive ZBrush sculptures on display. Check 'em out!

Akvis announced the release of Enhancer v9.5. The software provides image enhancement tools that help improve detail on photos by dealing with common problems such as poor/excessive lighting, motion or bad focusing. Version 9.5 supports Exif data and ensures that camera information (shooting date, exposure settings, comments, etc) will not get lost or altered. Read the whole PR at Akvis.com.

Spiral Graphics have opened the beta test of their seamless texture, HDRI, and animation editor to the public. The beta can be freely downloaded from Spiralgraphics.biz. Features added to the new version include seamless vector drawing tools, editable visual styles that can be applied to designs, HDRI environment map editing, a realistic new lighting model, new nodes and effects, and an expanded library of royalty-free texture presets. Check out the demo video and read on for more information.   [ more... ]

Neil Bennett reviews DigiEffects' Simulate: Illuma for Digital Arts: "... includes five filters: Halo, Lightracer, Luminus, Photogust and Radiance."

New features include project and user management system with an intuitive UI, automated stereoscopic tools, integrated audio I/O with eight channels of synchronized playback, timeline shot prioritization, GPU acceleration and more. Autodesk has also announced Incinerator 2009, which offers the same toolset as Lustre with real-time color grading capabilities for the most demanding digital-intermediate feature film projects. Press release and more information at Autodesk.com.

A great short film by Dutch director Joris Oprins. Check it out!

From Global Illumination to Jiggly Fluids to Perception and Hallucination. Find them at GooglePages.com.

Google has announced the upcoming release of its new open source web browser. Some analysis and reactions at ZDNet, Techdirt, CNet and Mozilla CEO's blog.