A new version of Di-O-Matic's morphing extension for Max is now available. New features include faster morphing calculation, enhanced UI, ability to use modifier stack result as morph target, Auto Reload Target per channel, additional MaxScript commands, bug fixes, etc. To learn more about Morph-O-Matic or to download a trial version visit Di-O-Matic.com.

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Bytegeist Software has released a 64-bit version of the popular GhostTrails plugin. It can be downloaded from GhostTrails.net.

The destruction kit plugin for Max has been updated with some great fragmentation tools and Reactor Rigid Body support via the RayFire user interface. Check out the complete list of features and some demo videos at MirVadim.com.

Boomer Labs has announced the latest release of Max2AE, the plugin that bridges the gap between Max and After Effects. New features include various UI enhancements, improved memory management, automatic scene scaling, support for 23.976 fps HD drop frame format, and the ability to export particles as layers, nulls or lights. More information at BoomerLabs.com.

Itoo Software has released a new version of Forest Pack, its set of plugins for the creation of large extensions of trees and vegetation. New features include the ability to use multiple meshes in a single Forest object, automatic detection of collisions in the distribution of objects, support for VRay proxy, an improved Mental Ray shader, etc. Visit ItooSoft.com for more.

New features in Di-O-Matic's head creation software for 3DS Max include improved shapes and proportions for the default head, additional facial deformations, automatic Voice-O-Matic configuration for lip-synching, enhanced deformations including gender, ethnicity and phonemes, etc. Visit Di-O-Matic.com for more.

GrowFX is a new plugin by Russian company Exlevel designed for creating and animating trees, plants, flowers and various types of vegetation. Following the steps of Thomas Luft's Ivy Generator, GrowFX incorporates building mechanisms that make plants grow and encircle any scene object and bend around different obstacles. An image gallery and downloadable demo version of the software can be found at Exlevel.com.

Vanilla Seed's "automatic and visual pass manager" for 3DS Max now features Combustion, AE, Fusion and Nuke export. Check out a sample video at Vanilla-Seed.com (click on "video 6").

Cebas announced the release of ThinkingParticles 3.0. The latest version of the rule-based particle system offers an impressive number of features including AGEIA PhysX Core 2.8.x support, procedural particle based deformation simulation, new and enhanced dynamic, material and instancing nodes, a full port debugger, etc. More information and some sample animations at Cebas.com.