(Updated February 13, 2008 by Pablo Hadis) An interesting thread with reactions to the announcement can be found on CGTalk. PDFs with more detailed info on the new version are available from Ken Pimentel's blog at Autodesk.com (look for the "Related Materials" section).

It may seem like it was only half a year ago that 3ds Max 2008 (10) was announced.. and that's because it was.

Today, Autodesk announced 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max Design 2009 (formerly Autodesk VIZ).

Edit: Slight bit more information on Ken Pimentel's blog

Press Release here.

Press Release - "Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK - News) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Alias for cash consideration of $197 million USD."
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Citing the ADSK acquisition of Alias, this New Zealand based game development school is switching their grad program from Alias Maya to 3ds Max. Press Release

Along with pushing our tollerance for alliteration, "Autodesk Technology Transports Moviegoers to Worlds of Wizardry and Whimsy" - Press Release.

Recent/Upcoming films mentioned in the release and used 3ds Max include: Harry Potter 4, Aeon Flux, Stay, and possibly Narnia, Jarhead, Munich, and/or Rent.

An entertaining press release from ResPower. Read it here.

"Autodesk Technology Goes Prime Time in House, Lost, Nip/Tuck and Other 2005-2006 Television Shows"
Focusing primarily on systems tools, the P.R. mentions work by Look Effects, A52, Digital Dimension, Cinegroupe, Encore Holywood, Imaginary Forces, Level 3 Post, Meteor Studios, MFX, Modern Videofilm, Pixel Blues, R!OT, Rainmaker, The Post Group, and Zoic Studios.

Autodesk today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Alias, the privately held developer of Maya for $182 million. Read the press release here.
[Update - editorial comment from cptvideo: "HOLY CRAP!"]
News also up at Yahoo Finance.

SEATTLE, WA (April 20, 2005) – SplutterFish LLC, a leading high-end 3D rendering software solutions provider has been gaining significant respect from the professional computer graphics industry since its inception. Top CG studios like The Orphanage, Glowfrog Studios, Nexus Productions, Frantic Films, and Blur Studio are relying on The Brazil Rendering System for the most demanding shots in "Sin City", Honda's "GRRR", "Gopher Broke", and more!
Press release

Autodesk Ships VIZ 2006-Latest Visualization Tool for Sharing Design Intent
New Toolset Delivers Advanced Features Including Intuitive Interoperability With Autodesk Products

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK - News), today began shipping Autodesk® VIZ 2006, the professional design visualization software that helps artists realize their ideas through 3D modeling, rendering and animation. Autodesk VIZ 2006 features new tools that enhance interoperability with other Autodesk® design applications and for creating and managing content, such as tool palettes and a new content browser for cameras, lights and materials.
Press Release

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For those wondering - Autodesk VIZ 2006 is based on the 3ds max r7 core functionality and one can exchange files and plugins freely. See also the FAQ.