Changes for v2.3.5 are:
- Fixes a bug with animations based on morphers no longer being exported

OgreMax is available for Max 8 to 2011 and costs $250. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v1.1.04c are:
- Fixes a bug with XRefs
- Fixes a bug where the original objects were rendering instead of the scattered ones

MultiScatter is available for Max 2008 to 2011 and costs €200.

Changes for v2.49 are:
- No idea, but if I find out I'll post it here

Materialwerk GbR are currently running a survey containing 25 questions about BRIX, BRIX LE and Materialwerk. If you answer all 25 questions, you will get a 25% discount coupon after October 15th 2010, and one of the participants will win a copy of BRIX Complete.

BRIX Complete is available for Max 2009 to 2011 and costs $379. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v2.8.44.0 are:
- Fixes a bug in the 'AddTextures' database command for an empty database
- Preprocessor now saves execution history if the -history flag is passed
- Tutorial distribution has changed to run sample code out of a common directory
- The 'CompressVertSample' preprocessor sample now compresses diff / spec vertex components
- Adds support for extracting XSI ShapeKeys as granny_morph_targets
- Fixes some old language in Granny Exporting Overview
- Fixes a distribution script error that prevented a crucial tutorial file from being copied
- Ported the exporter minidump handler to the viewer to capture crash logs
- Fixes a vertex normal exporting bug in XSI
- Adds sub-parameter structure extraction for XSI
- Changed the way the exporter computes temporary file names to prevent export failures
- Adds a new function for easier implementation of Callback DAG nodes from the non-source API
- Fixes some parameter extraction problems with XSI materials
- Disabled XSI builds prior to version 7
- Changed the storage of callback pointers in the dag2 callback node type
- Adds an option to disable texture alpha in the viewer
- Fixes evaluations of degree 0, quantized curves

Granny Exporter is available for Max 6 to 2011, and is part of the Granny Toolkit which costs $12500.

Changes for Build 20101021 are:
- Adds support for Image Based Lighting (IBL)

Shader Utilities Pro is available for Max 2009 to 2011 and costs €149. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v1.0.2 are:
- Adds a new parameter 'Spline->Curve Steps', which overrides the spline interpolation
- Fixes an instability issue in the Creation window
- Fixes missing materials in the Mental Ray library

The free Lite version has also been updated.

RailClone is available for Max 9 to 2011 and normally costs €200. For a limited time it is being offered at a 25% discount (€150). A demo version is available here.

Changes for v4.0 include:
- Massively high resolution textures (64-bit mode)
- True stacked image layers
- Projection painting
- Adds support for 64-bit systems

Blacksmith3D Suite is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs $299.95. A demo version is available here.

Ant Stitcher is a commercial MAXScript which moves a set of selected vertices of a source mesh to their closest counterpart in the destination mesh. Designed mainly for Architectural Visualization scenes with terrains and roads that need to match, Ant Stitcher will save anyone that does modeling countless hours of tedious vertex pulling and pushing. Just select the source and destination vertices and click 'Stitch'em' for a perfectly matched connection between the selected objects.

Ant Stitcher is available for Max 9 to 2011 and normally costs $25. For a limited time (until November 14th 2010) you can buy a license for $19.

48design are offering their SnowFlow plugin for just €12 instead of €48 until November 1st, 2010. With winter nearly here in Europe, it might be a good time to get it :o)

SnowFlow is available for Max 2009 to 2011 and normally costs €48.

The very talented programmers over at iCube Creative Group have published some information on what they are currently developing. Called VrayPattern, it seems to be a geometry-based '2d-displacement'-like texture for use in Max. With low memory-usage, superfast rendering and unlimited numbers of copies, it looks very useful indeed. The images it's producing are definitely worth a look at.

Changes for v0.4 Beta 13784 are:
- Bug-fixes

Changes for v1.1.04a are:
- Adds a new object type / scattering method: MultiPainter (video)
- Several improvements and bug-fixes

MultiScatter is available for Max 2008 to 2011 and costs €200.

Changes for v5.0.1 are:
- Fixes a problem with open edges

Edge Chamfer/Extrude is available for Max 8 to 2011 and costs €40. A demo version is available here.

This is a texture map that allows you to vary the colors for different objects, particles, elements, etc., using just one single material. Variation can be applied using Render Node ID, Instance, Object Effect ID, Material Effect ID, Particle ID, Face Material ID, Face ID or Face Side, or a combination of any of the above.

Ky_Color Variator is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs €30. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v6.3.1.7958 / 7959 include:
- Adds vector illustration from illustration
- 'Reset' now works for solid edge import setting
- 'Import Splines Surfaces and Solids' now toggles on/off correctly
- JT export now saves textures
- Unsupported assemblies now give a warning
- Fixes a component error with inventor alternate
- 'User-defined' metadata in ProE files can now be filtered
- Default scene view for UG now matches NX
- Fixes an error with .DWG drawing file text blocks
- Import setting changes no longer crash Deep Exploration
- Solidworks configurations now load parts as solids
- Realtime sectioning should be 'NO'
- Pro/ENGINEER assemblies now save to step
- Fixes parts being out of place in CGR files
- Fixes Slddrw files importing with line style set to diffuse
- Files generated in 5.7 now load correctly
- Fixes NX assembly mode missing objects
- Fixes CGR files being empty with assembly mode
- Neutral assembly color is no longer missing for assembly mode
- Fixes display difference between asset and assembly modes
- Empty JT files no longer need a scene when loaded
- Saving files to RHZ no longer produces errors
- Fixes wrong hidden line process with solids
- Fixes Solidworks files importing with line style set to diffuse
- Deep Exploration no longer reads JT BREP files as parasolids
- Fixes JT assemblies missing instances
- Fixes a problem with render wireframe elements as PMI
- Fixes an issue with duplicating procedures
- You can now update visibility on multiple selected model views
- Fixes an import geometry error with Solid edge files (64-bit only)
- AutoCAD drawings now fit the page better in PDF
- Fixes an issue with many parts failing during NX assembly uploads

This is just a very small excerpt of fixes, for the full listing look at the 32-bit changelog or the 64-bit changelog.

Deep Exploration CAD Edition is available for Max 5 to 2011 and costs $2,995. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v2.8.43.0 are:
- Adds VS.2010 projects for exporters and runtime
- Viewer source is now included with the exporter source distribution
- Removed winxx_granny_msvc_stubs.cpp from the source distribution
- Removed pointless granny_real32x type
- Moved the GrannyGetModFileInfo function into the undocumented API for easier integration
- Changes GrannyGetFileInfo from GS_READ to GS_PARAM
- Fixes a problem with the Exporter projects on VS.2010
- Moved the viewer onto the namespaced version of Granny

Granny Exporter is available for Max 6 to 2011, and is part of the Granny Toolkit which costs $12500.

I'll be out of the office until Friday, so I won't be able to do much updating until the weekend.

Changes for v0.9.8 are:
- Adds an option to allow non-power-of-two textures
- Adds an option to enable freeing image data after applying
- Changed the default node mask to be the same as the OSG default
- User defined properties have been added to the description field of exported nodes

Changes for v1.6.8.29796 are:
- Fixes an error when nesting multiple layer groups with selected scene objects inside
- Fixes a compatibility error on opening 1.6.5 scenes with layer groups
- Objects are now movable when part of an opened group inside the tree view
- Adds a new sophisticated version of the right-click searchbox control in schematic view
- Right-click object search now searches for text strings anywhere in an object's name

Zookeeper is available for Max 2009 to 2011 and costs $249. A demo version is available here.

RailClone is a plugin for parametric modelling based on custom geometry parts, definable by the user, and a set of construction rules. This new concept of modelling lets you build complex and realistic structures for Architectural Visualization, Civil Engineering and Interior Design.

The Pro version comes with a library of more than 80 predefined styles, including Fences, Railings, Barriers, Traffic, Walls and other models. The library is fully customizable, allowing you to add new categories and models with a single click and share them with your colleagues. The free Lite version of the plugin can be used in your personal and commercial projects.

RailClone is available for Max 9 to 2011 and normally costs €200. For a limited time it is being offered at a 25% discount (€150). A demo version is available here.

Changes for v2010.10.15 are:
- Adds a 'dispersion' checkbox to Glass2 material
- Adds new texture 'LR LampSpectrum' for nice preset lights
- Adds the new tonemap kernel 'autolinear' in the camera GUI
- Adds the new velvet material

Changes for v0.2.91 alpha are:
- Adds support for V-Ray lights and materials
- Adds support for tex_coord_generation

Changes for v2.1 are:
- FumeFX now supports fully interactive simulations
- Adds a Variable Density solver that uses smoke density and temperature as variables
- Adds the CFL condition parameter to directly control the number of simulation steps
- New Advanced advection scheme that reduces dissipation
- Default simulation now uses all cores during Wavelet Turbulence calculations
- finalRender 3.5 Global Illumination is now up to 6x faster
- Preview Window now prints out the Max frame number
- Adds the ability to stop/continue Retimer
- Various bug fixes from earlier versions

FumeFX is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs $845.

I've just noticed that Studio 75ive are running a special offer price on their Ant Traffic Simulator plugin. Until October 31st, 2010 it will only cost $35 instead of $49.

Ant Traffic Simulator is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs $35 at the moment (normally $49).

Itoo Software have announced that their upcoming parametric modelling plugin RailClone will be released on October 17, 2010. It will be available in two versions: RailClone Lite, free for personal and commercial use, and RailClone Pro with a full set of features and an extended library of more than 80 predefined styles, including Fences, Railings, Barriers, Traffic, Walls and other models.

Pricing information won't be available until the day of release, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Changes for v2.5.62 are:
- Fixes issues with relinking V-Ray environment maps

FilePathFinder Medium is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs $15. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v3.3.40 are:
- Increases loading speed for thumbnails
- Fixes issues with relinking V-Ray environment maps
- Fixes an issue on some computers when running the utility

FilePathFinder Pro is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs $25. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v10.1.4 are:
- Adds support for OS-X 64-bit Maya 2011

Craft Director Studio is available for Max 7 to 2011 and prices range from $99 to $1199. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v1.51.02 are:
- Adds support for the Max 2011 Advantage Pack (newer PhysX version)

RayFire Tool is available for Max 2008 to 2011 and costs $285. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v1.0.458 are:
- Fix to file drop to handle certain filenames
- Fixes 'make color' missing error in the Max plugin

Rendition is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs $395. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v1.0 Build 1743 are:
- Bug-fixes

e-on software, inc. have started open beta-testing of their upcoming plugin Carbon Scatter, a scattering plugin that works with V-Ray and mental ray in Max.

With the Open Beta, you can:
- Use e-on's patented EcoSystem algorithms inside Max, using native meshes and proxies
- Fill your scenes with millions of instances and render with mental ray or V-Ray
- Render images with no size limit nor watermarks
- Save your work for future use

The Open Beta of Carbon Scatter is a free, non-limited version that can be used as much as you like for the duration of the beta period. You can't use the Open Beta after the product has been released commercially, but during the beta you are allowed to use it for commercial work.

Changes for v2.0.1 are:
- Fixes some user interface errors
- Adds 65 new materials

V-Ray Material Presets Pro is available for Max 2009 to 2011 and costs €75.

Changes for Release 12 are:
- Adds full support for color profiles
- Adds ambient occlusion
- Preview rendering can now use a RenderMan renderer thanks to Cineman

BodyPaint 3D is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs €700. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v10.61 are:
- Faster JPEG thumbnail preview
- Improved Collada support
- Adds support for KMZ files
- New predefined point of views (isometrics)
- You can now move with the keyboard (Shift+arrow) and rotate with the keyboard (Ctrl+arrow)
- Improved 3D preferences management
- Improved contextual help
- Removed the Red Eyes command from the Image Viewer
- Improved Image Viewer feedback (crop, rotate to horizontal)
- Image operations have been parallelized on multicore computers
- Adds PSD layer preview support
- Improved RAW (and similar format) file support
- Improved JPEG export dialog
- Polygon Cruncher is now available as a stand-alone application
- Improved drag and drop icon display
- Fixes a 3D viewer crash when displaying faces with vertex colors and more than 3 points
- Fixes a problem with lighting on double-sided faces
- Fixes a problem when sending a Max scene from 3D Photo Browser to Max
- Fixes an incorrect Collada file update in Polygon Cruncher
- Thumbnails generated by the shell now have the correct aspect ratio
- Fixes reading of 1-bit BMP files
- Fixes the alpha channel being lost during particular operations

3D Photo Browser is available for Max 4 to 2011 and costs $69. A demo version is available here.

Changes for Build 20101006 are:
- Adds support for iRay

Photo Studio Pro is available for Max 2008 to 2011 and costs €199. A demo version is available here.

Ant Traffic Simulator is a commercial MAXScript which uses Max native animation controllers and keyframes to help drastically reduce the time necessary for vehicle animation in visualization scenes.

Features include:
- Automatic vehicle rigging for multiple vehicle styles
- Automatic secondary motion
- Path following with proper wheel rotation and steering
- Terrain following
- Automatic looping on the path for continuous animation
- Vehicle speed setting in Miles per Hour
- Traffic setup with random vehicle placement on chosen paths
- One click traffic randomization
- Animated path switching to simulate lane changes
- One click vehicle stops with easing in and out
- Quick selection buttons for rigs and vehicle objects
- Cars per hour calculator for realistic traffic simulation

Ant Traffic Simulator is available for Max 9 to 2011 and costs $35.

Changes for v0.99.63 RC are:
- Messages about invalid IES file during batch rendering are now automatically closed
- Auto-closing unselected folders now works properly
- Adds the ability to toggle auto-closing unselected folders
- You can now open material libraries in the standard 'Material/Map Browser'
- Adds the ability to create new material libraries
- You can now save scene materials to a custom material library
- Adds the ability to copy, move and paste files and materials
- You can now rename materials from scenes and material libraries
- Adds the ability to replace scene materials with materials from material libraries
- The installer now automatically checks .NET framework compatibility
- Selecting object dependencies to missing files now works properly
- Fixes issues with relinking V-Ray environment maps

Project Manager is available for Max 2008 to 2011 and costs $60. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v3.17.3 are:
- You can now render a new kind of map: the curvature map
- Adds a 'Toggle visibility' option to the lowpoly / highpoly meshes context menu
- Removed several dialog popups in unattended mode
- Fixes several minor bugs

Changes for v1.0 are:
- The shader is now freeware and no longer commercial (used to cost $30)

Changes for v1.5.1 are:
- Much faster shattering of hi-poly models
- Radial shatter is now centered to pivot by default
- Adds a new 'First hit' parameter
- Adds a new 'Attach nearest' parameter for fracture
- Fixes substep affecting acceleration rate
- Fixes weird holes when shattering small scale objects
- Fixes missed faces in hi-poly fragments
- Fixes resume mode failing after moving the time slider

Pull Down It Pro is available for Max 9 to 2011. At the moment I have no information on pricing. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v7.10 are:
- Fixes a problem when applying an editable mesh / poly modifier
- Fixes a problem with crashing when rendering assemblies
- Fixes a crash when opening files created by older versions of the plugin
- Improved the conversion to editable mesh / editable poly
- Rhino import improved to allow for importing blocks as instances
- General core improvements

Power NURBS / Solids / Translators are available for Max 9 to 2011, information on pricing can be found at the Turbosquid ACAP site. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v2.3.4 are:
- Adds support in Ogre3D 1.8 for an 'ogreVersion' element in the OgreMaxGlobalSettings.xml file
- Adds a 'Remove' button for the textured shadow caster and receiver materials
- Adds a 'Depth Texture' checkbox to the scene settings Environment page
- Adds 'Selectable' checkbox to the object settings General page
- Adds extra version information on the Ogre page of the About dialog
- Adds 'Automatically Open OgreMax Material Viewer Window' setting to Global settings dialog
- Adds 'Texture Name Alias' to the OgreMax texture unit
- Adds separate options to the installer for 3DS Max Design
- Modified the creation of poses to ignore vertices with no offsets
- Modified the configuration of LiSPSM shadows to work more reliably
- Modified export of bones so they are first sorted by name in the skeleton
- Modified the 'Use in OgreMax Viewports' object setting
- Modified output of texture coordinate transform settings to use a customized matrix
- Removed the 5 level cap from the global mip map settings

OgreMax is available for Max 8 to 2011 and costs $250. A demo version is available here.

Autodesk have released Service Pack 1 for both Max 2011 and Max Design 2011.

Changes include:
- The camera tracker can now use MOV files and move trackers without problems
- The RSS feed links in the Communication Center are now working as expected
- Adds support for assigning controllers to custom Nodes in Trackview via MAXScript
- Using Graphites Tweak brush in an Orthographic view now behaves as expected
- Saving a PSD file over a read-only PSD file from Graphite no longer causes a program error
- You can now run Revit, while logged in with a double-byte user name, without issue
- Substance spinners now display properly in localized versions of Max
- You can now use Autodesk Generic Materials in a Multi-Sub Object Material slot
- 'Put Material To Scene' now works in the Compact Material Editor with copied materials
- Switching from Slate to the Compact Material Editor and back to Slate now works as expected
- Fixes a problem with pressing delete while dragging an input wire in Slate
- Max now works as expected when Motion Builder 2011 is maximized in the background
- You can now record a Point Cache and exit Max without crashing
- In Quicksilver, the Alpha blending order now works as expected with #Forward lighting mode
- Customization of Ribbon features are now working as expected
- Light plugins compiled for Max 2010 now work correctly in Max 2011
- Skin Wrap now accurately tracks the control object with Editable Mesh
- Trackview performance has been improved
- Left-clicking twice in a User View no longer causes undesired view panning

Changes for v2011.3.1 are:
- The triangulation algorithm in FBX SDK version 2011.3.1 has been improved
- In Maya, the dag-path is now considered when merging objects into a scene
- Minor bug-fixes

Changes for v1.6.5.21175 are:
- Major overhaul of composite node inputs and outputs
- 'Composite node' renamed to 'Cluster node' to avoid future confusion
- Cluster nodes/views now support multiple outputs
- Adds 'external' schematic view inputs and outputs to replace the old 'highlight' system
- Adds an option to show/hide external schematic ports in a view
- Fixes composite nodes not being droppable into the templates palette
- Scene nodes are now auto-deselected when they're frozen by default
- Adds a configuration option to toggle scene node auto-deselecting on freezing
- Layers can now not be renamed if a layer with the same name already exists
- A lot of code refactoring, optimization and migration
- Preparations for internalization support

Zookeeper is available for Max 2009 to 2011 and costs $249. A demo version is available here.