Modeling Software creates photo-realistic images.
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Press Release Summary:
Suited for use by designers, illustrators, and architects, Shade 7 graphics suite provides Bezier curve/surface modeling for 3D design generation, integrated set of plugins to detail and complete projects, and global illumination renderer. Tools aid users in creating 3D images and animations. Suite, available in designer LE, standard, and professional versions, features PoserFusion(TM), which enables hosting and playback of Poser scenes within Shade.
Original Press Release:
Curious Labs Releases Shade 7
Robust Software Boasts Intuitive 3D Modeling Tools, Global Illumination Lighting, and Photorealistic Rendering for Hobbyists, Designers, Illustrators and Architects.
Santa Cruz, CA, August 30, 2004 — Curious Labs, Inc. has announced that they have released Shade 7 for the US and Canadian markets. Shade is an all-in-one 3D graphics suite for designers, illustrators, and architects. Shade provides intuitive Bezier curve/surface modeling for quick 3D design generation, an integrated set of diverse plugins to detail and complete projects, and a global illumination renderer for radiant imagery. Shade has been a long-time market leader in Japan since 1986, with over 200,000 users and over 70% market share in the hobbyist user, product design and architectural design markets.
"Shade is a remarkable offering," said Larry Weinberg, CTO of Curious Labs, and creator of the well-known Poser product. "The images that have been created by Shade artists over the last decade are astounding. Shade's diverse modeling tool set and array of advanced rendering options have spawned a huge creative artist following in Japan. I am also excited about the potential of hosting scenes inside of Shade with Poser through PoserFusion(TM)."
Artist Gary Huett, President, LGA Solutions, said, "Shade's easy to use modeling, rendering and animation tools provide me with the utmost in speed and power in creating three-dimensional photo-realistic images and animations."
Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations said, "OpenGL enables high-end 3D graphics on Mac OS X making it the perfect platform for 3D animations and special effects. We are excited about the release of Shade 7 for Mac OS X further expanding the diverse offering of 3D modeling tools for creative professionals."
Three versions of Shade 7 are available to suit different users' needs:
Shade 7 designer LE
o An all-in-one 3D graphics suite for aspiring designers.
o Estimated street price of $99, a savings of $50 off MSRP.
Shade 7 standard
o 3D graphics suite for designers, illustrators and graphic artists.
o Limited-time launch pricing of $199, a savings of $100 off MSRP.
Shade 7 professional
o Advanced modeling, lighting and rendering tools for architecture and design professionals.
o Estimated street price of $999, a savings of over $200 off MSRP.
Shade 7 Feature Highlights Include:
o Intuitive Bezier modeling tools to quickly create curves and 3D surfaces.
o Ability to import 2D Illustrator designs.
o Boolean modeling, Polygon mesh modeling, Auto-smoothing of curves and more to detail projects.
o Metaballs for physics-based modeling and organic natural designs.
o PoserFusion(TM), enabling hosting and playback of Poser scenes within Shade.
o IGES5.3 format support for integration into a CAD-based environment.
o Automatic key frame creation with interpolation to automatically animate objects.
o Joint settings, motion settings, and BVH motion support.
o MagicalSketch: draw with 2D lines and 3D solids take shape automatically!
o ShadeExplorer allows users to visually manage Shade data, files and images.
o TextEffector includes TrueType, PostScript Type 1, extrude and bevel support.
o Hardware acceleration and OpenGL support.
o RoomPlanner for prototyping architectural designs.
o 100 levels of Undo and Redo.
o Global Illumination renderer with Photon Mapping and Path Tracing.
o Raytracing renders lighting reflection and refraction effects.
o Radiosity calculates indirect global lighting for soft shadows and natural color bleeding on surfaces.
o Network rendering and render queue with support for unlimited nodes.
o Up to 22528 x 22528 image size output for detailed and crisp output.
o Shade integrates with Poser, ArchiCAD, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as other 2D, 3D and CAD applications.
Pricing and Availability
Redistributed by Allume Systems, Shade 7, English, is now available through Ingram Micro and Navarre in the US, and Ingram Micro, EMJ and HIP Interactive in Canada. Shade is available for both Windows and Mac users. Global availability will be coming very soon. There is special pricing available for Poser owners for a limited time, as well as upgrade pricing between versions. Shade is also available direct from the Curious Labs store and through various retail partnerships as listed at www.curiouslabs.com.
About Curious Labs, Inc.
Curious Labs, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of e frontier Inc., designs, develops, and publishes 3D software tools for artists, illustrators, designers, and animators. The company is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. For more information, go to www.curiouslabs.com.
About e frontier, Inc.
e frontier, Inc., and its subsidiary companies develop and publish a diverse range of software products worldwide, produce quality CG contents, and publish software-related books and magazines. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. For more information, go to www.e-frontier.co.jp.
Shade and Poser are registered trademarks of Curious Labs, Inc. and e frontier Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. All other products, fonts, company names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
