Luxology took the opportunity at SIGGRAPH 2005 to announce the new version of its flagship modeling product, modo 201, as well as outline its future development plans.
modo 201, which is designed for games, films, TV, print, architecture and Web productions, integrates modeling, painting and rendering and allows artists to focus on more on creating and less on process, said company executives. The new version features advanced modeling technology, integrated painting tools, accelerated rendering technology and workflow boosts.
modo 201 is not the first 3D environment to incorporate modeling, painting and rendering, said Brad Peebler, president/co-founder of Luxology. However, modo is the first environment built from the ground up to integrate these workflow steps in a way that dramatically improves the ability of 3D designers to focus more on creating and less on process and repetitive steps.
The companys future plans call for modo to evolve into a comprehensive 3D design environment, based on Luxologys proprietary application development platform, Nexus. The development pipeline includes modeling, rendering and animation applications, as well as industry-specific configurations.
A history and summary of Luxologys product roadmap is as follows:
Phase 1: Nexus Breadth Development (2001-2003) - This phase involved creating a framework for time variable media, focusing on 3D content, to develop an integrated system for modeling, rendering and animation.
Phase 2: Nexus Modeling Depth Development (2003-2004) This phase focused on proving the Nexus concept with the first application bake. The success of this first bake signaled the birth of modo on Sept. 27, 2004.
Phase 3: modo 201 and Linux (2005-2006) This is where Luxology is today, with the announcement and imminent availability of modo 201, an integrated modeling, painting and rendering 3D design environment. Phase 3 will also involve the announcement of Linux support for modo.
Phase 4 and Beyond: The Future of modo (2005-2006) modos future promises a comprehensive modeling, rendering and animation pipeline as well as industry-specific configurations. The fluid nature of the core Nexus architecture allows Luxology to leverage a single application architecture into multiple markets without sacrificing focused specificity for the 3D designer.
Based in San Mateo, Calif., Luxology, Llc. (www.modo3d.com) is an independent technology company developing high-end 3D content creation tools that enhance productivity for artists working in the film, television, gaming and print industries. modo, the companys inaugural product, is rapidly being recognized as one the most efficient and advanced 3D modeling tools in the industry. Founded in 2002 by Allen Hastings, Stuart Ferguson and Peebler, Luxologys team boasts some of the top engineering talent and industry expertise on the planet.
