Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile does look like a cheap thrill, and a way to document ideas quickly. The demo reel has me reaching for my virtual wallet. So, rather than commenting on something I don’t yet have (an iPod touch or iPhone), I turned to someone who does. Here’s the reaction of my good friend Rui Duarte, a designer in the smallest U.S. state (Rhode Island) on his reaction to the tiniest design tool.
After trying it out for a few minutes it just felt right as a drawing tool, the ease of use factor is high and the tool set is just enough in the free version to get almost any idea down on paper. There is a mirror mode that parallels each line making symmetrical drawings a snap (yes symmetry is boring I know). I already carry my iPod touch to client meetings and may be using this app to sketch.
Bye bye cocktail napkins. I will miss how you bleed ink and tear, now get back under my beer. Perhaps we can replace the moleskin one day too… Maybe as early as February if rumors hold true.
Possibly?
After all, who wouldn’t want a mid-sized form factor that could act as sketch pad, movie viewer, traveling portfolio, and wicked game system? Keep dreaming for now, and click on the image for more rumors – caution (MNBSFW).
Sketchbook Mobile does offer an interesting price-point at $2.99, to play and get used to creating art interactively on a pressure-sensitive touch screen. I’m sure people will want to check out big brother, Sketchbook Pro. We may not all be artists, but this app may just let people loosen up a little and discover their inner finger painter.
Subscription and ADN members can download the RTM (Release to Manufacture) of Revit Architecture 2010 as of yesterday. For those in the US, happy Tax Day everyone!
I’m traveling this week, so I can’t download mine until I get home from the train tonight. Enjoy.
Believe it or not, this new Autodesk download manager tool not only seems to be speedy, but works in Safari, on a Mac no less. Wow, was that a pleasant surprise. Now that many of the new products are available for a free trial download, simply itchy waiting for my physical DVDs to arrive, and being the major geek that I am I thought – let’s give it a whirl. Low and behold, it worked.
OK, so the image points to the soon to be announced evidence that I am not solely dedicated to Revit. There are many customers out there, who still use and love AutoCAD Architecture. There’s a project in the works, which I’ll discuss when the time is right which involves ACA 2010, and training. Now, where was that line command again? Just kidding.
Exhibit A.
Earlier in the week, I also successfully logged into my Autodesk Subscription account through Safari, and there was no hint of the typical warnings of browser compatibility. Now, we just need to work on that pesky legacy Buzzsaw accessibility.
Kudos to the marketing and web teams at Autodesk for increasing support for browsers other than IE. Job well done.
The website refresh happened recently, and you can now read up more on the new versions of Revit and all the Autodesk software that you use, and sign up for the new travelling roadshow – The Autodesk Experience Tour. In not too long you’ll be able to download a trial, for those not in the MyFeedback beta community – or if you’re on subscription it will be on it’s way to your door soon (exact dates for each product not confirmed yet):
If you are a customer on subscription for AutoCAD or Revit products (including all vertical applications aimed at the AEC markets), you will have access to the new Impression 2 available at no additional fee. This much anticipated second version has so many improvements, they can’t all be mentioned here but here are some of my favorites:
New pencil lineweights that mimic the real thing with hardness values like H, HB, and 2B, etc…
Import wizards for making the your works of art perform much faster
Block editor and a more comprehensive library of images for swapping out CAD symbols
Read Lisa’s final post, to find out exactly how to download your copy today.
On the topic of rendering, as many folks asked (but I could not speak about) at AU… I can now say Yes; Revit Architecture 2009, and the other discipline-specific flavors, will have the mental ray rendering engine embedded. This is going to really enhance the workflow of the designer. And… as if that was not enough, the new 3ds Max Design 2009, which appears to be taking the place of VIZ has an excellent workflow taking models from Revit and adding that extra zing. With the ability to export to FBX file format, and having mental ray ProMaterials in Autodesk 3ds Max Design, importing the model geometry with lights, materials, and cameras will be more fluid and much more accurate. I wish I could show you some sample renderings, but that will have to wait a bit longer. For now, enjoy the press announcements and some of the other blogs mentioning the new products.
Visit the Autodesk World Press day website for more information on the latest product announcements: http://www.worldpressdays08.com
So, I didn’t have much time or energy to make posts during my cross-country journey… But that won’t stop me from providing some highlights in future posts. We arrived at our new home on St. Patrick’s Day – Saturday, March 17th. It’s a bit funny, considering that one week earlier we stayed our second night in the city of South Bend, Indiana – home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
It’ll probably be a long while before getting settled in, especially with all these new products about to be released.
Speaking of which… also arriving this week, was an updated look and feel to the Autodesk website (I must say again that I approve of the new color scheme) as well as some placeholders for the new 2008 versions of AutoCAD® Architecture, and Revit® Architecture, with a footnote clearly describing the name changes and Autodesk’s commitment to and realignment of industry-focused products.
Yes, more information on the new Autodesk products has become available, including a brief listing of two to three new features for each product, new names, and box shots. I think the new boxes and the images for the products are very handsome, especially the Revit product line. After all, they match the new black and white styled look I’ve switched to for this blog.
There’s even an announcement on the long awaited Impression, a 2D illustration and presentation tool. If you’ve ever visited Autodesk Labs, you’ll understand what I mean. And in case anyone is wondering, I have thrown out all my markers, but that’s a different story….
Well my intentions are good. I can not divulge information about upcoming products, but can let you know of a new resource available on Autodesk’s web site… a new section has been added to allow anyone to sign up for updates as they become available, and you can read the press releases related to the press event held yesterday. Enjoy.
