Autodesk Acquires Realviz Products Stitcher, ImageModeler

On the heels of its Kynogon acquisition, 3ds Max and Maya developer Autodesk has announced that it has completed another acquisition, this time products from software developer Realviz. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Sophia Antipolis, France, Realviz’s technology enables developers to generate 3D content and visual effects from photo imaging and 2D environments. Its products are used by companies such as Boeing and NASA, as well as video game developers, such as Electronic Arts and Activision, for panoramic photography, image-based modeling, and more. With this acquisition, Autodesk intends to develop and sell Realviz's Stitcher Unlimited, Stitcher Express, ImageModeler, and Movimento software as standalone products. Matchmover, Retimer, and VTour will no longer be available as standalone products and will be integrated into feature versions of Autodesk’s exisitng products. Stitcher Pro, Stitcher Unlimited DS, StoryViz, and hardware and software product bundles have been discontinued, as have student versions of ImageModeler and Stitcher. Said Autodesk Platform Solutions and Emerging Business senior vice president Amar Hanspal, “Realviz's technology bridges 2D and 3D, linking the virtual and real worlds. 3D models can be created from simple 2D images, and virtual environments can be built from conventional photographs. Realviz's technology is complementary to Autodesk's modeling, visual effects and animation products. It will enable us to increase the use of 3D technology across many industries, including architecture, film, broadcast and game development.”