Luxology Releases Modo 401 With Rendering, Animation, Workflow Enhancements

San Mateo-based Luxology has announced Modo 401, the latest full release of its 3D content creation software that adds a number of rendering and animation enhancements. Modo 401 lets users model on top of existing geometry, and improves the Preview Renderer to allow scene changes to be viewed immediately. The company says it's also focused on enabling assets to be re-used more efficiently in the content creation process. Modo 401 includes rendering enhancements like caustics, dispersion, blurry refraction, volumetric lighting and Pixar-patented deep shadows, while on the animation side 401 adds inverse kinematics, dynamic parenting and a host of other features, notably more sophisticated rigs driven by simpler inputs. It also optimizes artist workflows to enhance feedback during modeling and other operations. Modo 401 ships with over 1,500 pre-built assets including profile curves, and realistic surface finishes, among others. "Modo 401 continues our emphasis on making the 3D creative process as fluid as possible for designers and artists," says Luxology president Brad Peebler. "This new version is packed with improvements and is clearly our biggest upgrade of Modo to date."