This is going to be big. Once they start making software for cuda or gpgpu or whatever its called, 3D workflow is about to get alot quickier. As you can see you from the video in the link below, the makers of Vray took their program and coded it for cuda. Now take a look at how much quicker it renders compared to what I believe is an 8 core computer. The gpu renders it super fast to the point where you can rotate it in realtime and still beat the cpu render.  Not only that, it's doing all those hard calculations like GI, photons, raytracing, etc. That is just unbelievable.   Oh it seems to be running on Vista and probably the 64-bit version . AMAZING!! Thanks to CG Architect for providing a higher quality video from Siggraph.  Click HERE for the video.

The Blender Institute’s third open movie, DURIAN, is about to go into production. For those unfamiliar, "Open Movies" are films made with open source applications, which in this case is Blender.  These movies are available for free when they are complete, but anyone can purchase a DVD if they choose to.  You can help support the artists and developers who make these wonderful films by pre-ordering your Durian DVD today at the Blender Store.  If you participate in the pre-sale campaign, you'll get your name in Durian's ending credits and you will be part of history!  50 years from now when you're possibly fat and watching young Steven Spielberg III debut his first Open Movie, you'll look into your grandson's eyes and tell him how you helped support one of the early Open Movies to be made: Durian! Pre-Order Durian at the Blender Store: http://www.blender3d.org/e-shop/product_info_n.php?products_id=120

A little reminder.  Autodesk is streaming their Siggraph presentations live online for three days.  They'll have presentations from companies who use their software.  It also includes how those companies create their projects.  Pretty entertaining and informative.  You can check it out at Autodesk's website.  They also have included a schedule of who's on at what day and time.  Live streaming will be on August 4th to the 6th. Click HERE to watch

Looks like someone is being generous to the digital community.  Thanks to Blendernation and Tony Mullen for the tip.  Hollywood Camera Works are giving some free green screen plates including HD and Tracker points for those who want to do 3D tracking and compositing.  I think this is great for students and other who want to experiment with compositing and 3D tracking.  You can grab it at the Hollywood Camera Works website.  Please read the terms if you're not sure where it's ok to use it. Hollywood Camera Work

Looks like Autodesk announced some info on their software lineup for the fall season.  Most importantly and probably the biggest news is that Maya will only be sold as one product.  No more "Complete" or "Unlimited".  They also reduced the price more in line withe 3DMAX 2010.  At the same time bundling other software that would make Maya worth over$10,000+.  One has to wonder how long will Autodesk go with the naming scheme using the years.  Which implies that they will update  every year.  I think they shouldn't do these yearly upgrades.  And how much will they keep bundling software to their 3D package.  I think in the near future we're going to see an Adobe trend where you can buy all Autodesk software for one reasonable price.  Kind of like the Master collection of the Adobe Creative Suite.  In the end the consumer benefits.  Take a short look at the some of things they added.

Mudbox 2010:

• PSD support
• UV space texture workflow with  photoshop,
• FBX support,
• Dry brush
• New UVsmoothing

click HERE for more information. Softimage 2010:

• GigaCore III
• FaceRobot Toolset
• Improved F-Curve Editor Performance
• Enhanced Reference Model
• ICE

Click HERE for more information. Maya 2010:

• Advanced Simulation Features
• High Performance Compositing
• Professional Camera Tracking
• MSRP $3500

Click HERE for more information.