HP is planning to release a 3D printer in 2016 that the company claims will perform up to 10 times faster than today’s 3D printers. Primarily targeting large industrial companies, the printer is expected to be more affordable than models currently on the market. HP also announced a new all-in-one computer system called Sprout, with a 3D scanner as its most innovative feature. Sprout, available November 9 starting at $1,899, is a design-oriented system that includes a projector, camera, and touchscreen. Continue reading HP Unveils Design-Oriented Computer, Plans for 3D Printer

Visual effects and animation workflows — and the technology to make them more powerful, flexible and cost-efficient — are a focus of attention as SIGGRAPH 2014 opens its exhibit floor this week to computer graphics and tech professionals in Vancouver. Nvidia’s next gen Quadro processors, announced this morning, are indicative of tools and technology designed to handle greater complexity and higher resolution; incorporate cloud services; and access projects remotely, often via mobile devices. Continue reading SIGGRAPH 2014: Nvidia Unveils Next Generation Quadro GPUs

Sony has plans to introduce virtual reality to its PlayStation 4 console with new hardware called “Project Morpheus.” During the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco this week, the company unveiled a prototype with two headset components — a closed display and what looks like a PlayStation Move sensor. The unit features HDMI and USB connections, a 1080p display and just over a 90-degree field of view. The prototype, three years in the making, will also serve as a developer kit. Continue reading Sony Unveils its Project Morpheus VR Prototype at GDC 2014

The upcoming Leap Motion Controller allows users to control their computers with gestures. But this goes beyond the basics like hand motions or jumping around and enters the realm of “painting” on the screen via fingertips with incredible control. Autodesk and other drawing-focused software makers are among those working with Leap Motion to make apps compatible with the new Controller. Game makers are also developing for the device. Continue reading New Leap Motion Controller Draws Interest from Developers

In advance of next week’s NAB show, Dell announced its Dell Precision Performance Optimizer (DPPO), a free download solution that simplifies, automates and optimizes Dell Precision workstation settings to maximize application performance. DPPO addresses the variations in processing requirements between different software and configures optimal settings for professional systems, manages system resources and tracks performance for future analysis. Continue reading NAB 2013: Dell Launches Automated Workstation Software

Technicolor has entered into a partnership with software developer Autodesk to develop tools used for color grading and digital compositing. According to respected colorist Steve Scott, who joined Technicolor in 2012, the objective is to launch a finishing system that provides tools for visual effects and post production. Scott believes a single toolset would ultimately provide more creative control and flexibility. Continue reading Technicolor and Autodesk Partner to Develop New Toolset

Graphic artists and design engineers will be interested in the Leonar3Do for ART immersive 3D interactive toolkit. The program is easy to learn and facilitates intuitive, real-time design, and saves to standard, 3ds or stl files that are exportable to other programs (including Autodesk 3DS Max). The company is also introducing its 3D app builder software, Vimensio, and its latest hardware innovation, HelloVR, which replaces the 2D mouse with your smartphone. Continue reading CES 2013: 3D Design Made Easy with Leonar3Do Solutions