Aviary is a set of web based applications for creating all sorts of media. The concept of this suite of creative content creation tools is similar to Picnik, Google Docs, and Adobe Kuler, all of which are rich internet applications (RIAs) to be used within your browser. RIAs provide the possibility to run the application on any machine that has a proper browser and an internet connection without the need to carry your data along with you or even install the applications on the computer you work on. The nature of web applications creates unlimited opportunities for collaboration at real time as featured in Google Docs.

Aviary takes RIAs one step further by providing relatively more powerful applications than what we have seen before, these applications include an image editor, a vector editor, a 3D modeling tool, a video editor, a music generator and other creative tools that make up its 14 application-suite. The video below illustrates the capability of Phoenix, Aviary’s image editor:

I personally use many web applications and Google Docs and Picnik are some of my favourites. I find Aviary’s project very interesting and think that it shows us a glimpse of how the future should be.Aviary is currently in private beta and invitations are floating around the internet. You can submit your email to the invitation queue and learn more about Aviary from their official website.

Moment Of Insipartion (MoI) is a brand new 3D modeling application for designers 3D enthusiasts. MoI features a  sleek intuitive UI blends a fluid easy workflow with powerful tools, making it the perfect choice for someone who has been frustrated with the complexity of existing CAD tools. It also features a Pen-tablet friendly user interface, aswell as High quality anti-aliased display on inexpensive  low-end cards. You can dowload a 30-day trail of MoI from here, or purchase the full package from here for 195 USD. For more information about MoI, visit their official site.

The CGSociety.com – part of Balistic Publishing – announced the winners of their latest CG competition. The topic of the competition was ‘Strange Behavior’ – “The unexpected can delight or shock. It can be exciting or frightening. It’s often funny. It’s never boring!” With over than US$90,000 worth of prizes, 15 winning entries were chosen by previous CGS competition winners, and Jinko Gotoh, Film Producer; Dan Curry, Film producer/director and Paul Gulino, Head of Screenwriting at Chapman film school. ” With so many outstanding entries the judging was difficult, but the jury selected the 15 entries that stood out as truly world class.” Mark Snoswell said, President of the CGSociety. To view the winning artworks, visit CGSociety.

Softimage recently released a 30-day trial version of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5. Softimage is well known software for 3D modelling, character creation, animation and rendering. The new 30-Day trial version is available in English and Japanese, and it will make it possible for students and professionals to try the new features of SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6.5. The trial can be downloaded from this link.

Pixologic announced the release of a 30 days trial version of its well known 3D sculpturing, painting and rendering tool; ZBrush 3.1. This 30 days trial is a fully functional version of ZBrush 3.1. You can download the 30 days trial version for Windows operating systems from this link, www.pixologic.com/zbrush/trial

Nabors, an oil drilling contracting company, is looking for an AutoCAD modeler in Oman who is familiar with oil rigs and is willing to work on field when required. The candidate must have good English communication skills, must be able to control documents, and create and maintain reports using MS Office and MS Projects. Pay will be determined on the experience of the candidate. You can send your applications to mark.payne@nabors.com.

Autodesk released today the 30-day trial of its latest update to its 3D modeling, texturing, and animation tool 3DS Max. The new version is features accelerated performance as noted by the users of CGTalk, a new integrated MAXScript Pro editor, and a new ‘Review’ toolset for providing instant feedback on certain render settings. Ryan Lesser has written a detailed review of the new MAX over at VFXWord where he came to the conclusion that Max 2008 falls short of being a major milestone, but “as a productivity booster and overall enjoyable experience, this rev of Max delivers“.

You can download the trial version of 3DS Max from here to judge it yourself.

[via CGIndia]

Autodesk has officially completed its acquisition of Skymatter Limited and all of its assets, including 3d sculpting tool Mudbox 3D. Mudbox is known for creating organic life-like models as evident in the making of the movie King Kong for which Mudbox was used. The acquisition of Skymatters by Autodesk will lead to greater interoperability between the various Autodesk products such as Maya 3D and 3D Studio Max, and Mudbox. Autodesk has denied rumours about converting Mudbox into a mere plug-in for one of its applications and stated that it will continue to develop the standalone version of Mudbox.

The Mudbox store is currently suspended while it gets integrated into the systems of Autodesk. You can still download the trial version of it from here.

You can view the acquisition completion press release here.

[via Digital Arts]

Electric Rain (ERain) recently released Swift 3D version 5 for Windows. Swift3D v5 for Mac is coming out this year and it is going to be a big hit. Swift3D is the only 3D program that can be directly integrated with Adobe Flash and provides fast high quality vector rendering.

“When it comes to creating 3D vector animations, Swift3D doesn’t have any competition. For its ease-of-use and rapid development of 3D Flash, it really can’t be beat.” says MacReview.

Of course, you don’t have to export 3D animations as vector, you can also export as video which gives you all the capabilities of motion graphic design.

For more information, go to the Swift 3D page.

Softimage Co, announced the shipping of Softimage|XSI 6.5 Essentials targeting artists, and Softimage|XSI 6.5 Advanced created for production facilities. At a price of US $ 2,995, Softimage|XSI 6.5 Essentials is packed with Hair, Fur, and Syflex Cloth features.  Softimage|XSI 6.5 Advanced is packed with five batch rendering licenses for facilities and priced at US $4,995. To read more about the new features, click here.