SIGGRAPH: Luxology Announces modo 201

3D graphics tool developer Luxology has announced the upcoming release of its modo 201 modeling tool, due to debut later this year. Modo's features include advanced modeling technology to simplify and optimize complex meshes with true mesh instancing, integrated intuitive tool pipe painting tools, accelerated rendering technology for optimized global illumination, physically-based shading options for energy conservation, and fresnel effects among others, and workflow boosts from OpenGL acceleration and advanced light and shading. “Modo 201 is not the first 3D environment to incorporate modeling, painting and rendering,” said Brad Peebler, president and co-founder of Luxology. “However, modo is the first environment built from the ground up to integrate these workflow steps in a way that dramatically improves the ability of 3D designers to focus more on creating and less on process and repetitive steps.” Luxology itself is an independent technology group consisting of many of the most notable brains in the field of 3D animation and special FX. It was founded by Allen Hastings, Stuart Ferguson and Peebler, all notable figures in the development or management of the seminal Lightwave 3D graphics tool. The company has also revealed its 'road map' for the past, present, and future, which includes forthcoming Linux support for modo and a comprehensive modeling, rendering and animation pipeline as well as industry-specific configurations, meaning the company's products will eventually be a fully-fledged competitor with applications such as 3ds Max and Maya. For more information, interested parties can see the Luxology booth at Siggraph - modo 201 is slated for general availability in Q4 2005.