AutoDesSys recently released a beta version of its form•Z 8 software.
This next generation of form•Z introduces subdivision modeling to further enhance formZ's character as a multi-personality modeling application. With subdivision modeling, simple polygonal cages can be converted to smooth shapes that can be reformed into complex forms with very simple controls and an intuitive suite of tools. These models can be converted to NURBS, solids or surfaces to be further manipulated by the remainder of the form•Z modeling tools. Subdivision models also produce regular polygon meshes that are tuned for 3D printing.
form•Z 8 also introduces a new real-time rendering engine that includes features such as ambient occlusion, soft shadows and bump mapping. These features make visualization of a design possible as it happens. Designs can be shared online in form•Z 8 using the new Sketchfab upload utility (www.sketchfab.com). form•Z 8 also includes a variety of improvements to performance and structure such as OS X 64 bit support, file management optimization, and more.