New Autodesk 2012 products are downloading at browser near you!

I found that the blog, "What Revit Wants" has posted the download links to get all 3 flavors of Revit, NOW.
Revit 2012 download via What Revit Wants

I also noticed in my subscription center that 3ds Max 2012 and 3ds MAX Design 2012 are available now...

For those excited about such things, AutoCAD products have been out for a while now. Meh.

Edit:
Apparently, people have been so excited to download their new software, the site has crashed both Subscription center and the download links - try again later today maybe...

What's new in Revit 2012 by Scott Davis of Autodesk

The What's new session for Revit 2012 that was presented at BUGIE was recorded and is in the process of uploading to Vimeo. When finished you can view the video here: Vimeo link

Which graphics card do I pick?

I've heard this so often (again last night at a Revit user group) that I think it finally got through to Autodesk. They have finally launched a new page which will help you find the right card for multiple scenarios!
http://www.autodesk.com/graphics-hardware

Autodesk Media Webcast

Watching the Autodesk Media Webcast and they are showcasing the new 2012 Autodesk products. The biggest news is the Building Design Suites. The basae software included is AutoCAD 2012, AutoCAD Architecture 2012, AutoCAD MEP 2012, AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2012, Autodesk Showcase 2012 and Autodesk SketchBook Designer 2012. The Premium edition adds Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012, Autodesk Revit MEP 2012, Autodesk Revit Structure 2012 and Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2012. The Ultimate edition adds Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2012, Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2012 and Autodesk Inventor 2012.

Additional AEC software-specific updates include:

• Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 enables users to create material appearance libraries to help standardize materials across projects and improve collaboration within the project team. Visualization enhancements give users the ability to display edges with more realistic views and shadows in consistent colors mode.
• Autodesk Revit Structure 2012 offers analytical model enhancements to help users create and manage the structural analytical model, enabling greater control and better consistency with the structural physical model. Reinforcement enhancements help users more easily define and visualize concrete reinforcement.
• Autodesk Revit MEP 2012 now enables users create custom systems, assign systems to ducts/pipes without requiring them to be connected to equipment, assign color and linetype by system without filters, as well as see total electrical load, air flow or pipe flow at any point within the system. New placeholders give users the ability to create conceptual level single line ducts and pipes early in the design process, and later convert them to 3D geometry.
• Autodesk Navisworks 2012 accelerates BIM project review through integration, analysis, and communication enhancements. File interoperability improvements help boost productivity by supporting workflows between the latest enhancements in Autodesk Revit products and third-party applications. New user interface and API (application programming interface) for the Timeliner tool provide greater control and flexibility when working with 4D simulations. New multi-sheet 2D DWF support enables users to open, review and explore 2D data sets alongside 3D models.
• The 2012 AutoCAD Family adds a more robust set of 3D modeling tools that enable improved surfacing and conceptual design functionality, expanded point cloud support and direct access to the AutoCAD WS application via the AutoCAD user interface to enable users to view, edit and share DWG drawings through a web browser or mobile device. Other enhancements provide faster start times, faster commands and overall improved product performance, and a premium graphics and visual experience. Product specific updates include:
• AutoCAD Architecture 2012 now offers faster startup and drawing load times for more immediate access to tools and large drawing navigation. A new corner windows capability makes it easy to add a single window in the corner intersection of two walls.
• AutoCAD MEP 2012 offers enhanced native productivity and utilities tools that make it easier to access dynamic and interactive 3D modeling for building system design. New Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) support from within AutoCAD MEP helps users manage and share data with others throughout the design process.
• AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2012 now offers the ability to display solid objects on structural drawings that include items typically supported by a steel structure. Users now also have the ability to present reinforcement and reinforced concrete element geometry in 3D views.

Edit: Autodesk also claims to have "One-click" install for these suites and will deliver the entire suite on a USB drive. Hmm... We'll have to wait and see on this one.

Autodesk Inventor Software Used to Design First 3D Printed Car

Autodesk, Inc. Helps Drive Sustainable Design for KOR EcoLogic’s Urbee;
Green Car Gets 200 MPG

LAS VEGAS, Autodesk University, Dec. 2, 2010 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced today that KOR EcoLogic used Autodesk’s software solution for Digital Prototyping to design the first prototype car with a body created using a 3D printer. The KOR EcoLogic Urbee car gets up to 200 miles per gallon (MPG) and uses a hybrid electric/gasoline engine.

The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program — which provides design and engineering software for emerging clean tech companies in North America and Europe — enabled KOR EcoLogic to design and test the Urbee using Autodesk tools, including Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Showcase, and Autodesk Alias Design software.

“The Urbee was designed from the ground up to be as efficient as possible, and to run on renewable energy,” said Jim Kor, president and chief technology officer of KOR EcoLogic. “From concept through rendering, Autodesk software helped us not only build an efficient and sustainable car, but also communicate our designs to a broader audience, including potential investors.”

Using Autodesk partner Stratasys’ digital manufacturing service, Urbee is the first car to have its entire body 3D printed with an additive process.

Sustainability Central to Urbee’s Design

The KOR EcoLogic team began by developing a set of core principles and pinning them to their workshop wall. Among them, the Urbee was designed to use minimal energy and produce less pollution during its design, manufacturing, operation and recycling stages, while remaining affordable and visually appealing.

The Urbee can be charged through a standard home outlet, or through a home solar array, windmill or conventional energy source, running on as little as 1 cent of energy per mile travelled.

“Startup clean tech companies need technology enabling them to create professional, fully realized and tested designs, while benefiting from visually stunning imagery of their products,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Autodesk Manufacturing Industry Group. “KOR EcoLogic is a great example of the combined power of Digital Prototyping and sustainable design.”

The Urbee team used Autodesk Inventor software to design a 3D digital prototype of the car’s body and subject it to simulated road and wind conditions, test different body designs to minimize drag and reduce overall weight by eliminating excess parts. More than 80 percent of a product’s environmental impact can be determined during the design phase, making Inventor a critical component in establishing the Urbee’s high level of environmental responsibility. KOR EcoLogic used Autodesk Showcase 3D visualization software to create photorealistic renderings of the Urbee for marketing to potential investors, partners and the general public.

The Urbee was a contender for the 2010 Automotive X Prize, which challenges teams to design, build and race super-efficient, low-emission vehicles that can be manufactured for the mass market.

About the Clean Tech Partner Program

The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program supports early-stage clean technology companies by providing design and engineering software that accelerates their development of solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Clean tech companies in North America and Europe who can benefit from Autodesk solutions for Digital Prototyping are invited to apply to receive up to $150,000* worth of software for only $50. Access to a collection of Autodesk software applications includes up to five licenses of AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite, Autodesk Showcase, Autodesk Vault Professional, Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Alias Design, Autodesk Algor Simulation and Autodesk Inventor Publisher software. For additional information, visit www.autodesk.com/cleantech.

Autodesk Software Helps Enable Cost-Effective Electric Bike Design at Pi Mobility

Digital Prototyping Puts Clean Tech Company on Path to Profitability While It Produces a Green Transportation Alternative

LAS VEGAS, Autodesk University, Dec. 1, 2010 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) has named Pi Mobility as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for December for using Autodesk software to more efficiently design the Pi Cycle, a new generation of sturdy, long-lasting electric bicycles.

In the early stages of design, Pi Mobility used Autodesk Inventor software to produce a 3D digital prototype of the Pi Cycle that showed that by increasing the diameter of the bike’s tube by a half an inch, the company could immediately save $335,000. Extrapolated over several years, this discovery translates into seven figures worth of cost savings — a discovery that puts Pi Mobility on track to achieve profitability a full year ahead of schedule.

“We can form a tube in about 30 seconds, and with the help of Autodesk software, changes to the design can be embedded very quickly,” said Marcus Hays, CEO of Pi Mobility. “Our manufacturing method offers very rapid scale at very competitive prices, but it also reduces the required labor to a fraction of more traditional electric bikes.”

The Pi Cycle’s single, arched tube of recycled aluminum is the key to its strength, providing a frame that eliminates the need to cobble together multiple plastic components that are prone to breakage. In addition to giving the Pi Cycle an iconic and instantly recognizable shape, the arch provides a durability that ensures the bike will last over the long haul — helping increase the viability of electric bikes as a sustainable transportation option.

The Pi Cycle has a miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) of roughly 1,250 miles, which makes its unique hybrid of human and electric power 20 to 30 times more efficient than a conventional car or motorcycle running on fossil fuel. In addition, the recycled aluminum tube that makes up its frame requires just one-thirteenth the amount of electricity to produce when compared to virgin aluminum, further reducing environmental impact.

Digital Prototyping Optimizes Design Process

Pi Mobility is also a member of the Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program, which provides software for emerging clean tech companies in North America and Europe. The Autodesk solution for Digital Prototyping — including Autodesk Vault, Autodesk Alias Design, and Autodesk Showcase, as well as Inventor — helped the company to rapidly explore different materials and iteration choices to optimize the design of the Pi Cycle.

Thanks to the less labor-intensive design and associated cost savings of the single tube, the company is able to maintain high-quality production of its Pi Cycles in the United States — rather than sending the work overseas, where most electric bikes are produced — and still be profitable.

“Clean tech companies like Pi Mobility need to take a great idea and make it a reality—quickly and cost effectively,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “With Digital Prototyping, they can do just that: save time and money, build better products, and beat the competition to market.”

About the Autodesk Inventor of the Month Program

Each month, Autodesk selects an Inventor of the Month from the users of Autodesk Inventor software, which takes manufacturers beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping. Winners are chosen for engineering excellence and groundbreaking innovation. For more information about Autodesk Inventor of the Month, contact us at IOM@autodesk.com.

About the Clean Tech Partner Program

The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program supports early-stage clean technology companies by providing design and engineering software that accelerates their development of solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Clean tech companies in North America and Europe who can benefit from Autodesk solutions for Digital Prototyping are invited to apply to receive up to $150,000* worth of software for only $50. Access to a collection of Autodesk industry-leading software applications includes up to five licenses of AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite, Autodesk Showcase, Autodesk Vault Professional, Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Alias Design, Autodesk Algor Simulation and Autodesk Inventor Publisher software. For additional information, visit

http://www.autodesk.com/cleantech.

About Pi Mobility

Headquartered in Sausalito, California, Pi Mobility has been developing electric bicycles since 2000, providing an earth-friendly mode of personal mobility that reduces dependence on automobiles. For additional information, visit http://pimobility.com.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries ¾ including the last 15 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects ¾ use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

An interview with Pi Mobility is available on the Autodesk YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU-CRpyQpec.

Autodesk Homestyler Updated With Cloud-Based Near Photo-Quality Rendering Feature

What’s the News: Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, has updated Autodesk Homestyler, free* online software for 2D and 3D home design and remodeling projects. With the new Snapshot feature , users can create high-resolution, near photo-quality images of any home interior design project created in Homestyler. In addition, a new toolbar that helps speed access to top design and sharing features has been added to Homestyler and the catalog of content has been increased to over 20,000 branded and generic building elements.

What Are the Benefits: The Snapshots feature makes high-resolution renderings available to novice designers without the need for any special training or additional computer hardware. The images produced by Snapshots will provide realistic details, such as lighting, textures, and perspective, allowing users to experience their designs as if they’re standing right in the room. Snapshots are created using cloud computing technology currently in technology preview on Autodesk Labs. The renderings are delivered within minutes and can easily be shared with friends, family, or professional designers.

“One of the most challenging aspects of undertaking any home remodeling or decorating project is envisioning the finished project. The high-resolution renderings generated by Snapshots takes Homestyler’s visualization capabilities to the next level,” said Patrick Aragon, Autodesk Homestyler Product Manager. “We are excited to be able to provide these professional tools to everyday homeowners and home renovators, helping them have confidence in their design decisions before moving ahead with any project. The new feature also demonstrates how Autodesk is using its cloud computing resources to help users make high-end design technology accessible through a variety of channels.”

When & Where: The Snapshot feature, catalog search and browse performance improvements, additional content, enhanced sharing and social capabilities, and new toolbar are now available on Autodesk Homestyler (http://www.homestyler.com/.)

To read more news and information about Autodesk, visit the Autodesk News Room.

Excellent first day at AU 2010

So far, I have been very pleased with the event on the first day. So far, I have tried to be in 4 places at once and was sort of successful.

• Design Technology Management Conference
• AUGI Volunteer gathering
• Focus Group for CAD Managers and Web Services
• Autodesk Blogger Social
• Autodesk AEC Mixer

I have to say I was very happy to meet some new faces (well sort of new since I knew them virtually but not in person) as well as see some acquaintances I haven't seen for a while. Great to reconnect and looking forward to seeing more new faces and familiar ones as well.

Autodesk blogger social

My sincere thanks go to Autodesk for hosting this event for those of us blogging about Autodesk products!

Choosing computer OS / hardware to run Autodesk products

A common question I'm asked is, how do I choose the appropriate computer specifications (or specs for short) for my Autodesk software? Believe it or not, Autodesk has a wealth of information that goes beyond the usual minimum specs. The problem is, knowing where to find it. The following links are a short collection to a few of the more common offerings from Autodesk which you can use to help figure out the specs for your next system upgrade.

For those looking for a quick answer on how to do this, here it is in a nutshell. Everyone I've talked to recently such as Autodesk, other technology firms and IT professionals are saying to make the jump to Windows 7 64bit OS. It is of course up to you to verify that if you are running older hardware and software to ensure they will work on Windows 7 64bit OS. If you bought a new computer in the last year or two, there is a really good chance your hardware will be fine leaving you to ensure just software runs fine.

As for choosing the right hardware, more is usually better - usually. Ask yourself, what do I work with on a day to day basis? Simple AutoCAD drawings that average in size at approximately 1-5 megabytes? Do I work with moderately sized Revit files in the 50-75 megabyte range or really big ones over 150 megabytes? Do I work on large scenes in 3ds MAX with millions of polygons and file sizes pushing the 200 megabyte range?

Each of you may have a slightly different answer which means I can't really give a one size fits all answer to hardware. I can help you understand what is what and where the different parts of the computer will help.

• CPU: This part will help process calculations that process math.The more CPUs you have and the faster they can run, the more that can be processed - provided your software is written to take advantage of them. AutoCAD can take a small advantage from a multiple core CPU. Revit will only take advantage of multiple CPUs if you render. 3ds MAX Design will take advantage of multiple CPUs for math related tasks as well as rendering.
• HD: There are three things to look at with a HD. Type, speed and size. Traditional HD's using a disk will be the least expensive option but the newer SSD HD's will not be. Traditional HD's offer larger a large storage space, SSD are catching up but not quite there yet. Traditional HD's offer varying speed which affect the rate at which data can be accessed - look for something at least 7200 RPMs or above. For SSD, data is access nearly instantaneously. Pick your poison!
  
• RAM: In the past, RAM wasn't so critical. Now, if you are trying to work with medium to large sized files like I mentioned, RAM will make or break your day. The bigger the file you are trying to open is, the more RAM you should have. I've heard on numerous occasions by IT professionals that you should strive for a minimum of 2GBs RAM per CPU Core on a 32bit OS and 4 GBs RAM per CPU Core on a 64bit OS. There is obviously a limit for your budget and perhaps how much your motherboard can hold, but that's a pretty good rule of thumb to follow if possible.
  
• Graphics Card: This is what helps your computer display information in your drawing viewport on your screen. For using Autodesk products, try and stay away from gaming cards as they typically are not certified or supported. The better the card and the more on board memory it has, the better things can look and perform in the viewport. Ever try to run 3D orbit on a model to have it skip or jump as it is spun? Most likely you had a card that wasn't up to the task. If you are trying to preview lighting effects, materials in a realistic shade mode or have a lot of data to display, the better the card, the smoother things will go.
  

For a more in depth bit of research, have a look at the following info to augment what I touched on above.

Here is a link to some Revit white papers, one of which is called the Revit Model Performance Technical Note. This has detailed recommendations regarding OS, CPU, RAM, HD, Network and other items in addition to keeping your Revit model running smoothly. In the version released for working with Revit 2010, they don't get into graphics cards in great detail so I've been recommending people take a look at the AutoCAD or 3ds MAX certified graphics cards (links to follow).
Revit White Papers: Model Performance Technical Note

Here is the link to AutoCAD Certified Hardware where you can look to see if a card you have in mind is certified or get the latest info to make sure AutoCAD runs smoothly with your graphics card. You can combine the Revit white paper above with a card in this list to ensure compatibility on into the future. Please, when choosing a card, be sure to select one that are Certified, Supported AND Recommended!
AutoCAD Certified Hardware

With 3ds MAX Design, Autodesk gets even more detailed in helping you choose hardware. This goes well beyond showing you which graphics cards are Certified like with AutoCAD. They go so far as to test specific configurations from major manufacturers that are currently available for Graphics Cards, Workstations/Laptops and Tablets. Since 3ds MAX Design is likely to place the most burden on your system, choosing products from the list in here will likely provide you with a system that will meet your needs for a long time to come.
3ds MAX Design Certified Hardware

Then of course there are specific requirements for running Autodesk Inventor and the other products it works with. Please check out the following link for a well put together site to help you choose the correct setup for working with Inventor.
Inventor Hardware Website

View the Autodesk 2011 Software Solutions

Please be sure to sign up for the upcoming virtual launch of Autodesk 2011 products!

Sign up here

Downloading Autodesk 2011 products

I have been hearing multiple reports of Internet Explorer 8 preventing individuals from downloading 2011 products from Autodesk's website using the download manager. I have not had any issues downloading. I use the latest version of Mozilla's Firefox. I have also heard many others have had success with Firefox and a few other open source browsers such as Chrome or Safari. I haven't tested with these other apps though. The problem seems to be tied to Windows 7 and 32 or 64 bit OS platforms, however it's likely to be affected in other OS platforms too. So if you have only used IE up to this point, consider this motivation to try another browser out. If your IT department prevents you from installing other software, you have my deepest sympathies!

AutoCAD 2011 - Installed and running on Window's 7 64bit OS

Finally! First 2011 product downloaded and installed. The better products release in a couple weeks, but for now I'll have to make do with AutoCAD. Also, for those on subscription, you can download AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP and a few other AutoCAD based products from within the subscription center.

My first observation - Autodesk must have listened to the users and turned the drawing window back to a dark color instead of that off white they have been doing for the past few releases. Anyways, I'm off to the South Coast Revit User Group to see Scott Davis present the new features of Revit 2011. It should be a record turnout - over 130 individuals have confirmed their attendance!

Another way to do hardware rendering

Well, looks like Autodesk has been cooking with a new way to produce renderings using 3ds MAX 2011 much faster than with the current mental ray engine afterall...
Ken's blog on Area

I highly recommend reading the full post - its very insightful and informative!

March South Coast Revit User Group

Next week’s South Coast Revit User Group (SCRUG) will be one that many individuals should be interested in attending. First off, its March, secondly new products are about to be released and third, Scott Davis from Autodesk will be presenting a “fresh Revit topic”. Last year around this same time for a SCRUG, they did a preview showing of Revit 2010 - even though it had yet to be released. Hmm... I plan to go - will you be going? Anyone that wants to go should view and respond to the Evite below.

Evite Invitation!

Autodesk Aquires Dynamite VSP & Dynamite SIM from 3AM Solutions

Yes, I know the press release is from a few days ago but I've been busy teaching in Los Angeles for the past few days.

Official press release
Posted to the area discussion group blog

Back when U.S. CAD became a reseller in July of 2009, I knew that DVSP & DSIM had great potential and was a great solution for our civil engineering customers. Even before that arrangement - as early as 2008 I was looking at these tools as being the next place to work with your civil design for visualization. I'm sure some will say boo-hiss for Autodesk aquiring yet another company - but to be honest its a perfect fit for existing Autodesk customers. For those already using DVSP & other Autodesk products, it will simplify their purchasing orders, give them a central location for support and give them access to a larger pool of R&D resources. Anyways, I look forward to the possibilities that this will open up.