Books That Work & Better Homes and Gardens join forces to release "Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0"; Powerful 3D rendering and internet technology merge to create the definitive kitchen and bath design software

Business Wire, March 24, 1997

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 1997--Books That Work, the leading publisher of home and garden software, today announced the Spring release of "Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0."

This new title, based on Books That Work's widely recognized 3D design and photorealistic visualization technology, will help consumers with the most expensive and the most valuable remodeling jobs in any home or apartment: their kitchens and baths.

With "Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0," homeowners can harness the power of true interactive 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) on a home PC for less than $40. Only a few years ago, CAD software with these capabilities cost thousands of dollars, and was only available for architects and professional designers.

A second major feature will be a direct link to the Better Homes and Gardens Web site, providing users with a plethora of useful, continually updated, home and family information. "Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0" is designed for Microsoft Windows 95. It is available at retail stores nationwide and sells for around $40.00.

"We're proud to work with an editorial powerhouse like Better Homes and Gardens. For decades, consumers have turned to this magazine for help with design and remodeling decisions. Our PC design tools and Internet links are a natural complement. Together we will help consumers gain even more confidence when they think about remodeling, said Stuart Gannes, CEO & Publisher at Books That Work. We're very impressed by the quality of Books That Work's products, and with integration of the Internet the product is ideally suited for our strategy, said David Cohen, director of new media for Better Homes and Gardens. This relationship is a perfect match.

Design & Visualize Your Kitchen Or Bath Like Never Before

"Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0," lets you design and visualize your kitchen or bath with a greater clarity than ever before imagined. It gives you the power to quickly design a floor plan, add fixtures and furnishings, and then decorate your new kitchen or bath choosing from an extensive array of nearly 2,000 paint colors, textures and materials.

In marked difference to competitive products which focus on manipulation of static photographic images, "Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0" lets you create the exact dimensions for your dream designs, view rooms in photorealistic detail from any angle, and freely experiment with different layouts, products, and decorating schemes. Select from more than 1,000 3D models, the most of any kitchen and bath design product in its class, covering everything from refrigerators to range tops and from showers to toilets.

A Powerful Resource On The Internet

As an added bonus, you can also link to Books That Work's exclusive Internet Web site, http://Kitchen.VisualHome.com which provides a growing selection of downloadable 3D models and materials. These Digital Collections, allow you to download name-brand products from manufacturers like General Electric, Thermador, Aqua Glass, Delta Faucets and Merillat Cabinets, or you can choose from a large selection of non-branded models, sample files, and other accessories.

If you're looking for ideas, or answers to design questions, "Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0" provides easy-to-use Internet hot links connecting you to the Better Homes and Gardens website. From there you're only a mouse click away from an extensive array of expertise to assist you with your design.

Visualize Your Design In Realistic 3D

Once you've created your dream kitchen or bath, you can step-into your design and experience it as if your were actually there! Books That Work's WalkAbout technology lets you use your mouse to walk through your design in real-time 3D you can even record and playback your WalkAbouts or take snapshots of your favorite spots.

A Fast, Comprehensive Approach

The product's unique Quick Design Wizards help you get beyond setting up the basic room and into the more interesting process of furnishing and decorating. There's no need to draw individual walls. The Wizards help you select the room's shape, add adjacent rooms, locate doors and windows, and even place the key appliances and fixtures. In minutes you're ready to put the finishing touches on your design.

"Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0" also includes a multimedia guide to kitchen design to help you make informed decisions when selecting appliances, fixtures, and decor. Developed with certified kitchen design experts, the Design Guide provides practical advice, tips, and guidance for maximizing the success of your new kitchen.

System Requirements

"Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen & Bath 2.0" requires a Pentium processor or higher IBM PC or 100% compatible, Windows 95 with 16 MB RAM, 10 MB hard disk space, a VGA monitor capable of displaying 256 colors or more, and a CD-ROM drive. A 14.4 bps modem for optional Internet connection and a sound card are recommended.