Multimedia: TGS to revamp Amapi 3-D modeling software

MacWeek, July 6, 1998 by Rebecca Gulick

Version 4.0 of the $349, 3-D modeling software, due this fall, will feature the company's ActiveStyles rendering technology, which supports Phong shading, selective ray tracing and artistic rendering options.

According to the company, Version 4.0 will also offer 3-D text extrusion and editing for TrueType fonts and will feature a design mode called WireShade that combines wireframe and flat shading in the modeling view.

Template Graphics said it will add a standard Mac tool bar to Amapi's current interface. The software will also support texture mapping and offer improved Boolean operations as well as better performance, the company said. It will also include the Mesa 3-D graphics library developed by Brian Paul that has an API that is similar to OpenGL.

The company said Amapi can serve as a companion modeler to other 3-D applications. Upgrades will cost $199.

Template Graphics Software Inc. of San Diego can be reached at (619) 457-5359 or (800) 544-4847; fax (619) 452-2547; info@tgs.com; http://www.tgs.com.