Autodesk 123D. Design, Catch, Make.

Autodesk released new tools to play with.

There are three options (more details on official page):

123D - Design makeable objects using free 3D CAD software that lets you start with simple shapes and then edit and then tweak them into more complex designs.

123D Catch - Take photos of your favorite people, places and things and let the power of the cloud magically transform them into detailed 3D models.

123D Make - Automatically turn your 3D model into a pattern of flat parts that can be cut and assembled into an artful creation.

123D Design - is a very simple 3D modeling software, which in my opinion, is useless for a professional use. It is good for educational purposes in schools, etc.

123D Catch is a new software for generating 3D models from photos, or an update of Autodesk Photo scene editor (the Photofly project). In my opinion it got better a bit. First thing I noticed is better upload. No more errors (check my experience covered in previous posts), software just skips "bad" pictures, and continues to upload. There may be other improvements in accuracy or computing speed, but to be honest, I couldn't see huge difference.

Here is the comparison. 

Scene generated before update (using Autodesk scene editor):

 

Scene generated after an update (using 123D Catch):

123D make is really nice software. Currently it's in a "technology preview" state, and available only for Mac OS.

As an architect, I find it very useful to create environment and terrain models, as well as Your main models of a buildings, or whatever You want to bring into life.

Just for fun, there also is 123D Sculpt for iPad. I think, getting real clay in Your hands will bring You more fun and positive emotions ;)