Owlet 1.1
09 Mar 2016
This update adds a lot of new features to Owlet and also fixes bugs we noticed. But first of all, it adds Boxshot integration so you export Boxshot scenes to Owlet for rendering and further improving. This new version is definitely worth trying!
Boxshot Integration
With the new version of Boxshot, Owlet becomes an extra renderer that can be chosen at Boxshot rendering window.
Then you can render scene with Owlet right in Boxshot:
If you need more control over the process, you can export scene to Owlet using standard File > Export approach, then open the scene in Owlet for further editing. Note that you need the Ultimate edition of Boxshot in order to do that.
Boxshot Models Support
Owlet now loads Boxshot Model files from our shop - you can try it on our free samples, or the ones you have already purchased.
It works like a charm and you can now add extra realism to your scenes. Just drag and drop a shape file into Owlet window to start.
Scene Floor
This update comes with an optional scene floor (just like in Boxshot) that you can use to put shapes on. It supports reflections, blur and shadows for better realism.
It is enabled by default, but can be turned off in the Scene Properties panel. Note that the floor does not support reflection decay as in Boxshot, as Owlet tries to be realistic when it comes to rendering. Consider using the blur effect instead.
Scene Environment Improvements
Owlet now lets you configure the scene environment size and even move and rotate the environment map. This helps to better match environment and scene to make perfect renderings. All the settings are in the Scene Properties panel.
Rendering Settings Improvements
This update adds the ability to control the rendering process by providing either desired rendering time or the number of iterations. You can now choose between draft and production modes, or enter your own number of iterations or the time you want to spend on rendering the scene.
There is always “time vs quality” problem when it comes to rendering, but with Owlet you always have a choice.
Other Improvements
We’ve made plenty of other small and big improvements in this update. Here are just a few:
- better noise reduction algorithms have been utilized;
- proper gamma-correction of HDR images has been added;
- subsurface scattering has been improved;
- some controls are hidden in panels when inactive;
- scene tree got a context menu for easier scene manipulation;
- scene tree displays materials next to meshes;
- meshes can be extracted from nodes into separate nodes for easier scene modification;
- new environment textures have been added;
- you can now delete both nodes and meshes the way you want;
- collada, fbx and 3ds formats loading improved;
- rendering on transparent background has been improved.
That’s not the full list of changes (there are more than 70 improvements in total), but at least you have an idea on the amount of work that has been done.
User Manual
It will be uploaded as soon as it will be ready. So far, please have a look at our tutorials page where you can get a basic idea of how things work in Owlet.
That’s All
We did a good job with both apps released at once, so now it is your turn to install them and give them a try. Your feedback is welcome, as always!
Cheers!