Notch Releases 450+ New Features in a Massive Software Update

Notch, the visual creation tool for interactive motion graphics, have released a new update which includes 450+ new features. Powered by real-time rendering, Notch’s software helps creators rediscover the joy of problem-solving, experimenting and improvising on the fly.The new software comes with over 450 new features and 200 fixes. Equipping industry professionals with more opportunities to reach their creative potential in real time.

Unlimited creative capabilities
 
Notch Builder 0.9.12 is the first update to use full 64-bit capabilities. Previously only available as a 32-bit runtime, the new 64-bit version allows for significantly larger datasets, such as 3D models and animation, textures, images, and audio. 

 
The most highly requested feature, rigid body physics was added. It allows solid geometric objects to move around using physics. The update includes a new video codec, NotchLC, designed for motion graphics. This is the fastest codec to render out of Notch.
 
Face tracking has been demoed at previous tradeshows and was the first sneak peak users got of this new functionality. Utilizing machine learning techniques, Notch is able to find and track faces and gestures from any 2D video or live camera feed.

Making it easier to create complex animated geometry, the Alembic interchange format is now supported too. Improvements have also been made to the lighting engine, specifically to bounce lighting, shadows, and reflections - tools that can be used to greatly increase rendering quality while still maintaining the real-time rendering advantage.
 
Optimising user workflow
 
Many workflow improvements have been made in this release, including a host of new keyboard shortcuts, ArtNet rendering, straight alpha rendering, semi-automatic scene optimization, JavaScript improvements, and CSV file loading.
 

Matt Swoboda, founder of Notch, comments: 
“At Notch, we’re committed to making something that’s flexible and scalable, yet reliable. This release is a big milestone for us, and for many of our users who now have a host of new creative opportunities.”

Luke Malcolm, director at Notch, says: 
“We strive to support our users as they progress and push the boundaries. Notch Builder is a tool for artists to fuel their creativity and help them realize their endeavours with the aid of real-time rendering.”
 
A complete list of the improvements and updates can be found here. Notch has written a blog post which highlights some of the key features.