eyecad VR https://eyecadvr.com Virtual Reality and Real-Time Rendering Software for Architecture and Design. Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:17:34 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.4 https://eyecadvr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eyecad-VR-General-favicon.png eyecad VR https://eyecadvr.com 32 32 eyecad VR | Eyecad VR Updates Revit Plugin to 2024 https://eyecadvr.com/eyecad-vr-updates-revit-plugin-to-2024/ Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:47:51 +0000 https://eyecadvr.com/?p=24947

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

Eyecad VR Updates Revit Plugin to 2024

Revit Rendering becomes easier and easier with Eyecad VR Plugin Update for Revit 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of architectural design and virtual reality, Eyecad VR stands at the forefront once again with its latest breakthrough – the Revit 2024 Plugin Update. This enhancement is set to redefine the rendering experience, making Revit rendering more accessible and efficient than ever before. 

Read the full article to discover how Eyecad VR is making strides in simplifying the rendering process.

Full Compatibility - Revit + Eyecad VR: A Perfect Match

With the update of the Eyecad VR plugin to Revit 2024, compatibility reaches new heights. Revit and Eyecad VR now form a perfect match, allowing for a seamlessly integrated design experience. The updated plugin facilitates a smoother workflow and transition between Revit and Eyecad VR, ensuring that the creative process remains uninterrupted.

revit plugin 2024 Eyecad VR

Streamlined Data Transfer - Direct Export of Revit Projects into Eyecad VR, Preserving all textures

Eyecad VR Revit 2024 Plugin Update makes  data transfer between Revit and Eyecad VR increasingly smoother,allowing direct export of Revit projects into Eyecad VR without intermediaries. The plugin’s paramount feature lies in its direct transfer capability. Not only can you update the 3D model seamlessly, but you can export your Revit project directly into Eyecad VR without intermediary file formats. This ensures a streamlined process, eliminating complexities. Additionally, the plugin preserves all textures from the Revit project, a crucial feature absent in direct FBX exports from Revit. In essence, the Eyecad VR Revit 2024 Plugin empowers designers by simplifying data transfer and preserving project details, revolutionizing the design process in Eyecad VR.

About Revit 2024 Update - Things you should know about

If you still haven’t updated to Revit 2024, here a short list of things you should know about Revit 2024 Update

  • Toposolids: Improved tools for handling topography and enhancing terrain modeling.
  • Dark Theme: An aesthetically pleasing dark theme option for a more comfortable and customizable user interface.
  • Add Multiple Views and Schedules: Streamlined efficiency with the ability to add multiple views and schedules simultaneously.
  • Search in Project Browser: Enhanced project navigation with a search functionality in the Project Browser.
  • Open Sheet Directly from Drawing Area: Convenient access to sheets directly from the drawing area for a more fluid workflow.

These features represent significant improvements in functionality, usability, and overall user experience in Revit 2024.

For all news about Revit 2024, read full official article here .

Enhancing Your Workflow with Eyecad VR

Eyecad VR is not here to change your beloved workflow; it is here to enhance it. The Revit 2024 Plugin Update is a testament to Eyecad VR’s commitment to making the design process more powerful and efficient. By seamlessly integrating with Revit, Eyecad VR ensures that designers can continue to work in familiar environments while unlocking new possibilities in virtual reality. The update doesn’t disrupt your creative process; it enhances it, providing a tool that aligns seamlessly with your vision.

Download the Revit Plugin Now!

Ready to experience the power of the enhanced Revit 2024 Plugin for Eyecad VR? Download the plugin now and embark on a journey where your design ideas seamlessly come to life in the immersive world of virtual reality.

Download plugin here.

 

Are you ready for Eyecad VR Studio?

Download FREE NOW and Join the community

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | The Ultimate Guide to Choosing VR Headsets for Architectural Visualization https://eyecadvr.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-vr-headsets-for-architectural-visualization/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:05:17 +0000 https://eyecadvr.com/?p=24427

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

Recommended VR Headsets for ArchViz

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing VR Headsets for Architectural Visualization with Eyecad VR

Technological innovation has fundamentally transformed the way architects, designers and clients interact with architectural projects. Virtual reality (VR) has opened new doors, enabling immersive and immersive experiences in the visualization of spaces and structures. With the advent of 2023, price ranges have evolved to offer affordable, intermediate, and high-end solutions. From entry-level devices that cost around €300, through mid-range headsets with prices between €300 and €600, to premium solutions that exceed €600. If you are looking for the perfect VR headset for your architectural viewing needs, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential information to make the right decision.

  • Overview of VR headsets on the market
  • Our recommendation: Meta Quest 2
  • What to consider when choosing your VR headset
  • Differences between Standalone and Wired Headsets in Eyecad VR
  • Configuring VR Devices for Eyecad VR
  • Choosing the Best VR Headset for Eyecad VR is up to you!

Overview of VR headsets on the market: from high-end to entry-level

HTC Vive Pro Series headsets: High-end graphics excellence

The HTC Vive and their successors offer an unprecedented “room-scale VR” experience, thanks to the presence of environmental sensors capable of reading the shape of the room and thus translating (with more precision) the real movement of the user within the virtual area.

These headsets allow for precise movement within an area, making them ideal for exploring large-scale architectural models and providing engaging presentations to clients.

 

Key features:

  • Exceptional visual quality
  • Wide field of view
  • High-resolution display
 

Models & Prices:

  • Generally, this series is placed in high-end viewers, starting at around €750 (viewer only). For example, the complete HTC Vive Pro 2 package with controllers and base stations could exceed €1,200.

Valve Index Headsets: High Performance with Precision Tracking

The Valve Index is a high-end device that is an excellent investment for VR enthusiasts looking for a high-end experience.

 

Key features:

  • Excellent image quality; requires a high-performance PC.
  • Wide field of view.

 

Models & Prices:

  • Valve Index: Generally, on the high end of prices, starting at around €1,000 (complete package with headset, controller and tracking bases).

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets

The following headsets are part of the Windows Mixed Reality series, which correspond to the major technology brands:

  • ASUS
  • HP
  • DELL
  • ACER
  • LENOVO
 

HP headsets: Next-level graphics and audio performance with HP Reverb G2

Among these, the HP Reverb G2 viewer deserves special mention, a high-performance headset with a balanced price, in fact it is generally placed among the medium-high range headsets (starting from about € 600).

It’s a wired headset that’s compatible with both Steam VR and Windows Mixed Reality.

 

Key features:

  • Excellent graphics quality and excellent sound system.
  • Requires wired connection to PC.
 

Models & Prices:

  • HP Reverb G2: Generally, in the mid-to-high range, starting at around €600 (generally does not include controllers in the box because it can also be used with a PC mouse or gamepad).

Meta Quest (formerly Oculus) headsets: Wireless Freedom

The Meta Quest series represents an all-in-one wireless VR solution, eliminating the need for external sensors or a powerful PC. These headsets are perfect for on-the-go presentations and design reviews, offering freedom of movement and ease of use.

 

Key features:

  • Wireless, Stand-alone, with the ability to connect to your PC via an optional cable
  • Lightweight and comfortable design.
  • Tracking technology with sensors built into the headset and touch controllers.
 

Models & Prices:

  • It covers different ranges, from low starting from 300 €, to medium with Meta Quest 3 starting from 600 €, to high in its pro versions, example Meta Quest pro 1200 €

Our Recommendation: Meta Quest 2, Versatility and Quality at Affordable Prices

For excellent value for money, we recommend the Meta Quest 2. These versatile headsets offer exceptional performance and can be used standalone or wired for an even better viewing experience. Listed below are some key reasons for this recommendation:

  • Standalone and wireless: The Meta Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset, which means it doesn’t require a physical connection to a computer. This provides greater freedom of movement and makes for a more comfortable experience without any cable-related worries.
  • Built-in Processor: The Meta Quest 2 comes with a powerful built-in processor that allows you to run VR apps and experiences without depending on an external computer. This simplifies use and allows users to immerse themselves in the VR environment without the need for additional hardware.
  • Eyecad Web Viewer: The Meta Quest 2 supports Eyecad Web Viewer, allowing users to experience a wide range of VR content based on Web GL. This feature is especially useful for quickly accessing VR experiences without the need for cables or complex connections.
  • Expansion with USB C Link Cable: Although the Meta Quest 2 is standalone, recommending the use of a USB C Link cable opens up the possibility of taking full advantage of Eyecad VR, including full 3D experiences with advanced graphics. This flexibility allows users to customize their experience to suit their needs.

In conclusion, the Meta Quest 2 comes across as an ideal option for those looking for a VR headset that offers a balance of convenience, processing power, and the ability to expand functionality through an optional wired connection.

What to Consider When Choosing Your VR Headset

  • Budget: Identify your budget by considering the different price ranges.
  • Portability: Determine if you need wireless freedom or prefer a fixed setup.
  • Graphics and Fidelity: Evaluate your project’s requirements in terms of visual quality and performance.
  • Compatibility with Your System: Make sure the headset is compatible with your PC
  • Customer Engagement: Evaluate how each headset improves customer engagement through interactive presentations.

Differences between Standalone and Wired Headsets in Eyecad VR

In this article, all the VR headsets mentioned are fully compatible with Eyecad VR. However, it’s essential to distinguish between standalone and wired headsets.

Standalone headsets, such as the Meta Quest 2, take advantage of their own processor rather than the powerful one of the PC. This implies that they only offer certain types of output in Eyecad VR, such as the GL web-based experience, known as Eyecad Web Viewer. However, without the use of a USB C Link cable, they do not allow for a full VR experience with stunning graphics.

You can overcome this limitation by acquiring a USB C Link cable provided by the manufacturer. This cable allows you to connect the headset, allowing you to enjoy any type of experience available in Eyecad VR, including the full 3D experience with spectacular graphics.

Configuring VR Devices for Eyecad VR

Download our manual to easily learn how to set up your VR headset. In chapter 13 you will find the step-by-step guide to configure the headset according to your model.

Download the manual here: https://eyecadvr.com/support-and-community/

Choosing the Best VR Headset for Eyecad VR is up to you!

Navigating the vast landscape of VR headsets can be an enthralling experience, especially when it comes to selecting the ideal solution for Eyecad VR. From standalone options like the Meta Quest 2, which offers flexibility and convenience, to powerful solutions like the Valve Index or the HP Reverb G2, designed to maximize visual quality and accuracy, the choice depends on your specific needs and individual preferences.

For those aiming for a cable-free solution with unmatched ease of use, the Meta Quest 2 can emerge as the top choice. However, if the priority is the highest visual quality and impeccable accuracy, headsets like the Valve Index or the HP Reverb G2 can offer an enhanced viewing experience, which is especially valuable for complex projects on Eyecad VR.

Regardless of the choice, the key is a thoughtful assessment of the specific features, compatibility, and available budget. Eyecad VR, an innovative architectural visualization software in VR, can find its perfect counterpart in VR headsets, offering users an immersive and precise experience. Choosing wisely will ensure not only a perfect synergy between software and hardware but also a VR experience that exceeds expectations.

Are you ready for Eyecad VR Studio?

Download FREE NOW and Join the community

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | Eyecad VR Render – Update 1.0.3 https://eyecadvr.com/eyecad-vr-render-update-1-0-3/ Fri, 12 Nov 2021 18:08:14 +0000 https://www.eyecadvr.com/?page_id=17569

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

 Eyecad VR Render – Update 1.0.3

The third major update of Eyecad VR Render

Graphic improvements, new assets and volumetric lights

Eyecad VR Render BETA introduces the version 1.0.3 with several graphic improvements, new “ready-to-use” assets and new tools useful to create more realistic scenes.

About 6 months after the launch of the Open Beta, our research and development team has made several improvements. Now we are moving towards the end of the public BETA phase and thanks to the users of our community, it has been possible to make really important progress to the Eyecad VR Render software mainly dedicated to the creation of still images, cinematic videos and pre-rendered photorealistic 360 web tours.

Let’s now discover the main points of the 1.0.3 update.

Play Video

This article lists and explains the most important and impactful parts of the update that this new version of Eyecad VR Render brings with it, offering new features to users and ever-increasing quality.

Over 300 new “ready-to-render” objects

A new series of 3D objects ready to be used in .evr projects of Eyecad VR Render are available to be downloaded inside the software dedicated to the object library. 

As in every update, the new objects are part of multiple categories ranging from furniture to urban components up to new electronic objects. That allows our users to embellish and make their projects more realistic without using external resources. and, above all, through 3D models already optimized in the number of polygons in order to obtain maximum performance using the real-time Ray-tracing engine.

New Lights in the Real-time Area in Ray-tracing

The new real-time Area Lights allow in a better way to manage general lighting with support for area lights whether they are used as natural ambient lights (to improve the power of indirect light inside buildings) or as artificial area lights to create high-impact photographic sets. In addition, we have introduced a new method to adjust the size of the area lights where it is now possible to position and scale the area lights in a much more precise and faster way directly within the perspective view without resorting to the axonometric view.

Environment Volumetric Fog

Ray-tracing technology allows us to create visual effects never seen in the rendering technology that we adopted in the past. This is the case of the volumetric ambient fog which allows users to create incredible realistic outdoor scenes by simulating a real volumetric outdoor atmospheric fog. In fact, it is not a simple “screen space” effect that is visible only in the portion of the user’s views at a precise moment, but it is a real fog that completely envelops the scene in every direction. 

It is possible to activate the volumetric fog from the Eyecad VR Render settings TAB and choose its power.

Particle dust for interiors and volumetric lights

As the ambient volumetric fog mainly used for exteriors, in Eyecad VR Render 1.0.3 it is now possible to add extraordinary particle effects that simulate the dust in the air through volumetric lights designed for interiors. Whether it is artificial lights or sunlight, volumetric light beams are created when the dust is crossed by the light. To take advantage of this new effect, simply create an area of action of the aerial dust using the special “wireframe box” in the effects TAB of Eyecad VR Render, drag the box inside the structure and adjust its parameters in the configuration window. 

It is also possible to create different atmospheres for the interior volumetric lights according to your needs.

Car Paint Pack

We have received several requests from our community about a material package dedicated mainly to the setup of vehicles to be included in an architectural context. So, we have added a new category in the library that includes different types of preconfigured paints dedicated exclusively to the automotive industry. 

The new materials include both metallic and opaque paints with different examples that can be easily personalized once they have been downloaded and opened within the material editor.

New animations for the Material Editor

The Material Editor is one of most important tools to configure materials in an Eyecad VR Render project. After this update, the Material Editor now presents a useful and more organized function to create animated textures. It is now possible to simulate different effects, one of these is certainly the simulation of the waves of the water, the oscillations of the leaves (textures) due to the wind or the creation of raindrops sliding down in a window’s glass.

New Real-time Denoiser for the Editor

 

In this new update, the R&D team also focused on the ability to remove visual noise through the real-time denoiser created in Eyecad VR Render. This tool is in a constant evolution and it is now able to provide sharper and less disturbed images than previous versions, without affecting at all the performance in the editor phase.

Are you ready for the Eyecad VR Render Open Beta?

Download FREE NOW and Join the community

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | Eyecad VR Render – Update 1.0.2 https://eyecadvr.com/eyecad-vr-render-update-1-0-2/ Thu, 08 Jul 2021 10:40:42 +0000 https://www.eyecadvr.com/?page_id=16114

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

 Eyecad VR Render – Update 1.0.2

The second major update of Eyecad VR Render

Eyecad VR Render Beta arrives at version 1.0.2 with a very substantial list of updates ranging from new libraries for recording videos to important updates made to the Material Editor. All this thanks to the continued support of Community feedback provided to our team both privately and through our Forum here.

Play Video

This article lists and explains the most important and impactful parts of the update that this new version of Eyecad VR Render brings with it, offering new features to users and ever-increasing quality.

PBR materials even more realistic thanks to

the new “Effects map” channel

Reality is not an aseptic, perfect and linear environment. Reality is mostly made up of imperfections making it unique. A chair, a table or an entire structure will never be truthful and realistic without the effects of aging or wear in general. It is for this reason that we have implemented the new “Effects” map within the Eyecad VR Render material editor.
Thanks to this important channel it is possible to generate, through special textures, effects of aging, dirt or wear through some examples already incorporated within the appropriate section of the effects map.

Translucency and transparency

Whether it is curtains, candles or semi-gloss plastic, the translucency of certain materials is an important feature for realism during the setting of our render or video.

To date it was already possible to create translucent materials in Eyecad VR Render only on opaque materials, but thanks to the update 1.0.2 is now possible to also apply this property to the transparent objects, and of course all in real time via the new Ray-tracing engine that characterizes this new version of Eyecad VR mainly dedicated to the world of rendering and the creation of architectural video animations.

It is important to always keep in mind that the effect of translucency in the editor phase differs from the image of the final rendered output.

Material Picker and the creation of personal material libraries

Following the numerous requests from our community, we considered it important (and appropriate) to add two important features for the daily workflow of each of our users.
Let’s talk about the “Material Picker” and the personal libraries of materials that can be created before and that can be imported into a new project later.


The “Material Picker” (selectable via the classic dropper within the Materials TAB) allows you to copy and paste the material and UV applied to the selected object to any new object / s within our 3D scene; a function that is very useful during the phase of materials assignment.


Meanwhile, the new “Material Sets” allow us to create more personal libraries (always created within Eyecad VR Render) that can be imported into any new project and at any time. This will allow you to speed up the process of creating and setting up new projects.

Over 100 new realistic Poliigon materials

The Poliigon material library within Eyecad VR Render now reaches the number of 176 materials. Poliigon.com is among the best material platforms on the web. The final quality that can now be achieved through the library of new Poliigon materials is enriched with these new categories:

BricksConcrete | Marble | Metal | Organic | Plastic | Stone | Tiles

Customizable exposure within each single virtual camera

Eyecad VR Render offers, compared to earlier versions of Eyecad VR, more and more professional settings (but not complex) virtual cameras can be created within our 3D projects. With this new update it will be easier to create the right shot by setting the exposure in real-time for each virtual camera both in rendering mode and Video Maker mode.

Valve Index fully supported

The new high-end VR headset signed Valve is finally available in Eyecad VR Render.
Valve has in fact created the Valve Index, one of the best VR headset currently on the market, which can be purchased directly through the dedicated proprietary Steam platform.

It is important to remember that the higher resolution of the virtual reality VR headset is, greater the effort required from the video card during the VR explorations of our architectural projects will be.
Valve Index definitely offers the best quality now accessible via commercial VR headsets.

Improved Importer

As usual, the importer always sees his constant updates to improve the efficiency and capacity to import more and more complex projects. Eyecad VR Render automatically optimizes the import of 3D files in order to fully enjoy the real-time ray-tracing rendering experience, although it is always advisable to optimize your 3D projects as much as possible in the 3D modeling phase, paying particular attention to the creation of layers (organized by material) and to the number of polygons created for your project.

Are you ready for the Eyecad VR Render Open Beta?

Download FREE NOW and Join the community

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | Eyecad VR Render – Update 1.0.1 https://eyecadvr.com/eyecad-vr-render-update-1-0-1/ Fri, 28 May 2021 09:03:53 +0000 https://www.eyecadvr.com/?page_id=15565

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

 Eyecad VR Render – Update 1.0.1

The first update of Eyecad VR Render Beta

Thanks to the continued support of our community we have been able to provide the first update of Eyecad VR Render Beta in about two weeks after its first release. Here we discover the most important updates and improvements to version 1.0.1:

Play Video

More than 300 new free 3D models | Pack 1

The first of four 3D models packages has been released in this version. The new 3D models packages contain objects of different categories, from consumer electronics to furniture with new sofas and armchairs; Useful objects to fill the Eyecad VR projects with quality and embellishment models to make every shoot, video or 3D exploration of great visual impact. All 3D models in your library Eyecad VR are optimized for real-time use.

Ray-Tracing rendering engine improvements

Fresnel reflections

Thanks to the Fresnel laws is possible to calculate how the intensity of an incident light beam on a surface is divided between the reflected beam and the refracted ray; In this new update, in Eyecad VR Render Beta you can enjoy even more realistic reflections and physically correct with the introduction of Fresnel reflections.

Shadows and Parallax

The new algorithm that simulates the three-dimensional pattern of a material starting from a simple two-dimensional texture in .jpeg, .PNG, etc… It allows now to achieve an even more realism pushed thanks to the generation of shadows when the light hits the three-dimensional parts of the created material.

Reflective transparent materials in night mode (Editor)

Inside the Eyecad VR Render Beta Editor, it is possible to benefit from real-time reflections of emissive material on all reflective and transparent materials such as water glass and set during the night or in low light conditions.

Interface and user experience

Objects Manager

This useful tool has been enhanced as strongly requested by the Community. From version 1.0.1, the ‘Objects of Eyecad VR Render Beta manager allows the user to immediately identify objects in the selected object list in the 3D scene and to work on a group of selected 3D objects directly within the Object Manager With multiple functions.

Material Editor

The material editor is increasingly professional. In this new version you can select multiple objects for the “preview” to better study the materials being created. It is possible to choose between sphere, cylinder, cube and 2D floor.

HUD Camera

The HUD of the camera, both in the videomaker phase and in the process of rendering of static images, adapts to the new “social formats” introduced into Eyecad VR Render Beta 1.0. Whether you choose an “aspect ratio” 16:9 or 1:1 does not matter, the help interface of the camera no longer looks distorted.

Importer

Sketchup file 2021

SketchUp 2021 has been implemented in this new release that will allow users to not have to save .skp files in older formats.

Import speed SKP file

The performances are always on top of the development list Eyecad VR, especially by improving imports. During Eyecad VR Beta 1.0.1 tests, import speeds of .SKP files up to X9 higher than the previous versions were found, allowing the software to import and manage increasingly complex projects.

Are you ready for the Eyecad VR Render Open Beta?

Download FREE NOW and Join the community

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | Eyecad VR Render | Free Open Beta https://eyecadvr.com/eyecad-vr-render-free-open-beta/ Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:42:25 +0000 https://eyecadvr.com/?page_id=14609

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

Eyecad VR Render | Free Open Beta

The architectural rendering revolution is here!

A new software aimed at creating renderings, videos, 360 panoramic tours and real-time explorations (also in VR)

Rendering has evolved in the last years and new needs arise thanks to increasingly impressive innovation in the field of Computer Graphics applied to the AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) sector.
DIGITAL ATOM is pleased to announce the beginning of the free Open Beta of “Eyecad VR Render”: a new software that aims to meet the daily production needs of professionals in the architectural, design and industrial sectors.
Four years after the launch of the first version of Eyecad VR, we have been constantly working with our community to improve the software in every single aspect and “Eyecad VR Render” is the result of this company policy.
Since the beginning, Eyecad VR has been a hybrid software between a real-time rendering engine and a software for the creation of architectural interactive experiences, today “Eyecad VR Render” is able to express a newimmediate and effective software concept thanks to an optimized workflow for pure architectural visualization of modern conception.

Play Video

“Rendering oriented” workflow

Thanks to a growing community that daily uses Eyecad VR Pro 2020 more for renderings than for VR explorations, we have focused a lot on improvements in the rendering-oriented workflow, trying to help users interested in rendering at this stage.
The new software has been designed to facilitate the input of 3D models into the 3D working area. Models that previously needed optimization, today are able to be imported in a more efficient way, offering a better performance in the Editor at the expense of project interactivity, a function that will be integrated more importantly later, always bearing in mind that the creation of Layers during the modeling phase it is an important step to allow the software in real time to assign materials to several objects at the same time, thus reducing the number of objects in the scene and improving their performance. The goal is therefore to provide a more immediate tool for the realization of:

– Static photorealistic renders
– Video animations
– 360 Panorama tours
– Non-interactive real-time explorations (also in VR)

A revolution called Ray-Tracing

Thanks to new technologies fielded by Unity, Unreal and many other “game-engine” in collaboration with Microsoft and Nvidia, the new DXR libraries have enabled a step forward in the field of rendering in real time like never it has been done before.
The Eyecad VR team has always believed in the potential of this technology by releasing an experimental version in March 2020, a first version of Eyecad VR with a Ray-tracing engine in development, but quite away from a technology applied on a large scale and for commercial use.
The development of the Real-time Ray-Tracing has required much effort and, during the last two years, it has been one of the main development goals of Eyecad VR solutions.

Management and setting of the lighting in real-time

Real-time Ray-Tracing brings significant advantages especially in the editor phase, because it is possible to have an idea of the whole lighting of the scene, long before a render or a video is launched. This is due to different characteristics of real-time Ray-tracing; in fact, in Eyecad VR it is possible to fully use:

– Ambient Occlusion Ray-tracing;
– Ray-tracing reflections in real time without the use of Reflection Probe;
– Global Illumination (GI) in real time;

These are just some of the characteristics of real-time Ray-tracing and, during the BETA phase, the entire Rendering sector of the “Eyecad VR Render” software will be updated and improved thanks to the feedback that the community will provide to the Eyecad VR Official Forum.

Less interactions, higher quality in the rendering workflow

The use of interactions within an Archviz software brings with them different limits, and if we don’t put attention during the 3D modeling phase, they could lead to a workflow that is not always fluid during the production. This is one of the reasons why we have decided, in the new software, to focus on the most important phase: rendering.
This certainly does not limit the development of new versions designed to create interactive projects, including VR; if on one hand we are already working on the new features of interactions (much more in-depth and improved than previous versions), on the other hand, the VR is still strongly present even in Eyecad VR Render that will still allow us to use in Virtual reality all the projects in real time and share interactive Panorama tours.

Photorealistic architectural renderings in a few seconds

The abilities of the new real-time Eyecad VR rendering engine are evident: once the scene is set at the Editor phase, simply shot the render, select the quality and resolution you want and in a few seconds any type of environment will be rendered at the best photorealistic quality possible today in real time.

Video Ray-Tracing animations in a few minutes

Cinematic architectural videos are today a key tool with a strong visual impact, especially when you want to present a project dynamically.
Until recently, to create video animations in Ray-Tracing, required hours of calculation to create every single frame.
Thanks to real-time Ray-Tracing, it is possible to render in a few minutes every clip made with Eyecad VR in top quality.
The “Video-Maker” mode has been improved in Eyecad VR Render by adding useful functions such as the different types of “Aspect Ratio” that can be selected for video animations and some new professional camera settings.

Sharing Photorealistic interactive panoramic tours

Smart working has increasingly become a daily reality and, aware of the new needs of our community, we have exploited the Ray-Tracing engine to allow our users to create realistic interactive tours that can be shared in a few simple steps. The most important thing is to provide to your client a project idea with a strong visual impact, quickly and easily, even with distance. Easy and powerful, Eyecad 360, the tool that allows to create and share interactive panoramic tours, is the perfect combination that goes perfectly with the new rendering method.
Eyecad 360 will receive updates during the beta phase and “designer-customer” communication will be improved.
Creating a simple web-link, you can use your own project via Web (without the aid of external apps or desktop PCs) through a pre-rendered interactive realistic tour.

Virtual reality, always on the top

Virtual reality represents actually the highest way to visualise architecture. For this reason virtual reality will always have an important role in our software and this philosophy is obviously also applied to Eyecad VR Render. Talking about architectural virtual reality in Eyecad VR Render, you can create:

– Real-time desktop explorations in Conceptual Rendering mode (by connecting a VR headset to a PC);
– 360 degree interactive Panorama tours, using a web-link from any device with a web browser. In this case it is also possible to use a simple cardboard to visualise in virtual reality;

Let’s join our community

We need the best energies to grow and the Open Beta represents an important exchanging moment between our team and the whole community. Therefore, we invite you to actively participate in the Open Beta by sharing bug reports and suggestions to improve Eyecad VR Render.

Share your works in the User Gallery

Whether it is an architectural, interior, exterior or a simple test project, we are really curious to see your works. From today it is possible to create topics in the User Gallery section in our Forum to show your works to the whole community and receive tips and tricks from our team to improve them.

Are you ready for the Eyecad VR Render Open Beta?

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Enjoy the future of architectural visualization with Eyecad VR!

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | Eyecad VR 2020 Plug-in Rhinoceros 7 free version now available https://eyecadvr.com/eyecad-vr-2020-plug-in-rhinoceros-7-free-version-now-available/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 10:58:26 +0000 https://eyecadvr.com/?page_id=13119

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

Eyecad VR 2020
Plug-in Rhinoceros 7 free version now available

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Simplified Import Plug-in

After several months of development, DIGITAL ATOM is proud to announce the release of the official Eyecad VR plug-in for Rhinoceros 6 and 7. The famous N.U.R.B.S 3D modeler made by Mcneel is one of the most common software used also in the architectural field. Thanks to the high precision in the modeling phase, nowadays, Rhinoceros is positioned among the most used 3D software also for the solid modeling of buildings, interiors and urban contexts,beside its most common use: the modeling of objects for industrial design.

 How does it work?

Eyecad VR has always been compatible with all 3D modeling software that can export files in the main 3d formats: FBX, 3DS, OBJ etc … However, sometimes users can run into export problems due to all software’s export parameters related with the set up before proceeding with the final export. It is exactly in this phase that the plug-in helps users: just click on the appropriate button to export to Eyecad VR and the plug-in will set all the parameters automatically. This process makes a much faster import and with a higher quality compared with the 3D models made in Rhinoceros than exported to Eyecad VR. The new tool also allows to have a good polygon / quality ratio in the exported 3D file, making the workflow between Rhinoceros and Eyecad VR more fluid.

Compatibility with Grasshopper

According to the tests carried out, it was clear that all the potential of Grasshopper (integrated in Rhinoceros 6 and 7) are exploited to the maximum thanks to the Eyecad VR’s plug-in. Whether it is a structures with an ambitious design or a simple interiors with irregular shapes, Grasshopper has proved to be fully compatible with the Eyecad VR workflow via plug-in, since it simplifies the export phase avoiding annoying inaccuracies at the polygonal level and avoiding to make several attempts to see your 3D model correctly imported into Eyecad VR.

Bring your Rhino designs to life with Eyecad VR

Once the project created in Rhinoceros has been imported into Eyecad VR, it will be possible to take advantage of all the options of DIGITAL ATOM real-time software.
It is possible to add 3D people, high quality PBR materials, props, decorations and, if it desired, it is possible to create the 3D context for the project using the Eyecad VR PRO 2020 “Landscape” editor.

Explore your Rhinoceros projects in VR, PC or smartphone

Once the project has been configured considering all the minimum details, it is possible to create different exploration outputs within Eyecad VR PRO 2020:

o Interactive exploration in real time via monitor, mouse and keyboard;
Interactive exploration in real time through virtual reality viewers (desktop);
Exploration of 3D tours using the Eyecad 360 tool (Panorama tour) which allows you to create explorable web-links that can be shared in real time through any browser and device.

Create real-time renders and videos for your Rhinoceros projects

Once the project is configured in detail, you can create different output presentation within Eyecad VR PRO 2020:


Static images through the classic “render mode”;
Cinematic videos through the “videomaker” mode

Where to download

Eyecad VR PRO 2020 is available for free in a trial version for 15 days from the moment of the license activation. Eyecad VR PRO 2020 Trial can be downloaded at this link by clicking on the Download now button.

The official plugin for Rhinoceros is totally free for all Eyecad VR users on the Windows platform and it can be downloaded in the section of the food4rhino website at this link.

The Rhinoceros plugin is only available for Windows users. It is necessary to update Eyecad VR to version 2020.5.2 in order to use the majority of the plug-in’s potential, including the “Update” feature that allows you to update the 3D model created in Rhino without making the re-export for each modification made in the Rhinoceros 3D model.

Version 2020.5.2 is only available for Eyecad VR Windows users as it is strictly linked to the implementation of the Rhino Plugin.
Furthermore, the macOS version will not receive any more updates as it has been already mentioned in this link.

The new version 2020.5.2 also adds two new languages to the Eyecad VR editor interface: French and Polish.

Enjoy Eyecad VR PRO 2020 with Rhinoceros 6 and Rhinoceros 7.

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | End of support for Eyecad VR for macOS https://eyecadvr.com/end-of-support-for-eyecad-vr-for-macos/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 10:46:04 +0000 https://eyecadvr.com/?page_id=13109

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

End of support for Eyecad VR for macOS

After a careful analysis made by the entire Eyecad VR Team about the possibility of continuing or not with the development of Eyecad VR also for macOS environment, and also, following the choices made by the Cupertino company, it was necessary to make a decision about the future Eyecad VR on Apple computers: Eyecad VR for Mac will no longer be supported from now on and in this article we want to explain the reasons for this difficult choice.

Incompatibility with real-time ray tracing in macOS

The Eyecad VR team has always aimed for real-time technology and in the last years, thanks to the real-time ray-tracing technology (that remains under constant development in the Windows environment) it has been possible to achieve an unprecedented speed and quality ratio. Even if this technology is still in a beta phase in Eyecad VR, it has nevertheless given important feedback and it is on this path that we want and that will soon be revealed to Eyecad VR users. Despite the immense efforts of our technical department, it has been impossible to bring this incredible technology to the macOS environment. If we also consider the features of the new MacBooks that, with BigSur, are no longer compatible with external GPUs (black magic) which has offered our users optimal performance for the standard use of Eyecad VR, it’s easy to understand how complicated it is for DIGITAL.ATOM to keep Eyecad VR support active on Mac.

Incompatibility with virtual reality in macOS

The VR technology that has allowed Eyecad VR to enter the AEC market in 2017, giving to thousands of users the possibility to access virtual reality in a simple, fast and intuitive way in the context of rendering software dedicated to architecture. In 2017, in fact, virtual reality saw incredible innovations in the macOS environment thanks also to the support of Steam which had managed to provide tools to developers to create VR software even in the macOS environment with HTC Vive headsets and the development of Steam VR for macOS.
Here we attach Steam’s official (very short) statement about the end of Steam VR support for macOS:
Steam link: https://store.steampowered.com/newshub/app/250820/view/2216278054495230717

Considering the Steam’s decision to abandon a support for macOS, virtual reality begins to become a mirage and if we also add Oculus’s choice to never release a setup for Mac, it becomes increasingly difficult to develop a software in the macOS environment, above all for interactive virtual reality in an environment lacking fundamental development tools.

Current macOS users will be able to continue to use Eyecad VR up to version 2020.5.1 or they can install (for free) their own Eyecad VR license on Windows PC and they can continue to receive all official updates and plugins, and also gaining more features and greater performance.

Apple’s choices are certainly appreciated from the consumer point of view and Apple products (desktop and otherwise) will continue to offer excellent performances. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same in CG (Computer Graphics), Apple’s Achilles heel that now it seems to be no longer interesting for the Californian company.
We do not exclude a return to the development of Eyecad VR in the macOS environment in the future but this can only happen when both, hardware and software, will have the tools to create high quality products for our users.

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | New PBR materials in partnership with Poliigon. https://eyecadvr.com/new-pbr-materials-in-partnership-with-poliigon/ Tue, 28 Jul 2020 14:09:20 +0000 https://eyecadvr.com/?page_id=11538

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

New PBR materials in Eyecad VR PRO
In partnership with Poliigon

Since the Eyecad VR team has been created, it has always wanted to give a “drag’n’drop” impression to the workflow of the Eyecad VR software and, for this reason, the team is happy to announce the beginning of a new technical partnership. It will add hundreds of “ready-to-render” materials in Eyecad VR PRO 2020!

In the last years, Poliigon has always stood out for the quality of its assets available in the community and thanks to its easy subscriptions, it has immediately distinguished itself in the international market.

With a library of over 3000 materials, including all the channels necessary to achieve that realism, Poliigon is ranked very high in the list of the best aggregators of materials and textures dedicated to archviz rendering, both in terms of quality and quantity of textures provided to users.

Eyecad VR PRO 2020 will see the monthly progressive addition of around 60 materials per category all over the year. The Eyecad VR team is pleased to be able to provide its users with better tools and assets with a particular attention to the quality that this partnership can show.

The new library will be available within the software at no additional cost for Eyecad VR PRO 2020 users in the next few days in the Wood category.

Enjoy the future of the architectural visualization with Eyecad VR!

eyecad VR team

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eyecad VR | Over 2000 new 3D objects Render-Ready for free. https://eyecadvr.com/over-2000-new-3d-objects-render-ready-for-free/ Tue, 28 Jul 2020 14:00:32 +0000 https://eyecadvr.com/?page_id=11532

Welcome to eyecad VR‘s blog

Over 2000 new 3D objects Render-Ready for free

Library Pack 1 – New free library update for Eyecad VR PRO 2020

One of the most important goals of Eyecad VR team is certainly to provide as many 3D assets as possible to accelerate and improve the workflow of our users. For this reason, the Eyecad VR team is pleased to announce the first largest 3D library’s Eyecad VR 2020 update totally for free.

Eyecad VR, in partnership with the Italian “Immensive” team (www.immensive.it), will implement over 2000 3D objects to be used for renderings, videos and explorations in real time. The first large package is made by almost 500 new, optimized and high quality objects oriented towards architectural rendering.

3D libraries are the main heart of the software designed with the “drag’n’drop” logic, and it is thanks to this logic that Eyecad VR is appreciated all over the world.

The libraries will be implemented monthly, completely charge free and without the need to update the software, seen that the assets’ libraries are available directly in the cloud in a specific section in the object TAB of Eyecad VR PRO 2020.

The Eyecad VR team is delighted to be able to offer this service and much more to our users around the world who actively contribute with the development and support of Eyecad VR.


Enjoy the future of the architectural visualization with Eyecad VR!

eyecad VR team

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