3Dconnexion releases new software 3D design and visualization applications

22 Mar 2007: 3Dconnexion announced yesterday the availability of a new software development kit (SDK) enabling developers of 3D design and visualization applications to implement support for 3Dconnexion's 3D navigation devices, including the SpaceNavigator. 3Dconnexion COM-based SDK for Windows is free and available immediately for download.

With 3D content being integrated into a broader array of applications, the company reports that 3Dconnexion navigation devices are being used increasingly to simplify the control of 3D imagery in traditional 3D design software, as well as in applications that incorporate 3D visualization. 3Dconnexion's devices are used as companions to the mouse and keyboard and are held in the alternate hand to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate camera views and 3D objects. The 3Dconnexion product line is supported by many 3D applications, including Google Earth, Adobe Acrobat 3D and Autodesk Maya.

3Dconnexion's new SDK includes instructions and examples of application source code, as well as code samples in C+, Visual Basic and Java. In addition, 3Dconnexion offers several support resources for developers, including a developer's forum and dedicated e-mail support.

"Developers of 3D applications are constantly seeking ways to enhance the interaction between people and their products," said Froi Lomotan, director of software engineering for 3Dconnexion. "More and more developers are turning to natural and intuitive interfaces coupled with an advanced 3D navigation device. Our new SDK helps developers easily integrate six-axis navigation capabilities within their applications."

Source : http://manufacturing.cadalyst.com