Tension is a modifier that compares the current deformation of a mesh with a reference pose, and generates relative compression and expansion data of the edges in the mesh. It dumps the data into either the vertex colour channel or standard mapping channel, where it can be used for display, selection or render-time.

Tension Modifier is available for Max 6 to 8, and costs $20. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v2.2 are:
- Adds 'Edit Poly' modifier support to most of the modelling tools in PolyBoost (most of the changes only work with Edit Poly modifier in Max 8 and above)

PolyBoost is available for Max 5 to 8, and costs $96. A demo version is available here.

Changes for v1.1 are:
- Integrated VTFLib 1.2.3

This is a transparency shader with falloff, which can be used to create materials which look like an X-Ray.

Changes for v1.2 are:
- Adds a 'Wrap' feature that can wrap the incidence toward 'negative' values

Changes for v1.8 are:
- Depth parameter in object space
- Curved Relief Mapping algorithm allows displace to be visible at the object silhouette
- New Relief Mapping Data modifier calculates smooth per-vertex tangent space vectors and surface curvature coefficients

This global utility plugin automatically makes the viewport active that the mouse is currently over.

Changes for v1.21 are:
- Improved memory management
- Improved error messages

Changes for v1.0 are:
- The plugin has been recompiled using the Max 6 SDK, as some people were having problems with the one compiled using the Max 7 SDK. It should now work fine in Max 6, 7 and 8.

Changes for v1.32 are:
- Fixed GDI leak for coolbuttons when using images
- Bugfix for coolbuttons
- Added a ton of new Coolbutton properties
- Added CheckMAXMessages function
- Added DynamicPopupMenu

Changes for v1.0 are:
- No changes, this is just a recompile for Max 7 and 8

Changes for v1.0 are:
- Adds new algorithms for rotating and scaling bevels

Gruesome Arts have released a demo version of their upcoming plugin RapidSD, a new type of object for generating subdivision surfaces.

RapidSD generates subdivs identical to Meshsmooth/Turbosmooth, but responds in real-time even with complex meshes and 2 iterations. The plugin is not finished yet, but this demo will give you an idea of what to expect from the final product.

Changes for v1.1 are:
- Fixes a problem with color temperature interpolation

PineappleWare have released the Pro version of their FisheyeRender plugin.

FisheyeRender Pro is a plugin for rendering dome masters (circular fisheye images) of the scene using the current renderer. It provides an easy and quick way to create accurate equidistant projection images in Max. The Pro version can render animations and also supports Z-buffer output.

FisheyeRender Pro is available for Max 4 to 8, and costs $218. A demo version is available here.

This BRDF shader is good for simulating rough metal.

The Include file for Max can be downloaded here.

I've just uploaded a new version of the database. It has been renovated to allow for a new search function in the freeware databases. There is now a checkbox for searching all databases next to the search input. This makes it easier to find a plugin if you don't know what version it was written for.

The Hapke-Lommel-Seeliger shader is intended to be used for simulating the reflectance distribution of the lunar surface, but it might be used anywhere where rough surface shading is needed.

The Include file for Max can be downloaded here.

Adds a few new types of snap functions: Perpendicular, Parallel, Parallel To and Intersect.

The link above is only for the Max 8 plugin, you can get the Max 7 version here.

MegaBevel allows you to perform asymmetrical bevels on a poly selection.

The link above is only for the Max 8 plugin, you can get the Max 7 version here.

This is an advanced version of the chamfer / extrude function in EditablePoly, written as a modifier.

The link above is only for the Max 8 plugin, you can get the Max 7 version here.

Based on the chamfer function in EditablePoly, this modifier, when applied to a poly edge selection, chamfers the edges asymmetrically.

The link above is only for the Max 8 plugin, you can get the Max 7 version here.

This is an advanced version of the outline function in EditSpline, allowing you to outline intersecting splines with automatic removal of the intersections.

The link above is only for the Max 8 plugin, you can get the Max 7 version here.

Allows you to browse the parameters and light distribution of photometric light sources.

The link above is only for the Max 8 plugin, you can get the Max 7 version here.

Changes for v1.20 are:
- Fixes a load of minor bugs

The version for Max 4 and 5 has also been updated, you can also get it at the link above.

Changes for v1.7 are:
- New parameter controls the strength of normals when generated from a depth map
- Fixed displace distortion bug when texture was not mapped as a square

Changes for v1.5 are:
- No changes, but this version supports Max 8

Vehicle Simulator is available for Max 5 to 8, and costs $599. A demo version is available here.

This is a simple toon shader.

Changes for v7.0 are:
- Adds batch processing
- Adds support for Max 8
- 'Apply Modifiers' setting now retains parameters

Polygon Cruncher is available for Max 4 to 8, and costs $109. A demo version is available here.

greenworks organic software have uploaded a new alpha version of their XFrog plugin for Max. You can download it at the XFrog for Max forum.

Changes for v1.6 are:
- Adds a 'depth invert' option to invert depth maps
- Adds automatic normal calculation (uses depth map gradients if no normal map is specified)

Particle Flow Tools: Box#3 is a set of Particle Flow operators and tests designed to extend Particle Flows inherent capabilities. With the development of the new particle data visual scripting interface Data View, and addition of 20+ sub-operators, the plugin brings to special effects artists powerful and flexible tools to design their own operators and tests in Particle Flow.

For a limited time the current pre-release version is available for Max 6 to 8 at the discount price of $395. For more details please contact sales@orbaz.com.

Autodesk have released Service Pack 1 for Max 8, you can get it here.

DTX_Deformation texmap blends three sub-texmaps or colors depending on an objects deformation. Evaluation is performed relative to a pre-defined non-deformed state.

A preview of sub-texmap/color blending is provided. You can change the deformation of the sample and watch how the map changes. Blending can be adjusted using the 'Deformation/Mix' curve, so you can increase the mix value for small deformations or decrease it for strong ones.

DTX_Deformation is available for Max 6, 7 and 8, and costs $22. A demo version is available here.

7 new shaders have been added to the mental ray database. The new shaders are:

From Alan Jones:
- BoolTrace v1.0
- inciDents v1.0
- Thickness v1.0

From Mark Davies:
- Aperture v1.0
- RayDiffuse v2.1

From Ralf Habel:
- Prism_photon v1.0

From Jan Sandström
- JS_ExposureControl v1.0

Changes for v2.7 are:
- Faster image window interaction
- Interactive image rotation
- Direct GIS or real-time vis sim export
- 7 new modelling tools
- Model from aerial or satellite photos
- Extended ground modelling capabilities
- Support for lots of datums and projections

Nverse Photo is available for Max 3 to 8, and costs $2495. It includes the plugin Nverse Terra (also available separately) for importing USGS digital elevation models.

Changes for v1.5 are:
- Includes new depth option to select input channel
- Includes new utility for creating depth maps from normal maps
- New options for better control of self-shadowing.

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Tear! I hope you all have a healthy and prosperous one... Dave