Apple today announced Shake 3, a new version of its industry-leading compositing and visual effects software. Shake 3 includes new Mac OS X-only features such as the Shake Qmaster network render management software and unlimited network rendering licenses which allow visual effects artists to easily distribute rendering tasks across a cluster of Apple’s Xserve 1U rack servers or desktop Power Mac G4s for maximum performance and efficiency. Shake 3 also includes new visual effects features available to Mac OS X, Linux and IRIX customers including motion-tracking and real-time broadcast preview. Shake 3 is expected to be available in June for Mac OS X, Linux and IRIX through Apple Authorized Pro Film Resellers. Shake 3 will be available for Mac OS X with unlimited render licenses for US$4,950, and for Linux and IRIX for a suggested retail price of $9,900 with annual maintenance of $1,485.
