Announcing Autodesk Instant – Group Messaging App from Autodesk

Autodesk launches group messaging app Autodesk Instant.  Right now it is only available in North America but they did manage to release it on Android and iOS.  It is a free app that provides a free service where groups of people can communicate through their mobile device.  I don’t have a lot of information on it right now but I am working on that.

Autodesk Instant will allow users to exchange messages, share photos, video and their location.  Users can communicate with anyone in their address book or a colleague that has verified their email with the app service.

The app is free and the service is free.  So far I have tried out the app with Curt Moreno, the Kung Fu Drafter, and it was easy enough to use.  He didn’t have Instant set up yet when I started the conversation so Instant went on its backup SMS delivery system.  Essentially it seems to be using my phone’s SMS options.  I was able to send him pictures just like you would any SMS or texting app.  I also sent him a map of my location.  Now he is stalking me!

Instant allows for one on one conversations or for group conversations.  I plan on investigating this new app and service from Autodesk further and will report back as soon as I have more information.

I have several questions for Autodesk about Instant and I am sure you do too.

Scott Sheppard, Autodesk Labs, discusses Autodesk Instant in his blog.

Links to download the app:
iOS
Android

AutoCAD WS 1.6.1 Released – AutoCAD Utility Design Now Supported

Autodesk released the latest version of AutoCAD WS (mobile version 1.6.1) for the web based version as well as the iOS and Android versions.  All versions are up to date and match each other.  These latest versions support AutoCAD Utility Design drawings.  According to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, various bug fixes are also addresses.

See the AutoCAD WS blog post here about this update.

 

LizardTech releases free GeoViewer app for Android.

LizardTech has had a free image viewer for desktops (GeoViewer) for some time now.  Now they have released a free version of their viewer on the Android platform through the Google Play Store.  GeoViewer is a simple viewer that can handle MrSID and JPEG 2000 images.  Users can pan and zoom to navigate the images.  You can also add vector layers like Esri Shape files and KML Files.

The app lets users measure distance between points, between a point and your current location (if your device’s GPS is enabled) or along a path of points.  GeoViewer can see geocoordinates of any location by touching that place on the screen.  Users can look at layer properties, the coordinate reference system being used, the layer’s geo bounding box, dimensions, colors pace, data type and resolution.  Users can also search locations by geographic coordinates in WGS84 (Lat/Long) or in the images native coordinate system.

Autodesk's Pixlr Express named as one of the Google Play's Best Apps of 2012

Autodesk's Pixlr Express (Android version) has been selected by Google as one of 12 of the Best Apps of 2012.  I use Pixlr Express for it's quick filters, cropping, borders, and effects.  It is easy to use and very powerful.  It is an update to Autodesk's Pixlr-o-matic app that has several preset filters (etc.).  The Express version has many more options to it.  If you take pics on your Android phone and like sharing them with friends or family then this is a great app to help you spruce up your photos.

 Pixlr Express in the Google Play Store

Autodesk Releases update for AutoCAD WS Mobile Apps

Autodesk has released an update for the mobile versions of their free CAD program AutoCAD WS.

image from autocadws.com

AutoCAD WS 1.6 is now available for iOS and Android.

Autodesk Releases ForceEffect for Android

Autodesk® has released their mobile engineering app for simulating design concepts ForceEffect™ for Android. It’s about time. ForceEffect™ is a simulation app that can perform calculations for you. Since it is on your mobile device you can perform these design calculations anywhere. All of your designs can be exported to a DXF file format which allows you to use your work in most of Autodesk’s design platforms.
If you have been waiting for this app today is your day.  Go to Google Play and download it.  It is completely free.

IMSI Design First to 3D DWG Viewing on Android

IMSI Design announced today that their popular CAD Viewer application TurboViewer is now available on the Android Platform.  IMSI Design released two versions of TurboViewer; TurboViewer (free version) and TurboViewer X ($3.99 U.S.)  IMSI’s Turboviewer for iOS was named one of the Top 5 apps in the iOS world by Macworld/iWorld.

The Android versions match the iOS versions in abilities.  They support native 2D and 3D .DWG and .DXF viewing, smooth multi touch navigation for panning, zooming and orbits.  Offline file support, ability to restore saved views, full screen previews and more.

TurboViewer and TurboViewer X are about the same in functionality.  TurboViewer Free is, well, free.  It is supported by adds.  TurboViewer X has no adds.  Both read DWG and DFX files.  Files can be viewed via web downloads, FTP, Dropbox®, WebDAV, through email attachment, and several cloud based storage systems.  There is an online Wiki help if you get stuck using the app.  TurboViewer X adds more features to the mix.  Besides having no adds, it has a layer visibility manager.

TurboViewer v1
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.imsi.TurboViewer.Free

TurboViewer X
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.imsi.TurboViewer.X

Wiki Help
http://turbocaddoc.onconfluence.com/display/TView/TurboViewer

For more information see www.IMSIdesign.com/TurboViewer

AutoCAD WS now available for the Kindle Fire

Image courtesy of autocadws.com

The AutoCAD WS blog announced today that AutoCAD WS is now available as an app for the Kindle Fire through the Amazon App Store.  It's the same as the "regular" AutoCAD WS Android app, but now you can get it through the Amazon App Store and it works on the Kindle Fire.  Good call Autodesk as the number of Kindle Fires in the wild will keep increasing.  Now, how about getting it on Barnes and Noble's Nook Color or Nook Tablet?  What?  Am I asking for too much?

Autodesk Design Review Mobile for Android Looking for Beta Testers

Autodesk Design Review is a great free program that can read, write, and mark up DWF files.  It can do many things.  It is meant as a digital markup tool for drawings.

A few months ago Autodesk released a mobile version of Design Review for the iPad on  Apple's iOS.  This was great  because it meant that marking up drawings in a mobile setting was very easy to do, but only on an iPad.  Fanboys!!  Upon its release, Autodesk did state that they were working on an Android version.   That was good news for real geeks like me that use Android.

All kidding aside, Autodesk is looking for some help testing Design Review Mobile on Android.  And for good reason.  Testing for the iPad  is easy. There are only two versions of the iPad to test (the iPad and the iPad 2).  Android on the other hand has several devices.  That means that Autodesk needs to make sure their app works on several pieces hardware, each having different hardware configurations and specs.

Autodesk is not guaranteeing that they will pick you for the program but if you have an Android device you have a shot at it.  Go to the sign up website and fill out the short form and wait.  That's it.  I signed up and hope to get in.

Good luck Android users!!

Autodesk SketchBook Mobile for Android $0.10

The Android Market is celebrating the downloading of Ten Billion apps with their 10 Days of Offers - Top Premium Apps for $0.10 per day sale!!  Yes it's a mouthful.  The bottom line is that today Android users can get Autodesk's SketchBook Mobile for $0.10!!!  It is normally priced at $1.00 I believe.  At that price it won't break the bank but at one tenth the normal cost you may want to try it out if you haven't already.

Right now the other nine apps for ten cents are:

• Great Little War Game
• Paper Camera
• Sound Hound
• Asphalt 6
• Fieldrunners HD
• SwiftKey
• Minecraft
• Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro
• Color and Draw for Kids

Check them out.  I also use Paper Camera and SwiftKey in case you were wondering.

Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile Android app available for free today through Amazon App Store

The Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile Android app is free today (only) through the Amazon App Store (only in the U.S.A.)  It is normally priced at $1.99 (quit being cheap and purchase it) but not today!  If you just picked up an Amazon Kindle Fire download this app right now!!!!!  If you have any Android device and have access to the Amazon App Store download this app right now!!  It is a great app and has been voted as one of the best mobile apps for Android (and iOS) many times by several different groups.  Including CAD-a-Blog.

 If you don't have access to the Amazon App store but live in the U.S.A and have an Android device, you can get access to the store.  Go to amazon.com and visit the App Store Page.  There will be directions on how to download and install the App Store App.  Or click HERE for directions.

Once installed you will have access to many Android Apps.  The big deal is that Amazon has a free app of the day every day.  Most of the time is just a simple two dollar (U.S.) game.  Other times it is a really great app like Sketchbook Mobile or Office Suite (which typically retails for $14.99 U.S.D.)

Check it out.  You may find something you like.

If your Android device doesn't have a mobile number, or you are having

issues using their proposed method as shown, try visiting this website:
www.amazon.com/amazonappstoreapp

It will help you install the app store. Enjoy.

AutoCAD WS Mobile App now available on Amazon App Store - Ready for the Kindle Fire

AutoCAD WS, Autodesk’s mobile (and/or browser based) version of AutoCAD (or at least a CAD like program that can open and edit DWG files) is now available for download (for free) on Android devices from the Amazon App Store. AutoCAD WS has already been available through the Android Market for some time now as well as on iOS through the Apple App Store. So who cares? It’s the same thing just from a different place. Kindle Fire owners. I know, the Kindle Fire from Amazon will not be available until November 15th and the Amazon App Store is only available to customers in the United States. But the Kindle Fire has already pre-sold over a million units through preorders and will sell even more. The Kindle is an Android device that has been heavily customized by Amazon. Even though it is Android based it will not have access to the Android Market. It has apps but only through the Amazon App Store. That’s why this is a big deal. The Kindle Fire is going to double the amount of Android based tablets in the wild (that’s my prediction based on my own opinion). So if you have an Android App and you want Kindle Fire owners to use it, buy it, or recommend it to their friends then you really need to get your app on the Amazon App Store. It seems that Autodesk understands this.

Mobi Systems Office Suite Pro 5 FREE on Amazon App Store - Today

The Amazon App Store has a free Android based App every day.  Today's app is Office Suite Pro 5 from Mobi Systems.  I already have an Office Suite for my Android hardware but I downloaded it anyway.  Why you ask?  Because (according to Mrs. CAD-a-Blog) I am an "App Hoarder"  She's not wrong.  I love me some apps, especially when they are free!  Amazon's Free App a day program is typically made up of stupid little games running anywhere from $0.99 and up.  Typically not a huge savings and typically apps I would never get, even when free.  But once every two to three weeks it seems Amazon throws in a golden nugget that keeps me coming back every day to see what's available.  I have gleaned some good stuff; CAM Scanner, Cut the Rope, Swift Key, Paper Camera, Printer Share Mobile (I can print from my phone/tablet), Thumb Keyboard, Wifi File Explorer and more.

The Amazon Android App Store is significant for two reasons: the free app a day program and the Kindle Fire (Coming November 15th.)  If you already have an Android device then getting free apps is a good thing.  If you plan on getting the Amazon Kindle then the only access you have to Android Apps will be through the Amazon App Store.  So if it's not there then your Kindle can't get it.  That's why I got this app today.  I didn't need it but there is a chance that I will be getting a Kindle Fire.  If so then I will want an office suite on it.  Now I don't have to buy one because the Amazon App Store knows which apps you purchased and you can reload them on all of your android devices, up to 5 I believe.  I just saved $15, if I get a Kindle Fire that is.  Yes I am an app hoarder.  If you don't like it then cast me in a reality show.

Office Suite Pro 5 is a pretty good mobile office suite.  It can open and edit Word, Excel, and Power Point files.  It can also open (not edit) PDF files.  But then most mobile office suites these days can.  It can handle these file types:

• Text formats - Microsoft Office 97 to 2010 text documents - DOC and DOCX, RTF, TXT, LOG
• Spreadsheets -Microsoft Office 97 to 2010 spreadsheets -XLS, XLSX andCSV
• Presentations - Microsoft Office 97 to 2010 presentations -PPT, PPTX, PPSand PPSX
• Other formats -PDF, EML, ZIP

Not bad, especially the ZIP format.  The App really shines when run on Honeycomb where it has a multi-pane view ability.  Another nice feature is the dictionary integration in the word processor.  Select a word and pick the Look Up option in the menu.  You have to have one of Mobi Systems Dictionary apps loaded to use this feature of course but maybe one day Amazon will give one of those away for free too!

One thing that I don't like about Office Suite Pro 5 is that it can only open/save files on the device or to your Google Docs account.  It can not integrate with other cloud based applications like MobileMe, Dropbox, Sugar Sync, Box, etc.  If you use Google Docs and the others then it's fine.  Or you can download your file from Dropbox to your device then open it through Office Suite Pro 5.  I use Dropbox a lot so for me it's an issue.  But I got the app for free!

Overall Mobi Systems Office Suite Pro 5 is a good mobile Office viewing/editing application.  It's worth the regular price of $15 in the Amazon App store but it's a steal for free.  Get it.  Right now. Before it's too late!

AutoCAD WS available for Android and now with Anywhere Storage

Autodesk released their latest OS version of AutoCAD WS today. AutoCAD WS is now available (click here) for free on the Android operating system.  Autodesk's AutoCAD WS mobile platform has been available for Apple's iOS (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) for a while now, but this new version brings some Mobile CAD love to the Android Fanboys (and Fangirls.)

If you are new to AutoCAD WS Mobile, don't worry.  Autodesk has provided a nice little tutorial on how to use it on your Android device.

AutoCAD WS on Android is not the only new item on the list, the browser based version (the full version) has some new add functionality to it.  (from the AutoCAD WS Website)

• Anywhere Storage - Now you can connect your AutoCAD WS web and mobile account to a variety of storage sites. Click on the following tutorials to learn how to connect to: Buzzsaw, Box.net, Dropbox (via DropDAV),MobileMe, Egnyte and even your own Fille server or SharePoint site. 

• Plot-to-PDF/DWFx -- You can now create PDF or DWFx files from your DWG files for plotting or sharing with others. 

• PDF Support -- You are now able to open markup and share a PDF in AutoCAD WS in the same way as a DWG file.

AutoCAD WS already had the ability to save files in the cloud, its own cloud.  This new "Anywhere Storage" functionality means that you will always have access to your files, even if you can't get to AutoCAD WS, or if you loose connection to the internet.  Log in to your AutoCAD WS account and open the Drawings Tab (it's on the left side of the screen.)  Click the CONNECT button.  This opens the "Connect to Service" window.  Click the down arrow icon next to the URL field to populate a list of typical cloud based systems.  Pick the service you plan on using (Buzzsaw, Box.net, Dropbox, and more) and fill out your username/password, etc.

If you are going to use Dropbox with AutoCAD WS, you will need to set up an account with DropDAV.  Once you've done that you can use Dropbox.