AutoCAD WS Changes its name to AutoCAD 360 and goes PRO!

Autodesk has released a new version of AutoCAD WS and has implemented several changes to their mobile CAD product.  First off, AutoCAD WS has a new name.  From henceforth it shall be called “AUTOCAD 360”!!  That makes sense.  It goes along with the rest of Autodesk’s cloud based 360 branding.  The WS, according to Autodesk, never actually stood for anything anyway.  (I always suspected it either stood for Web Service or that the URL was available so they went with it.)  The other big change is that there are now three versions of AutoCAD 360; free, Pro, and Pro Plus.  The free version will essentially look and feel like what we have been using these past few years.  The Pro and Pro Plus versions will require a monthly subscription but provide more storage space, more tools and better support.

What’s new in AutoCAD 2014?

Autodesk is about to release the latest version of its flagship design program AutoCAD 2014.  AutoCAD 2014 is the 28th release of AutoCAD and is noted as being version 19.1.  It continues with the AutoCAD 2013 .dwg file type and format and is supported on Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.  No official support from Autodesk will be given for Windows Vista.  AutoCAD 2014 continues Autodesk’s reach for the clouds with its integration of Autodesk 360, new geographic location tool, reality capture, design feed (my personal favorite new tool), and increased control for Autodesk Exchange Apps.  Autodesk also makes an attempt to protect us from malicious files with the Secureload tools.  We will take a look at these new features.

The Future of AutoCAD WS: My interview with the AutoCAD WS Project Managers

Autodesk is best known for its flagship design program AutoCAD.   But did you know Autodesk has a mobile version of AutoCAD called AutoCAD WS?  I had a chance to talk with the great people at Autodesk that manage AutoCAD WS; Ilai Rotbaein (Manager, Product Management, AutoCAD Products) and Dusty DiMercurio (Marketing Manager, Small Business).  What they had to say was very interesting.

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.

 

Autodesk Must make AutoCAD WS for Windows Phones

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If Autodesk doesn't make a Windows Phone 8, or Windows 8 App store version of AutoCAD WS (and their other apps) they will miss the boat.

Windows is not going away any time soon.  Windows Phone 8 is not that big of deal right now but it is growing.  The thing about Windows Phone 8 is that it works very well with other Microsoft software like Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Office.  Many AutoCAD users use many Microsoft Products (like Office and Exchange.)  Windows Phone 8 will get adopted, how much, I have no idea.  In the U.S. it only has a small market share (at the moment) but it is growing.  Windows 8 will eventually replace most of Windows XP, Windows Vista and eventually Windows 7.  Honestly that may not happen until Windows 9 comes out, but you get the idea.  Windows, for the moment, is here to stay in the enterprise and in small business.

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.

AutoCAD WS now Supports AutoCAD Civil 3D Drawings!

According to the AutoCAD WS Blog (http://www.autocadws.com/blog), Autodesk’s mobile CAD program, AutoCAD WS, now supports Civil3D drawings.  According to the blog, all AutoCAD WS platforms, web, mobile, and mac, support Civil3D drawings.

The AutoCAD WS web platform doesn't seem to be handling my Civil3D drawings yet.

I’m waiting to hear back from Autodesk with more information.  I will let you know when I hear more.

UPDATE:
Everything seems to be working after further testing.  I had to upload all reference files and data source files first.  User error there on my part. If you have any more difficulty viewing the files make sure the setting PROXYGRAPHICS is set to "1" which turns it on.  In the mobile app platforms of AutoCAD WS you can change your viewing settings to 3D solids.  This displays the Civil3D objects quite well.  Especially any surfaces that you may have.

Is Autodesk going to release a Windows 8/Windows RT/Windows Phone 8 version of AutoCAD WS?

Microsoft showed off Windows 8 and the Surface today.  Both look very interesting to me.  One question that has been on my mind is if Autodesk will release any of its mobile apps for Windows 8, both Windows 8 RT and Windows Phone 8?  Or neither?

I figured the best way to find out is to ask Autodesk.  So I did.  Here is the response from an Autodesk spokesperson:

“As of today (October 18th, 2012) no Autodesk products are supported on Windows 8, but it is our intention is to support many of our key products on Windows 8 in future versions. Our current offering of mobile apps are limited to iOS and Android but we are actively investigating opportunities to broaden offerings to include Windows 8 mobile versions.”

AutoCAD WS update – Now has Design Feed

Autodesk has released the next version of AutoCAD WS Mobile.  Release 1.5 has a very big new feature called Design Feed.  Design Feed is a mechanism for context-specific posts that allow real time and asynchronous collaboration from within the drawing file.

Autodesk Updates AutoCAD WS – now in 3D!!!

Autodesk updated it’s free mobile CAD application AutoCAD WS.  Here are the new features:

• 3D Support
• GPS Support
• Plot from Mobile

These three new features in AutoCAD WS are great.  The 3D support should probably have been there the entire time, but that’s ok because it is here now.  Users can now go between 2D and 3D views.  There is no 3D editing so those features are turned off during a 3D session.  You can view the 3D model with a series of preset views.  There are ten preset viewing angles as well as the ability to rotate your view as needed.  You can also view the model in Wireframe mode or Solid mode.  These views only have two visibility states, Grayscale and not Grayscale.

The GPS support lets you locate yourself in your file.  It uses the GPS abilities of your mobile device so accuracy is limited to what the mobile hardware can do.  Don’t use it to create survey points but it will get you close to where you need to be.  The GPS functionality does work with AutoCAD WS’s Google Maps functionality.  Tag your location the file and then load a Google Map image of where you are.  This is good to create a map, or to quickly identify where your project is located.

The ability to plot from your mobile device via AutoCAD WS is limited to HP Printers that have ePrinter abilities but it’s a start.  It can print to PDF or DWF which is really nice.

What I would like to see in the next update.

• It would be nice if all visibility (or at least more) were available. 
• The ability to use other cloud based printing services/apps. Google Cloud Printing or my PrinterShare app integration for example.  I don’t have access to an HP ePrinter (HP if you are reading this I would love to test some out for you and blog about them) but I do have access to a Google Cloud Printer and other wifi printers.  For now I have to print to PDF and print that file from my device. 
• The ability to create a new drawing.  Please add this.

What would you like to see in the next update of AutoCAD WS?

(shhh! Don’t tell anyone but I am hearing rumors of AutoCAD WS future abilities will soon include some cool things. Stay tuned.)

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 announces new features coming to AutoCAD WS

At the start of Autodesk University 2011 Autodesk announced the new features coming to the next release of AutoCAD WS. There are three new major features that they announced:

3D Support 

GPS Integration 

Plot to Print from Mobile 

These three new features are very exciting from a user’s perspective, like me. The 3D support will allow users to view and share three dimensional objects in DWG files.

The GPS integration is said to allow users to position themselves inside their designs when out on a site visit! That’s amazing if it really works that well. We will have to wait and field test it. This is a huge deal for all sorts of design professionals and DIY’ers. I can take a set of civil engineering drawings and visit a site. I could then, depending on the accuracy of your GPS unit in your mobile device, collect locations of existing fire hydrants, valves, sidewalks, trees, buildings, etc. I’m skeptical on this because I know how inaccurate mobile devices are with regards to GPS. However, it could be accurate enough for many field location tasks.

The ability to print from a mobile device is not a game changer but a good feature to have especially when collaborating out of the office with a tablet and AutoCAD WS. I feel that the real use of this feature will be limited. If I am collaborating with an uploaded DWG file then printing it is not a problem once I return to my desk, where my printer is. If I am collaborating with another user then they already have access to the file. Since they have access they will be able to print the drawing as much as they want to. I can print to my mobile device to my home or work printer (Yes I’m a geek) but I have yet to need to use that feature. That being said, having the ability to print from AutoCAD WS if the need arises is a good thing.

I am anxious to see these new features in place. There is no word (as of this writing) which, if not all, of these new features will be available on the Web Application (the website) or just on the mobile apps (for iOS and Android). I doubt that the GPS will be needed in the web app unless users plan on using it on a laptop, ok, so maybe the GPS but then the laptop would need a GPS radio. The Print from Mobile feature is rather obvious; besides, the Web App can already print. However, the 3D object abilities better be applied to both the mobile app and the web app. Then there is the stand alone Mac only version. I’m sure it will get whatever the Web App gets. By the way Autodesk, when is the Windows standalone version coming?



images from autocadws.com

AutoCAD Isometrics WS Technology Preview Now Available

Autodesk Labs is at it again!!  Today they released yet another Labs Technology Preview called AutoCAD Isometrics WS.

This Technology Preview is a cloud based service for creating, sharing, storing and viewing isometric drawings. It has the ability to design and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices with full DWG file type compatibility.  There is a catch, you need a PCF file to upload.  A PCF file can be created from Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Plant 3D and other 3d parry applications.  Upload the file and let the cloud do the processing for you.  That's the idea anyway.

To get started, go to the AutoCAD Isometrics WS login page.  Sign in (or sign up then sign in) and get started. Once in the process is quite simple.  Select your PCF file to upload, establish your Isometric styles, and create.  Once complete you will have a DWG file to play with.  Your files can be saved in Autodesk Cloud or you can download them.

AutoCAD Isometrics WS is a simple tool to use that can save you much time and effort.  Since it's in the cloud it will save you on resources and effort.  If you don't have access to a PCF file, Labs will supply you with one to try it out.  Ursula Sadiq has put together a video preview for you to look at.

Autodesk Labs is looking for feedback on this preview.  Try it out, kick the tires and let them know what you think.  If it's garbage let them know.  If's it fantastic, let them know.  Just follow the feedback links from the labs.

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.

Autodesk Announces AutoCAD 2012 for Mac, AutoCAD LT for Mac, and AutoCAD WS for Mac

Design 8.16 is finally here. Where you surprised? Wait, you haven’t heard what it is yet? Today, Autodesk is announcing the next version of AutoCAD, AutoCAD for Mac 2012. Disappointed? Well there are few more details to go with it. Autodesk is also announcing AutoCAD LT for Mac 2012.

Also, Autodesk is announcing AutoCAD WS for Mac, standalone version. Now it’s interesting. If you are a Mac user or if you want to be a Mac user then this is great news. I am wondering, how many of you guessed it? I’ll bet you might have figured on AutoCAD 2012 for Mac and maybe even thought AutoCAD LT for Mac was the topic of Design 8.16, but I’ll guess that none of you considered that a standalone version of AutoCAD WS for Mac would be a part of it. 

This announcement makes a lot of sense from Autodesk’s point of view. It’s also really great news for Mac users. AutoCAD for Mac 2012 and AutoCAD WS for Mac will be available worldwide on August 19th, 2011. AutoCAD LT for Mac will only be available in the U.S. and Canada on August 16th, 2011. Why? Because these two products will only be available through the Mac App Store.

That last bit is disappointing to hear, but it is nice to see Autodesk try new things, like the Mac App Store as a product delivery method. Perhaps one day Uncle Carl and Cousin Steve can work it out so everyone can get AutoCAD LT for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac through the Mac App Store, but for now, it’s limited.

AutoCAD WS for Mac is a free download (for those that can download it.) AutoCAD LT for Mac is a down load on the App Store and will be priced near $900. AutoCAD for Mac 2012 will be priced just under $4000. There will be a Free Student version of AutoCAD for Mac available. For a better price guide go to Autodesk’s website. 

Since AutoCAD LT is a download, up to five machines can license it under the same username. That’s nice for those that have multiple Mac’s or Mac Books. Also, if you have a license for AutoCAD (for PC) you can choose to download the Mac version instead. Check with Autodesk’s website for exact details. AutoCAD for Mac 2012 will also feature network licensing and is available for subscription.

The majority of the AutoCAD 2012 features have been brought over to AutoCAD for Mac 2012, but still no Sheet Set support and no tools to create dynamic blocks.

Will you be updating your AutoCAD for Mac 2011 to 2012?  Will you be getting AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT for Mac now?  

I think it's great for Mac users and for Autodesk to have more products, and updated products, on the Mac platform.  As a PC user I'm jealous of the standalone AutoCAD WS version, but maybe there will be one in the works soon enough??  Autodesk is slowly expanding their Mac portfolio.  Which Autodesk product will be next?  Which one would you like to see?

Cadalyst to host TwitterChat

Cadalyst Magazine is hosting their first ever TwitterChat.  What's a TwitterChat?  It's an organized event where twitter users are purposefully using the same HashTag to have a conversation with other Twitter users.  Cadalyst has put together a webpage (click this link) where they describe the ins and outs of their TwitterChat.

This TwitterChat is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 23 at 1 p.m. PST/4 p.m. EST.  The Hashtag will be:

 #DellCAD

This TwitterChat is sponsored by Dell and presented by Cadalyst  (@cadalyst_mag).  The chat will be hosted by Lynn Allen (@Lynn_Allen)

The topic of conversation will be centered around collaboration, specifically using AutoCAD WS.  To join the conversation remember to search on twitter for the hashtag #DellCAD ! Everyone is invited! If you miss the chat, don't worry.  The hashtags shouldn't go anywhere, there just won't be anyone live tweeting.  I think Cadalyst is going to create a transcript of the chat for later.  Cadalyst is also planning to have more of these chats.  If you are on "the twitter", join in and ask some questions.

Autodesk AutoCAD WS Facecast - Watch it here on CAD-a-Blog

Autodesk has a great Free CAD application called AutoCAD WS.  It's a free web based AutoCAD based program that can read and write DWG files.  Autodesk is having a live "facecast" on Thursday May 26th at 9 am PST.  What's a "facecast"?  Well it's a webcast presented through Facebook.  You can see the AutoCAD WS Facecast on their Facebook page here.  Autodesk has had a few Facecasts so far and they have been successful.  One Facecast was about AutoCAD for MAC and it featured Matt Stein, one of the lead develoeprs of AutoCAD for MAC.

Imagine having the chance to hear from a lead developer on your favorite program!  Autodesk is doing this again but for AutoCAD WS.  This Facecast will feature the co-creator of AutoCAD WS Tal Weiss.  During the facecast you will be able to log on and ask questions.  Not every question will be answered but many of them will be.  Maybe you want to learn what AutoCAD WS is.  Maybe you've been using it but have a few questions.  Come to the facecast and fine out.

If you aren't using Facebook that's ok.  Aotudesk has provided me with a link so that the facecast will also be broadcast here on CAD-a-Blog!!  That's right!  If your boss has blocked Facebook you can watch the facecast here.

Watch live streaming video from autocad at livestream.com

Make sure to watch the Facecast here on May 26th at 9 am PST.

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.

Autodesk releases AutoCAD WS 1.2 - Import Inventor Files

Autodesk has released the next version of AutoCAD WS, version 1.2.  This new update is available for download in Apple’s App Store at this link.

(This video demonstrates the new features in AutoCAD WS 1.2)

It is also available in a web browser (for all of you non iOS designers) at www.autocadws.com .

AutoCAD WS 1.2 has several major updates; Inventor Support, Multi Language Support, and several feature enhancements.

If you are an inventor user and want to share your model with AutoCAD WS users, export your file to a DWG format and share it with AutoCAD WS.  It will seamlessly upload for collaborative sharing, editing and viewing.  The language update means that AutoCAD WS is now available in nine languages; English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and Italian.

There are also several feature updates.  One of the biggest is layout support.  Users can now go to model space in shared files.  The Free Line tool has been improved so that its width can be set.  It can also be set to sketch mode where users can draw, well, anything.  Copy/Paste now works with a double tap to select an object to copy it, cut or paste.  Units (inches or feet) can now be displayed as such if the files units have been set.  Why wouldn’t they be set?

AutoCAD WS is a great collaboration tool that has been used by over 900,000 designers (according to Autodesk.)  It keeps getting better and I fully expect it to become a very powerful design tool in the future.  If you haven’t tried it out, do.  It’s free, it’s simple, and you already know how to use it.  All we need now is for it to be available on other mobile platforms (like WebOS.)

Autodesk and HP WebOS - A "What If" Scenario

I confess; I am an Autodesk and an HP WebOS fanboy.  I love AutoCAD and my Palm Pre.  Hewlett Packard (HP) bought Palm last year when it looked as if all was lost.  I’ve purchased and used many Palm products, many HP products and many Autodesk products in my time.  I like them.  They work.  They are industry standards.  Now that Palm is part of the HP family, I expect even better things from them.
 
Hp has a problem with Palm’s mobile operating system, WebOS.  It’s not popular.  We all struggle with popularity at some point (or many points) in our lives, but when you are trying to sell a product or service popularity amongst your client base is a must.  The more popular you are the more purchases will be made. 

Autodesk has been around for over 25 years.  AutoCAD is very popular.  It is also very expensive.  Autodesk has a popularity problem too.  People only know AutoCAD.  Autodesk has scores of products, but many people only know of AutoCAD and they don’t know that AutoCAD belongs to a company called Autodesk.

HP and Autodesk have similar popularity problems.  Both companies want to sell more products.  Both companies have partnered up before.  HP had a big presence at Autodesk University this year, as well as in several years past.  They need to partner up again, but on the mobile front.

Autodesk has ventured into the mobile “CAD” market with great success.  They started out with a mobile version of Sketchbook on iOS for the iPhone, and then migrated it over to the iPad.  They now have a version for Android.  Fantastic!  There is even a Sketchbook “O” version in which Autodesk partnered up with Oprah Winfrey in order to reach a new market.  That’s not all that Autodesk has done, “mobily“ speaking.  They have also released a free mobile app that allows you to view Autodesk Inventor models.  Their best mobile venture to date has to be AutoCAD WS.  Yes, they have a version of AutoCAD for mobile devices that also works in a browser.  It is not AutoCAD, but it can read and write AutoCAD files.  Its main purpose is collaboration.  Multiple users can view the same file at the same time, save their work and go on about their lives.  AutoCAD WS is fantastic.  Best part of it is that it is free!
 

HP purchased Palm in order to get their hands on WebOS.  I don’t blame them.  It is a great mobile platform.  It is so good that RIM has emulated many of WebOS’ features in their new tablet, the Playbook.  In fact, according to early reports, Apple is also emulating WebOS features in iOS 5.  HP has many great products; desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, plotters, etc.  With the purchase of Palm they can apply WebOS to any of these platforms.  Imagine a standard operating system platform across many machines that we all use every day.  That allows products to communicate with each other or to at least get along with and share files more seamlessly.  It now seems that HP is getting ready to release new WebOS based smart phones, a new tablet and even new netbooks!  What they are missing are applications.  Why go with the iPhone or Android?  There are thousands of applications that they can use.  WebOS barely has 5000!  That’s a problem.

Autodesk has a problem being known by the average user.  HP has a problem with a lack of applications.  What if these two technology behemoths got together once again?  It wouldn’t be unprecedented.  They have worked together for many years and both have shown that they are willing to work with others for mutual benefit.  I propose that HP and Autodesk get together and create WebOS native applications based on the software Autodesk has already created.  Imagine, a brand new HP Netbook that has WebOS and AutoCAD WS running on it out of the box for every consumer to devour!  Why not get Autodesk to make the first Revit or Inventor app or 3DS Max app for WebOS.  They can make it for the other mobile platforms but make WebOS the first stop from now on.  HP gives AutoCAD a little something for it of course and HP gets to be first, and best. 

The average consumer, the DIY’s, contractors, designers of all types could use a mobile device (phone, tab, or netbook) in which they can use AutoCAD WS and/or Sketchbook.  It’s a huge market for both companies.  Autodesk, HP, think about it.  Give it a shot.  It’s a win for you and for the user.