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And as we discussed in detail here on page three (Software Impacts), pro apps in the CAD and 3D graphics space rely on geometry kernels, rendering engines, and other critical software libraries that must be made compatible to have a fully native CAD or 3D app for ARM Macs. Those apps based on OpenGL must first be developed for Apple’s Metal API instead. Getting pro apps like CAD and 3D ready for ARM Macs isn’t entirely trivial. This type of AI in software for architects means that designers can model more freely and let the software automatically identify and classify elements in the 3D models, saving the architect tons of time. Already some BIM applications are tapping machine learning or AI for their ability to recognize a “window” for a window and not confuse it with some other geometry. The Neural Engine on the future ARM Mac can handle “identification” items inside of large Building Information Modeling (BIM) models in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. “We are building a family of SoCs designed for the unique needs of the Mac,” he says in the WWDC video.
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The new ARM Macs will be based on an Apple chip architected around the specific needs of each Mac device-from mobiles to the Mac Pro. Autodesk’s Amy Bunzel said of the A9X powered iPad Pro at the time, “the device is really fast.”
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When Autodesk demoed AutoCAD 360 on the iPad Pro a few years ago at an Apple event, the performance demonstrated was almost mindblowing. Faster CAD on ARM MacsĪpple’s ARM Macs may be the fastest CAD running machines in short order. There are numerous AEC technology companies now looking at or working with Unity. Autodesk partnered with Unity a few years ago to bring its real-time photorealistic engine to Autodesk Revit workflows for the AEC industry. Unity is an important 3D core technology provider to Autodesk, the world’s largest software provider of CAD and 3D software. By next month, says Apple, Unity plans to release an updated Unity Editor that can support building Univeral apps. Used for both game and pro app development, the Unity Editor is already being developed for Macs with custom Apple silicon. Both of these two applications-Cinema 4D and Maya are leading 3D applications by some of the biggest software companies in the 3D software industry.Īnd to help get even more pro apps on ARM Macs, the Platforms State of the Union discussed Unity. Apple showed Cinema 4D on ARM Mac, saying Apple Silicon-based Macs will give Macs new advantages in pro markets.Īutodesk Maya was also shown during WWDC running on an ARM Mac.
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