N30 Deluxe Modeling Studio v4.0 Alpha Release

N30 Foundations is now available to current users of the N30 Deluxe Modeling Studio.  The update can be accessed through the control box menu (Help > Updates).

For now during this Alpha release, all versions revert to the same 4.0 model.  When we release future updates, we’ll begin releasing the various models (classic, silver, wedding).  The concept is a bit different, so we thought it would be a good idea to get everyone acquainted with the new layout and provide valuable feedback.

What is “Foundations”?

You keep hearing us refer to the N30 Deluxe Modeling Studio as “N30 Foundations”.  We have had significant feedback about previous versions causing too much lag (especially when several features are being used at once).  So what we decided to do was to remove all scripts from the studio and start fresh.  We carefully implemented the most used features into the studio (i.e. backgrounds, lighting, layers, etc.) while evaluating their use and gave them more functionality.  We’ve added some essential features such as languages into the feature list to provide our friends in other parts of the world better communication when using the studio.  We are working to implement various languages into the environment.  Currently, there are 8 (English, Spanish, Italian, German, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and French).

We left our popular modeling table as is for now because the feedback we received on it has been mostly positive.  But we did optimize the scripts to work more smoothly with the studio.  There will be new features introduced into the modeling table as well in future updates.

So in retrospect, we’ve come a long way with SL Photography, scripting, and various aspects of SL that affect our work as models, photographers, fashionistas, and hobbyist in our virtual workplace.  What hasn’t changed is our common goal which is to create awesome photos within SL and to be professional with our craft.  We’ve taken our product back to its’ “Foundation” to breathe new life into it, and undoubtedly into your creative efforts.

Where’s my Classic, Silver, Wedding, or Pink Edition?

Don’t worry, it’s coming!  We are starting with an “unskinned” version to familiarize everyone with the basics of the new concept.  Version 4.0 introduces skins to the studio…which brings us to the next question…

Oo We can Skin our Studios?

Not just yet, but soon enough!  The skin file is locked for now while we improve and progress with our Alpha Phase.  Once we’re ready to dive in to skinning, we’ll make that announcement.

I don’t have an N30 Deluxe Modeling Studio yet.  How can I get this new version (v4.0)?

You can’t!…. No just kidding.  You can purchase the current release v3.0 (Build 4.0.1.0) from our in-world shop or on XStreetSL.  We will be including it in the packaging.  If you received v3.0 without the new studio, simply rez it, click on the control box and select Help > Updates from the blue menu.

Why are you still providing v3.0 if v4.0 is available?

4.0 is in Alpha Phase which means it’s still in development.  Our goal is to include the majority of features that v3.0 includes but we want to introduce them back in carefully so as not to cause unnecessary lag.  Some may not be comfortable switching to the new studio which is a different concept.  Especially those who do a lot of photography and need more time to become familiar with the new layout and features.  So providing both gives you a choice as to which you would rather use (or both).  Keep in mind that v4.0 is under development and you’ll be receiving updates more frequently than before.

So to summarize, v4.0 is more grid-friendly and easier to use than previous versions but doesn’t yet hold all the features as version 3.0.  So if you need to use v3.0 then you are able to do so.  If you are ready to try the new version, go for it!