Maya 2017 added a new Time Editor for editing animations, Arnold Render (which Autodesk acquired earlier this year ) and updates to the Bifrost and XGen simulation toolsets
>> See Also: Maya Plugin
Maya 2017 includes major workflow upgrades with new tools like the Time Editor, which is a comprehensive tool for creating and editing clip-based non-linear animation. Similarly, our new Render Setup system simplifies the management of complex scenes with shot-based overrides and templates. In addition, grooming all types of hair and fur in XGen is easier and faster using new Interactive Groom Splines, which includes a set of intuitive brush-based tools (used in the image above). Finally, the new Content Browser, and new Workspaces capabilities let you personalize Maya.Maya 2017 Overview
And New Motion Graphics features, including the 3D Type Tool, the SVG Tool, and the MASH Procedural Effects Toolkit to create versatile motion design animations.
Trevor Adams, product designer on the Maya team, gives you an overview of what’s new in Maya 2017. Trevor talks about why he is excited about the release, as well as how you can influence future product development.
Maya 2017: Bifrost Updates
Maya 2017 includes updates for Bifrost that include the Bifrost Ocean Simulation System (BOSS), which lets you create realistic ocean surfaces with waves, ripples, and wakes. Other updates include improvements to guided liquid simulations, foam improvements, and more.
Maya 2017: Arnold in Maya
Maya 2017 comes integrated with the renowned Arnold renderer, used by the biggest names in visual effects and animation to solve the most complex rendering problems. Arnold lets you render high-quality images right out of the box, scaling with your processing power as project complexity demands.
Maya 2017 for Motion Graphics
Take a brief tour of Maya 2017 for motion graphics. Building on previous releases that include a new 3D type tool, vector graphics import tool, and the MASH procedural animation toolkit, the latest release of Maya includes new features, a new MASH UI, and easier workflow to create stunning motion graphics.
Maya 2017 is now subscription-only, and priced at $185/month or $1,470/year
Maya LT 2017, the latest update to its cut-down version of Maya aimed at indie game artists, adding a new animation Time Editor, and streamlining performance and workflow.
Maya LT 2017 – Workspaces
The all-new Workspaces in Maya LT 2017 let users create and save customized tool layouts based on different tasks. We’ve also added presets for common tasks like modeling, sculpting, UV editing, rigging and animation. Now Maya LT users can quickly switch between Workspaces to get the right tools for the right job
Maya LT 2017 – Improved Shape Editor
The Shape Editor in Maya LT 2017 gets several improvements, making it easier to work with very detailed animations or to add corrective blendshapes to rig-based animations
Maya LT 2017 – Improved Graph Editor
The Graph Editor gets a UI/UX overhaul in Maya LT 2017. The cumulative result of many small changes and tweaks leads to simple workflows and less clicks required per task. New updates include: keys that can be moved without first selecting the Move tool, a more easily adjustable time range, pre-weighted tangents, scrubbable Time Marker, interactive keyframes, and better contrast for animation curves.
Maya LT 2017 – Time Editor animation tool
The Time Editor is a brand new animation tool in Maya LT that will make it much easier to work on complex animations in Maya LT. It’s a non-destructive, clip-based, non-linear editor that has a familiar-feeling UI with very intuitive workflows. It lets animators work with their scenes at a higher level, and still makes more granular data easily accessible
See full list of what's new in Maya LT 2017 here
Maya LT are available on a subscription-only basis, starting at $30/month or $240/year, and including access to Autodesk’s Stingray game engine
More about Autodesk Maya