SpaceMouse Now Supports Unreal Engine, Unity and iClone

3Dconnexion’s CadMouse and Keyboard Pro will also support the real-time 3D platforms.

(Source: 3Dconnexion.)

(Source: 3Dconnexion.)

At the SIGGRAPH computer graphics conference last month, hardware provider 3Dconnexion announced that it will be adding new software support for its range of peripherals for 3D visualization and design. The 3Dconnexion devices will now fully support Unreal Engine, Unity and iClone.

Though 3Dconnexion is pitching the update primarily to digital artists, engineers are increasingly using real-time 3D platforms like Unreal Engine and Unity for rendering, simulation, machine learning training, digital twin creation and more.

“We believe these new integrations, alongside our already existing support, will help thousands of designers and creators enjoy a more immersive and intuitive experience in their workflow,” said Antonio Pascucci, CEO of 3Dconnexion, in a company press release. “The simultaneous use of both hands when manipulating and interacting with the digital art offers a natural way to work, which will enhance creativity.”

Hardware for 3D Software

One of 3Dconnexion’s best known device lineups is the SpaceMouse, a range of 3D mice that 3Dconnexion says provides faster and more intuitive navigation of 3D models and scenes. The company’s other CAD-centric hardware includes the CadMouse, a portfolio of typical-looking mice designed specifically for CAD users, and the Keyboard Pro, a keyboard and numpad that offers customizable hotkeys for 3D design software.

Each of these devices can be customized with 3Dconnexion software, which offers custom shortcuts for a variety of CAD applications such as SOLIDWORKS, Fusion 360, Creo, NX, Blender and more. Now, users of Unreal Engine, Unity and iClone will be better able to customize their 3Dconnexion devices for those applications.

For example, engineers using Unreal Engine or Unity for real-time 3D visualization can now use a SpaceMouse for easier navigation. The integration also gives engineers quick access to common commands such as changing views or focusing on objects. The same is true for iClone, a real-time 3D animation and rendering application.

“We strongly believe that our solutions provide users with a superior experience through unifying navigation and behavior across different apps. Pre-set profiles with the most popular commands for each app, automatically adapting as you switch between apps, as well as endless command customization options, make this the ultimate solution for digital artists,” said Robert Stadie, product manager at 3Dconnexion, in the press release.