Space Navigator - query about basic functionality and com...

coccosoids · Post by **coccosoids** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:19 am

...and compatibility.

I'm thinking about buying a Space Navigator, and my professional interest is product design and visualization.

Main software used is:
Alias 2011
Maya 2011
Rhino 4
Solidworks 2011
Photoshop CS3

Now comes the real question: is anyone aware of any major compatibility issues with any of these applications?

And the bit regarding workflow, or functionality if you will, is about the level of customization that this device allows and the 'on the fly' switching between application sensitive settings. For example: if I have it customized in a certain way for Rhino, then if at the same time I'm working with solidworks and I switch between the two apps, will the device sense this and tune itself to trigger and respond based on the app that I have in focus?

Thank you for all your input,
have a nice day,

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:13 pm

Dear coccosoids,

Each application has its own individual settings. Each individual user will have their own settings for their applications and even different modes within an appilcation may have their own settings as well.

The particular settings in play at any one time will switch automatically to match that of the application that has the Windows Focus. This is pretty transparant so your settings will always be in the correct context to match the work you are currently involved with.

Sincerely,
Bryan

coccosoids · Post by **coccosoids** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 6:00 pm

Hi Bryan,

Thank you for the comprehensive notes on the level of application management possible. I do however have a small concern - having consulted the official supported software list here on the 3dconnexion website, it seems that there is no support for the 2011 release of Alias (nor 2010 for that matter). Can I ask for a formal confirmation of this, and what 3rd party/unofficial solution one can make use of in this case, if any?

Again, thank you so much,
Rara

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 9:22 am

Dear coccosoids,

We provide a free SDK, Software Development Kit, for developers to make it as easy as possible to include use of our input devices in their user interfaces. We welcome and encourage application developers to take advantage of the input from our devices to enhance their user interfaces.

If you know of, or can imagine ways to use our input devices that would be beneficial in the application, we encourage you to let that application's developers or their marketing department know of this added value. Encourage them to make the changes in their next development cycle that you would find valuable.

We have no authorization over their source code and their business/developement decisions as to how they shape their applications nor how they shape their User Interface. So there is no external methodology for what you may consider a 'solution'. The listing you referenced on our website would be as up to date information as we have.

Sincerely,
Bryan