So, April came and went, no 1.7.0. What’s up?

Better yet, what new features will 1.7.0 even contain?

Keep updated

Firstly, just to let everyone know in case you don’t for some reason (why!?), follow Stick Nodes on Facebook, Google+, or on Twitter to get more frequent updates and community-based content than just these monthly update posts. Stuff like inspirational animations, best-of stickfigure uploads, and other relevant Stick Nodes news is posted every week.

Okay, back to 1.7.0 stuff

So, the plan for 1.7.0 (and the subsequent 1.7.1, etc…) versions are intended to get new features into the app, rather than just fixes. The first update, 1.7.0 contains one of the most-requested features for Stick Nodes. What is it? Well, I’ll let this first screenshot show it off.

Animating with a camera, or vcam as many of you call it, will make animating more cinematic experiences much easier. Instead of moving everything to simulate the camera moving, you can actually just now move the camera, as well as zoom it in and out.

It’s not ready yet, but it is partially functional and I can attest to how great it is. It really opens a whole new realm of possibilities for animating in Stick Nodes!

The second screenshot shows off another requested feature. The FPS limit has been raised from 20 to 60. Now there’s no need to “hack” the app into playing your 24 or 30 (or 60) FPS animations. Note that tweening isn’t possible with any FPS higher than 20, as the app simply doesn’t refresh fast enough to display such a high framerate (61+ FPS).

Edit: Want to see the v-cam in action? Check out the animated GIFs I posted on the Stick Nodes Facebook and Google+ pages!

So what’s holding it back from release?

I’m also revamping the MP4 export process. At least I’m trying to, it’s a bit technical and difficult to get working. I’m hoping to get rid of those color artifacts that I notice on some videos from users (on Youtube). If this also increases the speed of the export process, that’s a bonus, but I’m not sure.

I’ve also been busy lately with other stuff, but I hope to get 1.7.0 released soon! Stay updated with the social media links above.