New version of award-winning 3D modeling program allows kids to create amazing computer art and animation movies on Mac and PC

PARIS – June 8, 2005 - Dassault Systèmes (NASDAQ: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced the launch of Cosmic Blobs® software version 1.1 for Apple Macintosh® and Windows® PC systems. Available for the first time on the Mac® computer, Cosmic Blobs (www.cosmicblobs.com) is the world’s most powerful 3D graphics creativity software ever invented for kids, and now includes a movie file capture feature, improved content graphics, and an expanded user interface. Cosmic Blobs acts like modeling clay on the computer, enabling users to design and animate creations in the style of today’s coolest computer-generated cartoons and movies.

 

Originally released for the PC in 2004, Cosmic Blobs gives children ages 7 to 14 endless options for sculpting, decorating, and animating 3D computer models called “Blobs.” Kids start with basic shapes, and use an array of tools to bend, pull, stretch, and sculpt their inventions. They can then decorate them with colors, textures, and decals before bringing them to life with animation. With Cosmic Blobs version 1.1, budding artists enjoy an improved user interface, new decals and textures, downloadable bonus content, and the ability to capture animated movies.

 

Cosmic Blobs version 1.1 incorporates powerful new features and enhancements based on feedback we received after the initial launch six months ago. Kids can now capture and save their animated movies, and the improved user interface and starter content make it easier than ever for children to interact with 3D modeling technology,” said Scott Harris, Cosmic Blobs’ creator. “The Mac platform is considered a standard in graphic design for various consumer and entertainment creativity applications, and Cosmic Blobs is a unique 3D application that is sure to appeal to the Mac community.”

 

Cosmic Blobs’ integration with the iLife® and iWorkTM applications further enhances the program’s functionality on the Mac. Cosmic Blobs also aligns well with Apple’s commitment to content creativity, particularly with the education market.

 

The original PC-only version of Cosmic Blobs, Lab Rat Edition, has earned significant recognition from various parents’ and children’s product review organizations, including a 2005 Parents’ Choice Recommended award, a 4.5 star rating from Children’s Technology Review, and a listing as one of Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toy Children’s Products for 2005. Cosmic Blobs successful adoption into school systems around the world has also contributed to the new version’s design as the development team incorporated feedback from educators and students extensively while building version 1.1.

  

Dassault Systèmes will release themed expansion packs for Cosmic Blobs on a regular basis, with the first, “Critter Chaos,” included free with this new version of the program. “Critter Chaos” includes fantastic animal-themed models, textures, decals, animations, and background options. Bonus Cosmic Blobs content and instructional information is also available through the use of Mac OS X Tiger’s new Dashboard functionality. The Cosmic Blobs “Widget,” the first designed specifically for children, provides desktop access to models, tutorials, and educational curricula for kids, parents, and educators.

 

Cosmic Blobs runs on Macintosh OS X version 10.3 Panther and 10.4 Tiger with a G4 1.25 GHz processor or better and 256MB of RAM. For Windows PC, a Pentium III 1.0 GHz processor or better, 256MG of RAM, and a 32MB 3D video card is recommended.

 

Pricing and Availability

Cosmic Blobs version 1.1 is available for purchase online at www.cosmicblobs.com or at www.amazon.com with an MSRP of $44.99. Cosmic Blobs will be available for the first time in retail at the Apple Company Stores beginning in July 2005.

 

For more information on Cosmic Blobs, visit www.cosmicblobs.com.

 

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About Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all – consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit https://www.3ds.com