AC15 - BIMx Explorer Hotfix release?

[rob2218]

So...when will GS release their AC15-Hotfix#1? I hear that this hotfix will allow subscription users the ability to use the BIMx Explorer add on for one year that will allow the files created out of the BIMx to be sendable via email in either the MAC or PC format (APP or EXE formats).

When will the Hotfix#1 for AC15 be release?

[Karl Ottenstein]

If the functionality is what you say (sounds like a great deal), then you would have to assume the release would not be before the September 20 rollout of BIMx. But, maybe it will be a two stage rollout - since hotfix 1 is eagerly awaited for all kinds of other issues....

As I pointed out in another thread - there is no thing called BIMx Explorer. There is BIM Explorer (computer based) and BIMx (IOS based). BIMx does not create files, only views them.

Cheers,
Karl

[rob2218]

Karl,
what is a BIMx?
what is the BIM Explorer?
I'm a bit mixed up (wouldn't be the first time though).

I opened up AC15, then went to my 3d view.
went to the "file" pulldown and there was a "Export to BIM for Explorer" function.
Then, AC15 exported out a FILE i'm to assume, that I was able to view within launching the BIM Explorer from within AC15.
Once in the BIM Explorer...I was able to hit the 'escape' key, then go to "FILE" (again..I'm now in the BIM Explorer software) and was able to save out to either an .APP file or a .EXE file (one for MAC, the other for a PC).
So...I was able to saveout to two file types.....now I'm not sure where the one software is and where the other one begins but....I know that when I tried to open the EXE file that I created....the software gave me a message that said "You may only view the file in the computer it was created".....but GS told me that when they release the Hotfix#1, this will eliminate this message lock and allow both APP files and EXE files to be created and sent for viewing on other machines.

[Karl Ottenstein]

All of what you did is BIM Explorer. BIMx is the IOS app for iPhone / iPad. It is just a viewer for specially-exported model files. (The version of BIM Explorer delivered with AC 15 does NOT export these files... that is one of the things that will happen on September 20.)

To clarify the terminology, see my post here:

http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=195068#195068

Cheers,
Karl

[rob2218]

thanks Karl,
it's always such a 'convoluted' way in which all these "add-ons" get released....really.
I mean...man, just include the darn thing in AC15. I feel for those that 'don't' have an Archiplus plan. To have to fork out yet ANOTHER $1250 bucks on an add-on software that...well, I'm just venting here.

The clients love to see their building in 3D. They love to be able to view the model with ease...which is what the BIM Explorer is attempting on doing....but for the architect/designer...to have to pay an additional 28% or so just to be able to give the client some "semi-nice" models is a bit high. Just my 2 cents is all. I suppose if you really wanna "wow" the clients...then sure, that's not that expensive of an add-on.