Smith Micro Software's Productivity and Graphics Group has released Anime Studio Pro 10 and Anime Studio Debut 10, an update of the animation software that allows artists of all ages and skill levels to craft 2D animations

To celebrate the 10th edition of Anime Studio, Smith Micro has teamed up with Wacom Technology, makers of digital interface solutions, for a giveaway with no purchase necessary. From March 4 to April 4, users can enter for the chance to win a Wacom Cintiq Companion grand prize or a Intuos Pro Medium or Intuos Medium tablet for second and third place prizes. As well, award-winning animator Victor Paredes has created an exclusive animation clip with Anime Studio 10, highlighting the various ways users can utilize preloaded content available immediately in the software.

The latest version features include rigging options to help set up more complex characters, says Fahim Niaz, senior product manager for Smith Micro Software. The independent angle constraints allows bones to keep their global angle and are not affected by inverse kinematics, while the squash and stretch feature allows bones to retain their shape and direction as they move.

The new Smart Bone Dials allow users to set up movement templates for characters — simply select the bones, adjust to the desired angle, input the duration and name the movement. New design tools such as the Paint Bucket, Blob Brush, Eraser and Reduce Points make it painless to manipulate objects into desired shapes, says Niaz.

Anime Studio Pro 10 is available for US$299.99 and Anime Studio Debut 10 is $49.99. For more info go to http://anime.smithmicro.com/as10new/ .