DAZ Productions Releases New High Resolution 3D Model New DAZ Model named Michael 2.0 Salt Lake City, Ut. January 7, 2002 -- DAZ Productions (www.daz3d.com), the global leader in 3D figure development and creation for Poser, announced today the release of Michael 2.0, a new high resolution 3D model. DAZ Productions focuses on development for Poser, the premier 3D character animation and figure design tool developed and published by Curious Labs, Inc. Michael 2.0 is an upgrade to DAZs highly successful Millennium Male model, Michael. With hundreds of new body morph targets and 230 head and facial morphs, Michael provides truly infinite options for tweaking physique, age, weight, height and ethnicity and as a result is able to offer more character, structure, expression and body-type possibilities than any other Poser figure to date. As an avid user of Poser, Ive seen a remarkable progression in the quality and adaptability of figures from DAZ. Each step along the way has defined a new standard, and Michael 2.0 is no exception. Versatility is the name of the game, and through the obvious attention afforded to development and testing, this figure offers exactly that. Be your focus on the muscle-laden figures of lore, the average Joe from down the street, or somewhere between emaciated and obeseMike is the answer. The careful planning that went into the construction of the original figure shines, says Robert Whisenant, 3D Illustrator. The creation of Michael 2.0 involved countless digital images, and intense study of the male surface anatomy, proportions, facial features and expressions. Several hours of research was devoted to the development of the male body; the surface anatomy, paying close attention to which muscles and tissue were affected with a particular movement for a particular morph. The object was to keep the model anatomically sound, says Chris Creek, Partner and Art Director for Michael 2.0. Robin Wood, 3D artist computer and traditional media artist adds, "Michael 2.0 is the most versatile DAZ model yet. Not only is every morph I could imagine wanting included, but also the labels for all the muscle morphs are the actual names of the muscles involved. This means that as well as being an extremely valuable character; Michael 2.0 is an extremely valuable study aid. Well done, DAZ!" The four photo-composite texture maps with MAT pose files for easy application give Michael 2.0 the ability to choose combinations of dark and light tones, hairy and shaved skin. With attention to detail and uniform lighting, these are the highest quality, highest resolution maps DAZ has ever created for Michael. To provide the most realistic maps possible, they were created from 427 digital photographs taken of a live male model. Pricing and Availability Michael 2.0 and accessories are now available at DAZs online store, located at www.daz3d.com. If purchased as an upgrade from Michael 1 costs $39.95. Otherwise, the stand-alone Michael 2.0 product is priced at only $59.95. About DAZ Productions DAZ Productions, Inc. specializes in providing high-quality 3D models for Poser, Curious Labs 3D software application. By using the power of emerging 3D creative technologies DAZ Productions pushes the limits of realism and versatility in the Virtual World. DAZ offers newly advanced 3D products and sponsors brokering opportunities for talented artists who are interested in increasing exposure for their products. With Poser Pro Pack equipped with plugins for 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, Flash and other applications, and supporting Python scripting, DAZs vast library has extended its compatibility. For more information visit DAZ 3D.