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"Autodesk is doubling down on easy-to-use 3D design software after it announced the acquisition\u00A0of Tinkercad\u00A0for an undisclosed sum. The deal secures the long-term future of the\u00A0Web-based 3D modeling tool less than one month after its founders announced\u00A0plans to close it.\r\n\r\nTinkercad's tag line is 'mind to design in minutes' \u00A0and the browser-based 3D\u00A0modeling removes technical barriers to allow anyone -- designers and non-designers alike -- to create prototype designs or professional-looking renders. The software takes a focus on helping to create\u00A0\u2018fun and meaningful\u2019 things using 3D printers -- which, of course, are a hotly talked about topic today.\r\n\r\nAutodesk says it will add the service to its existing 123D family of apps and services which, like Tinkercad, are designed to remove hurdles that put non-techies off of using CAD software.\u00A0It will also integrate elements of the Tinkercard technology across its 123D range, to help simply the services for users.\r\n\r\nLast month, Tinkercad Founder and CEO\u00A0Kai Backman revealed that the two-year-old service would close in a phased initiative culminating in a June 31 2013 switch off. The decision was made in order to focus engineering resources on\u00A0Airstone, the company's new interactive simulation product.\r\n\r\nNow, the Autodesk deal, which is expected to close in 30 days, will keep the service open to its many users -- which include corporates, academic -- and end the freeze on the creation of new accounts.\u00A0That's an outcome that delights Backman:\r\nWe are excited to have reached an agreement with Autodesk that will provide a solid home and bright\u00A0future for Tinkercad. We found in Autodesk a shared vision\u00A0for empowering students, makers and designers with accessible and easy to use software, and with their\u00A0global reach and expertise in democratizing design, we\u2019re confident in their ability to introduce Tinkercad\u00A0to new audiences around the world.\r\nAutodesk VP of\u00A0consumer products\u00A0Samir Hanna also emphasized the synergy between the company and its incoming acquisition:\r\nTinkercad is a natural extension of the Autodesk 123D family as well as our other apps and services\u00A0for consumers, as it is already used alongside Autodesk products. We look forward to welcoming the Tinkercad community to Autodesk and\u00A0to continuing their mission of accessible 3D design for all.\r\nTinkercad raised $1 million in seed funding in November 2011.\r\n\r\nHeadline image via Thinkstock"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://thenextweb.com/dd/2013/05/18/autodesk-buys-tinkercad-saving-the-easy-to-use-web-based-3d-modeling-tool-from-closure/>