Google buys SketchUp

Written by Wil Harris

March 15, 2006 | 10:29

Tags: #3d #buy #cad #design #last-software #mountain-view #sketchup

Companies: #google

Google, which needs no introduction, has bought up @Last Software, the makers of the popular SketchUp design software.

SketchUp is used by not only design professionals, but by PC modders all over the world to model potential creations in 3D before building. Not only is SketchUp easy to use, but bit-tech readers have even assembled their own collection of pre-made components that you can drag-and-drop straight into the software to make mod design even easier.

SketchUp's makers say that nothing will change after its acquisition, and that it will continue to work on, and improve, its software. There's no news on when a new version will be hitting the web, but with development now funded by the seemingly bottomless pockets in Mountain View, the odds are now on sooner, rather than later.

There's no word on how much money Google paid or whether, like its other software products, it now intends for SketchUp to be free eventually, funded by advertising.

Are you a big fan of SketchUp, or weren't you even aware of its existence? Give us your thoughts on the software, and this acquisition (and the prospect of free SketchUp) over in the News Forum.
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