What's new in OctaneRender 2026.1 in alpha released by Otoy
Otoy has recently announced the release of OctaneRender 2026.1 in its alpha stage, and the excitement in the 3D rendering community is palpable. With each version, Otoy pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in rendering technology, and this latest iteration promises to be no exception. Let’s check it out with iRender the new features in this blog!
Otoy has unveiled OctaneRender 2026.1, a new alpha preview of its GPU rendering software. This release comes alongside OctaneRender 2025.1, the upcoming production version, and introduces additional experimental technologies.
The initial alpha version includes support for 3D Gaussian Splats output and native MaterialX support, originally intended for OctaneRender 2024. Future updates are anticipated to bring new neural connection modules and a long-awaited streaming system.
New features in OctaneRender 2026.1
The alpha release of OctaneRender 2026.1 introduces a host of new features designed to enhance the user experience and elevate the quality of rendered images. Among the most significant updates are:
Offers built-in support for MaterialX and 3D Gaussian Splats
OctaneRender 2026.1 introduces several important features that Otoy had previously revealed, which were initially expected to be part of the OctaneRender 2024 release.
Among these features is native support for MaterialX, an open material standard gaining traction in VFX workflows and already utilized by other renderers such as Arnold, Karma in Houdini, RenderMan, Unreal Engine, and V-Ray.
Additionally, the engine now offers rendering with 3D Gaussian Splats, a novel technology for rendering 3D scenes that is being embraced in both VFX and architectural visualization. V-Ray also supports this technology.
Other capabilities in the current alpha include real-time shader-based displacement, a new Neural Radiance Cache system, and tracker support.
Neural rendering and mesh streaming are set to be introduced in upcoming updates
Although not part of the initial alpha release, a significantly delayed mesh geometry streaming system is planned for future OctaneRender 2026.1 updates. This system has been described as “similar to Unreal Engine’s Nanite, but designed for path tracing.” It was first announced during the Octane 2023 release cycle and then reiterated for 2024.
Additionally, future updates will include neural rendering capabilities, designed to enable “machine learning and neural filters locally or through a Render Network.”
When will these features be ready for production?
This marks the first time Otoy has issued a preview build for a release scheduled two years later, making it challenging to determine when the features in OctaneRender 2026.1 will be stable enough for production use.
Moreover, it remains to be seen if all features will be production-ready by 2026, as this is the third year meshlets have been announced without even reaching an alpha stage.
Given these factors, it may be wise to view OctaneRender 2026.1 primarily as an opportunity to experiment with some innovative technologies Otoy is working on.
Conclusion
As we step into a new era of rendering technology, Otoy’s OctaneRender 2026.1 alpha release is poised to set a new standard in the visual effects industry. With its blend of speed, realism, and user-centric design, this update is sure to make waves among 3D artists and designers. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, now is the perfect time to dive into OctaneRender 2026.1 and see what it can do for your projects.
Stay tuned for more updates as Otoy continues to refine and enhance this exciting software!
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Source and image: cgchannel.com
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