The following is a summary of changes in the 3ds Max 2008 SDK release:

• Scene Explorer - With 3ds Max 2008, Autodesk introduces the Scene Explorer. Primarily targeted for end users, it also presents a substantial opportunity for SDK users because it was developed using Microsoft's .NET technology. To implement a plug-in in this manner, Autodesk engineers created a .NET SDK that can be used by 3rd party plug-in developers to both augment the Scene Explorer itself and to create new functionality in other areas of 3ds Max. For more information see the topic Writing .NET Plug-ins.
• Animatable Handles - These provide a new kind of identifier for 3ds Max entities that improve sorting and searching capabilities. For more information see the topic Animatable Handles.
• Hardware Shader User Interface Feature - This is a new system for indicating that a material supports hardware rendering by providing control of the "SMIV" pink icon. For more information see the topic Hardware Shader UI Feature.