The software bears the name 'EASE 5-FE', where 'FE' stands for 'First Edition', as for the time being there are parts that have not been renewed such as area mapping, which is still opened in a separate program. The EARS auralization and AURA advanced acoustics modules have also not been changed. There is a strong focus on accessibility and usability, says AFMG.
The interface is now more modern and integrates the various functionalities in a single program (EASE traditionally used different programs for different functionalities, which made its use somewhat cumbersome). In addition, for the first time, AutoCad DWG files and an image files can be imported to facilitate the creation of the geometry of a venue (Ease Focus, AFMG's most popular simulation software, has already uses the latter for quite some time, although here side and end sections can be imported in addition to floor plans).
Among other improvements, the audience areas are now not limited to 4 points, although the classic EASE isoline mapping is lost.
In addition, projects are no longer composed of a set of files (one for faces, one for vertices, one for speakers...), but a single file (with .eprj extension) is used, although there is import and export from/to the old format.
Money-wise, licenses are now not perpetual (a current trend for the software industry in general). Instead, temporary licenses are purchased. With the special launch prices, EASE JR now costs 700€ for one year or 990€ for two. Similarly, the Standard version costs 1600€ for one year and 2180€ for two, while the Pro version is 2205€ or 2980€. A 15-day trial version is available for download.
After 6 years of development, the manufacturer announces that changes will be added continuously in the near future. Next up this year is reportedly the extended grouping of model objects so that projects with greater level of detail in terms of the number of faces and loudspeakers can be created more conveniently.