Comparing 3D type options for After Effects

Not exactly news, but Ray-traced 3D is "dead"

While some may claim that the After Effects CS6-era Ray-traced 3D renderer is a minor feature that you can ignore, it's still a strong option for basic motion graphics with realistic reflections and refractions, and very fast if you have an Nvidia CUDA GPU. If you're not committed one way or another, you may want to check out an integrated in-depth resource from Eran Stern that compares major alternatives for creating 3D type.

Read Comparing 3D type options for After Effects at PVC...

The Ray-traced 3D renderer in After Effects

A big addition to After Effects CS6 was the introduction of a Ray-traced 3D composition renderer that handles reflections, transparency, index of refraction, environment maps, in addition to the existing material options. Today in Creative Cloud CC, the chief limitation is still render time, but there's set-up advice for those willing to overcome the obstacles to get the lovely renders.