http://www.newtek.com/news/releases/08-01-05a.html
http://www.newtek.com/lightwave/lw9featureprelim.php
LightWave 3D version 9.0 Features:
* Modeling Tool Subset in Layout
* Faster OpenGL Performance
* Enhanced OpenGL Hardware Shader Support for accurate preview in real time for textures and lighting
* Faster Raytrace Rendering – up to 2.5X or better
* Adaptive Mesh subdivision based on visibility and distance to camera
* Faster Subdivision Surfaces
* Subdivision Surface modeling with n-gons
* True edge support in modeling, including edge weighting
* Enhanced MultiShift Modeling tool with reusable histories
* More flexibility and more user controls for the GUI
* Dynamics rewritten for improved precision, performance and capabilities
* Dynamics UI redesigned for easy and intuitive workflow
* Consolidation of tools for a streamlined workflow in Modeler
* Node-based procedural shading system
* Relativity 2 Expressions System
* Particle surface shading system
* Environment instancing on surfaces
* Camera time warper for effects such as bullet time, etc.
* Hypervoxel particle surface deformer
* Surface deformation-based texture map and color controller
* Camera lens shader system
* Much, much more
Pricing and Availability
LightWave 3D version 9.0 is expected to be available in the 4 th quarter for US$795.00 for a single user license. The following purchase options are available for a limited time:
LightWave Full seats:
* LightWave [8] full seat, PDF manual, Vue 5 Infinite, free update to v9: $795
* LightWave [8] full seat, printed manual, Vue 5 Infinite, free update to v9: $895
For registered owners of LightWave [7.5] or earlier:
* LightWave [8] upgrade, PDF manual, Vue 5 Infinite, free update to v9: $395
* LightWave [8] upgrade, printed manual, Vue 5 Infinite,free update to v9: $495
For Registered owners of LightWave [8]:
* LightWave 3D v9.0 upgrade with PDF manual and Vue 5 Infinite: $395
* LightWave 3D v9.0 with printed manual and Vue 5 Infinite: $495