NEWS • JULY 29, 2003
Newtek Debuts LightWave [8]
Forthcoming release offers new and improved dynamics, character animation tools

NewTek has begun previewing LightWave [8], the company's next-generation 3D modeling and animation suite. The new version offers a variety of new features, including new dynamics, character animation tools and particles. It's expected to be available in the fourth quarter and is being shown off this week at the Siggraph convention in San Diego, Calif.

LightWave [8] includes enhancements to dynamics, character animation, modeling workflow, animation workflow and texturing tools. It offers new hard body dynamics for physical simulations, as well as improved cloth and soft body dynamics. It also gains improvements to character animation with faster inverse and forward kinematics, an improved control system and dynamics for character skeletons. Other new features include:

• Improved workflow in Layout and Modeler;
• Improved character setup workflow;
• New Particle System Tools;
• Animatable UV coordinates;
• Improvements to Lscript scripting language and to the API.

LightWave [8] is expected to ship in the fourth quarter for $1,595. Those who purchase the current version between now and the release of LightWave [8] will receive a free electronic upgrade. Those who have already purchased LightWave 7.5 or earlier will be able to upgrade for $495. For more information, visit http://www.newtek.com.[an error occurred while processing this directive]