NewTek's LightWave 3D 8.3 Update Offers Several New Features

NewTek Inc. on Wednesday released LightWave 3D 8.3, a new version of its 3D graphics and animation software that includes several new features, including a Text Layers tool that enables artists to type text and automatically bevel and extrude it. In addition, this update, which is free for registered version 8.x owners, includes revisions to the PSD import/export process, more options in the EPS Importer, a Relative Particle Age gradient option and blending surface tension control for HyperVoxels and more.

Through June 30, owners of LightWave 7.5 or earlier can upgrade to the new version for US$250; the full version is $1,595. System requirements call for a G4 processor (G5 recommended), Mac OS X v10.3.3, 512MB RAM (1GB recommended), 230MB free hard drive space, a 64MB video card (128MB recommended) and 1024 x 768 screen resolution (1280 x 1024 recommended).