Independent software developer Martin Wengenmayer has updated Cheetah
3D (http://www.cheetah3d.com/) -- software for modeling, animating
and rendering 3D objects -- to version 5.0. The upgrade adds a
completely new node-based material system, optimized render engine,
extended modeling tools, and small user interface enhancements.

Cheetah3D 5.0 sports an optimized raytracing core that supports up to
16 CPU cores, new pre-made materials, pivot points, a new bevel tool
and bend modifier, a new tag selector to accelerate the work flow,
the ability to export to static Collada files and automatic texture
reload. It's also been localized in German.

Cheetah3D costs US$149 for a single user version. Registered users of
versions 1.x through 4.x can upgrade for $69. Cheetah3D requires
requires at least Mac OS X 10.4 and 16MB of VRAM. It's a Universal
Binary product, which means it will run natively on both PowerPC and
Intel Macs.