NVIDIA made an update to the PhysX system software, the common backend for all NVIDIA products that support PhysX: GeForce 8 series and above graphics processors, and Ageia PhysX accelerator cards. Version 9.09.0408 packs the following changes and features according to the company:

• Updated runtime to improved operation of Cryostasis Game.
• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory.
• Experience GPU PhysX acceleration in many games and demos, some of which are highlighted in PowerPack downloads on www.geforce.com.
• Runtime upgrade ONLY for AGEIA PhysX processors users. (New installations should install older PhysX system software such as version 8.09.04 - prior to installing this update).
• Includes the latest PhysX runtimes used in the latest game titles.
• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on GeForce via CUDA 2.0 for SDK versions 2.7.3, 2.7.2, 2.7.5, 2.8.0 and 2.8.1 (requires graphics driver v177.81 or later).
• Includes all the latest PhysX SDK Runtimes.
• Supports control of your GPU PhysX configuration from the NVIDIA display driver control panel. (requires graphics driver v180.00 or later)

The software is available for Windows XP and Windows Vista, from the NVIDIA website.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA PhysX System Software 9.09.0408 WHQL

NVIDIA has released new and updated PhysX driver that is compatible with AGEIA PhysX processors and CUDA ready GeForce GPUs. Version 9.09.0203 dated February 10, 2009 is almost 40MB and works with Windows XP and Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit versions). The application supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory. Here is what's new in this release:

• Resolves PhysX SDK runtime issues with multi-GPU configurations in Hybrid environments.
• Improves performance of some PhysX enabled games on GeForce GTX 285 and GTX 295 products.
• Resolves occasional system crashes when PhysX is enabled on some systems when running on EA's Mirrors Edge.
• Runtime upgrade ONLY for AGEIA PhysX processors users. (New installations should install older PhysX system software such as version 8.09.04 - prior to installing this update).
• Includes the latest PhysX runtimes used in the latest game titles.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA PhysX System Software 9.09.0203

NVIDIA has released a new version of their PhysX System Software. This driver supports all GeForce PhysX compatible video cards.

• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory.
• Experience GPU PhysX acceleration in many games and demos, some of which are highlighted in PowerPack downloads on www.geforce.com.
• Resolves PhysX SDK runtime issues with multi-GPU configurations in Hybrid environments.
• Improves performance of some PhysX enabled games on GeForce GTX 285 and GTX 295 products.
• Resolves occasional system crashes when PhysX is enabled on some systems when running on EA's Mirrors Edge.
• Runtime upgrade ONLY for AGEIA PhysX processors users. (New installations should install older PhysX system software such as version 8.09.04 - prior to installing this update).
• Includes the latest PhysX runtimes used in the latest game titles.
• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on GeForce via CUDA 2.0 for SDK versions 2.7.3, 2.7.2, 2.7.5, 2.8.0 and 2.8.1 (requires graphics driver v177.81 or later).
• Includes all the latest PhysX SDK Runtimes.
• Supports latest combines PhysX and SLI control panel featured in the latest GeForce drivers.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA PhysX System Software 9.09.0010 for Windows XP, Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit)

NVIDIA released today the latest WHQL version of its NVIDIA PhysX System Software. Version 8.09.04 supports both Windows XP and Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit).


Release Highlights:

• Supports for NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series and 200-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory.
• Experience GPU PhysX acceleration in several full games and demos today by downloading the GeForce Power Pack.
• Supports AGEIA PhysX processors and software runtimes (no change to PPU driver support).
• Includes the latest PhysX runtimes used in the latest game titles.
• Supports the following NVIDIA PhysX runtime engines: 2.8.1, 2.8.0, 2.7.4, 2.7.3, 2.7.2, 2.7.1, 2.7.0, 2.6.x, 2.5.x, 2.4.x and 2.3.x
• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on GeForce via CUDA 2.0 for SDK versions 2.7.3, 2.7.2, 2.8.0 and 2.8.1 (requires graphics driver v177.81 or later).
• The PhysX control panel can be found in the Windows Start Menu under NVIDIA Corporation.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA PhysX System Software Version 8.09.04

Although NVIDIA bought AGEIA Technologies only two months ago (on February 13, 2008), the GeForce creator informed recently that the conversion of AGEIA's PhysX API engine to CUDA programming language that interfaces with the GPUs is almost complete. Upong completeion of CUDA, owners of GeForce 8 and 9 series graphics cards will be able to play PhysX-enabled games without the need of an additional AGEIA PhysX PCI card. The big question here is, how much will this PhysX addition worse the frame rate in games. Well for now we only know that NVIDIA showed off a particle demo at its recent analysts day that was apparently similar to Intel's Nehalem physics demo from IDF 2008. For the record, the Nehalem demo managed 50,000 - 60,000 particles at 15-20 fps (without a GPU), while NVIDIA's demo on a GeForce 9800 card achieved the same level of particles at an amazing 300 fps, quite a boost. NVIDIA's next-gen parts (G100: GT100/200) in theory can double this score to top 600 fps. Manju Hegde, co-founder and former CEO of AGEIA added that in-game physics will be the "second biggest thing" in 2008.

Video card giant NVIDIA, which completed the acquisition of AGEIA Technologies the day before, is now starting to port AGEIA's PhysX engine software to run on its GeForce 8 cards, according to The Tech Report. During a financial call, NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hseun Huang revealed that the ported engine will bring enhanced physics capabilities to all of the company's existing GeForce 8 cards.

We're working toward the physics-engine-to-CUDA port as we speak. And we intend to throw a lot of resources at it. You know, I wouldn't be surprised if it helps our GPU sales even in advance of [the port's completion]. The reason is, [it's] just gonna be a software download. Every single GPU that is CUDA-enabled will be able to run the physics engine when it comes... Every one of our GeForce 8-series GPUs runs CUDA.

Huang also added that the integration shall encourage people to spend more on graphics processing hardware, and maybe start to buy two or three graphics cards, where one of them will work for physics only.

NVIDIA, the world leader in visual computing technologies and the inventor of the GPU, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire AGEIA Technologies, Inc., the industry leader in gaming physics technology. AGEIA's PhysX software is widely adopted with more than 140 PhysX-based games shipping or in development on Sony Playstation3, Microsoft XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii and Gaming PCs. AGEIA physics software is pervasive with over 10,000 registered and active users of the PhysX SDK.

AGEIA is planning to gain more popularity this weekend, by offering new low prices for its dedicated physics processing unit (PPU). This holiday season, you will be able to get a PCI PhysX card with 128MB GDDR3 onboard memory for just $99. The offer, which will run throughout the holiday shopping season will see major online shops like Newegg and TigerDirect sell the card at $99, significantly lower than the original $150+ price tag.

AGEIA has just announced that its PhysX UT3 Mod-Kit will be available tomorrow. As seen at the Leipzig Games Conference AGEIA PhysX owners will get the promised PhysX-powered mod featuring a tornado which tears the battlefield apart as the game progresses. In addition, the tornado actually sucks rockets into the vortex if they're fired too close and presents a real moving hazard to the player. Actual footage of the tornado can be seen here.

AGEIA Technologies, the pioneer in hardware-accelerated physics for games, today announced the introduction of the AGEIA Adaptive Physics EXtensions (APEX) Development Platform. AGEIA APEX provides game designers, developers and modders with a series of PhysX asset libraries and tools which help streamline the implementation of best-in-class in-game physics. This new offering saves engineering time and increases efficiencies throughout the development of next-generation titles, regardless of the platform, and enables designers to more directly utilize AGEIA's powerful physics engine.

AGEIA published today cinematic trailer showing the capabilities of Unreal Tournament 3 engine when played with PhysX card.

Our first sneak peek includes a look at in-game footage of a PhysX-powered mod featuring a tornado which tears the battlefield apart as the game progresses. In addition, the tornado actually sucks rockets into the vortex if they're fired too close and presents a real moving hazard to the player.

Click here to watch the sneak peek movie.

AGEIA Technologies announced today the world's first PhysX Mobile processor, the AGEIA PhysX 100M, for high performance gaming notebook PCs. The new PhysX 100M mobile part is designed to operate, "with power dissipation of nearly 10W under gameplay conditions." It also includes power management features not seen in the desktop version, to throttle down the clock speed and prevent overheating or if the chip is in idle. The new AGEIA PhysX 100M processor is available now. Exciting gaming notebooks powered by AGEIA PhysX Mobile Technology are expected to hit the market very soon.

We are enabling enthusiasts to enjoy games their way: whenever and wherever they want. AGEIA PhysX Mobile Technology further expands our position in the gaming market and we look forward to seeing new laptops bring gamers the freedom to enjoy incredible physics action on the go.

said Manju Hegde, CEO of AGEIA Technologies.

ChileHardware has posted an interesting interview with Ageia's CEO, Many Hedge. As all of you are surely aware, Ageia is the company behind separate PhysX add-in cards.

In the interview, Mr. Hedge says that several AAA titles supporting PhysX are in the works, but the two to look out for are definitely Cellfactor: Revolution and Warmonger: Operation Downtown Destruction, which will make heavy use of in-game physics. Also, it it good to hear that Ageia is up to date with its drivers, ensuring a pleasant gaming (or should I say PhysX ?) experience to those already running Windows Vista. Overclocking is as popular as ever - yet Many Hedge states that, at the current moment, they will not support the overclocking of their PhysX cards, as they are not deemed to be the bottleneck in any current game. Lastly, there is an invitation to CeBIT - so maybe it will be worth a visit this year, after all?

Read the whole interview in English here.