Nvidia has announced that it has launched the world's first ray tracing engine – with Nvidia OptiX promising to help developers bring new levels of realism to applications.
OptiX joins Nvidia's other acceleration engines, SceniX, CompleX and PhysX – with all, it seems, containing the X-factor.
The technology, which leverages the GPU, will allow for intricate tasks like examining the way reflection and refraction of light on glass should appear.
In Nvidia's words: "By tapping into the massively parallel computing power of Nvidia Quadro processors, the OptiX engine greatly accelerates the ray tracing used across a spectrum of disciplines, including: photorealistic rendering, automotive styling, acoustical design, optics simulation, volume calculations and radiation research."
Tipping point for GPUs
"Thousands of applications are being created today that harness the phenomenal power of GPUs, a clear sign that GPU computing has reached a tipping point, adds Nvidia's Jeff Brown. Manager.
"The world of computing is shifting from host-bound processing on CPUs to balanced co-processing on GPUs and CPUs.
"NVIDIA application acceleration engines arm developers with the tools they need to further revolutionize both real-time graphics and advanced data analysis."

Nikon has announced a world's first for the camera world – a compact coupled with a built-in projector.
The Coolpix S1000pj is a move that's certain to shake up both the projector and camera market, Nikon believes that the camera can project images up to 40 inches in size (and as low as 5 inches) and there's also a remote control in the package, so you can set up your own image slideshow on the go.
Autumn release
The camera itself holds a 12MP sensor, 5x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch TFT LCD. ISO levels can be cranked up to 3200 at full res.
As with every compact out at the moment, you can reduce image blur in-camera and there's also a whole host of other features, including a Skin Softening function – which will make your leathery looking grandmother look like Cameron Diaz in no time.
The Nikon S1000pj is out in September and will set you back £399.
And if you want to read if it's any good, the folks at T3 online have been busy and put up a hands-on with the camera already.