It seems there's some issues with simulator data getting messed up by Havok 4.6 on the beta grid (Aditi). Sidewinder Linden (Program Manager for the Havok implementation project) has announced that Havok 4.6 is being yanked from the beta grid until at least Monday while they look for the cause and possible remedies.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled physics engine.

With Havok 4 now live in beta on the beta-grid (actually it's Havok 4.6), Andrew Linden scheduled a session yesterday to talk about the deployment and testing process for the new physics engine.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen family commitments, Andrew could not be there, but Program Manager Sidewinder Linden took his place. Thanks to Pavig Lok for providing us with a transcript of the session, we've summarized the key items for you below the fold.

OMGWTFKMFDM! is what I imagine many people will say when they hear the news: Havok 4 is now available on the Beta grid. You can get the Beta client here.

What can you expect from the beta? From the Official Linden Blog:

• Reduced simulator crashes
• Less lag in the physics engine
• More reliable prim linkage
• Stacked dynamic objects react when supporting objects are removed
• Improved collision management - uniform spheres collide as spheres, rather than as faceted shapes
• Penetrating dynamic objects will be automatically pushed apart by Havok4's collision solver
• Vertical simulation extent has been increased to 1024 meters
• Some slight dynamic changes - avatar movements have changed slightly

Read the entire post before downloading the beta client, and check out the wiki for even more info, but rejoice: this is a step in the right direction, promoting stability before new features! Okay, naysayers: have at it.