You can now use it in two ways, as it was (with some improvements to it) or you can use the function editor attached to it. This allows you to add and combine all sorts of fucntions to your material. You basically design whole new materials from scratch. I really do think landscape users do care to about this too, it finally gives you the ability to create their own materials. It gives you the power to create and edit materials, but also edit and design shaders. This new function editor isn't for Poser users or shader users only, every one can use it to create more depth to his/her materials. It's a great enhancement, even to people who only use Vue to create landscapes. I've always loved and missed the material editor in Bryce, but this new one surpasses it imo. Great new feature and very welcome indeed.

Artwork and 3DToons items, create the perfect place for you toon and other figures!

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/bcs/index.php?vendor=23722

Due to the childish TOS changes, I'm not allowed to link to my other products outside of Rendo anymore :(

Food for thought.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYZw0dfLmLk