The design of NOVA is centered around the shader concept, just like DX 9 or OGL 2.0. As such, the fixed function pipeline that is commonplace now will be handled as a special case (predefined shaders).
Basically, think about the ability to program both the T&L as well as the pixel pipeline.
Yes, it will not be available with OS 4.0. That would have been the case when we wouldn't have to do the OS too. As it stands now 4.1 is the earliest possible candidate.
Sorry, but the whitepaper is not ready for publication yet ;-)
