Autodesk Maya v8.5 features Maya Nucleus, which allows creation of elements that interact in 3D with objects such as fluids, cloth, and rigid bodies. Maya nCloth allows direction and control of simulations including cloth, plastic, and metal, while air-pressure model enables use of any geometry from closed, sealed volumes to open volumes such as balloons. Utilizing python scripting, software is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms.

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SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 15 // -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) today announced Autodesk Maya 8.5, the latest version of its Maya 3D animation, modeling and rendering software. Maya is widely used for games development, as well as film and television visual effects production. Now shipping, Maya 8.5 gives artists enhanced creative control, enabling faster completion of complex animations and simulations.

"Autodesk is committed to making Maya the foundation for modern production pipelines. Maya 8.5 supports industry-standard Python scripting, offering improved workflows and development productivity," said Marc Petit, Autodesk's Media & Entertainment vice president. "We're excited to offer Maya 8.5 as a Universal application for both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macintosh computers. As well, the software features innovative new capabilities for character animation; the new Maya Nucleus unified simulation framework enables interactive simulations while keeping artists in full control of the animation."