SideFX has released Houdini 18.5, the latest update to its procedural toolkit.
The release adds a number of features, including new cloth and fluid simulation tools. The new version also updates the Solaris shot layout and look dev toolset, Karma renderer, plus game development plugins.
Houdini 18.5 introduces KineFX, a new procedural character rigging and motion editing system which is basically a foundation for a character animation toolset in Houdini. The team wants to boost the power of Houdini’s procedural workflow when it comes to the animation pipeline.
The update also enhances simulation toolsets, including Vellum, the GPU-accelerated multiphysics solver. Users can now play with Vellum Brush which is a set of interactive physics brushes for curves, meshes, and soft bodies. This set allows users to interact with simulations directly in the viewport. You can use it to sculpt cloth, and the tool will automatically generate realistic folds and wrinkles.
As for Pyro FX, Houdini’s smoke and fire simulation toolset, the update adds new Pyro Burst and Pyro Trail tools.
There's more, of course. You can learn all about the new version here.