The Blender people have been very busy with the next update to their software. Below is a list of features that the next version will be supporting (Note, that the current version is 2.37 and they will be skipping to 2.40 on the next release.)
http://www.blender3d.org/cms/Newsite...9526d7d.0.html
Some of the highlights include a revamped animation system and the inclusion of fluid simulation.
AWBenson