Microsoft has released
version the August 2007 version of its DirectX SDK. As part of the new
version, the company provides a Direct3D 10.1 tech preview, which includes a
range of new features.
Apparently, the big news is in audio. A new technology dubbed XAudio 2 is
going to replace DirectSound, and the first look is in here. This is the same
technology as is used in Xbox 360, and will enable easier cross-platform
development when it comes to audio. The main components of the technology
includes sophisticated multi-channel and audio spatialisation support. 5.1 sound
has been used well on Xbox and 360 titles, and MS is hoping that it can push PC
games in the same direction. Also included is better support for multi-core
processors, enabling a sufficiently sophisticated CPU to do a bit of the audio
processing legwork.
Also on the cards for DX10.1 is a new revision to the graphics subsystem,
which will move to Shader Model 4.1. This adds thrilling features such as a
dynamically selective sample pattern for MSAA, better resource handling and
TextureCube Arrays.
While the software is available as a free download, Microsoft said that the
Direct3D 10.1 preview will require Vista SP1 Beta, which will be available to
MSDN subscribers 'once it is publicly released'. The new DSK also comes with
XAudio2 Beta, a new cross-platform audio API, supporting cross-platform DSP
effects, per-voice filtering, arbitrary submixing, and multi-rate processing.
Microsoft said that it will be releasing DirectX updates four times per year.
The next updates are planned for November 2007, March 2008, June 2008 and August
2008.