DirectX Development Progresses, 8.1 Nears
According to beta testers, the DirectX Team at Microsoft is prepared to release a new interim build of DirectX 8.1 for testing. This is a compulsory upgrade for testers as prior test versions are set to expire on September 5th. DirectX 8.1 features a comprehensive collection of bug fixes from the previous version as well as support for new high precision texture formats and nPatch quadratic interpolation order.
Developers can also take advantage of a DirectX AppWizard for Microsoft Visual C++ that is included in the release. Directx 8.1 is an integral part of Windows XP.
Details emerged at this year's meltdown outlining the proposed set of features for version 9.0. According to Microsoft, "Most notable are the higher-level programmable shader language, detailing how this will help you develop faster for numerous hardware configurations, and the new pixel shader instructions. Also discussed will be new functionality we're considering, including higher color depth support and architecture optimizations. New, feature rich, high end video cards will be fully supported by this release."
In a statement from Alex St. John, co-creator of DirectX Technologies, BetaNews was told that he former Microsoft evangelist was pleased with the progression of Direct X –- especially its port over to the soon to be released Xbox game console.
Gamers hoping that titles developed for Redmond's much hyped Xbox will be interchangeable with PCs are set to be disappointed. Earlier today, The Inquirer -- a UK Web site that tracks developments in technology -- reported that due to differences in design, Xbox games will run exclusively on the upcoming platform.