REDMOND, Wash. Jan. 22, 2003 Microsoft Corp. today announced broadened availability of the Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0 application programming interface (API). The latest version of the Microsoft Windows® Gaming API delivers Microsofts powerful new High-Level Shader Language (HLSL) and features its most-advanced suite of design tools for the development of rich multimedia elements such as full-spectrum color graphics, video, 3-D animation and enhanced audio capabilities.
Developed by Microsoft, creators of Direct3D® , HLSL is a revolutionary industry innovation for multimedia developers and the key component of this latest DirectX 9.0 release. Based on the C programming language, HLSL introduces a developer-friendly programming environment that delivers simplicity and flexibility across the full range of 3-D graphics. HLSL facilitates every aspect of development, from the creation of vivid art and animation to effects programming. Compatible with all DirectX-compliant graphics processing units, HLSL allows developers to define a similar visual effect across the widest range of graphics hardware. HLSL can be seamlessly integrated into the Visual Studio® IDE and complemented by enhancements to Microsofts current developer toolset to provide developers with even more power from an easier-to-use solution.
“Our principal goal with DirectX 9.0 is to make game development on the Windows platform more enjoyable, advanced and efficient. By allowing developers to create cutting-edge software without worrying about the hardware theyre creating it for, DirectX 9.0 lets developers concentrate on what they do best,”
said Dean Lester, general manager of the Graphics and Gaming Technologies Division at Microsoft.
“DirectX 9.0 continues to build on the advancements made in DirectX 8.1. The revolutionary new high-level shader language optimizes the hardware available today and will support all future hardware innovations as the technology moves forward, regardless of manufacturer.”
DirectX 9.0 introduces significant improvements across its suite of APIs. DirectSound offers new audio capabilities, DirectShow accelerates video rending hardware, and Direct3D enhances low-level graphics programmability with new programmable vertex and pixel shader 2.0 models.
Availability
The DirectX 9.0 Software Development Kit including HLSL can be downloaded from the DirectX Developer Center at http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/ . The latest version of DirectX is also available for free download (connect-time charges may apply) from the DirectX Home User Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/ .
About DirectX
Microsoft DirectX is an advanced suite of multimedia APIs built into Microsoft Windows operating systems. This standard platform enables software developers to access specialized hardware features without having to write hardware-specific code. DirectX debuted in 1995 and quickly became a recognized standard for multimedia application development on the Windows platform.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software any time, any place and on any device.
The information contained in this press release relates to a prerelease software product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the software product when first commercially released. This press release is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the press release or the information contained in it.
Microsoft, DirectX, Windows, Direct3D and Visual Studio are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For additional information on DirectX 9.0 and HLSL:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/ ; http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/
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