Category Archives: Graphics API

Otto Berkes – the last Xbox founder – leaves Microsoft

Way back when I was writing my OpenGL Book, I had the good fortune to run across some stupendous folks at Microsoft who were forthright and open and very very helpful to me, answering questions, implementation details, and generally reviewing … Continue reading

Posted in DirectX, Ex-Microsoft, OpenGL, PC Graphics | 1 Comment

OpenGL Shading Language Draft nearing completion

The OpenGL Shading Language draft is up for comments. You can review it here.

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WARP-Microsoft’s “fast” DirectX software rasterizer

It turns out that Microsoft did something very interesting Windows 7, something incredibly cool in fact! Windows 7 will contain something called WARP10, which stands for Windows Advanced Rasterization Platform.  This is, in essence, a software rasterizer for DirectX.  WARP10 … Continue reading

Posted in DirectX, Graphics API, PC Graphics | 5 Comments

DirectX 10.1 makes current hardware obsolete? Not!

Having just returned from Siggraph this year I was fielding some questions from some co-workers. “Didja hear that Microsoft announced DirectX 10.1?”, “Yeah”, “And that it makes all DX10.0 hardware obsolete?” – To which my witty reply was “huh?” I … Continue reading

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NVIDIA Releases Developer Tools

At the GDC, graphics chip maker NVIDIA announced they are releasing a bunch of updated and new tools. The tool upgrades are: FX Composer 2, PerfHUD 5, ShaderPerf 2. They are also releasing a new GPU-accelerated texture tool, plus a … Continue reading

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OpenGL 2.0 launched!

The OpenGL ARB has formally released the OpenGL 2.0 specification. This not only included things like the improved OpenGL Shading Language API’s, but a bunch of other new features as well. The highlights are; Programmable Shading Interface       … Continue reading

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A plethora of shader tools

When it rains, it pours. We’re being treated to a slew of new shader writing tools. ATI updates their previously available RenderMonkey. NVIDIA jumps into the fold with FX Composer. And RTZen joins as well with a more production oriented … Continue reading

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DirectX Next

DirectX Next – Oh Pleeeze! The slides from Microsoft’s Meltdown 2003 are available here. I’ve not been a fan of DirectX’s piecewise distribution of shader technology – not so much for the hardware folks as for the consumers. When I’d … Continue reading

Posted in Conferences, DirectX, Graphics API, PC Graphics | Leave a comment