DirectX 11.2 an Xbox One and Windows 8.1 Exclusive

At this year’s Build Developers Conference, Microsoft unveiled its latest version of DirectX, demonstrated the new "Tiled Resources" technique, and made the announcement that the update will be exclusive to Windows 8.1 and the Xbox One.

"Tiled Resources" allows for significant enhancement of in-game textures by making it possible to simultaneously access GPU and traditional RAM memory and create a single large buffer where large textures can be stored. This technique was demonstrated with a model of Mars which displayed a 3 GB texture using just 16 MB of GPU memory and in Graphine’s Granite Flight Simulator that showed "a remarkably detailed island with gliders constructed out of 64 megapixels."

DirectX 11.2 also promises to deliver a large number of other improvements such as more responsive improvements through reduced delay for applications run on top of an API, pre-compiling of HLSL shaders, GPU overlay support and frame buffer scaling.

We can’t say we’re particularly surprised by the announcement since Microsoft is clearly hoping this exclusivity will increase sales of the upcoming Xbox One console and motivate gamers to make the switch over to Windows 8.1.

  • Spooderman
    Really? You're kidding, right?
    Reply
  • Blessedman
    I understand about wanting to have exclusivity on technologies to force people to upgrade. I can even understand bringing the new tech exclusively to the console but to lock out 90% of your customer base is an idiotic move on Microsoft's part. Ballmer for the lose. When does Bill recognize this man is kill his kingdom?
    Reply
  • marraco
    Still not a single game taking real advantage of DX11. Even DX10 support is dubious.
    Reply
  • slomo4sho
    Great! Maybe DirectX will now finally died.
    Reply
  • megiv
    Great, now give me back my beloved XNA !!!
    Reply
  • hakesterman
    Bill Gates won't do naything with MS. Anymore. He has found other interests and unless MS. starts doing a complete nose dive you won't see any involment on his behalf.
    Reply
  • Stimpack
    11081375 said:
    Still not a single game taking real advantage of DX11. Even DX10 support is dubious.

    You should realize that a lot of this has to do with old console hardware holding back the industry. We will probably see more support for stuff like this in the next generation.
    Reply
  • codo
    Its your own fault if you haven't switched to Windows 8.
    Reply
  • hakesterman
    If i need Kinect to operate an XB1, i won't be buying.
    Reply
  • bernardv
    DX11.2? I bet you'll have to read a 10 page article before you're able to notice any difference vs DX11, on a static screen capture using an enlarged picture segment.
    Reply