DirectX 11.2 an Xbox One and Windows 8.1 Exclusive
DirectX 11.2 promises to bring a host of new features such as the new "Tiled Resources" technique that will (unsurprisingly) be exclusive to the Xbox One and Windows 8.1.
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.
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Tarun Iyer was a contributor for Tom's Hardware who wrote news covering a wide range of technology topics, including processors, graphics cards, cooling systems, and computer peripherals. He also covered tech trends such as the development of adaptive all-in-one PCs.
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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 -
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 Reply11081375 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. -
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