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Latest Version Delivers Tools for More Realistic Multimedia Applications On Windows

``The release of DirectX 8.0 proves to be a major milestone for developers for Windows®,'' said Ted Hase, director of Windows Third-Party Gaming at Microsoft. ``This latest round of enhancements to DirectX will allow developers to realize their vision in new and very exciting ways. Developers can achieve higher levels of detail in both graphics and sound performance. This means that with the next generation of content, consumers can expect richer gameplay, more immersive in-game experiences and more creative multiplayer environments.''

New Features to Enhance the Multimedia Experience

With DirectX 8.0, Microsoft offers many new features and feature improvements for multimedia application developers:

    -- Consolidated interfaces for DirectDraw® and Direct3D® simplify
       application development and improve performance.
    -- Improved graphics authoring tool integration eases development of
       optimal 3-D characters and environments.
    -- Vertex shaders and pixel shaders improve image realism.
    -- Consolidated DirectSound® and DirectMusic® interfaces simplify
       application development.
    -- DLS2 audio synthesis support improves instrument realism.
    -- DirectInput® device mapping provides simplified device support.
    -- DirectPlay® performance and scalability for massively multiplayer
       games has been improved.
    -- DirectPlay IP voice communication support is provided.
    -- DirectShow® Editing Services APIs provide real-time compositing and
       editing of audio/video timelines.
    -- DirectShow supports reading and writing Windows Media(TM) Audio and
       Video (WMA and WMV).
    -- Microsoft TV Technologies support digital television.

Availability

The DirectX 8.0 Software Development Kit can be downloaded from the DirectX Developer Center at http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/ .

The latest version of DirectX is also available for free (connect-time charges may apply) download from the DirectX Home User Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/directx/ . Both the DirectX 8.0 SDK and DirectX 8.0 Runtime are scheduled to be available for download before 12:01 a.m. PST, Saturday, Nov. 11.

About DirectX

Microsoft DirectX is an advanced suite of multimedia APIs built into Microsoft Windows operating systems. DirectX provides a standard development platform for Windows-based PCs by enabling software developers to access specialized hardware features without having to write hardware-specific code. DirectX was first introduced in 1995 and is a recognized standard for multimedia application development on the Windows platform.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft 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.

NOTE: Microsoft, DirectX, Windows, DirectDraw, Direct3D, DirectSound, DirectMusic, DirectInput, DirectPlay, DirectShow and Windows Media 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.

SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.