Microsoft announced that they would be sharing details on DirectX 12 at GDC and they have done just that. DirectX 12 will be pushed across all of Microsoft’s platforms which include the PC, Window Phone, and the Xbox One. The aim of DirectX 12 is to give developers better control and further access to the hardware. Microsoft details that the new Direct3D 12 enables richer scenes, more objects, and full utilization of modern GPU hardware, however it’s not just aimed at high end hardware and also aims to increase performance of low-end hardware as well.
Both AMD and Nvidia were present at the announcement with both companies expressing their commitment to the new API with Nvidia pushing that DirectX 12 will be supported on Fermi, Kepler, Maxwell, and future Nvidia architectures with AMD stating DirectX 12 will offer improvements in performance and hopefully that extends to the Xbox One as well, which will also be getting DirectX 12.
Microsoft also stressed that DirectX 12 will be featured on Windows phone with Qualcomm also at the event and vice president Eric Demers stating ‘DirectX 12 could be the missing link between console and mobile’.
While AMD are pushing their own Mantle API, it could be considering a sign that AMD wanted more from Microsoft and in the least, Microsoft seem to be responding. Microsoft have’t released any firm details on release other than a preview of Direct X 12 is set for release later this year.
Source: MSDN.com
