Yes its that time of year again and time to downloaded the latest and greatest API.
Don't expect much in the way of managed code updates. As you know announced MDX 2.0 is getting rolled into the XNA framework so progress on that API has changed direction and we all know Tom is working on that product now. However, I noticed that a new Microsoft.DirectX.Dll has appeared in the 2.0.0.x86 directory (overwriting the old one so beware), but I have no idea what has changed in there. There is of course a new Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3dX.dll for 1.1 as always (since the underlying D3DX.dll changes) v1.0.2911.0.
Managed DirectX 2.0 Beta Update
Microsoft is working on a new managed gaming framework which will target Windows and Xbox 360 known as the XNA Framework. The majority of what exists today as the Managed DirectX 2.0 beta will become a key component of the XNA Framework. Managed DirectX 2.0 will continue to ship as a beta in subsequent SDK releases of the DirectX SDK until a beta of the XNA Framework is made available. While we are striving to deliver a smooth transition from code written to use the Managed DirectX 2.0 beta, Microsoft can make no guarantees about the API compatibility between the Managed DirectX 2.0 beta and the upcoming graphics API’s in the XNA Framework. Microsoft will be providing guidance about the API differences as well as migration assistance as more information becomes available regarding the XNA Framework.
The following is an initial list of known changes which will exist between the Managed DirectX 2.0 beta and what Microsoft will deliver with the XNA Framework. This list will be updated as more information is available, and is as always subject to change.
- Managed XACT and managed XInput will replace managed DirectSound and managed DirectInput respectively. Managed DirectSound and managed DirectInput will no longer be available in the XNA Framework. However, DirectSound and DirectInput will still be available for developers who choose to use Managed DirectX 1.1.
- Managed DxDiag will not be available in the XNA Framework. DxDiag support will still be available for developers using Managed DirectX 1.1.
- Microsoft is actively investigating how to bring forward functionality from Direct 3DX 9.0 into the XNA Framework. D3DX9 will still be supported in MDX 1.1
- Please note that Managed DirectX 1.1 is fully compatible with the .NET Framework 2.0.
The XNA Framework will be supported on several architectures (including 64-bit) for both Windows and Xbox 360
Otherwise, looks like few changes - couple more D3D10 samples though no update to the API.
