Microsoft rolls out new DirectX

By David Becker
Staff Writer, CNET News

Microsoft on Wednesday announced widespread availability for the new version of DirectX, the library of graphics programming instructions used by most Windows-based games. DirectX 9.0 includes enhanced capabilities for programming sophisticated visual effects. Graphics chipmakers have latched onto those functionalities with new chips and development tools.

Games makers and other software professionals can download the DirectX 9.0 Software Development Kit from Microsoft. Windows users can download the new version of DirectX now, although games that take advantage of the technology won't be available until later this year.

Latest tech news headlines

Apple to buy Quattro Wireless for $275 million
Posted in News - Apple by Kara Swisher, AllThingsD

January 4, 2010 8:25 PM PST
'Kama Sutra' most pirated ebook of 2009
Posted in Technically Incorrect by Chris Matyszczyk

January 4, 2010 7:20 PM PST
Forrester: 5 keys for application development in 2010
Posted in Software, Interrupted by Dave Rosenberg

January 4, 2010 7:10 PM PST
See all headlines

RSS Feeds

Add headlines from CNET News to your homepage or feedreader.

More feeds available in our RSS feed index.

Markets: Market news, charts, SEC filings, and more; Related quotes; Dow Jones Industrials (1.50%) 155.91 10,583.96; S&P 500 (0.00%) 0.00 1,115.10; NASDAQ (0.00%) 0.00 2,308.42; CNET TECH (0.00%) 0.00 1,672.22

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right

Software, Interrupted
Forrester: 5 keys for application development in 2010
Smart application development efforts are the key providing the flexibility a company needs to stay ahead of the game. Forrester Research has a number of recommendations for 2010.
Gallery
En route to GPS-based air traffic control (images)
Apple
Apple to buy Quattro Wireless for $275 million
Deal for mobile-advertising start-up comes on the heels of Google's $750 million purchase of Quattro competitor AdMob.
Beyond Binary
Understanding Windows 7's 'GodMode'
Enthusiasts are buzzing over a trick that lets users get access to all of the operating system's controls in one folder.
Video
Deep-sea volcanic explosion--part 2 (video)
Technically Incorrect
'Kama Sutra' most pirated ebook of 2009
The list of 2009's most pirated ebooks reveals that those who downloaded illegally are people with rather narrow minds and broad frustrations.
Video
Deep-sea volcanic explosion--part 1 (video)
The Social
Fresh legal woes for ConnectU founders
Remember file-sharing site I2hub? Its creator claims that due to a partnership with social network ConnectU, he's entitled to part of ConnectU's Facebook settlement money.
The Digital Home
NASA's Kepler finds five 'hot Jupiters'
After less than a year in operation, NASA's Kepler space telescope finds five new exoplanets in our galaxy. Unfortunately, none of them is habitable.
Gallery
NASA trains WISE eye on the sky (photos)
2010 CES
Lenovo announces Skylight smartbook, smaller than a Netbook
With a thin frame and a nonstandard OS, Lenovo's entry into the world of smartbooks meshes smartphone with Netbook.
Green Tech
To save energy, thermostat becomes mini computer
SilverPac releases a sleek-looking touch-screen display that combines the functions of home energy monitoring and a programmable thermostat.