Microsoft XNA
 

Check out the demos on this page.

http://www.microsoft.com/xna/

I wonder if it will be the base for Windows Codename Longhorn

No.

Q: What tools do developers get with XNA?
A: XNA tools will include DirectX and the High-Level Shader Language (HLSL), XACT, PIX and the Xaudio API, in addition to other development tools such as Visual Studio.

Q: What does Microsoft XNA offer developers?
A: Microsoft XNA lets developers spend less time constructing and more time focusing on game creation. Microsoft XNA will:

- Enable developers to turn innovation into impact
- Help contain skyrocketing development costs
- Open up cross-device development opportunities
- Make it easier to make blockbuster games because Microsoft XNA is based on familiar development tools
- Allow game developers to focus on game design and spend less time fighting hardware complexity
- Enable life-like graphics, sound and movement
- Enable developers to design for Windows and Xbox simultaneously

Q: What is Microsoft XNA?
A: Microsoft XNA is a powerful next generation development platform that equips developers to deliver breakthrough games while combating rising production costs and ever-increasing hardware complexity. It integrates new and existing tools and technologies from Microsoft and its partners so that developers can make better games faster. Video games on future iterations of all Microsoft game platforms-including Windows, Xbox, and Windows mobile-based devices -can be powered by tools and technologies from the XNA development platform.

"The next version of the Microsoft Windows operating system, code-named "Longhorn," marks a significant change not only in terms of how the operating system works, but also in the way in which applications are built. The Longhorn version of Windows includes a new storage system, natural search technology, and an increased emphasis on security and trustworthy computing."
--"Source from Longhorn: A First Look"

"Longhorn represents the most significant step forward in the Windows platform since the move from 16-bit to 32-bit computing in 1995. "
--Source from Longhorn Developer Center Home"

Nice marketing info :p

Thanks. =8-)

"catalyst for a new ecosystem" - Microsoft

Hmm,yes, Fluffy talk.

How much and when?

ps, Cheers WizCraker

So what is XNA again?

This is very intrusting

I just thought that it was Direct X 10, they just decided to rename it to XNA.

XNA is another attempt by Microsoft to take control of 3D standards, by overthrowing OpenGL and installing its own proprietary DirectX and other devices.

Everyone is happy with OpenGL. Then here comes Microsoft, wanting to supplant it. Do they have to control everything?

of course, I heard they are going to make pace makers and the OS on toilet paper, there is even rumors of them writing the Lawyer 1.0.0.00.1.1001 to handle their law suits and legal battles.

XNA basicly is a way for them to abstract the the machinery into just calls for transparency or for a shader effect and XNA wil handle telling the hardware what to do or doing it in software. By abstracting out teh hardware I can just focus on adding lots of cool graphic features and XNA will worry about what video card you have so I don't have to. Basically it will save programmers from having to program for every video card.

Well since XNA is a complete development platform and not just a 3d thing, I think you'll find they are trying to take over all game development ;)

DirectX 10 will not be released until the next major release of Windows [Longhorn], end of 2005 early 2006. That would mean the the next version would not be release until summer 2006 winter 2007.

That said, you can expect the next variant of DirectX 9 should be out later this year with updated shader, tools handling.

Go Bill:cool:

Let's face it, consoles are so popular because they are easier to manage and handle, every user has the same hardware.
PCs are *far* more difficult to handle when developing games.
I don't see anything bad in creating a unified development platform, it doesn't mean that the content will be unified, but as much as everybody would like to have a standard 3D format, as much everybody would like to concentrate on the content instead of having to fight with the environment.
OpenGL or DirectX, I don't care, I only care about getting games to the people :)