Microsoft Corp has announced that it is shipping Direct3D, its programming interface that puts developers of interactive three- dimensional technology in touch with the engine in the operating system. The technology is an enhanced version of Reality Lab 3D, which Microsoft acquired last year when it bought graphics expert RenderMorphics Ltd. It is thought that future uses of the Reality Lab 3D technology will be used to devise walk-through interfaces for the Windows interface, but in the meantime Direct3D enables developers to access the three-dimensional graphics engine in Microsoft’s operating system directly. Microsoft says that Direct3D is now available in beta form for Windows95 with a final version to be distributed to software developers during the second quarter of this year. Direct3D is the latest addition to Microsoft DirectX, which already includes DirectDraw, DirectSound, DirectInput and DirectPlay. Microsoft says that over 80 software developers, hardware vendors and personal computer manufacturers, including Compaq Computer Corp, id Software Inc, Intel Corp and NEC Technologies Inc, intend to deliver products for Direct3D.
