14 DAY TRIAL // Seemingly intent on getting away from all the excitement from the DirectX 11 hardware front, Advanced Micro Devices has decided to unveil a software driver that can help developers easily create 3D Internet applications that do not require any plug-ins. Known as the OpenGL ES 2.0 driver, it is the first WebGL-ready software driver for desktop environments and will be generally available with the upcoming ATI Catalyst 10.7 beta for OpenGL ES 2.0.
The main goal of this project is to allow 3D applications to be more easily rendered on open-source web browsers. The other thing it can be used for is enabling software developers to create smartphone, tablet and other portable device applications, based on OpenGL ES 2.0, by using desktops PCs or workstations featuring AMD graphics (ATI Radeon, Mobility Radeon and ATI FirePro). Not only that, but said developers will easily be able to port applications between PCs and handhelds, thanks to common programming environment.
“AMD is a steadfast supporter of industry standards, including those that unlock the power of GPU acceleration,” said Manju Hegde, corporate vice president, AMD Fusion Experience Program. “At AMD, we see the future of computing as being intensely visual, requiring a variety of rich media 2D and 3D applications. With functionality like the OpenGL ES 2.0 driver and technology breakthroughs made possible by AMD Fusion APUs, we aim to deliver the ideal development platform for immersive experiences both online and natively on virtually any PC form factor.”
The driver will be available once the ATI Catalyst 10.7 beta for OpenGL ES 2.0 becomes available, which should be later today. This move marks the extension of AMD's 'world's first' porfolio, after it announced support for OpenCL, Open GL 4.0 and DirectX 11, among other things.