14 DAY TRIAL // Intel may be primarily a hardware developer and vendor, but that doesn't mean it doesn't dabble in software from time to time.
In fact, the company has introduced a couple of advancements that all game makers and graphics card developers will love.
They are extensions for DirectX. PixelSync is one, InstantAccess is the other.
PixelSync provides access to hardware in a way that allows programmers to properly composite partially transparent pixels, without an expensive sorting operation. The result is more realistic smoke, windows, hair, fences, natural phenomena, complex geometry and foliage.
InstantAccess allows physical memory to be written and read from either the CPU or built-in Intel HD graphics in CPUs. The “enhanced rendering” in Total War: Rome II is the result.