Microsoft DX10.1 to replace DirectSound with XAudio 2
 

A new technology dubbed XAudio 2 is going to replace DirectSound, and the first look is in here. This is the same technology as is used in Xbox 360, and will enable easier cross-platform development when it comes to audio.

The main components of the technology includes sophisticated multi-channel and audio spatialisation support. 5.1 sound has been used well on Xbox and 360 titles, and MS is hoping that it can push PC games in the same direction. Also included is better support for multi-core processors, enabling a sufficiently sophisticated CPU to do a bit of the audio processing legwork.

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