< A href="http://www.sgi.com/ ">SGI and the OpenGL Architecture Review Board (ARB) has released OpenGL 2.0, the newest version of the open standard for 3D development. OpenGL has been leveraged extensively by Apple in Mac OS X, and the newest version brings a technology known as OpenGL Shading Language to the 3D platform. From SGI:
The latest version of the OpenGL specification, incorporating support for the OpenGL Shading Language application programming interfaces (API), was announced today by Silicon Graphics and the OpenGL Architecture Review Board (ARB) at the SIGGRAPH 2004 industry tradeshow. One of the most important and enduring standards in the computer industry, OpenGL 2.0 presents a revolution in graphics by providing high-level access to the programmable features of modern graphics processors and is an important step in creating photo-realistic, real-time 3D graphics.
OpenGL Shading Language has been extensively field tested for a year within the proven ARB standardization process. Potential applications include cinematic quality images for games, more realistic imagery for training and simulation, better analysis tools for medical visualization, and more true-to-life simulated environments for designing and styling manufactured products.
Since its introduction in 2003, OpenGL Shading Language has become the most widely supported shading language for developing interactive graphics and visualization applications, with implementations for UNIX, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and other operating systems. This wide compatibility enables developers to readily move their work across most major commercial operating systems and hardware platforms. OpenGL 2.0 fully supports all applications written under the previous versions of the specification.
Apple has not yet announced support for the new standard, but the company is one of the 12 voting members of the ARB. Apple spokespersons were not immediately available for comment. You can find more information on OpenGL at the standardis Web site.
[Update 12:15 AM: An Apple spokesperson told TMO today that the company has no immediate plans to announce support for OpenGL 2.0. Appleis traditional corporate policy is to not comment on unannounced products.]