Xbox One developers will be able to access “GPU performance” previously unavailable and dedicated for use by Kinect.
A Eurogamer article says that Microsoft made statements about the new GPU opportiunites for developers through a new Software Developer Kit (SDK) to be ready in June. Quotes are as follows:
The June SDK released to developers gives them access to additional GPU resources previously reserved for Kinect and system functions. Accessing the additional GPU resources is done by the developer, and how developers choose to access the extra GPU performance for their games is up to them. For titles that ship in the future, if a developer has taken advantage of this SDK change they may access this additional GPU resource. We have started working with a number of developers on how they can best take advantage of these changes, and we’ll have more to share in the future.
Yesterday, Microsofts’ Phil Spencer Tweeted a statement about the added power for developers but made no mention of today’s statements.
When the Xbox was announced, the company pushed the Xbox One’s Kinect as an essential part of the system. Knowing the SDK blocked use of GPU only to be used for Kinect is a clear indication that developers could not take better advantage of the already powerful new game system. Microsoft did not comment specifically on a bump in screen resolution but did note that developers are able to utilize the new SDK. Results from the SDK are going to advantage the developers as they use the added GPU and receive help form Microsoft on how to use those advantages.
Microsoft is going to drop the Kinect for a cheaper version of the Xbox One next week, on June 9. The drop in price is $100 down from the original price of $499, leaving the Xbox One without the Kinect to be $399. Pricing the Xbox One a hundred dollars less brings the new system option aligned with the PS4.
The company took a strong stance on the initial plans for the Xbox One. Originally, is use to be mandatory for the system to always be connected to the internet. Also, games could not be shared normally between systems and a purchase fee would be applied to used games. A region lock applied to each Xbox One, too. All these initial characteristics are no longer part of the system.
Xbox One’s Kinect is another thing the company pushed for during launch as being an important and required addition to the system. Now, Microsoft newest reversal is further steps taken away from the first mention of what the Xbox One was suppose to be.
Check out this link to read about the new June Xbox One update.