AMD today released the first software driver that will support the WebGL industry standard on desktop computing environments. Designed to bring plugin-free 3D graphics on to the internet, the AMD OpenGL ES 2.0 driver is intended to help the developers out there easily craft exciting 3D content, after which it can be rendered very quickly for open-source web browsers.
“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 new driver by AMD also encourages developers of software to use desktop personal computers and workstations powered by the graphics technologies of AMD. The common OpenGL ES programming environment simplifies the software porting between PCs and handhelds for developers.
Expected to be available later this year, the WebGL standard is being developed by the Khronos Group. The standard browser vendors like Apple – creator of Safari, Google – creator of Chrome, Mozilla – creator of Firefox, and Opera – creator of Opera Browser, are all WebGL Working Group contributors.
The upcoming ATI Catalyst 10.7 will come with the OpenGL ES 2.0 driver. It is expected to be available later today, the 26th of July, 2010.
The OpenGL ES 2.0 driver will be supported by all currently available AMD ATI graphics products.