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The Source for GPU Programming

NVIDIA Handheld SDK - March 2004

In this release you will find tools, libraries, code samples and technical papers that help you get the most out of NVIDIA GPUs using OpenGL ES.

 

 

This release of the Handheld SDK includes:

Be sure to check out http://developer.nvidia.com for latest versions of all these resources and more. Please also take a few moments to complete our registered handheld developer application.

Documentation and Online Resources

The digital age is everywhere, and users on the go want to be able to get the most out of their wireless handheld devices.  From digital photography to video games, cell phones and PDAs are used for a myriad of multimedia applications.  Check out the features available on the latest media processors from NVIDIA:

 

Building on our current line-up of handheld solutions, NVIDIA recently announced the availability of our GoForce 3D core (AR10) for use in cellular handsets.  Ideal for integration with system on chip (SOC) designs, the ultra low power AR10 core supports OpenGL ES and Direct3D Mobile APIs. 

You can get started with OpenGL ES now using the Handheld SDK on this disc.  More information on the API is available from the Khronos Group on their OpenGL ES specifications page.

 

Handheld SDK Code Samples

This first version of our handheld SDK includes several helpful code samples to help you get started with OpenGL ES programming.  Source code for these samples is included, as are pre-compiled versions that can be run from their directory on disc or by clicking on the screenshots below.

  Hello & HelloFixed - Simple applications that show how to create a rendering context and draw a triangle. The HelloFixed sample shows how to use the fixed point entry points to the OpenGL ES API.

SimpleUI - Shows how to integrate support for user interaction using the keyboard.  This sample is the starting point project created by the Handheld Demo Wizard for Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003.
 

 
MultiTexture - Shows several texture blending modes using multi-texturing and texture combining.  Sample code for loading DXT1 compressed textures, setting the texture filtering/wrap modes, and using a texture matrix to modify texture coordinates is included.
 
Bubble - Demonstrates the dual-paraboloid technique of implementing environment mapping to generate reflections on surfaces.  The source code uses our optimized fixed-point math library.  Use the keys on the number pad to poke the bubble and explore all the features of this sample.
 
 
Fog - Simple example showing several variations of per-pixel fog with basic lighting, including linear, exponential and exponential^2 modes.  The source code also demonstrates how to toggle between portrait and landscape orientations.

Note: if any of these samples seem to be running too fast on your PC, you can turn on Vertical Sync (VSync).  For NVIDIA GPUs this option is available via the Display Properties control panel under Advanced Settings in the OpenGL section.
 

Handheld Demo Wizard

This convenient wizard for Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 quickly generates a new OpenGL ES project that runs with our OpenGL ES libraries.  Just copy the "Handheld SDK Demo Wizard" directory to the VCWizards subdirectory where your .NET development environment is installed.  It's so easy we used it to create some of the SDK code samples!

Helpful Libraries

To help you develop OpenGL ES applications, the handheld SDK ships with full source code for several helpful libraries, including one that shows you how to load and use DXT1 compressed textures.  Windows and Linux XScale versions of our OpenGL ES and EGL libraries are also provided, as well as an optimized library for fixed-point computations.

NVIDIA Texture Tools

The NVIDIA Texture Tools Suite is a collection of useful texture tools, including DDS plug-ins for 3ds max and Photoshop, a normal map plug-in for Photoshop, a DDS thumbnail viewer, and more.  A command line NVDXT utility and library source is included.

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Our newsletter goes out to developers roughly once a month. It includes recent presentations, new tools, new product announcements, upcoming events, and other useful tips. Sign up here!

Become a Registered Developer

Joining our Registered Developer program is free and gives you access to a number of benefits:
 
  - Developer Forums - Prerelease Tools 
  - Prerelease Drivers  - Bug Reporting 

Joining is easy! Simply fill out one of applications below:

- Handheld Developer Application
- Game Developer Application
- Workstation Developer Application 

Please note that it may take a few weeks to receive a decision on your application, due to the large number of applicants.

Developer Relations

The NVIDIA Developer Relations Group is here to help during the design, development, and release of your 3D application. We are eager to assist at all stages of development, and the greatest benefit often comes from suggestions regarding your fundamental 3D engine design. Our engineers can also point out particular techniques and effects to make your project shine, provide source code examples, help root out bugs, and improve the performance of your 3D engine. Contact us at handset-dev@nvidia.com.

GPU Gems: Programming Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Real-Time Graphics

GPU Gems is a compilation of articles covering practical real-time graphics techniques arising from the research and practice of cutting-edge developers. It focuses on the programmable graphics pipeline available in today's graphics processing units (GPUs) and highlights quick and dirty tricks used by leading developers, as well as fundamental, performance-conscious techniques for creating advanced visual effects. The contributors and editors, collectively, bring countless years of experience to enlighten and propel the reader into the fascinating world of programmable real-time graphics.

GPU Gems is hard cover, has 816 pages, and is in full color throughout, with over 300 diagrams and screenshots. It has a suggested retail price of $59.99 and is available at the Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Addison-Wesley Web sites.

Learn more about GPU Gems in selected excerpts included on this disc:

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