While it seems like Creative Labs is still ramping up support for its Environmental Audio Extensions (EAX), and titles using the 3D positional audio API are just beginning to show up in marketplace, the company is already launching EAX 2.0.

　　The new version adds more to Microsoft's DirectSound property set and builds on the first version's strengths of adding environmental effects. While Creative is calling its extensions new, you may recognize some of the lingo from Creative's audio competition - Aureal and its A3D API.

　　EAX 2.0 allows game developers to add occlusion and obstruction to make for a more immersive environmental experience. Occlusion allows you to hear the sound of a battle or an opponent from the next room as the sound reflects off walls. Obstruction creates a muffled effect as a particular sound would sound like from behind an object. The intensity of sounds can be turned up or turned down depending on the object in the way.

　　"It's amazing to witness the incredible realism that is being achieved by top developers using our Environmental Audio Extensions," said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and chief executive officer at Creative. "We're committed to providing an open API that continues to drive the development of extraordinary games with realistic audio environments."