The first week in February, Microsoft's Meltdown will bring DirectX-based hardware and software developers together to discuss the latest technologies and look ahead for the future of DirectX 6.0 and all the way to DirectX 7.0. Expected companies in attendance will be 3Dfx, 3Dlabs, Diamond Multimedia, Ion Storm , VideoLogic, Activision, Creative Technologies, Electronic Arts, and tons of others.

　　Although the event completely focuses on developers, we expect that the latest information about the new forms of DirectX will be released so we can find out what will improve in some of the DirectX games to come. Technical presentations during the event from Feb. 3-6 will encompass all related DirectX technologies including DirectDraw, DirectInput, DirectMovie, Direct3D, DirectSound, DirectShow, DirectAnimation, and DirectPlay.

　　Another key feature of the show is the hardware compatibility testing. Vendors will set up machines that will allow software developers to test their products on the latest hardware to make sure that products will run correctly using DirectX 5.0. Microsoft will also allow software and hardware folks to test their wares on Windows NT 5.0 and DirectX 6.0. NT 5.0 will be the first version of Windows NT to support DirectX and Direct3D, taking away one of the last bottlenecks for high-end users who traditionally have to have a dual boot system that allows them to do high-end work under NT and games under Windows 95. Microsoft will also be having sessions so developers can get answers on how to optimize their games for DirectX, so you can get the best performance from the next breed of games or patches to speed up the titles you already own.

　　Developers will also receive an interim developer copy of Windows NT and DirectX 6.0 as well as a DDK (Device Driver Kit - this is what developers will use to make hardware drivers) for DirectX 6.0. So if you're a hard-core programmer and have US$400 to spend to get in the door, it might be worth your while.

　　Also, Microsoft will begin revealing the upcoming development of DirectX 7.0. From what we have heard, DirectX 6.0 will be more focused on fine-tuning Direct3D technologies whereas rumor has it that 7.0 will take NT to a new level, as DirectX will manage multiple processors. This will allow gamers with a two-processor system to reap the benefits of more processing power, and the developer would have to specially code its game for managing multiple processors which normally take a significant amount of time to develop. As we get word of any significant announcements from the conference, we'll keep you informed.