NVIDIA published a video of an Instinct Technology technology demo which uses NVIDIA CUDA to accelerate in-game AI effects. The demo shows 1024 planes, each using 10 different steering mechanisms to portray realistic avoidance and flocking, Check it out.

Click here to view the embedded video.

DTS was pimping their new DTS Neural Surround Sound technology at the Game Developers Conference last week, this sound technology will enable real-time 7.1 audio tracks in games on platforms like the PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.

“Our goal is to give developers the audio tools to help them create gaming experiences more immersive than ever before. With our DTS Neural Surround technology, games will deliver true 360 degree gaming for the first time ever. The potential here for what sound does in a game is almost limitless,” said Mark Tuffy, director of business development of interactive media at DTS.

By using existing technology built into the systems, DTS Neural Surround is able to convert the 5.1 signal into a true 7.1 surround experience. Whether the signal is digital or analog, DTS Neural Surround is able to convert the sound into 7.1 channel surround sound. Unfortunately, not a lot of technical details are available. Based on the claims of DTS, the Neural Surround should provide lossless quality like audio in video games.

“Prototype” on Microsoft Xbox 360 will be the first title released using DTS Neural Surround, but according to DTS, games using the DTS Neural Surround technology are currently under development for all platforms.”

“You’ve come to expect this level of sound quality with your Blu-Ray movies, why not games? With DTS Neural Surround Audio, you’ll experience the game’s audio exactly the way the designers intend. When a rocket flies over your head and explodes over your left shoulder, or a ten foot tall Demon with a chainsaw creeps up just behind your back… you’ll hear it exactly like that — in incredible, location specific detail,” said Mr. Tuffy, who, prior to DTS, was director of games at THX.

NVIDIA Corporation today announced NVIDIA APEX, a dramatic new capability to its PhysX technology development software development kit (SDK), that provides artists, level designers, and game developers with a set of easy-to-use tools that streamline the process of implementing scalable physics across multiple platforms for next-generation titles.

With NVIDIA PhysX technology, game developers can design worlds that literally come to life: walls can be torn down, glass can be shattered, trees bend in the wind, and water flows with body and force. Designed as a modular framework that works in concert with existing PhysX SDKs, NVIDIA APEX makes it easy for developers to add detailed physics effects to their games and helps them optimize the gaming experience across multiple platforms with a simple “author once” cross platform content creation feature. This enables APEX to not only help developers accelerate the time it takes to author new games, but will also help them reduce overall development costs in the process. The APEX toolset will be available free of charge for licensed NVIDIA PhysX developers and is already being integrated into some of the world’s most popular development libraries and game engines, including Emergent Game Technologies’ Gamebryo LightSpeed.

“APEX is a powerful addition to NVIDIA PhysX technology,” said Geoffrey Selzer, CEO of Emergent Game Technologies. “World-class technology, however, is only one piece of the solution. We chose to partner with NVIDIA for APEX/LightSpeed integrations due to their combination of best-of-breed technology and their culture of being of service to the industry which parallels our own. NVIDIA’s commitment to partners, technology, and developers has been demonstrated not only through collaborative relationships like ours, but through their holistic point-of-view about what the industry needs to thrive. PhysX, APEX, and LightSpeed will provide a breakthrough for designers, artists and engineers reenergizing creativity in the game industry.”

Another key component of APEX is the support for new plug-in modules, each of which provide a “high level” interface enabling artists and level designers to facilitate turnkey physics content creation with little or no programmer involvement. At GDC, NVIDIA is showcasing three new modules— destruction, clothing, and vegetation—each adding specific game dynamics functionality for fully-featured content authoring. Available for use on all major gaming platforms including the PC; Xbox360, PLAYSTATION3 and Nintendo Wii, additional APEX modules are in development by NVIDIA and APEX developer partners.

Attendees at GDC are invited to see a live demonstration of NVIDIA APEX at the NVIDIA booth (#656 in the West Hall), and to attend the APEX: The Quickest Path to High Definition Dynamics Content presentation being held in room 3016 in the West Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

For more information on NVIDIA PhysX and APEX technologies, please visit: http://developer.nvidia.com

OCZ Technology Group today unveiled two new mice ideal for users seeking an inexpensive gaming solution. Featuring a solid design, maximum functionality, and programmable customization unique to each user, the Behemoth and Eclipse are built with the hardcore gamer in mind.

Both mice offer a competitive edge with quality ergonomics and advanced features designed for both gaming and productivity applications.

“OCZ continues to break barriers in the cost for performance arena by offering high performance gaming products that deliver exceptional features, ergonomics, and performance at an aggressive price,” commented Ryan Edwards, Director of Product Management for OCZ. “The new Behemoth and Eclipse gaming mice are no exception, offering world-class performance designed to provide the discerning gamer and enthusiast with a superior hands-on control experience whether playing first person shooters or getting creative with design applications.”