Areas of concentration for this Summer Update have been with the Direct3D extensions (D3DX), Graphics Samples, Tools and Managed DirectX Documentation.
In anticipation of advances designed to give developers more advanced, powerful and easier to use tools, the company’s Windows Gaming and Graphics Technologies team notes the following changes to the DirectX group of APIs:
DirectPlay is intended to address identified security issues through December 31, 2004. Future efforts concentrate on enhancing the core Windows networking technologies so the fundamentals of gaming technologies make the most of Windows technologies.
DirectInput, DirectSound and DirectMusic will maintain their current status until new technology in these areas is made available.
Use of DirectDraw is no longer recommended. With the release of DirectX 9.0 all 2D functionality is contained within Direct3D and it's associated helper functions in Direct3D extensions (D3DX).