An industry consortium of digital media and graphics companies has released the first draft of an API for low-level hardware acceleration of vector graphics on mobile devices, including those that run Linux. The Khronos Group's OpenVG (vector graphics) specification draft is available now for public comment, evaluation, and feedback.

The Khronos Group promotes open graphics and multimedia standards that include OpenGL ES (embedded subset), OpenML (media library), OpenVG, and OpenMAX (media application primitives). Its members include SGI, ATI, Sun, and Ericcson, among others.

According to Khronos, OpenVG defines a low-level API for vector graphics libraries such as those associated with Macromedia Flash, or the W3C's SVG specification. OpenVG enables “fluidly interactive 2D performance” at very low power levels, Khronos says, and targets small-screen devices with user interfaces based on vector graphics. Khronos says it is working to ensure that the 2D OpenVG API interoperates well with the 3D graphics API provided by OpenGL ES.

Availability

The OpenVG API is available now for public review. Interested parties are invited to execute a Khronos Reviewer's Agreement, and provide feedback and guidance. Additional details are available here.

 
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