Is OpenAL dead?

remdul · 2007-12-20T12:34:21

Can someone tell me if OpenAL still has a future? It doesn't seem to be actively developed anymore. Or so I have the impression. I've always liked the OpenGL API interface, so it was natural to pick up OpenAL for audio. But I have little positive experience with it. On all of the Creative hardware I tested the OpenAL drivers where broken (broken listener orientation, crackling/popping, doppler not working, inconsistent/unpredictable behavior, some wouldn't even install). I think that's rather sad, since Creative is supposed to be the 'driving force behind OpenAL' (or so their press releases state from time to time). Personally I don't put any trust in Creative because of their low quality drivers, lack of tech support and immoral business practices (patent trolling, see ID Software and A3D cases) in the past. The only reason I still use OpenAL is because it does work consistently in software mode and provides the very minimal. But it still lacks basic features like 2d panning. I'm considering dropping AL and moving on to something that is actively developed. I also believe hardware audio isn't any good anymore these days, software audio seems the way to go. Maybe this is because Creative has a virtual monopoly on the audio accelerator market and killed off all competitors? Please, I don't want to start a flame war. I'm just interested in opinions, your view on things. I don't intend to bash Creative either, it just seems to be the sad state of things; their stuff just doesn't work, and they're not improving. [Edited by - remdul on November 19, 2007 11:37:45 AM]

Engines and Middleware Programming

Started by remdul November 19, 2007 11:11 AM

29 comments, last by KCat 16 years, 3 months ago

KCat

185

December 20, 2007 12:34 PM

For anyone interested, OpenAL Soft's GIT repo now has a branch with preliminary EFX support. More info is available on the mailing list post here: http://opensource.creative.com/pipermail/openal-devel/2007-December/004985.html

Is OpenAL dead?

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Is OpenAL dead?

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