Intel XeSS 1.3.1 SDK Now Available: Enhancing Stability and Performance

Intel has released the latest version of its XeSS SDK, version 1.3.1, bringing a host of bug fixes and stability improvements to its AI-driven upscaling technology. This update underscores Intel’s commitment to refining and enhancing the XeSS platform, ensuring developers have access to the most reliable tools.

Continuous Improvements in Intel’s XeSS Technology

Despite a period of relative quiet from Intel, the release of XeSS 1.3.1 demonstrates ongoing progress. The previous major update, XeSS 1.3, introduced significant performance optimizations, including updated XMX and dp4A models, and new quality presets such as Ultra Quality Plus, Ultra Performance, and Native Anti-Aliasing. These enhancements highlighted Intel’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of upscaling technology.

Detailed Changelog for XeSS SDK Versions

Release 1.3.1:

Bug fixes and stability improvements

Release 1.3.0:

Backwards compatible API with XeSS 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2
New AI models for better detail reconstruction, anti-aliasing quality, reduced ghosting, and improved temporal stability
New quality presets: Ultra Performance, Ultra Quality Plus, and Native Anti-Aliasing
Increased resolution scaling for existing quality presets, enhancing performance while maintaining visual fidelity

Release 1.2.0:

Backwards compatible API with XeSS 1.0 and 1.1
Support for dynamic resolution scaling
Bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance optimizations
New combined libxess.dll library for application redistribution

Release 1.1.0:

Backwards compatible API with XeSS 1.0
Updated XeSS models with improved temporal stability
Support for Auto Exposure of input frames
API to detect recommended Intel driver version
Removed dependency on dxcompiler.dll and dxil.dll
Bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance optimizations
Required graphics driver version 31.0.101.4148 or newer on Intel platforms

Release 1.0.1:

Bug fixes for the 1.0 release
Added Chinese Developer Guide

Release 1.0:

Initial public release

Future Prospects and Adoption

While the latest update focuses on stability, Intel hints at more substantial enhancements with the upcoming Lunar Lake CPUs, which will feature the next-gen Xe2 graphics architecture. Additionally, Intel plans to integrate “Frame Interpolation” technology into XeSS, positioning it as a strong competitor to NVIDIA’s DLSS in frame generation.

Intel’s XeSS technology is gaining traction, now supported by over 200 titles, including popular games like Diablo IV. The upcoming Innovation 2024 event is expected to reveal further advancements, potentially introducing the next generation of XeSS, possibly named “XeSS 2.”

Intel’s continuous improvements and strategic enhancements ensure that XeSS remains a formidable player in the AI upscaling domain, rivaling NVIDIA’s DLSS and surpassing AMD’s FSR in several aspects.