On a philosophical level, I agree with what you are saying Joe: Proprietary APIs like Glide thrive because they are able to incorporate new features faster than standard solutions. Historically, this has been true. MS is trying to change the model by using "company-backed, open" standards. Without a big review commitee, changes can be incorporated much more quickly.
Glide 3.0 will have support for strips and fans. DirectX 6.0 will also have that support. They are a nice feature, but not earth-shaking.
IMHO, Glide will gradually fade over the next couple of years unless one of the following things happen:
1.) The other hardware vendors completely disappear.
2.) TDFX comes up with some revolutionary, completely kick-ass, must-have feature that (for some reason) the other cards can't duplicate or emulate.
At this point, I'm not optimistic that either will happen.
The good news is that TDFX can still climb aboard the DirectX bandwagon and have an impact - not as big as when Glide was the only game in town - but an impact none-the-less.
Chip
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