Laminar Research released the beta version of the next big update for X-Plane 12, numbered 12.2.0, focusing mostly on visual improvements.
According to the announcement, lighting improvements start with fixes to dark cockpits, with light flowing better around the structure of the flight deck.
A process called “exposure fusion,” inspired by smartphones, has also been implemented, balancing dark and bright areas, preventing cockpits from being too dark and the outside world from being too bright.
The sky exposure has been reduced compared to previous versions, while the brightness of ground objects has been corrected where necessary.
More improvements to the graphics engine include an upgrade to the shader compiler to improve resource management. In combination with improvements to how graphics data is handled, it should improve performance.
VRAM management has also been improved, alongside a change to cloud rendering that showcases them in higher quality when they’re closer to the camera.
Light rendering has also been tweaked, resulting in better performance around demanding environments like large airports.
Additional changes include new tone mapping with a system called AgX that improves color accuracy and better sky rendering for more natural colors.
Clouds cast more detailed shadows both within cloud layers and onto each other, and those within 1 km of the viewpoint are now rendered as fully 3D objects.
Shadows cast by clouds consider cloud density and the curvature of the planet, while scattering shadowing has been updated, allowing the cloud to cast shadows on the atmosphere.
Shadows, in general, are also more realistic with the update, while airport surfaces have been improved with a decal system. Rain will affect the surface of the main roads.
846 airports have been improved via the X-Plane Gateway, and the ATC received some changes as well.
Aircraft designers can take advantage of a new parking brake system that includes both hydraulic and mechanical locking methods. Toe brakes can also be set to release the parking brake. Lastly, wheel chocks have been introduced for some aircraft.
Below, you can find a teaser trailer and a few screenshots, while you can read the full changelog on the official site.
