Windows 7 Graphics Driver

Developers can now have their hands on Windows 7-based product line as Intel opens its doors to the developer’s world. This move was done by the company to avoid compatibility problems similar to what happened during the Windows Vista launch.

Intel, with the collaboration of Microsoft, had already released a pre-production version of Windows 7 drivers, the WDDM1.1, for graphic chipsets. Intel said that the WDDM1.1 is designed for “enabling the full Windows 7 experience”.

Early this year, Microsoft had ordered OEMs to test their products on Windows 7 once the beta version is released to avoid the problems, that is hardware makers not having compatible drivers ready, that Windows Vista encountered during its launch last January 2007. Computer and other hardware makers are told that “Beginning with the first beta of Windows 7 all Windows Vista submissions must include a complete CPK with test logs from Windows 7″ else they will not qualify for Microsoft’s Windows Logo certified compatibility program for Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

Windows 7 is Windows Vista’s successor in the making. It is still in development as stated but it is expected to be out by late 2009 or early 2010. Windows 7 features was first unveiled by Microsoft at its Los Angeles Professional Developers Conference last October. Expected release of a beta disk is January of next year but  Microsoft said that Windows 7 will not be shipped until early of 2010.

Source: Informationweek