[DiTECH]

Microsoft is beginning to backport Windows 7 features to Windows Vista, and as an integral part of the process, the company is also upgrading Vista’s graphics technology to the level of Windows 7.



In this regard, the Redmond-based company has made available for download the Beta development milestone of the Platform Update for Windows Vista. It is via the Platform Update for Windows Vista Beta that users running the second service pack for Vista will be able to access the new DirectX 11 package, and bring the operating system that succeeded Windows XP on par with Windows 7.

Essentially, what Vista SP2 users will be getting is the latest iteration of the DirectX platform. DirectX 11 is in no way a single component. It is, however, a sum of technologies packaged together. The Platform Update for Windows Vista Beta offers the complete new DirectX package, allowing end users and developers to take advantage of components such as DirectWrite, Direct2D, Direct3D 11, Direct3D 10 Level 9, and DXGI 1.1. In addition, the download will also deliver Windows Graphics, Imaging, and XPS Library updates to the Windows Imaging Components, XPS Print API, and the XPS Rasterization Service. Following the integration of the Platform Update for Windows Vista Beta, customers will have the same DirectX technologies on Windows Vista as in Windows 7.

A critical aspect that must be noted is that Microsoft will only target Windows Vista SP2 with the DirectX package in Platform Update for Windows Vista. Users that are currently still running the RTM or SP1 versions of Vista will not be getting upgraded, unless they first upgrade to Service Pack 2. The same is valid for Windows Server 2008, with only SP2 being supported for the DirectX upgrade introduced with the Platform Update for Windows Vista, and RTM-SP1 being ignored completely. SP2 is mandatory for the time being; however, the Platform Update for Windows Vista's DirectX refresh is bound to be tailored to Service Pack 3 (SP3) for Vista and Windows Server 2008 moving onward.

Microsoft revealed that it would offer the Platform Update for Windows Vista through Windows Update. The refresh will be supplied automatically via WU and will be labeled a "recommended" install. The Beta release of the Platform Update for Windows Vista is already served through WU. According to Microsoft, plans are in place for official launch during the Windows 7 general availability time frame. The Redmond-based company mentioned nothing about the possibility of DirectX 11 to be offered as a standalone download to Vista users.

source: news.softpedia.com

[Syzygy]

Quote

The company is also upgrading Vista’s graphics technology to the level of Windows 7.

YUSSSSSSS

[FalseAgent]

Syzygy, on 12 September 2009 - 10:10 AM, said:

Quote

The company is also upgrading Vista’s graphics technology to the level of Windows 7.

YUSSSSSSS

indeed.

I heard they're brining 7's paint and wordpad to vista too. Is this true? if it is, i'm hyyyyped!

[Jatin]

Remember, it's a beta version.

[Ferdy Leomate]

too bad microsoft not portback to xp.

[K.L.Devine]

DirectX 11 and DirectX 10 can't be back ported to XP. I read somewhere that it's not possible technically.

[Frylock86]

Ferdy Leomate, on 12 September 2009 - 07:06 AM, said:

too bad microsoft not portback to xp.

Impossible.


Besides, XP is on its way out the door. I guarantee any games going forward will require Vista or 7, save for a few.

This post has been edited by Frylock86: 12 September 2009 - 07:51 PM

[AMIRZ]

Good news thanks, or just install Windows 7 directly

Ferdy Leomate, on 12 September 2009 - 05:06 PM, said:

too bad microsoft not portback to xp.

There's still unofficial DirectX 10 for XP if you want (not done by M$ though, yea actually it's working but it might still not be as good as the original one, but at least still better than "nothing")

This post has been edited by AMIRZ: 23 September 2009 - 05:24 AM

[deathvirus_me]

Jatin, on 12 September 2009 - 03:18 PM, said:

Remember, it's a beta version.

Its a beta coz as of yet this release doesn't support all localized languages ... read the release notes if u may ....

This post has been edited by deathvirus_me: 12 September 2009 - 11:13 AM

[Secured Tim]

What's the use? There is no DX11 game released yet.

[Necrophagia]

Secured Tim, on 12 September 2009 - 12:50 PM, said:

What's the use? There is no DX11 game released yet.

DIRT 2 Delayed for DX11 Support , will be released soon

[Culprit]

Ferdy Leomate, on 12 September 2009 - 06:06 AM, said:

too bad microsoft not portback to xp.

xp is soon not going to be used anymore.

[NealTheGuitarist]

Good for Vista, but I don't care about it anymore.

I am just going to upgrade into Windows 7.

[ThunderROM]

Too bad consoles are still on DX9

[FalseAgent]

ThunderROM, on 13 September 2009 - 02:31 AM, said:

Too bad consoles are still on DX9

yet another reason why windows XP is still fine for gaming.