Software

Windows 7 Will Have Same Foundation as Vista, Be Mostly Secret Until Launch

Microsoft’s Windows chief Steven Sinofsky gave an interview to CNet News, throwing out some tidbits of knowledge on what’s to come in Windows 7. Of the few details Steven actually gave out, the most interesting one is that it won’t be using MinWin, a tiny Kernel that was supposed to replace the one in Vista. Instead, they’re going to use an “evolutionary improvement” to Vista’s, and have the exact same driver and software support as before. No XP -> Vista upgrade fiasco repeat.


April 29, 2008
Software

HTC Says Software Update Coming, May or May Not Fix Video Issues

The HTC video driver controversy might be coming to an end, as the promised software fix may or may not be released soon. Why the uncertainty? Because HTC themselves didn’t specify whether this update even fixes it, not confirming one way or the other that on it enabling Qualcomm’s 2D or 3D graphics support. Actually, we’re no more informed after reading, other than know HTC is still working on a fix and it’ still coming. [Phone News]


April 5, 2008
Software

The Conclusion: Creative Backs Down Against Driver Modder, Reinstates Posts

The story of Daniel_K vs. Creative reaches a temporary conclusion as Creative reinstates the deleted forum posts by Daniel that helped other users get their sound cards work under Vista. The company did this as a result of angry forum and blog posts (some here as well), mostly all siding with Daniel.


March 30, 2008

Creative Presents Cease-and-Desist Note to Developer Hero

After Vista’s release, Creative’s Audigy Sound Blaster series lost a lot of their in-built functionality. Developer, good-guy and all around hero, Daniel_K stepped up to the challenge, putting together his own drivers and asking for non-obligatory donations in recognition of his effort. Daniel_K’s drivers restored functionality, and added some extra features to boot. That’s great news, right? Apparently not; Creative is pissed.


February 26, 2008
Software

HTC Says Software Fix is Coming For Lousy Video Drivers

Users have been complaining about HTC’s undercooked video drivers for the TyTN II, the touch and the Mogul for a while—only to get various reassurances that everything is OK in response—but HTC’s finally released a statement saying that a fix is coming. They say that the video acceleration will be supported in the future, and will be included in software upgrades for current devices. No date yet, but hit the jump to see things in their words.


October 29, 2007
Computing

Leopard Drivers Hint at Low- or Mid-Priced Santa Rosa MacBooks

While we know that Apple will eventually roll the Intel Santa Rosa chipset down through all of its laptops, there are surely a faithful few who feel their weekly pilgrimages to the Apple Store aren’t being properly appreciated by Lord Jobs. But new Leopard driver evidence nearly proves that Apple does have Santa Rosa MacBooks (and Mac Minis) in their sights.

Some software enthusiasts found a full set of GMA X3100 drivers within Leopard’s files, which are essentially for a Santa Rosa chipset with integrated graphics. (The currently available Santa Rosa MacBook Pros actually use separate graphics cards.) But even more interesting than the driver itself was the date when it was added.

Tacked on to the OS on just October 11th, this seems like a last minute inclusion by Apple. Maybe this means nothing, or maybe this means that we’ll be seeing a Santa Rosa MacBook refresh sooner as opposed to later. Seeing as the first Santa Rosa laptops hit in May, and MacBook Pros with the chipset appeared in June, it’s about damn time this update makes its way to Apple’s low-end lineup. [electronista]