AMD and Microsoft Collaboration Enables World-class Windows Vista(tm)
Experience
– Newly Released ATI Catalyst(tm) 7.1 Provides Performance and Stability
for Advanced Graphics with New Microsoft Operating System –
SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Jan. 29, 2007 – AMD (NYSE: AMD) today detailed the
hardware and supporting software technologies to deliver the highest
levels of performance, stability and application compatibility for
Microsoft Windows Vista(tm) users.
Based on an unprecedented collaboration between Microsoft and AMD,
Windows Vista harnesses AMD silicon and software to deliver truly
immersive computing experiences, new tools for creating and sharing
multimedia content and enhanced capabilities for locating and securing
data. AMD and Microsoft have worked closely and continue to collaborate
on Windows Vista(tm) development and requirements to bring hardware and
software benefits together for our mutual customers. In addition, AMD64
processor-based systems were one of the platforms on which Windows Vista
was developed, built, tested and optimized.
“Today begins a new era in computing, one that will change people’s
expectations about how they enjoy their PCs,” said Hector Ruiz, chairman
and CEO, AMD. “It has been our great pleasure to work so closely with
Microsoft to develop tightly integrated solutions that deliver the
ultimate experience for Windows Vista.”
Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft, said: “AMD has invested heavily in
hardware and software innovations so that consumers can enjoy new
experiences that take full advantage of the breakthrough capabilities
that Windows Vista delivers. From day one, AMD has played a key role in
helping us design and validate the new driver model at the heart of
Windows Vista. That knowledge has led to the development of extremely
stable, feature-rich high-performance software drivers and hardware that
really showcase the full power of the new Windows operating system.”
AMD has worked closely with Microsoft for more than four years to ensure
broad availability of optimized hardware and software solutions for
Windows Vista at launch. AMD’s mainstream multi-core and 64-bit
microprocessor technology and advanced graphics solutions provide
consumers with superior performance, stability and compatibility for
Windows Vista, along with a stunning visual experience.
The results of the AMD-Microsoft collaboration continue today with the
immediate availability of ATI Catalyst(tm) 7.1, AMD’s graphics driver
optimized for Windows Vista. ATI Catalyst 7.1 for Windows Vista:
- was developed in close collaboration with Microsoft and is an
evolution of AMD source code found in the default graphics drivers in
Windows Vista;
- enables PC users to view next generation Blu-ray and HD DVD
titles when used in conjunction with AMD hardware and appropriate
playback software; and
- provides optimized performance for 3D applications and games.
Independent benchmarks demonstrate that ATI Catalyst 7.1 for Vista
delivers one of the most stable graphics experiences available with high
performance and broad application support.
Timeline of Innovation Building to Windows Vista
ATI Catalyst 7.1 for Windows Vista is the most recent example of AMD’s
ongoing commitment to work with fellow industry leaders to deliver
high-quality computing experiences for the widest audience possible. AMD
has long championed industry collaboration to deliver advanced
technologies which integrate to deliver outstanding Windows Vista
experiences:
- 2002: As the former ATI, AMD’s Graphics and Media business unit
collaborated with Microsoft to jointly develop optimized graphics
solutions for Windows Vista.
- 2003: AMD introduced AMD64 technology, offering advanced
capabilities including Direct Connect Architecture, hardware-level
Enhanced Virus Protection*, and 64-bit x86 processors fully compatible
with existing 32-bit software, enabling a seamless transition to more
powerful 64-bit computing.
- 2005: AMD unveils the industry’s first simultaneous 32- and
64-bit native dual core x86 processors for multi-tasking performance
that allow users to quickly switch from one program to another, reducing
annoying processing pauses.
- 2006: AMD unveils the advanced AMD Quad FX Platform with Dual
Socket Direct Connect Architecture, providing the ultimate two-socket
solution for Windows Vista with a two socket upgrade path to eight cores
for mega-tasking enthusiasts.
- 2007: Systems that feature AMD’s Better by Design label
incorporate high-performance and energy-efficient AMD64 dual-core
processors, superior graphics and wireless network performance, and
other superior technologies that meet and exceed the demands of even the
most advanced Windows Vista applications.
- 2007: ATI TV Wonder(tm) Digital Cable Tuner announced, providing
the only way to view premium HD digital cable TV content on Windows
Vista based PCs.