As with Windows Vista, the newest version of Windows brings with it a newer version of Microsoft’s DirectX. Windows 7 was released with Direct X 11 support, and it was initially thought that Direct X 11 support would remain a 7-only technology.
Reports indicate that a platform update is being pushed via Windows Update that will enable DirectX 11 support on Vista PC’s. With an impressive lineup of Direct X 11 games announced which includes Crysis 2 and The Lord of the Rings Online, Vista users will be happy to know that they can go out and purchase a Radeon 5870 and use it to its full potential.
Windows XP users cannot use any DirectX version above 9.0c, as their OS does not support WDDM.
Microsoft has previously assured Vista users that they would not be left in the cold, this move is indicative of such a commitment.
Code7 is a special coding contest for developers. “It is a way for you to cash in on your knowledge and skills” said Yochay Kiriaty, Windows 7 Technical Evangelist, in a Windows Blog team post.
To enter:
Build an original, consumer-oriented client application prototype that runs natively on Windows 7 (for example Win32, WPF, MFC or WinForms – not an Air application or just a gadget) and addresses one or more of the following topic categories:
- Simplify My Life
- More Media, More Places
- Gaming
- Work From Anywhere
- Safeguard Your Work
- Applications for a Better Tomorrow
The application must use at least one of the following Windows 7 technology features; however, judging will give more weight to entries that take advantage of more than one of these features:
- Libraries
- Windows Touch
- Shell Integration
- DX11 (DirectX 11)
- Sensor and Location Platform
The contest starts now and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on October 10, 2009. In order to enter you must create and submit a video in which you describe and demonstrate your application.
For the complete contest rules please visit the rules section on the Code7 Contest Website – https://www.code7contest.com/.
