Friday, May 6, 2005

Microsoft Longhorn Graphics User Interface Explained. Web-Site Wraps Up Information About WGF 2.0

1:02 pm | Anton Shilov

Microsoft has been discussing its intention to transform Windows user graphics interface (GUI) into a fully 3D-based one and unify all the graphics operations of the PC under one API. At this year’s WinHEC Microsoft finally disclosed some particular details about the forthcoming project.

Underlying the Longhorn is the Windows Graphics Foundation (WGF) which first version is prosaically dubbed WGF 1.0 and incorporates DirectX 9.0c as its primary interface. Longhorn will also have the next-generation 3D API, also built in at release, which will be called WGF 2.0 and will include, besides other things, Shader Model 4.0. Another corer-stone of the Longhorn is Longhorn Display Driver Model (LDDM) that allows better utilization of a graphics processor’s resources.

ExtremeTech has combined the known information about the Windows Longhorn Graphics Foundation into one article, which may be recommended to be read by those interested in modern graphics.

• ExtremeTech: The Future of Windows' Graphics Technology.

Apple Dominates with iPod MP3 Players – Research Firm. Apple Grabs Bulk of Music Players Market in the U.S.

5:40 am | Anton Shilov

 Apple Computer may have only about 3% of the global computer market, but it seems that the firm dominates MP3 player sales in the U.S., according to a recent report from NPD Group.

Apple Computer’s iPod Shuffle has expanded its share of the U.S. flash player MP3 market, to 58% percent in March, up from 43% in February, according to research firm NPD. Apple’s Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer noted recently that the company commanded 90% of hard disk drive-based MP3 players and its iTunes Music Store share is about 70%.

“Because of its profits, and the steady release of new products, Apple has been generating buzz for quite a nice stretch of time… They are savvy about keeping that attention going,” said IDC analyst Roger Kay.

“Apple is firing on all cylinders and we have some incredible new products in the pipeline for the coming year,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a recent statement.

With the growing use of the iPod Shuffle, and marketing efforts focused on new initiatives, it is possible that Apple will continue its profit climb, claims News Factor Network.

• News Factor Network: Apple Grabs More of Flash Market.

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