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Well, gfx drivers coders will certainly find this to be a goldmine. 500+ pages of detailed specs is certainly enough to write excellent OpenGL support.

Even if AMD can't release any driver software whatsoever due to 3rd party licensing, this information is certainly enough to enable enthusiasts to do the heavy lifting if they so desire.

First off, this is only the 2D specs. 3d is coming later. And the OSS driver is due in a week or so according to /.

What difference does it make make if most people know what to do with them. The point is to allow those that _do know_ to write drivers.

AMD is not releasing code, only specs. But they're working with novell to creeate good drivers, AFAIK.


I don't see how you can't be "convinced" - the specs are out there, and they're certainly much better than nothing.

Edited 2007-09-12 21:40

"The final judgement will certainly be the code that AMD releases and what the community can do with it."

Actually, it's not up to ATI anymore to provide code, though they will still provide binary drivers. It's up to OSS coders to take those specs and really shine

"Actually, it's not up to ATI anymore to provide code, though they will still provide binary drivers. It's up to OSS coders to take those specs and really shine"

I hate the word actually. AMD do not have to do anything!? the fact that they are making good on their promises many including myself is a positive step.

I personally would like *greater co-operation* on a unified open-source driver. The "you open-source programmers work on your driver...we will work on our binary one", is not really positive...

...its just more positive than those who write the open source drivers working without specifications.

It doesn't require "most" people to know what to do with the specs. It just needs a small group, and that's what we as an Open Source community already have.

You where not paying attention... they will not release driver code, they are enabling other people to develop drivers.