As Microsoft unleashes Windows Vista on more than 70 countries, AMD has released its graphics driver optimised for the new operating system. 

AMD's ATI Catalyst 7.1 driver was developed in close collaboration with Microsoft and is an evolution of AMD source code found in the default graphics drivers in Vista.

It enables PC users to view next-generation Blu-ray and HD-DVD titles when used in conjunction with AMD hardware and appropriate playback software. ATI Catalyst 7.1 also provides optimised performance for 3D applications and games.

Steve Ballmer, chief executive at 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 in Windows Vista.

"From day one, AMD has played a key role in helping us design and validate the new driver model at the heart of 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."

UK retailer PC World said that it will open the doors of its flagship London store in Tottenham Court Road at 6.00am on 30 January, the official launch day of the widely anticipated operating system.

Some 50,000 PCs and laptops preloaded with Windows Vista will be on sale from launch day at PC World. Thousands of boxed copies of the new operating system will also be available to buy.