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From the Editor
XPS Document format is a paginated representation of electronic paper described in an XML-based format. The XPS Document format is an open, cross-platform document format that allows users to effortlessly create, share, print, and archive paginated documents.
The Microsoft(R) Windows Vista (TM) operating system brings the next generation of document services to the Windows platform, providing high-fidelity and high-performance printing for Windows users and an extensible platform for partner innovation. For example:
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Printer manufacturers can use the extensible print architecture in Windows Vista to deliver features in their printers and device drivers that support the XPS Document format, including improved color printing, high-fidelity print output, improved end-user experience, and improved spooling and rendering.
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Scanner device manufacturers can generate XPS Documents at scan time and can apply digital signatures and assign rights during document acquisition.
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XPS technologies in Windows Vista include a new print path optimized for XPS printing and the XPS Viewer to view and manage XPS Documents. Windows Vista also includes a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) that are part of the Windows Presentation Foundation. These APIs enable:
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Integration of XPS Documents with traditional and Web applications.
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Integration of files that conform to the Open Packaging Conventions with traditional applications and the Web.
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Generation of XPS Documents from Windows Presentation Foundation applications.
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A plug-in interface that allows any file format to be created from a Windows Presentation Foundation application.
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Printing to a new print pipeline with an integrated spool format, a new print driver model, and a printer page description language based on XPS Document format.
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Microsoft plans to freely license XPS technology to encourage its use as general-purpose documents. See the list in this newsletter for documents that hardware developers can use to understand how to implement XPS technologies in their products.
And watch the new XPS Web site on WHDC for on-going updates to specifications, API information, and other news for the PC industry.
—Annie Pearson
for the WHDC Team
WHDC After Dark: It’s after Labor Day, so you should be doing real work instead of clicking any old Internet link someone sends you in e-mail—like these:
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XPS - XML Paper Specifications – Documents for Hardware Developers
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The XML Paper Specification describes a new, general-purpose document format—the XPS Document format—made available by Microsoft under a royalty-free license. XPS Documents can be easily exchanged between applications, platforms, and hardware systems such as printers and scanners. XPS Documents offer a convenient alternative to paper documents for viewing, printing, transferring, and archiving.
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The Open Packaging Conventions describe the method for packaging information in a file format, describing metadata, parts, relationships, and the application of digital signatures. These conventions are used in XPS Documents and in the Microsoft Office Open XML Formats.
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Windows Vista – Design and Development News
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The Next Generation TCP/IP stack is a complete redesign of TCP/IP functionality for both Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) that meets the connectivity and performance needs of today's varied networking environments and technologies.
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Feedback is being requested on the 0.6 draft. Submit feedback and any questions by e-mail to hwlogo@microsoft.com.
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Kits and Tools
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Windows Driver Kit (WDK) is a fully integrated driver development system for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. It combines the Windows DDK and the Hardware Compatibility Test (HCT) kits, and also provides tests that Microsoft uses to test the stability and reliability of the Windows operating system.
The WDK release schedule parallels that of Windows Vista, with Beta releases available through the Windows Vista Beta program.
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WinFS is the new relational file system for Windows. As an essential piece of Microsoft’s Integrated Storage strategy, WinFS bridges the gap between file systems and databases and provides a unified, rich programming platform for all data: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. See also: WinFS Beta 1 Demo on Channel 9
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Edition for  September 15, 2005
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Tips for Driver Developers
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Events for Engineers and Developers
Wireless USB Developers Conference Japan, September 28-29, 2005
The upcoming Wireless USB Developers Conference will be your first opportunity in Japan to hear from the creators of Certified Wireless USB following the release of the 1.0 specification and obtain key learnings on how to incorporate Certified Wireless USB into your product roadmaps.
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