NVIDIA driver release changes to force users into the GeForce ecosystem

Posted on Thursday, October 15 2015 @ 21:20 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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NVIDIA is going to make a major change in its driver release system. Currently, you can download NVIDIA's GeForce drivers via the company's website or via the GeForce Experience tool, but starting with a December update to the GeForce Experience tool, this will no longer be the case.

The plan is basically to force all GeForce card owners into the larger (and growing) GeForce ecosystem, by giving GeForce Experience users exclusive access to new driver releases. You will still be able to download drivers from NVIDIA's website, but this driver release mechanism will fall back to a quarterly cadence.
One thing NVIDIA has made clear is that they’re sticking with their overall Game Ready driver release system – targeting frequent driver updates to line up with major game launches – and this includes WHQL certification, so this won’t be NVIDIA cutting back on WHQL releases despite the fewer updates to their website. However even with WHQL certification, NVIDIA’s frequent driver releases (20 in just over the last year, not counting hotfixes) have been both a curse and a blessing for their wider user base, as non-gamers use the same drivers. I get the impression that this change is in part driven by a desire to establish separate “gamer” and “long term” driver release cadences where non-gamers aren’t constantly being bombarded by Game Ready point updates that primarily affect software they aren’t using.
Gamers wishing to get access to the latest driver releases will need to download the GeForce Experience tool, and NVIDIA is clear that this is part of a broader effort to promote the tool as a critical part of the GeForce ecosystem. Downloading the tool will not be enough though, you will need to create a GeForce account but it's not exactly clear what NVIDIA's plans are for this registered userbase.

Via: AnandTech


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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