AMD's latest software suite is now available, delivering snappier GPU performance, introducing new features and stomping various bugs. Considering Duke Nukem Forever just shipped, many expected Catalyst 11.6 to contain some DNF-related updates, but the title isn't mentioned in today's release notes. Nonetheless, Radeon HD 6000 series owners can expect a 5-10% speed gain when running certain configurations of Crysis, F1 2010, Far Cry 2, H.A.W.X., and Unigine OpenGL tests.

Accompanying those optimizations is a nifty post-processing feature dubbed "Steady Video." Based on AMD APP Technology, the engine uses an advanced algorithm to stabilize jittery handheld video footage – including YouTube content. Steady Video is supported by AMD's A4, A6 and A8 Llano APUs as well as the upcoming E-300 and E-450 Zacate APUs. Folks running a Radeon HD 6000 GPU in tandem with seemingly any modern AMD CPU will also be able to experience Steady Video.

Desktop: Windows XP 32-bit | Windows XP 64-bit | Windows Vista/7 32-bit | Windows Vista/7 64-bit
Mobile: Windows Vista/7 32-bit | Windows Vista/7 64-bit

Unfortunately, it seems Intel customers have been shafted as Catalyst 11.6's release notes make it abundantly clear that Steady Video is "currently" an AMD-exclusive feature. It's unclear if that will change in the future, but considering the prevalence of Intel's CPUs, we suspect many Radeon owners will be rallying at AMD's gates when they learn they've been stiffed on a GPU feature because of their CPU choice. Download links are above and some noteworthy fixes are below:

Resolved issues for Windows 7:

  • Flashing titles are no longer displayed when playing F1 2010 in a Crossfire environment.
  • Video playback no longer intermittently displays a black screen when using Windows Media Player.
  • Graphics and Gaming scores are now correctly computed in the Windows Performance Index.
  • A BSOD error is no longer generated randomly when Crossfire is enabled/disabled after video/LCD overdrive settings are changed on HD 6900 series products.
  • Crossfire is now correctly enabled when playing The Witcher 2 on HD 6800 series products. (when used with AMD Catalyst 11.5 CAP 5 release)
  • Screen tearing is no longer randomly seen when playing Riddick 2 at high performance settings and with Crossfire enabled.
  • The game Kings Bounty now renders correctly.
  • The game Empire Total War now no longer displays random flickering and in-game buttons display correctly.
  • Google Earth now performs smoothly in OpenGL mode.
  • Crossfire is now correctly enabled when playing Cars 2 on HD 6900 series products.
  • Sid Meyers Civilization V no longer displays intermittent graphical corruption when played in DirectX 10 mode in a Crossfire environment.
  • Heaven 2.1 running in DirectX 11 mode no longer displays intermittent graphical corruption in a Crossfire environment.
  • Crossfire is correctly enabled when playing LEGO : Pirates of the Caribbean on HD6800 and HD 6900 series products.
  • Poor performance is no longer experienced while Playing Heroes of Newerth and when the cursor is moved to the top right or bottom right corner of the screen.
  • Mouse cursor corruption (in the upper right portion of the screen) should be resolved