direct frame buffer has translucent windows (Score 1)

Follow links for screen shots of translucent windows: http://www.directfb.org/gtk.xml http://www.directfb.org/screenshots/index.xml and doesn't microsofts win32 api provide alpha blending now? I mean aren't those shadows I see in my menus a form of translucent windows? so what kind of patent is this from apple? do patents really mean anything or are they just a waste in legal fees hurting the economy?