You'll have to download the updated binary and install it manually.
With regards to the 6970, it should work fine, provided you target the right output in the boot kernel line.
With regards to controls not working, etc., yeah, I'm afraid that's a Linux feature. Basically with Linux, you're on your own. If you're experienced enough to know how to deal with problems when they happen (and they will) then you're lucky and it's your system. Otherwise, better try Windows, where controls just work, etc. We envisioned a sort of plug-and-play distro that would be easier to get working than Windows, but unfortunately the world is too complex for that to work without a full-time-dedicated team behind.