Silverlight is a Web application development framework similar to Adobe Flash.  Microsoft has just released Silverlight 3, a major update that delivers many new features including:

  • Hardware graphics acceleration, which lowers CPU usage and enables 1080p HD video over the Web.
  • Support for H.264 video, AAC audio and MPEG-4 content.
  • Smooth media streaming over HTTP.
  • 3D-perspective support that can be used with graphic elements, videos and controls. 
  • New bitmap and pixel APIs, and custom effects.
  • Out-of-Browser support.  Users can safely install Web applications on their computers, create desktop and Start Menu shortcuts.
  • New network detection support to switch between online and offline modes.
  • Automatic update mechanism for applications.
  • Over 100 UI controls with full styling and template customization support.
  • Richer data binding features
  • A new DataForm control enables better master/detail scenarios.
  • SaveFileDialog support.
  • New navigation framework that enables deep-linking and forward/back button integration within the browser. 
  • Search engine optimization (SEO) support so that content within a Silverlight application can be indexed by search engines.
  • Better text rendering and font support (a common complaint that resulted in the loss of a major customer).
  • Better accessibility support.
  • Major updates to Expression Blend and Sketchflow.

Download Silverlight 3
Silverlight Community
Microsoft Silverlight Home Page

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