.Net Developement : News

Microsoft DigiDesk

Paul June — Mon, 07 May 2007 23:59:27 GMT

Ever watched StarTrek? Ever noticed the panels that they are using in the StarShip Enterprise? Well I guess this fiction wouldn’t be too fiction anyway. Microsoft introduced DigiDesk, their upcomming “futuristic” product that will let’s say, the trend of corporations in the next few years to come. I really love the demo, its quite impresive.

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Bill eats at Hooters!

Paul June — Mon, 07 May 2007 16:38:14 GMT

I just found this picture of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet with the Hooters Girls. I guess both of the world’s richest men (Bill Gates - #1, Warren Buffet - #3) are having quite a good time. Though I’m not sure if its genuine (looks genuine enough for me).

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Expression Blend Released!

Paul June — Mon, 07 May 2007 16:33:42 GMT

With the release of Silverlight beta Microsoft also released its FlashApp killer, Expression Blend. Witht this, Microsoft is now enroute to a head on collision with Adobe. Expression Blend is just one of the product contained on the Expression Suite. A direct competitor of the Macromedia suite which was purchased by Adobe.

Code Master Challenge

Paul June — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 17:20:00 GMT

Wonder what’s bugging this guy?

It’s a new contest on Microsoft called the “Code Master Challenge”.

Yet another contest to entice developers to develop apps using the new features of the Delayed, yet upcoming, Windows Vista.

This contest comes with a cool cash prize up to $125,000! Ready to join yet?

The concept of the challenge is pretty quite straight forward. Develop an app that runs on Vista using the new Vista programming capabilities (As I guess, mainly WinFx). You’ll have to register in the website before July 31 2006 to become an eligible contestant (if you’re one of the first 200 to enter, you’ll get a freebie, Vista Polo shirt). Next, create a concept for your new application. You can visit the Inspiration Page to get some ideas. Also, take a look in the Judging criteria to get an idea on how judges would score your application. After the creation of your app (or even before) create a PowerPoint presentation that describes your presentation. You must use the standard PowerPoint template which could be downloaded here. If you would be chosen as a finalist, then you would have to present again your application but to the judges directly using Live Meeting. That’s it!

The rules and regulations of the contest. (Beware, this is quite lengthy and it might bore you.)

Prizes! You heard me right baby! Prizes, with a “s” which means you don’t need to be the lone winner of the contest to receive some cold cash.

• Grand prize: $50,000
• 1st prize: $30,000
• 2nd prize: $20,000
• 3rd prize: $15,000
• 20 finalists $500 each

I’ve just finished registering, hoping for the Vista Polo Shirt to arrive at my doorsteps. Hehehehe...

Here’s the official site.

Windows Vista Logo

Paul June — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 15:28:00 GMT

Microsoft has just posted the requirements or guidelines in order for your application to use this logo.

Vista is fast approaching its release date. And it offers many new functionalities for programmers to be able to develop superb softwares for Vista users. So if you want to create softwares that targets Vista as its platform then you'll have to conform with the guidelines.

Download the Windows Vista Logo Requirements.

quote from the site:

"Gear Up for Windows Vista, formerly code-named "Longhorn"
By developing Windows Vista applications that adhere to the logo requirements, you can help ensure that your software products meet the expectations of your target market and are in demand by Microsoft customers. To customers, the Windows Vista partner logo means quality products that help them do familiar things more easily and new things for the very first time. Use this to your advantage by testing your software and displaying the Windows Vista logo."

Made In Express Contest

Paul June — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 15:18:00 GMT

Are you a .Net programmer who wants a crispy $10,000?

Then join the Made In Express Contest!

You must have a creative concept and programming skills. This contest was made for promoting the new Visual Studio 2005 products.

All you need to have is skills in any of the .Net Language (C#, VB, C++/CLI) a very cool project and a copy of Visual Studio Express. As we all know the Express Products are for free. You can download it immediately here.

Here's a simple diagram for the mechanics

There would be only 12 finalist. So you'd better think of a very good applicaiton, but don't be wishing on a star coz after your idea has been chosen you WILL build it. So better to be simple yet creative. When you are selected as a finalist, it is where you'll begin implementing the application that you proposed and it would be tracked through a blog. Ain't it cool!

Here's the official website of the contest.

Microsoft Expression Interactive Designer (Sparkle)

Paul June — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 15:17:00 GMT

I have just installed Sparkle March 2006 CTP. I’ve already heard XAML in WinFx(Avalon, Vista Presentation Layer) on numerous blogs, but I really haven’t got the chance to use it. Not until now.

This software is part of the Microsoft Expression Product line. I saw it first in action on one of the web cast in channel9. Once I saw it I instantly fell in-love with it.

The product enables the user to create (very cool) designs on xaml forms (the next generation windows forms). It looks like Flash only with the full capability of C#. You can do the same old things that you can do in windows forms, plus, you can create animations on your controls (the designer has a timeline!). It definitely rocks!

It’s a separate application that has the ability to open your C# or VB project files. Now you can seamlessly work with a graphics designer. Today, the usual process is, create a design, then the programmer places the functionalities. On Interactive designer, its quite the opposite. You can initially create the application, then go to your designer and say “Make it beautiful!”

Screen Shots:

A sample application designed with the Interactive Designer.

The Workspace.

Another App.

The Interactive Designer is available to the public. Although you must install the WinFx Runtime libraries to be able to run Applications designed with Sparkle (Interactive Designer).

Here’s an online tour of the product.

For more information, just visit the Interactive Designer Homepage.

Downloads:

Interactive Designer
WinFx Runtime

If you want to create applications using this product the you must have either the RTM of Visual Studio or any Express Product. Then download these files:

Windows SDK
Orca’s extension for Visual Studio

Here’s an additional webcast for Creating WinFx Applications (this uses sparkle for designing)