Silverlight 2 Beta 2 is now  publicly available. Features include:

Beta 2 includes improvements in animation support, error handling and reporting, automation and accessibility support, keyboard input support, and general performance. This release also provides more compatibility between Silverlight and WPF.

Rich Controls:

Beta 2 includes a new templating model called Visual State Manager that allows for easier templating for controls. Other features include the introduction of TabControl, text wrapping and scrollbars for TextBox, and for DataGrid additions include Autosize, Reorder, Sort, performance increases and more. Most controls are now in the runtime instead of packaged with the application.

Networking Support:

Beta 2 includes improved Cross Domain support and security enhancements, upload support for WebClient, and duplex communications (“push” from server to Silverlight client).

Rich Base Class Library:

Beta 2 includes improved threading abilities, LINQ-to-JSON, ADO.NET Data Services support, better support for SOAP, and various other improvements to make networking and data handling easier.

Deep Zoom:

Beta 2 introduces a new XML-based file format for Deep Zoom image tiles, as well as a new MultiScaleTileSource that enables existing tile databases to utilize Deep Zoom. Better, event driven notification for zoom/pan state is another improvement in Silverlight 2 Beta 2.

 Download today at: http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight

REDMOND, Wash. May 2008, Microsoft Corp. today delivered on its commitment to rapid innovation for the newest Microsoft platforms and latest Web technologies by announcing the release of Expression Studio 2. The suite of professional design tools includes Expression Web 2, Expression Blend 2, Expression Design 2, Expression Media 2 and Expression Encoder 2 and works seamlessly with Visual Studio 2005 and Visual Studio 2008, solving the age-old designer and developer workflow challenge. The innovations in Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML), used by both Expression Studio and Visual Studio, allow for unprecedented designer-developer collaboration for the creation of both standards-based and Microsoft Silverlight-enhanced Web experiences as well as Windows Vista and .NET Framework 3.5 client applications.

Pricing and Availability: Microsoft also unveiled final product pricing and availability for the complete Expression 2 product family. Interested customers can purchase the entire studio from leading retailers such as Amazon.com and Best Buy starting in mid-May for $699 estimated retail price (ERP) (U.S.). In addition, all of the tools except Expression Design 2 are available as stand-alone products: Expression Blend 2 is available for $499 ERP (U.S.), Expression Web 2 is available for $299 ERP (U.S.), Expression Media 2 for $199 ERP (U.S), and Expression Encoder 2 for $199 ERP (U.S.). Microsoft also offers several upgrade options for existing Expression users and companion upgrades to Expression Web and Expression Media from a range of software titles by other vendors, including Adobe Systems Inc. All Expression products for English-speaking markets will include a getting-started video training courtesy of Total Training Inc. Comprehensive video training will be available for purchase separately at: www.totaltraining.com/expression2

The Expression Professional Subscription provides a total solution for designers to create engaging user experiences on Microsoft platforms with the latest versions of the tools they need.

The subscription includes:

• Expression Studio
• Visual Studio Standard
• Office Standard
• Office Visio Professional
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista Business Edition
• Virtual PC
• Pre-configured virtualized server environments

Availability and Pricing:

The Expression Professional Subscription will be available for purchase in the first half of 2008 for US$999 ERP.

Expression Studio 2.0 Mix 08 Preview, Silverlight 2.0, and tools are here and available to download now!

Click Here to Learn More!

For the second year in a row Mix 08 is now completely sold out..

for details check out... 

http://visitmix.com/blogs/News/491/

The good news is that all sessions will make it up on VisitMix.com for viewing.. So if you didn't register in time, you can still enjoy the great content that will be at the conference..

The Silverlight and Windows Live teams created a customizable Valentine’s Day card that you and your friends can use to share your love.

Visit it now and send your beloved a great Valentine today!

http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/sharethelove/Default.html