Social Desktop from Microsoft Research is a proof of concept Silverlight application that uses Windows Azure to share, or “socialize”, content on your computer.
The Social Desktop blends the Web and PC by embedding Web oriented sharing inside your desktop, allowing every document to have the ability to have a backing social URL for sharing without having to upload or copy or move it from it’s natural location. his url provides access not just to the file, but to a built in social experience which includes a rich preview of each item, comments, related items, tags, etc.
Application improvements include better memory management and a PNG transparency fix, while DeepZoomTools.dll has had some significant improvements according to Kirupa & Janete of the Expression Blend and Design team.
As developers we quickly forget how confusing it can be when trying to get up to speed on a new platform. That initial dive in is the hardest part. Not because the the technology is difficult, but because there are very few beginner tutorials. It seems like the majority of information on the web will be geared toward the advanced user when all you need is for someone to walk you through the basics.
That’s why I like to see these tutorials like Adding Items to a Listbox using Blend from Kirupa. He does a great job of structuring the tutorial with a clear goal lots of screen shots.
The only thing I think he could add is the source for download. I know it seems silly to post the source for a list box, but for someone who is completely new to Silverlight it would be helpful.
We all love Kaxaml right? We’re all nerds right? What better way to celebrate this synergy than with Kaxaml pocket protectors.
Robby at NerdPlusArt posted a poll asking his readers to vote on which piece of schwag they would like best. The winning pice will be handed out during his workshops at MIX90.
If you’re reading this blog it’s safe to assume you’re a technology nerd, which means you’ve got to appreciate this article on Technology Review.
The Army’s Remote-Controlled Beetle : Scientists use neural implants to wirelessly control the flight path of a giant flower beetle. Um, just watch the video.
Karl on WPF has a new release of XAML Power Toys available. In this release:
Extract properties to a Style allows selecting a control, choosing desired properties and have those selected properties extracted to a newly created style
Create ViewModel Class from a VB.NET or C# code window. Easily create a ViewModel stub that includes commands and exposed data class.
Group into GroupBox
Option to generate x:Name for controls
Option to add ForeReRead converter to TextBox bindings (both VB.NET & C# converters included in source and binary downloads. Converter is also included in the OceanFramework.WPF namespace.)
Option to add TargetNullValue to TextBox.Text bindings when Source property is Nullable
Corrected secondary application domain load issue reported by DevExpress. This fix also solves another edge case secondary application domain load issue.
Microsoft Semblio is an SDK for developing interactive instructional material in WPF. Content creators can quickly assemble lessons that include various file formats and data from XAML, Office and Flash. The added quiz creation tools make it easy to test a student’s progress.
Visit the Semblio website to view demos and download the SDK.
What is unique about Quince is the social aspect, which allows users to comment and give examples of use cases for patterns. Aside from UI-Patterns.com it’s one of the few that affords for this.
Social Desktop from Microsoft Research is a proof of concept Silverlight application that uses Windows Azure to share, or “socialize”, content on your computer.
Deep Zoom Composer has been 
Tim Sneath has a great 
