Visual Studio 2010 software is packed with new and enhanced features that simplify the entire development process from design to deployment. Customize your workspace with multiple monitor support. Create rich applications for SharePoint and the Web. Target multiple versions of the .NET Framework with the same tool. Eliminate the dreaded “no repro” problem with IntelliTrace. And much more.

Regarding the .NET Framework 4, Microsoft stated, “.NET Framework 4 adds additional support for industry standards, more language choice, new support for high-performance middle-tier applications including parallel programming, and side-by-side installation with .NET Framework 3.5. With the .NET Framework 4 Client Profile, the size of the runtime has been decreased by over 80 percent, making it easier for developers to get applications, and therefore users, up and running faster.”

Download Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4

via:neowin

The large capacity Zune HD 64 is priced $50 less than the 64GB iPod touch at $350. Both the 16GB and 32GB models have also been reduced in price to $200 and $270 respectively.

Unfortunately, the new Zune HD 64GB will not include firmware version 4.5, which was launched earlier this week. Individuals who buy the device will be prompted to download the update the first time they connect their Zune HD 64Gb to a computer.

via:engadget

Fresh Zune HDs will in addition acquire a number of new features with the help of a firmware update technology. The stylish DJ creator is going to work straight on the gadget, and A/V dock possessors will be capable of downloading songs from the Zune market with the help of their TVs. The player will too sustain several original audio and video codes.

Zune HD model prices have been reduced. Zune HD 32 GB  will cost $269.99 whereas the 16 GB model will cost $199.99.

The latest beta, Build 08.00.00.100305 of Messenger for Mac 8 Beta introduces a audio/video feature for Windows Live users. The A/V support is cross-platform compatible and will work with Windows Live Messenger. Mac users will be able to share webcam and audio conversations with each other and their Windows counterparts.

In the release note they mention some issues that are in the new beta. They include display pictures do not display when you are talking to other users, you cannot send files to your contacts and you cannot make Audio/Video calls on some network configurations.

there is no other announcement from Microsoft on when final version available for user, it should come in few days but there is no official date for it, so we have to wait and watch

Download Messenger for Mac 8 Beta

• April 28, 2010 – Selected official testers get access to latest builds.
• May 18, 2010 – Windows Live 2010 M3 RTW (release to web).
• June 3, 2010 – “Complete Public Disclosure” (and compile date for the public beta, as per MuyWindows).
• June 7, 2010 – Public beta will be released.
• June 7, 2010 – Windows Live Messenger for iPhone will be released in main languages.
• August 25, 2010 – Support for “Additional Languages” will be added to Messenger and iPhone, and public RTW of the final version.

However, the only problem is that users will not be able to enjoy all the applications as Microsoft has limited the use to certain beta testers. But don’t worry, a patch has been released which will enable users to install the new Windows Live Messenger 2010.

Features including the different views in Messenger (social, expanded contacts and a more familiar view of the contact list) are up and running, though features such as Facebook Chat are not. Other things such as the not-saving-your-conversation-display-picture-sizes bug has been fixed.

Download Windows Live Essentials 4 (full installer)

Download Windows Live Messenger 2010 patch

at Mix10 event Microsoft officially announced Zune media player for Windows phone 7 and now here is videos of it, it showing all the features of Zune media player for windows 7.

Apparently the Courier ‘digital journal’ will be under an inch thick, weigh in at less than a kilo and is around 130 x 180mm.

Tegra 2

Interestingly, the device will be powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 2 processor and will sport Windows CE 6 – which is the OS that the Windows Phone series 7 is based on. The user interface uses a stylus, and handwriting recognition will be a key feature.

Here is what is known so far

• Thickness : 1 inch.
• Weight : >= 1 lbs.
• Portable.
• Built on Tegra 2.
• Pen based interface.
• Built-in handwriting recognition.
• Built-in camera.
• Audio jack.
• Will provide E-book functionalities.
• OS similar to the one running on Zune HD and Windows Phone 7 Series.

No word on the pricing yet. The release is expected to be in Q3 / Q4 of 2010.

This is Microsoft’s first application made for Google’s Android platform, and, like the versions for other platforms, it allows you to use your phone’s camera to scan barcodes found on products, magazines and so on. When the scanning is complete, the application provides “information, videos, promotions, exclusive offers and much more” directly to your phone.

There are a total of 16 new themes, including the Windows Live default blue header. Most of these themes are snippets from Windows 7 wallpapers including Characters, Scenes, Architecture, and Nature packages. The new Windows Live Wave 4 will also remove the “Options” menu from current services and simply add a “hover-over” pop-up window to change themes.

images courtesy of LiveSide.net

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