MIX 08 Tools Announcements
Microsoft announced last week at MIX 08 a whole set of developer and design tools. You've probably seen it already elsewhere. However, if not, here's a quick run down.
Internet Explorer 8 Beta. Download your copy from http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie8
Silverlight 2 Beta. I've had so many people asking when Silverlight 2 will be available. Go ahead, download a copy from http://silverlight.net/GetStarted/#Beta (go to the bottom of the page). Silverlight 2 beta includes innovative new features like Deep Zoom, more than 40 new controls and a rich .NET base class library of functionality. Microsoft also announced plans to deliver Silverlight for Windows Mobile.
Expression Studio 2 Beta. Download a copy of Expression Blend 2.5 March 2008 Preview - http://www.microsoft.com/expression
A preview of Microsoft SQL Server Data Services is now also available to a selected group (MIX08 attendees). It's an invite-only beta :-( This service is designed for developers building Web-based applications that need a scalable, easily programmable and highly available utility-based data store. You can register at http://www.microsoft.com/sql/dataservices to be notified once the public beta becomes available.