Friday, July 10, 2009

Microsoft launches Silverlight 3 (Update 2)

Microsoft quietly began rolling out the latest version of Silverlight (3.0.40624.0) late yesterday.

Visitors to numerous Silverlight-driven websites were greeted with a message "You do not have the latest version of Silverlight ... Would you like to install?".

Details on the new Silverlight 3 can now be found at the Silverlight website here.

The roll-out of Microsoft's rich media competitor to Adobe's Flash, came a day sooner than the official announcement, which took place a short time ago.

Update 1:  Previous developer builds of Silverlight 3 must be uninstalled (from Windows Update in the case of Windows 7) before installing this new version.

The demo is now up and running at seethelight.com, and a few moments ago, Microsoft product manager Karen Corby posted links 'to the good stuff' (including the all-new Microsoft Expression Blend 3 Release Candidate) at her blog here.

Update 2 Jul 11, 2009 12 AM: A comprehensive rundown of the new features in Silverlight 3 (including HD and more examples of the technology) can now be found at Scott Guthrie's blog here.