A Lap Around Silverlight 5

A summary of the items in the upcomming SL5:

• XAML Debugging <= only for binding statements


• pInvoke support for COM calls, not released with beta but will be available in final release


• Implicit Data Templates that allow different styles in a single listbox depending on what type of object is being bound. As long as they all inherit from the same parent class.


• Multi-column text <= used in tadem with RichTextBox and a TextBoxOverflowing control


• Linked text <= wraps around controls on a form


• Charater spacing, I think this is called "kerning", allows the spacing between letters to be modified.


• Enhanced "real windows" which are actual OS windows. Currently only available in out of browser apps.


• Low-latency sound. <= near real time sounds when n event is fired.


• 3D support.

Note: Also the speaker, Pete Brown, said that we should all beg our managers to get SSD hard drives. He stated that it would really increase productivity because it loads so fast. I personally witnessed Visual Studio load in lightening fast speed (less than 5 secs).