Microsoft has released Silverlight 3 in Australia, adding codec support for H.264 video, AAC audio and MPEG-4 content and a few other enhancements such as out-of-browser support to allow Web applications to work on the desktop.
The new version allows media created with Silverlight to be delivered in full-screen HD (1080p). Microsoft also claims it has added graphics improvements including 3-D graphics support and graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration.
The new Silverlight version includes additional media features for better for media analytics and ad monetisation scenarios and includes the ability to disable screen savers when playing long-form video content.
Microsoft has also released Expression 3, a suite of professional design tools for creating and delivering rich Internet applications.
The software is designed to enable greater usability and productivity across the designer and developer workflow with new features such as SketchFlo, which allows designer-developers to experiment with dynamic user interfaces and create compelling prototypes. Developer-designers can then use the prototype to easily communicate design intent.