Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK is now Available

 Development, User Experience  No Responses »
Jul 132011
 

The Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK makes it easy to create engaging experiences, using multitouch and object interaction, for the next generation device for Microsoft Surface – the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface.

The Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK is a set of controls, APIs, templates, tools, sample applications, and documentation for application developers.  Using the familiar .NET Framework 4.0, Windows Presentation Framework 4.0 (WPF) or XNA framework 4.0, and the Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK, developers can create applications that take advantage of the new PixelSense technology delivered in the Surface 2.0 platform. The Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK replaces the Surface Toolkit for Windows Touch beta that was released in 2010.

Application developers can now download the free Microsoft Surface 2.0 SDK and take advantage of training and resources at www.msdn.com/windows/surface

Programming Windows Phone 7 – Free ebook

 Development, Windows Phone  No Responses »
Nov 042010
 

Develop your first applications for Windows Phone 7 using Microsoft XNA and Silverlight—expertly guided by award-winning author Charles Petzold. This book is a gift from the Windows Phone 7 team and Microsoft Press to the programming community.

PDF: Programming Windows Phone 7
CODE: Microsoft_Press_ebook_Programming_Windows_Phone_7_Sample_Code.zip

XNA Game Studio 2.0 Released

 Development  No Responses »
Dec 142007
 

Well, the next version of XNA Game Studio is released. Download it here.

What’s New with XNA Game Studio?

  • XNA Game Studio 2.0 works in all versions of Visual Studio 2005. This includes Standard and Professional, as well as many other specific editions.
  • The new and improved interface makes it easier for you to manage your Xbox 360 console.
  • You’ll find that managing and building content is easier and more consistent in XNA Game Studio.
  • We’ve included project templates for content importers and processors.
  • You can configure how content is processed with the new ability to set parameters on Content Processors.

What’s new in the XNA Framework? Now you can:

  • Create rich multiplayer games over Xbox LIVE using the new networking APIs.
  • Create Audio more effectively with the new XACT editor!
  • Host XNA Framework games easily inside a Windows Form.
  • Use the virtualized GraphicsDevice: no more special code to handle device reset and recreate!
  • Take advantage of render targets that are more flexible, consistent, and easier to use. Xbox 360 and Windows now support multiple render targets (MRTs) as well.
  • Easily nest one component inside another thanks to improvements in GameComponent.
  • Enjoy many more enhancements and tweaks!

Farseer Physics Engine for XNA and Silverlight (And .NET in General)

 Development  No Responses »
Nov 202007
 

The Farseer Physics Engine is an easy to use 2D physics engine designed for Microsoft’s XNA and Silverlight platforms. The Farseer Physics Engine focuses on simplicity, useful features, and enabling the creation of fun, dynamic games.

Features

  • General
    • Easy To Use!
    • Support for XNA (XBOX 360 and Windows)
    • Support for Silverlight (1.1 and above)
    • Support for Managed .Net Languages In General
  • Collison
    • Concave and Convex Polygons Supported
    • Multiple Collision Geometries Per Body
    • Collision Categories For Complex Interaction Between Physics Objects
    • Collision Callback Mechanism
  • Dynamics
    • Joints
      • Revolute Joint (body to body or fixed to world)
      • Angle Joint (body to body or fixed to world)
      • Slider (Prismatic) Joint
      • Pin (Distance) Joint
    • Force Controllers
      • Linear Spring
      • Angular Spring
      • Easy To Build Custom Force Controllers (Explosions, Steering Behaviors, etc.)
  • Support and Debugging
    • Samples Framework With Samples Covering Most Major Engine Features. (XNA and Silverlight versions)
    • Debug Viewer To View All Major Physics Objects (part of samples framework)
    • User Manual (in progress)

Interview from InfoQ

Although intended for games, a physics engine can be used for UI effects too. This would generally be very useful to create cool effects, especially on Silverlight applications.