Tags: Microsoft

Microsoft launches technical preview of Avalon

Microsoft might have delayed Longhorn. They even have delayed WinFS integration to even further date. However, they know how to keep the developers interested in their upcoming Operating System. In addition to constant reminders about this supposed to be the best product from their stables yet, we get snippets of what we can expect!

The latest sneak preview from the Microsoft’s development center is a consumer technical preview of its Avalon graphics subsystem. Three months ago, Microsoft made a small beginning with a preview to the MSDN subscribers.

What is Avalon?
Longhorn would be using Avalon as its unified presentation subsystem. Microsoft initially planned to keep it only for Longhorn edition. However, delays and consumer interest has made them change their mind. Hence, they would be launching it for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and other future Windows releases as add-ons.

As per official sources, Avalon would be unifying the way operating system handles documents, media, and user interfaces. However, looking at the complexity of the feature set, it would see a progressive launch with the Longhorn. The development is expected to continue as Microsoft makes it more powerful for developers to use to develop interfaces using a new markup language based on XML called XAML.

Rumors are also out on a new front-end programming tool for creating applications using this new language. Codenamed Sparkle, it can give Microsoft a tool to compete with other products like Flash, which provides similar functionalities.