Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Windows Phone Developer Tools January 2011 Update Available Now

Microsoft just published the January 2011 Update for the Windows Phone Developer Tools. I have just started working with the new version, so I can’t claim a huge amount of experience, but it seems to be a good update and one that every developer should be using.

Here is what Microsoft says about the update:

February 7, 2011
Windows Phone Developer Tools January 2011 Update Available Now
We are happy to announce the immediate availability of the Windows Phone Developer Tools January 2011 Update. The January Update is comprised of two installation files; it includes updated reference assemblies, a new version of the Windows Phone OS emulator image and several minor bug fixes in addition to those previously released as part of the October 2010 Update.

The January Update provides updated Silverlight controls that enable copy and paste functionality. At this time this is limited to TextBox controls, as well as controls derived from the TextBox class. It is important to note that most applications already published will automatically receive the benefits of copy and paste when customers update their devices with the upcoming Windows Phone 7 OS update. However, you may need to recompile your apps to improve user experience if you are using a Map or TextBox control within a Panorama or Pivot control.

Despite not being recommended, some apps today allow users to interact with Silverlight TextBox controls within other controls such as Panorama and Pivots. In these cases, once Windows Phone 7 devices receive the update, customers may unintentionally change panes when trying to copy text. You can avoid this problem by downloading the January Update, recompiling, and resubmitting your applications to App Hub using the updated Pivot and Panorama controls.

Download the updated Windows Phone Developer Tools and read the installation instructions on the Download Center page.

Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Registration for Mix 11 (Las Vegas) is now open!

You can now register for Microsoft’s Mix 11 conference, which will be held in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay resort from April 11-14th 2011. If you register by February 11, you qualify for an early bird discount.

I personally always find Mix to be one of the most enjoyable Microsoft conferences. (And the fact that it is at the Mandalay Bay resort this year, is a nice bonus). Mix has always been Microsoft’s “Web and UI” conference, which focuses mostly on all things web (HTML, ASP.NET, HTML5, CSS3,…) and of course the rich web technologies, especially Silverlight. Maybe even some WPF. And with IE9 coming, and Silverlight 5 pending true announcement, it should be an interesting event.

I am planning to go. I already have a very full conference schedule this Spring, but I think this one is important enough to make it happen.