Entries for Ian Walker

PDC Cartoon

Ian Walker — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:36:08 GMT

One of the Microsoft stands had a guy offering to do a caricature of you (using a TouchScreen / Paintbrush and Corel PaintIt Touch).

Each image was saved as a file using your email address.

I havn't received mine yet, does anyone have a contact (or received their own yet)?

Ian

HP TX2 Multi-Touch vs Acer 1420P (PDC build) [HP TX2 Multi-Touch vs Acer 1420P (PDC build)]

Ian Walker — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:28:34 GMT

I've been testing development of http://FromTheMalverns.com overnight on the Acer (up till now I have been using the TX2 for touchscreen development).

I'll start with the hardware differences (not going to list the specs as you can get these from the web sites):

Acer is smaller and lighter and has longer battery times (It was telling me over 6 hours on a full charge yesterday)
TX2 is more powerfull and has a built in DVD Writer (future upgradable to BluRay)
Acer screen is slightly smaller but has a nicer feel (literally) than the TX2 (though I notice that the TX2 is available in different screen configurations so I wouldn't write it off on that basis).

Both run Windows 7 ultimate just fine - I havn't notices any real difference speed wise between developing on one machine as opposed to the other, though clearly the TX2 has the processor advantage so in real terms IS FASTER.

Gut feeling is that I will probably put the TX2 on EBAY as I don't need both machines - my main thinking being that the Acer, being smaller and lighter, is more suited to being a 'road development' machine.

Feel free to post any specific questions and I will do my best to answer them.

PS Don't know about pricing yet - though my feeling is that the TX2 represents great value for money (The Acer will probably also be heavily discounted)

in reply to HP TX2 Multi-Touch vs Acer 1420P (PDC build)

Silverlight 4 available for download [Silverlight 4 available for download]

Ian Walker — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:58:10 GMT

Sorry, that should read Silverlight 4 BETA available for download!

http://silverlight.net/getstarted/silverlight-4-beta/#tools

New Features for Application Developers

Comprehensive printing support enabling hardcopy reports and documents as well as a virtual print view, independent of screen content.
A full set of forms controls with over 60 customizable, styleable components. New controls include RichTextbox with hyperlinks, images and editing and Masked textbox for complex field validation. Enhanced controls include DataGrid with sortable/resizeable columns and copy/paste rows.
WCF RIA Services introduces enterprise class networking and data access for building n-tier applications including transactions, paging of data, WCF and HTTP enhancements.
Localization enhancements with Bi-Directional text, Right-to-Left support and complex scripts such as Arabic, Hebrew and Thai and 30 new languages.
The .NET Common Runtime (CLR) now enables the same compiled code to be run on the desktop and Silverlight without change.
Enhanced databinding support increases flexibility and productivity through data grouping/editing and string formatting within bindings.
Managed Extensibility Framework supports building large composite applications.
Exclusive tooling support for Silverlight, new in Visual Studio 2010. Including a full editable design surface, drag & drop data-binding, automatically bound controls, datasource selection, integration with Expression Blend styling resources, Silverlight project support and full IntelliSense.

Developer tools

Fully editable design surface for drawing out controls and layouts.
Rich property grid and new editors for values
Drag and drop support for databinding and automatically creating bound controls such as listbox, datagrid. New datasources window and picker.
Easy to pick styles and resources to make a good looking application based on designer resources built in Expression Blend.
Built in project support for Silverlight applications
Editor with full intellisense for XAML and C# and VB languages.

Empowering richer, more interactive experiences

Silverlight is already in use as a comprehensive platform for building rich experiences both for application and pure media scenarios including HD quality, interactive video through Smooth Streaming. Silverlight 4 introduces additional capabilities to enable creation of ever more rich, appealing high-performance interactive experiences and innovative media experiences:

Fluid interface enhancements advance application usability through animation effects.
Webcam and microphone to allow sharing of video and audio for instance for chat or customer service applications.
Audio and video local recording capabilities capture RAW video without requiring server interaction, enabling a wide range of end-user interaction and communication scenarios for example video conferencing.
Bring data in to your application with features such as copy and paste or drag and drop.
Long lists can now be scrolled effortlessly with the mouse wheel.
Support conventional desktop interaction models through new features such as right-click context menu.
Support for Google’s Chrome browser.
Performance optimizations mean Silverlight 4 applications start quicker and run 200% faster than the equivalent Silverlight 3 application.
Deep Zoom enhancements include hardware acceleration to support larger datasets and faster animation.
Multi-touch support enables a range of gestures and touch interactions to be integrated into user experiences.
Multicast networking, enabling Enterprises to lower the cost of streaming broadcast events such as company meetings and training, interoperating seamlessly with existing Windows Media Server streaming infrastructure.
Content protection for H.264 media through Silverlight DRM powered by PlayReady.
Output protection for audio/video streams allowing content owners or distributors to ensure protected content is only viewed through a secure video connection.

in reply to Silverlight 4 available for download

Free Tablet PC for PDC attendees? [Free Tablet PC for PDC attendees?]

Ian Walker — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:43:56 GMT

Looks like attendees will be walkng away with a multitouch laptop (custom made for Microsoft).

How cool is that?

Any other 9ers at the PDC?

Acer Aspire 1420P Convertible Tablet :

http://microsoftpdc.com/tablet

http://www.gadgettastic.com/2009/10/26/acer-aspire-1420p-tablet/ (similar but not customised)

in reply to Free Tablet PC for PDC attendees?

FromThePDC.com [FromThePDC.com]

Ian Walker — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:46:06 GMT

Actually its just http://FromtheMalverns.com/PDC09.htm but I've added some images of the area around the PDC Convention Centre (especially like the one of Marilyn Monroe!).

Don't forget to vote for this at http://www.mydotnetstory.com/vote.aspx * if you havn't already (yep, I am the Channel 9 guy until someone tells me I cant be!)

in reply to FromThePDC.com

Sharon or Number 6? [Sharon or Number 6?]

Ian Walker — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:09:20 GMT

Number 6,

Sharon Valerii

in reply to Sharon or Number 6?

Expect the Unexpected!! [Expect the Unexpected!!]

Ian Walker — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:56:06 GMT

I'm entering http://fromtheMalverns.com into the 'expect the unexpected' competition.

Please take a look and vote (I am the Channel 9 guy - at least until someone tells me I can't be)

http://www.mydotnetstory.com/vote.aspx

Thanking you.

in reply to Expect the Unexpected!!

Old Picture Postcards [Old Picture Postcards]

Ian Walker — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:18:08 GMT

Having won a ticket to the PDC this year ("lucky b'stard") I am planning on taking a few photos of the surrounding area for http://FromTheMalverns.com (apparently you can just see the top of the Staples Centre from the Worcestershire Beacon).

To this end, does anyone (or anyones Granny?) have any old picture postcards of Los Angeles that they could let me scan*? I know, its a long shot, but you just never know ...

* Or anywhere around the Malvern Hills come to that?

in reply to Old Picture Postcards

XAMLTOCODE [XAMLTOCODE]

Ian Walker — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:17:26 GMT

Does anyone know of a utility to convert XAML into CSharp? (assuming this is possible?)

in reply to XAMLTOCODE

Bing Twitter Search Beta is Live (unless you are in the UK?) [Bing Twitter Search Beta is Live (unless you are in the UK?)]

Ian Walker — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:38:21 GMT

Twitter beta

Hottest Topics on Twitter

Loading Twitter Trends

Sorry!

Bing Twitter Search is not available in this locale.

http://bing.com/twitter

in reply to Bing Twitter Search Beta is Live (unless you are in the UK?)

DevReach 2009 [DevReach 2009]

Ian Walker — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:35:38 GMT

Can you guys see at the back? (thats a real cinema screen)

I made myself laugh:

http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/TheChannel9Team/Sara-Ford-What-can-we-do-to-introduce-more-women-into-computer-science/

in reply to DevReach 2009

VESL - Virtual Earth Silverlight Library [VESL - Virtual Earth Silverlight Library ]

Ian Walker — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:49:30 GMT

Anyone have an idea why Sven Groot is getting this:

instead of this?

Is there something in culture that might impact on the coordinates?

(from the coffee house thread "From The Malverns")

in reply to VESL - Virtual Earth Silverlight Library

Textise.Net [Textise.Net]

Ian Walker — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:27:15 GMT

How cool is this?

Should be called 'CutTheCrap.com'

in reply to Textise.Net

From the Malverns [From the Malverns]

Ian Walker — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:14:06 GMT

If anyone has a little time I would appreciate some feedback on http://FromTheMalverns.com.

It is still a work in progress but it would be good to get some constructive criticism - especially with regard to design and usability.

(Also, if anyone fancies creating images for their local area please give me a shout.)

in reply to From the Malverns

Behind the PDC 3D Video - A How-To [Behind the PDC 3D Video - A How-To]

Ian Walker — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:48:07 GMT

I couldn't rightly call myself a geek if I didn't play with 3D. I have a couple of Sony Cybershots wired together for 3d (mainly for stills as video is only VGA). I also have a couple of Sony 1080i Camcorders synchronised using a LANC Sheppard. I've had this set up for a few years now and am replacing the Cybershots with a Fuji 3d camera which I recently ordered from Japan - should arrive in the next few days fingers crossed - I'll post a quick review if anyone here is interested?

I havn't posted any video on the Intenet but am looking at a project in Silverlight at the moment that might include a 3d element (I'm trying to avoid the red/blue glasses though).

I'm also a member of the British Stereoscopic Society - One of the youngest members I think as most members date back to the boom in 3d in the 1950s!. I've also got a large collection on 3d Slides, Stereocards, Stereo Cameras, Viewers and Taxiphotes.

Am I a geek? You betcha .. ..

in reply to Behind the PDC 3D Video - A How-To

Silverlight.live.com [Silverlight.live.com]

Ian Walker — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:40:30 GMT

Does anyone know if/when Silverlight 3 will be supported?

Thanks.

in reply to Silverlight.live.com

Apple? Expensive? [Apple? Expensive?]

Ian Walker — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:53:48 GMT

(and how long was that iphone on pre order?)

in reply to Apple? Expensive?

Silverlight on the 360 [Silverlight on the 360]

Ian Walker — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:58:58 GMT

Wow, anyone know if we can take advantage of this?

in reply to Silverlight on the 360

VS2008 Std & Silverlight 2 Toolkit broken? [VS2008 Std & Silverlight 2 Toolkit broken?]

Ian Walker — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:39:25 GMT

When I try anbd install the Silverlight Toolkit I am getting the following message:

Installation Requirements:

Build 9.0.30729.XX of Visual Studio 2008 SP1 or Visual Web Developer 2008 SP1 must be installed before installation can continue. See <A HREF="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=122094">http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=122094</A> for download information.

The version of VS2008 standard (that was given to me at the Heroes lauch in the UK) is: Build 9.0.21022.8 RTM

Does anyone know if this is by design / whether there is a workaround so that this version of VS2008 can be used?

in reply to VS2008 Std & Silverlight 2 Toolkit broken?

Geek Test No 342 - How far would you travel to see this? [Geek Test No 342 - How far would you travel to see this?]

Ian Walker — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:02:54 GMT

(Its' in Italy BTW - Little Guru?)

in reply to Geek Test No 342 - How far would you travel to see this?

Iphone Killer [Iphone Killer]

Ian Walker — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:13:08 GMT

Lets be honest, who wants to own such an arrogant phone now?

Well it worked in preview. heres the link in case you can't see the embeded movie:

http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1899978

in reply to Iphone Killer

Geek Social Apptitude Test [Geek Social Apptitude Test]

Ian Walker — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:51:23 GMT

Even if you don't elect to do the test some of the questions will make you smile:

http://www.simpltry.com/gsat/

in reply to Geek Social Apptitude Test

My Bloody Valentine 3d [My Bloody Valentine 3d]

Ian Walker — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:26:18 GMT

Anyone else seen this? I really didn't fancy it (but the geek in me couldn't resist the 3d element).

Then I actually really enjoyed it!

The Twitter review doesn't do it justice but made me smile:

"The degree of senseless mayhem is satisfactory, the corpses disgusting, gratuitous nudity & who doesn’t love a killer with a weirdo mask?"

in reply to My Bloody Valentine 3d

Basic geek test # 34. Do you know what this is? [Basic geek test # 34. Do you know what this is?]

Ian Walker — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:29:45 GMT

(Try whacking your browsers' zoom up to 400%)

in reply to Basic geek test # 34. Do you know what this is?

Mix 09 [Mix 09]

Ian Walker — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:07:28 GMT

Anyone just watched Charles excellent video (http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/Charles/Countdown-to-MIX09-Even-in-Trying-Financial-Times-You-Can8217t-Afford-to-Stay-Home/)and want to save themselves some money as my substitute (just found out I can't attend this year due to work commitments)

Substitution Requirements:

The original attendee should not cancel the registration.
If the payment method is changing, the new attendee must provide payment prior to issuing a refund to the original attendee.
The Registration Team will facilitate the transfer of hotel reservations up to one week before the event. Substitutions requested after March 11, 2009 require the attendee to contact the hotel directly with reservation changes.
The registrant is responsible for canceling or changing travel reservations.

(http://2009.visitmix.com/Registration/)

in reply to Mix 09