Sleepy Daddy Software

If I'm not mistaken, it's been said in the directx and direct3d sessions that directx is not currently exposed to C# through winrt, so the only way to access it is through native C++ code. I'm sure there is a good reason for that (performance), but even given those reasons, shouldn't WinRT have some subset of DirectX exposed through WinRT metadata to C#/VB/JavaScript? As it stands, the only way to create a 3D or non-trivial 2D game using C# is by writing your own abstraction layer in native code and P/Invoking it (or creating a native WinRT component). Xna's availability on Windows Phone has been a major component in the explosion of games on that platform, and I think even C++ developers would benefit from a higher-level abstraction layer than raw DirectX api calls, even if that layer is not Xna specifically. 

Another great video! Out of curiosity, is anyone on the .net teams (.net cf, coreclr, or clr) using amp to speed up jitted tpl/rx code? Or maybe the IE team using amp to speed up web workers based JavaScript code.

Love these mango vids! If any microsofties are looking for a fun mango project, would love to see a telnet client for wp7 mango showing off both sockets support and the rich text control... Hehe

If I may recommend my own apps, I have two on the marketplace right now:

The first is Giggle Pad, a fun/educational game for very young children (around 9 months and up). You tap the screen (or press keys on your phone keyboard, if you have one) for random letters, numbers, or shapes in different colors and the app speaks the letter/number/shape and the color. Or, you can drag your finger across the screen for a colorful fireworks effect accompanied by a song. Giggle Pad also includes a "play phone" mode with a large on-screen keypad that speaks and sings songs when you press the keys. Here is the deep link:

http://social.zune.net/redirect?type=phoneApp&id=5858669e-88d5-df11-a844-00237de2db9e

My second app is a little utility called Pixel Checkup. This app helps you find and track dead pixels on your screen by completely filling it with white, black, red, green, or blue (this makes it easier to see the screen damage). You can also have it slowly cycle through these colors, making it even easier. If you find a dead pixel, you can touch the screen and a colored marker will be placed and saved, so you can check it again later to make sure the damage hasn't spread to adjacent pixels. The trial mode also functions as a free flashlight app when you bring up the white color. This app is also available in French, Spanish, and Italian. Here is the deep link:

http://social.zune.net/redirect?type=phoneApp&id=1f5d0cf5-a2d8-df11-a844-00237de2db9e

Can't wait for the Hot Apps show either!