14 DAY TRIAL // Following the commercial introduction of Microsoft Surface, the company has done comprehensive efforts to open up the new platform to as many developers as possible. A critical step in this direction was made by opening up access to a hardware-less version of the Microsoft Surface software development kit, first to academia, and then to all developers worldwide. The latest move from the Redmond company is designed to make it easier for even more devs to start building applications on top of Microsoft Surface. In this regard, the software giant is now offering free Microsoft Surface Design and Development Training.
“This online course begins with an introduction to the Microsoft Surface platform and its unique attributes – including its vision (camera) based massive multi-touch input, 360° multiuser interface, and physical object recognition. The subsequent training modules include detailed videos, how-to information, reference materials, and step-by-step hands-on labs. Topics include the Surface SDK, WPF controls, user experience guidelines, the Surface shell, simulator, hardware and more,” Luis Cabrera, Microsoft software design engineer, revealed.
Developers that are new to the Redmond company’s tabletop computer can go ahead and grab the Microsoft Surface SDK 1.0 SP1 Workstation Edition, which is a free download, and then take advantage of the training resources offered. All that devs will need is a browser with Silverlight support and they’ll be ready to go.
“These nine course modules include the topics discussed in classroom training, with the benefit of greater convenience. In addition to being a great starting point for those new to Surface development, it is also a good refresher for those with more experience. If you have completed either form of Surface training you can return to these online modules at any time to immediately review the information you require,” Cabrera added.
In contrast with the fully fledged software development kit, the SDK 1.0 SP1 Workstation Edition doesn’t come with an actual Microsoft Surface unit, but it does offer a simulator for testing, which should be enough to do development on the PC. Microsoft Surface SDK 1.0 SP1 Workstation Edition is available for download here.