14 DAY TRIAL // Hilo is an extremely interesting project designed to showcase what Microsoft refers to as the power of Windows 7, in combination with development resources such as Visual Studio 2010 and Visual C++. Through Hilo, developers can access a collection of articles in concert with sample applications offered free of charge through the MSDN Code Gallery. The initiative is set up to streamline the development of high performance, touch-enabled, responsive rich client applications tailored to Windows 7, according to the Redmond company. Through Hilo, devs can access both the source code and guidance on how to develop applications similar to those offered in the samples.
The initial release brings to the table the source code set up to enable developers to test the Hilo Browser application. “This application implements an innovative carousel-style navigation user interface. It’s touch-enabled so you can quickly browse and select images using touch gestures,” Microsoft explained. “The Hilo article series, along with the sample application source code, are intended to jumpstart your development and show you how to take advantage of key Windows capabilities in your own applications.”
In order to leverage Hilo, developers will need Visual Studio 2010 and Visual C++, and, in this regard, the Visual C++ 2010 Express edition will do fine. You will be able to find download links at the bottom of the screen. “Once you have installed Visual C++ 2010 Express, unzip the Hilo Browser source code and double click on the Hilo.sln solution file. Select Rebuild All from the Build menu to compile the Hilo Browser application. Press F5 to run the application in debug mode,” Microsoft explained.
The promise from the software giant is that additional content will be published as a part of the Hilo project in the coming weeks. “Over the coming weeks, we’ll be publishing a series of articles on MSDN that describe the design and implementation of a set of touch-enabled Windows applications that allow you to browse, select, and work with photos and images. The articles will cover key Windows 7 technologies, describe how they are used together to create a compelling user experience, and will detail the design and implementation of the applications themselves,” the company added.
Visual Studio 2010 Express is available for download here.
Visual Studio 2010 Premium is available for download here.
Visual Studio 2010 Professional is available for download here.
Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate is available for download here.
Visual Studio Test Professional 2010 is available for download here.
.NET Framework 4 RTM is available for download here.
