INTRODUCING THE SYNDICATED CLIENT EXPERIENCES STARTER KIT & READER SDK!

.Net 3.0 and WPF made it possible to build rich, smart client applications that utilized some of the best features of the web app model (URL deployment for example) while fully exploiting the power and resources of the Windows desktop. SQL Server Compact Edition enabled those desktop applications to be built and deployed with an in-process database to cache data locally and work on or offline seamlessly. Now the Syndicated Client Experiences Starter Kit (built with Microsoft’s new Sync Framework) further simplify the development of these applications and facilitate the creation of new types of rich, optimal content experiences for the desktop – applications where content and design are afforded premium treatment and usability is a key consideration.

These Syndicated Client Experiences applications exploit the push capabilities of RSS in a model where each application retains full control over the presentation of the content. The Sync Framework and sync service take care of syncing, caching, subscription management and the safe caching of authentication credentials. These services are designed to help publishers focus on what matters to them most: providing differentiated content experiences with very rich content, branding, skinning and custom user interface elements for an optimal end-to-end user experience. With the Sync Framework doing the heavy lifting for sync and caching, each SC app can be relatively small in size – around 1-2mb typically.

The Syndicated Client Experiences Reader

SCE applications are sophisticated .Net applications that are web deployed, occasionally connected, and fully exploitive of the desktop providing the optimal user experience for your content. The SC Reader application (the first application sample to be included with the Beta) is a feature rich application that utilizes WPF’s advanced text and layout capabilities to present the best possible reading experience on any screen:

• Readability and Rich document presentation – Content is rendered with sophisticated text and layout capabilities including hardware-accelerated, sub-pixel clear type, typography and Open Type support for best possible legibility; dynamic hyphenation, adaptable columns and pages, reflow and zoom to adapt to the screen and window size of virtually any screen; figures and floaters, footers, support for ads and hosting of controls within the document.
• Personalization and Accessibility - Sophisticated content display capabilities with text zoom and accessibility built in.
• Intuitive and Effortless Navigation - The SC reader is designed for effortless and intuitive “Twitch Navigation” with many keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures, DPad and touch support (for handheld devices and Tablet PCs, and a remote for 10-foot scenarios). Customizable contextual transitions minimize visual discontinuities during navigation.
• Commenting and Sharing - Built-in commenting and book-marking functionality enable users to reference and share pages, articles as well as attach and share ink, text comments.
• Mobility and Robustness – the Sync Framework-based sync service caches content from the content provider feed for performance and offline use. Content is synchronized and downloaded in the background and ready whenever a user wants to access it - offline or online.
• Premier Desktop Positioning – A quick-access Subscription Center utility enables users to peruse subscriptions and content, available offline by way of a powerful SQL Server Compact Edition store.
• High Fidelity Printing - A rich, adaptive model for printing content that fits intelligently on any paper selected.
• Support for numerous languages including Indic and East Asian languages.

As rich as it is, the SCE Reader is designed to be extended and customized. With a rich RSS feed and user interface skinning, you can quickly create compelling content experiences of your own. With WPF and Expression Blend, content can be fused and extended with interactive user interface elements including custom controls, data visualizations, search, custom transitions, 3D, animation, video, etc. For the first time publishers can fully utilize their brand, content assets and design expertise on the screen in a rich and engaging content experience. Many content providers around the world have been part of the early beta program and there is bevy of applications being developed on the SDK.

Beyond Text and Reader Scenarios

While the Reader is the most complete sample in this first Beta, the Syndicated Client Experiences Starter Kit is intended to be extended to a wide range of content scenarios: photos, podcasts, video, etc. We’re really looking forward to see what you can do with these building blocks.

Included in this SDK:

• Visual Studio and Expression projects
  • Sample Generic Reader (complete end to end sample, full source code)
  • MSDN Reader (application, feed and full sample source code)
  • Reader Quick Start wizard
  • Photos: a simple sample demonstrating a syndicated photo experience (full sample source code)
• An integrated branded boostrapper for .Net 3.0 deployment and app installation via Click-Once
• Content Sync Extensions for RSS 2.0 for rich, nested, authenticated feeds
• SCE sync service and desktop UI redistributable components

The first Beta of the Syndicated Client Experiences Starter Kit provides solutions for the Windows desktop. In the near future, a Silverlight component for browser deployed applications and devices will be provided as well. The Syndicated Client Experiences SDK is the next bold step toward a software plus services model that will enable developers, designers, and content publishers to effectively and efficiently utilize investments in web services, design and code across multiple channels. Our goal is that with the Syndicated Client Experiences Starter Kit, a single SCE content service can be used to power compelling new desktop experiences as well as engaging browser applications cross-platform and on devices.