Microsoft News Tracker

Craig Skibo has the details:

The first release of the VS Content Installer Power Toys are now available. You will need a recent build of VS (I tested with the August CTP, but the July version may also work) to use these tools. Remember, they are still a beta build, so not everything will work as expected. But here is what is available:

• Content Builder - easily create VSI files with an easy to user wizard interface
• Content Uninstaller - remove content installed through the Content Installer
• Code Library Installer - install libraries for use within the Add Reference dialog box
• Debugger Visualizer Installer - install debugger visualizers (both in DLL and CS form)
• Help Installer - install help topics which are automatically included into the MSDN help browser
• Samples Installer - install samples
• Snippet Directory Installer - an extension of the the snippets installer, but gives you a bit more control in how the files are installed

More by following the link including the download URL.

The promised August Community Technical Preview (CTP) of the Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions has been released. Quan To has the details:

The August CTP for Visual Studio Express SKUs are now available at:

http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/vs2005/get/default.aspx#express

This is the last Express CTP before we release the final bits in November so try them out and send us any feedback you have.

He also warns testers to clean out prior versions first.

Update (Aug. 25): Hong Gao points to a VS 2005 Diagnostic and Uninstall Tool that will uninstall all VS2005 Beta and CTPs. See other recent posts in the weblog for more tips.

Planet Xbox360 has the details:

The Xbox360 Marketing brochure has been leaked onto the internet, and we have managed to obtain a copy for everyone to check out.

Follow the link to peruse the details. They also note that “issues” with previously released marketing information (see my original post) are somewhat clarified by the brochure:

The brochures all confirm that a hard-drive is needed for backwards compatibility (this has been known all along, but it is the first official MS confirmation of the fact).

Which means that only the higher priced Xbox 360 version will have backward compatibility with the original Xbox, not the cheaper Xbox 360 Core System. Also, the brochure defintiely indicates that both versions will include an Xbox Live Silver subscription as well as a 30 day trial of the Gold level.

Perhaps this kind of ambiguity hypes the product, but it would seem a better plan to provide a consistent story from the start.