Las Vegas (NV) - Microsoft today introduced Silverlight, a new plug-in for what it calls the "next generation of media experiences and interactive applications for the Web".  It has already garnered support from Netflix, Major League Baseball, and Eyeblaster, along with a couple other technology companies.

Silverlight, which works with all major browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari, can deliver everything from mobile video to high-definition content, says Microsoft.

"Silverlight is the only solution in the market today that enables content creators to tap into the broad ecosystem for Windows Media technologies while taking the Web's rich interactive application experience to new levels," said senior Microsoft VP Bob Muglia.

The platform uses Windows Media as the driving force behind playback of video content, and utilizes a new proprietary digital rights management (DRM) system.

Hah... typical

Apr 17, 2007 10:31     

Redo existing stuff in a proprietary way, so you can control things that already work on all platforms (Flash), and suddenly make them only work on the platforms you choose. "Linux support is still under discussion" says it all. If they were serious about making this cross-platform, they would have Linux support right now, since Linux has about the same market share as Apple. There is enough demand, even on their own MSDN forums. This is just another way they're trying to break things on Linux.

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Re: Hah... typical

Apr 19, 2007 11:38     

More an addendum than a response, notice how they clearly mention "utilizes a new proprietary DRM system" as well. Way to go Microsoft! Add more wood to the DRM fire, because it's what we all want to see. As much as I don't want to admit it, I applaud apple for the DRM thing. The fight against DRM is taking a good turn with their actions (and Microsoft turning suit and doing the same thing for the Zune as as result)

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