Whats new with .NET Compact Framework 3.5

It’s been a while since I’ve last posted a BLOG entry. I’ve been busy working with my feature teams to complete .NET Compact Framework v3.5. The .NET Compact Framework v3.5 will be shipped with the next version of Visual Studio, code name Orcas, later this year. NETCF teams have been working hard to get all of our new features in for Orcas Beta1. We wanted to make sure you all have an opptunity to try these new features early in the cycle to allow time to address your feedback. Watch my BLOG or the NETCF team BLOG for release deliverables. (NETCF Team BLOG at https://blogs.msdn.com/netcfteam/)

 

The features I’ve been working on include, Windows Communication Foundation for the .NET Compact Framework, .NET Compact Framework Language Integrated Query, Sound and updates to GUI. I will be describing the new features for each of these areas in future BLOGS. 

 

Lets off with a qucik look at the new Sound API's. Last year we looked at the current managed sound API SoundPlayer. We liked the programming model; it was simple and easy to use. It was however tied to PlaySound which only allowed for one sound to be played at a time. Devices on the other hand includes WaveOut which allows for hardware mixing of sounds which was desired for those who want to create a simple game. Our solution is to use the managed SoundPlayer API’s unchanged, but deliver the sound to WaveOut allowing more than one sound to be rendered through SoundPlayer at a time. SoundPlayer has been included in the Orcas January CTP and on, to try it grab the latest Orcas CTP. Create a new Windows Mobile PocketPC 2003, .NET Compact Framework 3.5 project. Then drop three buttons on the form and copy the code below to each button. Deploy project to the emulator and give it a try. 

 

using System.Media;

 ...

private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)

{

SoundPlayer s = new SoundPlayer("\\Windows\\Windows Default .wav");

s.Play();

}

private void button2_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)

{

SoundPlayer s = new SoundPlayer("\\Windows\\type.wav");

s.Play();

}

private void button3_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)

{

SystemSounds.Exclamation.Play();

}