I’m not immune to the frustration a lot of Microsoft developers feel right now. A couple of Sinofsky’s comments have fueled speculation on the future of Silverlight, HTML 5’s role in development for Windows 8, etc., and I’ve spent many long nights embroiled in debates with my buddies Gregg and Sam about what we’re going to hear come September.
However, I’m still really positive about what’s coming. Think about what Microsoft has delivered in the past few years with Silverlight, Azure, and all the supporting technologies. The speed of innovation as Silverlight and WPF converge. The DevDiv’s ability to release updates to these things every few months…. It’s pretty astounding for a company the size of Microsoft. And I think it represents changes that are coming across the organization.
WinRumors is speculating that BUILD attendees will receive Windows 8 slates. We may not be able to buy a Windows 8 slate before Christmas, but it’s good to hear that the hardware vendors are far enough along to be able to provision developer preview devices on that large of a scale.
Like you, I’m waiting with a mixture of hope and a little bit of fear. The pressure’s on. BUILD better be awesome and better draw some clarity to the future of Silverlight. At this point, I don’t think we’re going to be disappointed.