Secret Microsoft Communications

XAML/C++: Does anyone really know what time it is? Timers

Surf4Fun — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:23:22 GMT

Why is it so hard to find a working example on how to use the timer in your C++ app? So let's take a look at some code: Changes to stdafx.h First you need to change the stdafx.h file, you can simply copy and paste the following into a console...(read more)

XBOX, XAML/C++, Direct2, Direct3, scalable, repeatable and immersive art form game engines

Surf4Fun — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:14:55 GMT

Cool stuff about the Xbox launch. You will need to stick with my blog as I show you how to work with C++ and Direct2 or Direct 3. You have got to create apps, and a good way to get started is to use the entry path of Windows 8 and Windows 8 Phone...(read more)

Xbox game Design: Mission Impossible and Nuremberg UFO battle of 1561

Surf4Fun — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:50:00 GMT

I have been watching the old Mission Impossible from Television, keeping an eye out for the judo chop that was in every show at least up to season 4. The nice thing about this show, you could believe that it was really a secret mission, no car chases...(read more)

C++: Clone Code detection, is this some kind of Star Wars thing?

Surf4Fun — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:06:46 GMT

Clones, they exist everywhere in today's world right? No… Oh. Well, in Star Wars all of the guys who wear white fighting suits are clones right? But what about code clones? I might be only person who is too lazy to create reusable...(read more)

Async coding in C++ means never having to say you are sorry

Surf4Fun — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:53:29 GMT

Maybe. That is a paraphrase quote from an old movie called "Love Story", that is seriously boring, unless you are with someone you either love or hope to, then it is still boring if you actually watched it. Like Dr. Zhivago or whatever...(read more)

Visual Studio 2012 Express for Windows 8

Surf4Fun — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:25:36 GMT

This is a quick and cheap way to get into Windows 8 store development. Windows 8 is awesome. I am convinced that Win 8 is simply beautiful, and an easy way to get your apps in the store. I see students getting multiple apps into the store...(read more)

TouchDevelop: Build Windows Store apps easily and quickly

Surf4Fun — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:09:15 GMT

I just completed a simple app and got it in the store in about 24 hours. Students that I work with have gotten apps in the store in less than 3 hours or so. It isn’t difficult but you do need to get some practice. Like a doctor who is...(read more)

XAML/C++: Why learn C++ and not Python?

Surf4Fun — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:46:14 GMT

Important links: Starting to learn about XAML can be found at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms752059.aspx Now the blah-blah, useless stuff, but the following is the reason for the title and article Python is definitely easier to learn...(read more)

XAML/C++: Why is it so hard to use XAML and DirectX

Surf4Fun — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:49:56 GMT

It isn’t. Seriously. Ok, it’s harder than say building an Ohm’s Law app using TouchDevelop (see http://www.TouchDevelop.com ) and if you follow the MSDN documentation, it will seem nearly impossible.. But if you take a look at the book...(read more)

Khan: Super fun discussion with someone’s brilliant future student

Surf4Fun — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:36:57 GMT

Sometimes in my job you meet a student, in this case a high school student I will refer to as Khan. Last night we had a great discussion about orbital mechanics and the design of launch vehicles. Not that I needed a relief from my normal job...(read more)