MSDN subscribers can now download a preview of version 11 of Microsoft’s Visual Studio integrated development environment (IDE). You can choose between the regular version which runs on Windows 7 or the express version that is bundled into the Windows 8 developer preview and includes support for “Metro” applications. A general release version is expected within days.
Key features in the update include the following:
- Streamlined toolbars with a new search feature.
- Support for C++ AMP
- Improved debugging
- A new test runner
- The incorporation of the Expression Blend design engine
- Tools for packaging apps for the Windows Phone app store
