Microsoft released the Windows Phone Developer Tools 7.1 Beta that includes the changes for the next version of Windows Phone code named “Mango”. You can read the official press release here. You can download and start working with them (including support for VB) here or get the iso image here. The press release discusses new samples and hands on labs. I guess I know what I will be doing in my spare time for the next little while.

Today on the Silverlight team blog 3 Microsoft VPs posted a message that clarifies Microsoft's position on HTML5, Silverlight, and the phone. They made clear and official what a lot of us have suspected and expected for a long time. Here are my key takeaways from the article

1. There is no sliver bullet. Different needs require different technologies and Microosft is committed to supporting the ones that we the developers tell them we need to get our jobs done.

2. Microsoft is going to keep innovating on Silverlight to add the functionality that we need as well as supporting the standards that will make interoperability and reach applications much easier.

3. Microsoft is still trying to give developers the tools they need to be productive and to enjoy developing no matter which technology they choose (or are forced) to use.

There is also a hint of a lot of good stuff to come out of MIX next week. I can't wait.