Microsoft has formally launched the third edition of its Silverlight system, a rival to Adobe’s Flash. Highlights include support for high definition footage and a more intelligent streaming system which adapts to individual computer set-ups.

Microsoft has made a number of changes to its Photosynth software, including integration with Virtual Earth, to make the two services act together. In an obvious attempt to compete with Google Street View, Photosynth is now being targeted at tourism groups, retail chains and the public sector.

Microsoft has unveiled the third edition of its Silverlight technology for interactive web components. It’s packed extra features into a smaller download in a continuing attempt to rival Adobe’s Flash system.

Microsoft has secured a deal for its Silverlight technology to power CBS’s live Web site streaming of March Madness. The video quality should be three times greater than last year’s coverage

The Microsoft/NBC deal for online Olympic coverage is not getting publicity as favourable as planned. The International Herald Tribune has criticised the way viewers are forced to install the Silverlight software to use the service.

Silverlight, Microsoft’s recently debuted web platform, has a whole lot of potential relatively untapped at this time. In fact, Silverlight could be Microsoft’s “in” to the web. If Silverlight really has the potential some believe it to, and if Microsoft is really looking to get with the times, could Microsoft be preparing to release a web-based version of the Office productivity suite to the world?