Earlier this week, Microsoft announced new features in Silverlight 2, our cross platform rich internet application runtime.  One of the most exciting new features is Deep Zoom.  This capability allows users to explore collections of super high resolution imagery, from a 2 or 3 megapixel shot from a digital camera to gigapixel scans of museum pieces, all without waiting for huge file downloads.  The simple zooming interface allows users to explore entire collections down to specific details in extreme close-up, all with fantastic performance and smooth transitions.

Don’t just take our word for it:.  Hard Rock Café is using the Deep Zoom technology to power the site showcasing their huge collection of memorabilia.

Deep Zoom is based on the same Seadragon technology that you have seen in our demos and in the Photosynth preview.  For the first time, we are enabling individual developers to harness the 2D capabilities of Seadragon to support smooth zooming interfaces on super high resolution images and collections.  You’ve been asking for the ability to use Seadragon yourself, now here’s your chance.