Microsoft confirms Silverlight 3 to launch on July 10

Microsoft is planning to launch Silverlight 3 and its Expression Studio 3 designer tools on July 10 company spokespeople confirmed today.

Silverlight 3 introduces more than 50 new features, including 3D support, GPU acceleration, H.264 video support and out-of-the-browser capabilities to Silverlight.. The out-of-browser support will enable developers to build applications that work like Adobe's AIR plugin. Dramatic video performance and quality improvements are also expected.

Microsoft is currently running a Silverlight 3 beta for developers and will be launching the final product on July 10th.

Silverlight 3 was not expected until later this year but yesterday company officials began sending out press invites for the launch.