Check out the touch-enabled and slick new ASP.NET Image Slider control:

The new Image Slider control, called ASPxImageSlider, is available for ASP.NET WebForms as part of the v2012.2 release.

Use the Image Slider control to display images and navigate among them. The control supports three different ways to get images: either binding to a data source, loading images from a specified folder, or creating image items manually. Image thumbnails are created for you automatically or you can manually create them and increase the control's performance.

And it has these great features built-in and ready-to-use in a snap:

Touch-Enabled

The Image Slider control supports touch for all iOS and Android (v3.0+) tablet browsers. In fact, most of the DevExpress ASP.NET controls support touch.

And now they also fully support Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 8 device(s) and desktop browsers.

Swipe Gesture

When you see an image slider on a touch device, it is natural to want to swipe it with your fingers. After all, that’s what innumerable websites and mobile apps have taught us. And the Image Slider control doesn’t disappoint: you can use the swipe gesture to flip among the images – it’s built right-in and feels completely natural and native. 

Animations

A good animation when switching the images helps notify your end-users that something is changing without being too jarring. The Image Slider control has two great smooth animations built-in for the image switching action in both the Image and Navigation areas. Choose from Fade, Slide, or None if you don't want any animations.

Try it online now

Click this link below in either your desktop or tablet browser to experience the new Image Slider control:

Image Slider online demo

3 Ways To Data Bind

The Image Slider can be populated with images using three different methods:
1.    Binding the control to a Data Source
2.    Pointing the control to an image folder on your webserver
3.    Creating each item manually at run-time
The three possibilities give you the flexibility to use the approach that works best for your scenario.

Client-Side Features

Like other DevExpress ASP.NET controls, the Image Slider control gives you a full client-side API. Using this and, say, an ASPxTimer, you can easily produce an automatic slide show that changes images on a set interval.

Flexible Navigation & Image Settings

Finally, take a look at the extensive control you have over all the many different items in the Image Slider control:

Image Area Settings

• ShowItemText. This option specifies whether item text is displayed in front of the image area.
• ImageSizeMode. Allows you to specify how an image is fit to image area.
• AnimationType. Contains a value specifying the animation type used to change images. If the slide animation type is used, images can be changed using the swipe gesture.
• NavigationDirection. The direction of image sliding.
• NavigationButtonsVisibility. Specifies the visibility mode of image area navigation button.

Navigation Bar Settings

• Position. This property allows to specify the position of navigation bar relative to image area.
• Mode. Specifies the appearance of navigation bar items: dots or image thumbnails.
• ThumbnailsModeNavigationButtonVisibility. Specifies the visibility mode of navigation buttons within the navigation bar. This property is in effect for Thumbnails mode only.

Behavior Settings

• EnablePagingGestures. This option specifies whether an end-user can switch pages with a swipe gesture.
• EnablePagingByClick. This option specifies whether paging by click is enabled.
• ImageLoadMode. This option specifies the image loading mode.

Appearance

• ShowNavigationBar. This option specifies the navigation bar visibility

The Image Slider control is available now in the DXperience v2012.2 release. Download it, deploy it with your ASP.NET sites, and then drop me a line below with your thoughts. Thanks!

Starting with the DXperience v2012.2 release, you'll need to use ASP.NET MVC 3 or above.

Why?

We're making the move to the ASP.NET MVC 3 framework in this next release because we would like to take advantage of the new functionality in order to provide you with better features now and in the future.

There have been many new valuable features in ASP.NET MVC 3, such as:

- Integrated Scaffolding system extensible via NuGet
- HTML 5 enabled project templates
- Expressive Views including the new Razor View Engine
- Powerful hooks with Dependency Injection and Global Action Filters
- Rich JavaScript support with unobtrusive JavaScript, jQuery Validation, and JSON binding
- Read the full feature list below

What does that mean for you?

1. You will need to have the ASP.NET MVC 3 framework (or higher) installed in order to use DevExpress MVC extensions v2012.2 and higher.
2. If you upgrade to DXperience v2012.2 and don’t have MVC 3 installed, then it will cause a breaking change. The MVC extensions will not work. To fix this, simply install ASP.NET MVC 3 or higher. (Note: ASP.NET MVC 4 is backwards compatible with ASP.NET MVC 3.)

What about ASP.NET MVC 2.0?

If you still need to use DevExpress MVC extensions with ASP.NET MVC 2.0 then you'll have to continue using DXperience v2012.1. Do not upgrade. Please note though that, although we shall continue to provide bug fixes to this earlier version as part of our support, we will not be adding new features and extensions to it.

However, we will not be updating older versions like v2012.1 to add new features and extensions. It would require us to write for 2 different MVC frameworks which is not feasible.

My recommendations:

1. If you cannot upgrade to MVC 3 then stay with DXperience v2012.1 release.
2. If you can upgrade your MVC then get latest version of DXperience (v2012.2 as of this post).

Thanks and be sure to check out the demos of the latest DevExpress MVC features in this release.

Creating web forms in ASP.NET and Visual Studio is now much easier and quicker using the new DevExpress ASP.NET Form Layout control.

First, watch this five minute "ASP.NET Form Layout - Getting Started" video to learn how easy it is to use, what features it provides, and why you’ll soon be designing attractive, powerful forms using the DevExpress ASP.NET editor controls:

With the ASP.NET Form Layout control you can easily create form layouts of any complexity by combining the order and hierarchy of provided layout elements.

How does it work?

On your WebForm page, drop the ASPxFormLayout control and then click its smart tag and choose the "Edit Layout" option. That's when the magic happens because the FormLayout editor is displayed.

Then you add one (or more) Layout items and their associated editor controls. Close the FormLayout editor and the complete form will be automatically generated for you using the DevExpress ASP.NET editors you specified. That's it. Within minutes, you've built a complex form such as this one below:

Form Layout At Design-Time!

In the Visual Studio designer, we've added the DevExpress FormLayout Editor which is simplified design surface for creating layouts. Using our Form Layout editor, you can quickly create simple or complex forms with any of the DevExpress ASP.NET editors that support validation, themes, and client-side API.

And you still have access to the full properties of each control. Watch the getting started video above to see the design time features.

Online Demo

To see the kind of stunning forms you can make, take a look here: Form Layout Demos 

However, the demos can only show you the forms after they've been created. To truly experience the form layout, download DXperience v2012.2 right now and try it for yourself!

Features

The ASPxFormLayout control delivers a comprehensive form design feature set. The ASPxFormLayout main layout elements are comprised of labeled items, labeled regular groups and tabbed groups.

Item elements serve as placeholders for editors or custom content. Group elements are containers for other layout elements; group nesting is available.

Items provide you with an ability to define inline help texts that describe editor definitions. Help texts can also be defined at the nested editor's level (if DevExpress editors are used in items). An editor's help text can be displayed either always (as an editor inline text) or only when the editor receives focus (as a popup tooltip). Take a look at the memo editor behavior in this demo.

The ASPxFormLayout can also display customizable text marks within item captions to indicate whether filling in an item editor is required or optional. The indicator display mode can be defined for all or individual items. The indicator type is determined based upon a setting defined at the item editor level or item level.

Supports WebForms

In this release, the ASPxFormLayout control is only available for ASP.NET WebForms. ASP.NET MVC is not on the roadmap right to support a "Form Layout" control because the ASP.NET MVC platform is:

1. Not designer friendly. There is no designer in ASP.NET MVC.
2. I'm not sure it would be such a popular request.

However, that is the current opinion and if we find that there is a BIG demand for this in ASP.NET MVC then we'll investigate the possibility of creating an ASP.NET MVC Form Layout extension.

Save time and easily create great forms in Visual Studio Design time using your mouse by using the new DevExpress ASP.NET Form Layout control!

Check out this video recording of the "Creating apps for iOS, Android, and Windows 8" webinar:

Q & A

There were so many great questions and not enough time to answer them all. So I've included each and every question (and answer) below for you:

Q: How easy for a iPhone app to connect to a SQL database? [Gary Li]

A: Gary, it's very easy with the new file project template (in DXTREME HTML) that helps you to expose your SQL data through a RESTful web data service. Take a look at the video from the 22:00 mark please to learn more.

Q: Also can it be used for WP 8?[Lionel Raminhos]

A: No, in a future release we will have support for Windows Phone 8.

Q: Which apps do we need to download on our Mobile Devices to allow debug on iOs and Android?[Lionel Raminhos]

A: Lionel, an app called Courier is available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This app helps you to test the DXTREME HTML JS apps that you build before you publish to an app store. However, you don't need this app. Use any QRCode reader on your mobile device and you'll still be able to load and experience the DXTREME HTML JS App!

Q: Can the application do pricing based on a price grid instead of fixed unit prices[john campbell]

A: John, are you talking about this DXSK8 demo that I showed? This is mostly to show the capabilities of DXTREME among the different channels. You can take a look at the full source code of this demo and others by downloading DXTREME at http://devexpress.com.

Q: Are there any built in interfaces to accounting applications?[john campbell]

A: No. Typically we do not build for any specific vertical because:
1. It's difficult unless you are an expert in that vertical.
2. There are many verticals.

Q: Is there any way to deploy the mobile apps directly to mobile devices instead of having to add to the store... This would be used for private clients where the mobile app doesn't make sense to be given to the general public[Lionel Raminhos]

A: You cannot deploy it as app with the app store. However, you can deploy it to as a website and then create a shortcut on their mobile device which launches a browser instance without the browser chrome. However, I don't believe there is a way to automate that process. It must be done manually on each device.

Q: Hi Harry, can you show if the app has n-tiers layers ? [Ruben Duarte]

A: Ruben, the DXTREME Framework creates a nice SPA solution for Visual Studio with layers for talking with the web data service and so forth. Read more about it here:

DXTREME Learning Center

Then download DXTREME and take a look at the project structure yourself by creating a sample app.

Q: What about Windows Phone 8? Will we be able to run those HTML 5 into it?[Sérgio Pires] 

A: Yes in a future release we will have support for Windows Phone 8 from DXTREME HTML JS.

Q: How come there is no mobile simulator device for windows phone?[Ayo Ogundahunsi] 

A: In a future release we will have support for Windows Phone 8 from DXTREME HTML JS.

Q: Can the windows 8 XAML be used for WP 7.5 & WP 7.8?[Lionel Raminhos]

A: Not in DXTREME XAML. We are thinking about Windows Phone support in future releases but we haven't tested with Win phone in this release.

Q: Okay, well I develop for WP 7.5 and WP 8 already so that is cool... will just have to go old school for there[Lionel Raminhos]

A: Sorry Lionel! We're on it :)

Q: Thanks for being on it... I know you guys will knock it out in no time[Lionel Raminhos]

A: :)

Q: Hi, question: DXTREME is a component that you need to install to use with VS?[Antonio Gonzalez] 

A: Antonio, DXTREME XAML has controls for Visual Studio. DXTREME for HTML JS has JavaScript widgets but you do not have to use Visual Studio because DXTREME HTML JS is an HTML 5 framework.

Q: Mehul, been watching your video blogs... you and your team rock[Lionel Raminhos]

A: Thanks Lionel, me and the team appreciate your support!

Q: About the last question is DX free?[Raul Guerra] 

A: Raul, no. DXTREME from DevExpress is a paid subscription which delivers great value for you. You can try the product free for 30 days. Download your free trial copy here: http://devexpress.com

Q: Are there any built in interfaces to CRM applications?[john campbell] 

A: Unfortunately no, nothing built-in for CRM apps - but good suggestion.

Q: When we create a application with mobile template (not web and not windows 8), do DXTREME take windows 8 into consideration ? or only IOS and Android tablet ?[Yvan GUILLERMIN] 

A: Yes, Windows 8 is supported by DXTREME HTML JS. Just try it on your Microsoft Surface device (or other Windows 8 device) and you'll see that DXTREME adapts for the device with a native look and feel.

Q: What databases are supported by the application?[john campbell] 

A: John, because the Web Data Service is using .NET that means you can connect to any standard Microsoft data provider to talk with several different databases. You can also use the DevExpress ORM called eXpress Persistent Objects (XPO) which connects to even more databases!

Q: We now see 'creating a WebService' based on the SQL-Database.[Pieter Datema]

A: Yes, in the webinar, I showed how to create a web data service that exposes data from SQL Server.

Q: Is there a plan to create them on an XPO-object?[Pieter Datema]

A: Not at the moment Pieter but we'll consider it. Keep an eye on the DevExpress blogs, thanks.

Q: Hi, are we talking about native (and offline) applications?[Nikos Trampoulis]

A: Yes. Nikos, DXTREME HTML JS makes a SPA app. To learn more about SPA, please watch our recent webinar in the getting started section below.

Q: Is compatible/support with LINQ?[Fernando La Rosa] 

A: Yes, the Web Data Service is compatible because it is .NET. However, DXTREME HTML JS is not because it doesn't use or rely on any .NET code.

Q: What would DXTREME do WITHOUT WIndows8?[Peter Klein]

A: Peter, I'm not sure I understand the question. But, yes, we're excited to support Windows 8. I look forward to seeing what devs build with DXTREME.

Q: Will you be adding further controls to DXTREME like you have with DXperience?[Lionel Raminhos] 

A: Absolutely, the annual subscription is our promise to keep innovating on the DXTREME platform.

Q: I will keep paying if you keep innovating[Lionel Raminhos]

A: That's the goal Lionel :)

Q: Thanks [Lionel Raminhos]

A: Sure!

Q: What is the SPA Webinar URL?[Lionel Raminhos]

A: http://www.devexpress.com/Support/Webinars/details.xml?id=AppsWithSPA

Q: Is it possible working with SSL request on the web app[ramazan polat]

A: Yes.

Q: Can I use C# as my programming language for working on multiple devices.[Veeran Puthumkara] 

A: DXTREME HTML JS support multiple channels and because it is an HTML 5 framework, you cannot use C#. However, as you've seen in this webinar, we've added a lot great features for Visual Studio integration that help get you started. And there's a lot of great online DevExpress resources.

Q: The support XAML and dev app for win8. Is only support for version Universal. Isn't present in enterprise subscription edition?[Fernando La Rosa]

A: Support is included with all of our subscriptions.

Q: DXTREME is only for use on Win8?[Sergio sANTOS] 

A: No -
DXTREME HTML JS is for multiple channels.
DXTREME XAML is for Windows 8 only.

Q: How make an application for working off-line?[Davide Vignali] 

A: DXTREME HTML JS has a framework that allows to work with offline data. You can read more here: DXTREME Framework: Stores, the LocalStore helps you to connect DXTREME widgets to local data for offline scenarios. At the moment, we do not have any examples of completely offline apps with DXTREME HTML JS but we'll try to bring you some in future releases. Thanks.

Q: Is there a way to change the native code from the VS? (Like the code behind classes provided usually)[ROBERTO VIQUEZ]

A: Roberto, no. Native code means that you'd be writing the native language and you'd have to write on an Apple machine or in Google's environment. I don't believe this is possible to do with Visual Studio.

Q: Will DXTREME replace DXperience (later on) or will they exist next to each other?[Peter Klein]

A: They will exist next to each other.

Q: Is it possible to use XPO instead of EF?[Marco Coppi]

A: Yes, keep an eye on our blogs as we'll try to show you an example.

Q: Is DXTREME also in the future part of the DXperience Universal subscription?[Pieter Datema] 

A: DXTREME is part of the Universal subscription now.

Q: Can you use your mobile device, such as an iPad to obtain "certificate and provision from the App store rather than a Mac desk top?[Jeff Maestretti]

A: Jeff, I don't believe you can. From what I understand, you need a Mac OS machine to at least create the provision profile and then certificates.
Let me add that we are investigating on ways to possibly make this easier for you in future releases (nothing I can talk about yet, sorry). In the meantime, you might try this approach. However, DevExpress does not endorse or support it (just a friendly URL share from me) so use it at your own risk.

A: The Web Data Service project that is shown the webinar uses .NET. This means that you can connect to any standard Microsoft data provider to talk with several different databases. You can also use the DevExpress ORM called eXpress Persistent Objects (XPO) which connects to even more databases!

Q: Any way to generate a "Tile" feel for Websites using DXTREME... need to build a framework and want to use Tiles as a base for a Dashboard[Lionel Raminhos]

A: For websites, you can try the TileView widget. 
For Window, DXTREME XAML as it contains a Windows 8 Tile control.

Q: I have WinFormApp in XAF. Can I use some of class in DXTREME?[Štěpán Lauryn]

A: You cannot convert WinForms app to DXTREME, sorry. However, for the non-visual Web Data Service project in DXTREME that I showed - yes, you can because it runs on the IIS which support .NET. But remember this means that only your classes that contain non-visual business logic and rules can be used.

Q: Is there support for widgets?[Santiago Moscoso]

A: DXTREME HTML JS has widgets. If you mean other JavaScript widgets then you can use them too because DXTREME HTML JS is a framework that is compatible and friendly with open libraries.

Q: How does it interact with a XAF application?[Santiago Moscoso] 

A: I addressed this in the webinar at this point. Also, please keep an eye on the DevExpress blogs and the XAF team will try to provide a sample and guidance of when and how to use DXTREME with XAF.

Q: Is it possible to generate iOS and Win 8 apps from a simple ASP.Net WebForms application?[Shaun Keegan]

A: You can generate ASP.NET web apps that look and feel native for iPad and Android tablets. Take a look at this webinar to learn more: Q&A from Build Stunning Apps for iOS with ASP.NET

Q: How to subscribe and pay for it ?[Sanjay Kale] 

A: Just visit and select DXTREME or better Universal subscription: http://www.devexpress.com/Subscriptions/DXperience/chooser.xml

---Q: Are Windows 8 Tablet considering as mobile platform by DXTREME ? Like android or iOS tablet ?

Because when you create a DXTREME project Windows 8 is separate as mobile project[Yvan GUILLERMIN]

A: 

Q: Incompatible for mobile app per browser or per os is possible? Like Firefox and devexpress 10.0.1.12[ramazan polat]

A: DXTREME is compatible now with the browsers it supports. However, because browsers change, you will likely need to get updates of our products because with each release we introduce fixes and improvement. So for example, the DXperience v2010 that you try to use is 2+ years old and you should upgrade if you're going to use it with modern browsers.

Q: Are there any plans to provide multi channel ability within XAF e.g. I want my app on the iPad and android devices?[Francois Wannenburg]

A: Francois, this is a good question to ask the XAF team, I suggest you post the question on the support channel and they will get back to you.

Q: Is it possible to have a database with 30.0000 records(fixed assets, pricelist, etc.) on client side and if, what performance impact can I expect[Franc Rotar]

A: It depends on how big the data gets. I recommend reading this: HTML 5 Rocks - Client-Side Storage. In general, client-side storage should not be for large pieces of data as it will take longer to load/download the app and it will affect overall performance.

Q: Are DXTREME Application running fast on mobile like native app ?[Yvan GUILLERMIN]

A: Yes, because we do extensive testing on each platform, DXTREME looks and feels native. I recommend creating a small app to see how it works for you. You can also try one of the DXSK8 or DXTravel apps.

Q: I am new to OData. Does Mehul recommend a resource for learning how to bind the object model to stored proc calls vs. simply using the wizard to build the model from tables?[David Noel]

A: David, yes, you can use Entity Framework to connect to your stored procedure. In the webinar, I connect to tables via EF but it is possible to connect to a stored procedure.

Q: Can we use XPO with DXTREME? Probably not[Lionel Raminhos] 

Q: But how integrates DXTREME with XPO???[Pieter Datema]

A: Yes, look for an upcoming blog post from the XPO team on http://devexpress.com/blogs.

Q: What are - in few words - the steps to go from a DXTREME development targeting iOS and the addition of the app in Apple Store?[Frank Martorana]

A:
Step 1: Create web app using DXTREME
Step 2: Create deployment package for iOS
Step 3: Deploy to App store (information about this available at developer.apple.com)

Q: What do you thing in long run who will lead market android, windows app or iOS ?[Sanjay Kale]

A: Tough to say but as developers, it's a great opportunity for us. And with DXTREME, you can target all three of the major platforms.

Q: How do you handle security and authentication?[Santiago Moscoso]

A: DXTREME is very flexible and you can add just about any compatible security layer. For the web data service, these blog posts may help you: WCF Data Services Blog. As for the client app, you can add just any security type you want.

Q: Have you some rule for architecture of app in DXTREM for beginner in mobile app?[Štěpán Lauryn]

A: Yes, take a look at the getting started section below.

Q: Which versions of Java SDKs are supported?[ROBERTO VIQUEZ]

A: This is a hybrid web app, it is not writing Xcode or java...

Q: Is the capabilities of building native packages (in Visual Studio) use PhoneGap to generate the native app? [Yvan GUILLERMIN]

A: PhoneGap is used for the native packing, however, we take care of it for you automatically when you use use our wizard inside Visual Studio.

Q: Is it a open source like Google's Android ?[Sanjay Kale]

A: No.

Q: I have a full featured license, so I have already downloaded. But still.... what is the best way to get started?[Peter Klein]

A: Peter, good question. Here's some resources…

Getting Started

To get started, watch these videos:

DXTREME HTML JS:

- "Creating apps for iOS, Android, and Windows 8" webinar
- DXTREME Multi-Channel - Setting up for the iPhone
- DXTREME Multi-Channel - Creating a Native iPhone Package
- Developing Web Applications with SPA

Then step through online the learning center tutorial.

DXTREME XAML:
- Windows 8 XAML Chart - Getting Started
- XAML Applications on Windows 8 with DXTREME

Thank you all for joining the webinar and asking great questions. Now, try DXTREME for yourself and let's see what develops.

Good news, we have moved the all the informative and educational content from our http://tv.devexpress.com channel to our YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/DeveloperExpress

Now when you browse to http://tv.devexpress.com, you’ll be redirected to our YouTube channel.

Why YouTube?

YouTube is the largest video site on the planet and it provides great benefits for content producers like us and for you, our loyal customers:

Mobile apps

YouTube provides mobiles apps for iOS, Android, Blackberry, and more. In fact, they support a plethora of devices from smart tvs, game consoles, media streaming boxes, and more! Take a look at the full list here:
http://www.youtube.com/yt/devices/

You can also use their excellent mobile website in your smart phone (or tablet’s) browser: http://m.YouTube.com.

Worldwide coverage

The YouTube platform is capable of delivering videos quickly around the globe because of the vast array of scalable Google servers and architecture. This is a great benefit for our customers, especially those on the other side of the world.

Automatic Format Conversion

We upload high definition quality videos to our YouTube channel and YouTube will convert them to different formats that can be played in various quality settings.

HTML 5 Video Player

For HTML 5 fans, you can also try out their HTML 5 video player which doesn’t use flash video or other plugins but the new HTML 5 video element. Read more here.

What about older videos?

Our goal is to provide you quality, professional content that is up to date and relevant. Therefore, we have moved over the most useful and relevant videos to our YouTube channel.

If there’s an older video that you have a link to then it may still be available for download. Simply search for it. For example, this search brings up some of my classic ASPxGridView videos:

DevExpress Search: ASPxGridView (filter for only ‘TV Channel’)

We’ve also made a special page that allows you to download our older videos. If you have a direct link to a video like this one, then you’ll be directed to a special download page. However, I recommend using the YouTube channel search feature. I’ve made a little animated gif that shows how. (here I’m searching for videos with the keyword ‘pivot’):

Subscribe to the DevExpress YouTube Channel

Visit our YouTube channel and click the subscribe button:

http://www.youtube.com/user/DeveloperExpress

Thanks for watching.

The DevExpress ASP.NET File Manager control just added two big features in the v2012.2 release:

Details View

(Click the image to see an online demo)

The DevExpress ASP.NET File Manager control now supports a details view in the same way widows file explorer does. This allows you to show files inside the DevExpress ASP.NET File Manager control as a multi-column table with ability to sort and filter the files. You can see a demo of the feature in my recent webinar:

How do you enable it?

Set the FileManagerSettingsFileList.View property to “Details”. For example:

<SettingsFileListView="Details">

<DetailsViewSettings

AllowColumnResize="true"

AllowColumnDragDrop="true"

AllowColumnSort="true"

ShowHeaderFilterButton="false"/>

</SettingsFileList>

In the Details view mode, a file list is represented by a grid containing information about files. You can use the DetailsViewSetting property settings to customize the mode functionality. You can also set the FileManagerFileListDetailsViewSettings.ThumbnailSize and FileManagerFileListThumbnailsViewSettings.ThumbnailSize properties that allow you to specify the size of thumbnails for different modes.

Try the new functionality in the File Manager online now.

Multiple File Selection & Download All

(Click the image to see an online demo)

You can now enable multiple file selection in the DevExpress ASP.NET File Manager control and easily download the selected files using one button.

How do you enable it?

By default, this feature is disabled. To enable the multi-file selection, just set the EnableMultiselect property to true. You can also use the client-side SelectionChanged event to respond to file selection changing events. See a demo of the SelectionChanged event online now.

Try the new functionality in the File Manager - Multiple Files Selection demo now.

Enjoy!

Check out the beautiful new theme that’s available in the DXperience ASP.NET v2012.2 release:

The theme was inspired by the modern Windows 8 UI and Office 2013 look.

The new Metropolis theme is available as part of the DXperience v2012.2 release for all our supported ASP.NET platforms including (ASP.NET WebForms, ASP.NET MVC, & SharePoint).

Watch the Take a Tour 12.2: ASP.NET webinar video to learn more.

Set Theme Easily with Wizard

When you’re inside of Visual Studio, you’ll see the DevExpress menu at the top. From the menu, you can run the DevExpress project wizard on an existing project which allows you to easily project properties like the default DevExpress theme to use. Watch this webinar to learn how to use this excellent new feature:

Download DXperience v2012.2 and try the new Metropolis theme in your web project today.

The new features of the DevExpress ASP.NET TreeList control make it even easier to use:

Scrolling + Fixed Height/Width

Problem: How do you set a fixed height and width for the TreeList?

Solution: The new Horizontal and Vertical Scrollbar properties allow you to easily set up scrollbars for the DevExpress ASP.NET TreeList control. And get the ability to set a fixed height and width for the TreeList control too.

Now, you’re TreeList will not push you content down, unless you want it to. Try the feature online now:

(Click the image to see an online demo)

Watch the webinar about these new Treelist features here:

Resize Columns

Now you can allow you end-users to easily resize columns by dragging the appropriate column header.

Just set the TreeListSettingsBehavior.ColumnResizeMode Property to the ColumnResizeMode. The three options allow you full control over column resizing:

Try the online demo now.

Works in ASP.NET MVC & SharePoint too!

Now that the TreeList is available as an extension for ASP.NET MVC framework, these new scrolling and column resizing features work across all major ASP.NET platforms including WebForms, MVC, and SharePoint!

Enjoy!

A powerful way to filter the DevExpress ASP.NET GridView is to use the “Like” operator with wildcards. This feature has been updated and now available in the latest DXperience v2012.2 release.

Powerful Grid Filtering

Check out this animation that shows how to use many of the powerful filtering commands with the “Like” operator with wildcards:

How to Enable

1. First, you’ll need to enable AutoFilterRow by setting the Settings.ShowFilterRow to true. The Header Filter (AutoFilterRow) to allow your end-users to filter the individual columns.

2. Then you’ll need to set the columns to support the “Like” filter condition. You can either set it explicitly on the column like this:

<dx:GridViewDataTextColumnFieldName="ProductName"VisibleIndex="1"><SettingsAutoFilterCondition="Like"/></dx:GridViewDataTextColumn>

This uses the “Like” operator as the default.

3. If you would like to give your end-users a choice then enable the Filter Row Menu using the ASPxGridView.ShowFilterRowMenu property. And be sure to also set the GridViewDataColumnSettings.ShowFilterRowMenuLikeItem property on the column too:

<dx:GridViewDataTextColumnFieldName="ProductName"VisibleIndex="1"><SettingsAutoFilterCondition="Like"ShowFilterRowMenuLikeItem="True"/></dx:GridViewDataTextColumn>

This provides your end-users with one of the most powerful GridView filtering options available:

Wildcard Filtering

The Like item allows end-users to create filter expressions with wildcards:

- the '%' symbol - substitutes zero or more characters;
- the '_' symbol - substitutes a single character.

The Like menu item's tooltip displays help text that explains which wildcards are supported:

Represents the LIKE operator that determines whether a specific character string matches a specified pattern or not.

The following wildcard characters are supported:

% matches a string of zero or more characters. For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like 'Jo%'") - returns all the objects whose Name begins with 'Jo'.
CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like '%car%'") - returns all the objects whose Name contains the 'car' substring.

_ matches a single character. For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like 'car_'") - returns all the objects whose Name consists of four characters and begins with 'car'.

[ ] identifies a single character within the specified range ([a-c]) or set ([abc]). For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like '[A-C]%'") - returns all the objects whose Name begins with 'A', 'B' or 'C'.

[ ^ ] excludes a single character not within the specified range ([^a-c]) or set ([^abc]). For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like 're[^de]%'") - returns all the objects whose Name begins with 're', and where the following letter is not 'd' or 'e'.

See Criteria Language Syntax to learn more.

Learn more

The DevExpress ASP.NET GridView helps your website with powerful features like the Filtering, Grouping, Sorting and a lot more. Learn more by watching the “ASP.NET GridView Tips and Tricks” webinar:

Have you noticed that many popular sites like Microsoft.com, Apple.com, DevExpress.com, and others are now using a big banner image in the center of their front page?

That large banner image in the middle is called a “Hero graphic”. And it’s very useful to present to your website visitors important information:

The hero graphic is often the first visual a visitor encounters on the site and its purpose is to present an overview of the site's most important content. A hero graphic often consists of image and text, can be static or dynamic (e.g. a rotating list of images and/or topics).

The content presented varies with the purpose of the site: it can be relevant news about the site, specific site-links, or - in the case of e-commerce - the best-selling or strategically placed products or services. –Wikipedia

Video: DevExpress ASP.NET Image Slider

I introduced you to the DevExpress ASP.NET Image Slider control in December 2012 release. Now, I’d like to show you how you can use the DevExpress ASP.NET ImageSlider control as a hero graphic with rotating images.

Check out my “Enhance Your Website Easily with the ASP.NET Image Slider” webinar to learn how easy it is to use the DevExpress ASP.NET ImageSlider to enhance your website:

Watch the video, then let me know how you’ve used the DevExpress ASP.NET ImageSlider control in your website?

A powerful way to filter the DevExpress ASP.NET MVC GridView is to use the “Like” operator with wildcards:

How to Enable

1. First, you’ll need to enable AutoFilterRow by setting the Settings.ShowFilterRow to true. The Header Filter (AutoFilterRow) to allow your end-users to filter the individual columns.

2. Then you’ll need to set the columns to support the “Like” filter condition. You can either set it explicitly on the column. This uses the “Like” operator as the default.

3. If you would like to give your end-users a choice then enable the Filter Row Menu using the ShowFilterRowMenu property. And be sure to also set the GridViewDataColumnSettings.ShowFilterRowMenuLikeItem property on the column.

Take a look at this code below which sets up the “Product Name” column to use the like operator:

@Html.DevExpress().GridView(
    settings =>
    {
        settings.Name = "gvFilterRow";
        settings.CallbackRouteValues = new { Controller = "GridView", Action = "FilterRowPartial" };
        settings.Width = Unit.Percentage(100);

        settings.Columns.Add(column => {
            column.FieldName = "ProductName";
            column.Settings.AutoFilterCondition = AutoFilterCondition.Like;
        });
        settings.Columns.Add(column => {
            column.FieldName = "CategoryID";
            column.Caption = "Category";

            column.ColumnType = MVCxGridViewColumnType.ComboBox;
            var comboBoxProperties = column.PropertiesEdit as ComboBoxProperties;
            comboBoxProperties.DataSource = NorthwindDataProvider.GetCategories();
            comboBoxProperties.TextField = "CategoryName";
            comboBoxProperties.ValueField = "CategoryID";
            comboBoxProperties.ValueType = typeof(int);
            comboBoxProperties.DropDownStyle = DropDownStyle.DropDown;
        });
        settings.Columns.Add("QuantityPerUnit");
        settings.Columns.Add("UnitPrice").PropertiesEdit.DisplayFormatString = "c";
        settings.Columns.Add("ReorderLevel");
        settings.Columns.Add("Discontinued", MVCxGridViewColumnType.CheckBox);

        settings.Settings.ShowFilterRow = true;
        settings.Settings.ShowFilterRowMenu = true;
        settings.CommandColumn.Visible = true;
        settings.CommandColumn.ClearFilterButton.Visible = true;
    }).Bind(Model).GetHtml()

This provides your end-users with one of the most powerful GridView filtering options available:

Wildcard Filtering

The Like item allows end-users to create filter expressions with wildcards:

- the '%' symbol - substitutes zero or more characters;
- the '_' symbol - substitutes a single character.

The Like menu item's tooltip displays help text that explains which wildcards are supported:

Represents the LIKE operator that determines whether a specific character string matches a specified pattern or not.

The following wildcard characters are supported:

% matches a string of zero or more characters. For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like 'Jo%'") - returns all the objects whose Name begins with 'Jo'.
CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like '%car%'") - returns all the objects whose Name contains the 'car' substring.

_ matches a single character. For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like 'car_'") - returns all the objects whose Name consists of four characters and begins with 'car'.

[ ] identifies a single character within the specified range ([a-c]) or set ([abc]). For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like '[A-C]%'") - returns all the objects whose Name begins with 'A', 'B' or 'C'.

[ ^ ] excludes a single character not within the specified range ([^a-c]) or set ([^abc]). For instance:CriteriaOperator.Parse("Name like 're[^de]%'") - returns all the objects whose Name begins with 're', and where the following letter is not 'd' or 'e'.

See Criteria Language Syntax to learn more.

Here’s 3 reasons why you should attend the DevExpress ASP.NET training from expert trainer, Oliver Strum.

1. You will love the course

Listen to what others have said about the course in the past:

Learn the in’s and out’s of the DevExpress ASP.NET product suite.

This class provides a complete in-depth look at the DevExpress DXperience ASP.NET suite of products. It takes you through the process of creating a business application, utilizing a typical combination of components throughout the product range. A high standard of knowledge will be achieved that allows you to write similar business applications on your own, and to fully understand the DevExpress suite of ASP.NET components. Advanced questions are encouraged and will be answered as much as time permits!

This class has 4 extra hours of time scheduled in the evenings, for a total of 2.5 course days!

Dates and Location:
May 23-24 2013 (2 Days)
DevExpress Offices
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Cost:
$1,499
Includes lunch
You are responsible for all travel related and lodging costs

View Course Overview (Syllabus)

2. DevExpress ASP.NET experts ready to help you

Ok, it’s mostly just myself and Oliver. But together, we’re like the wonder-twins. We form a powerful team of knowledge for ASP.NET and DevExpress products.

I can talk with you about DevExpress ASP.NET product plans, any feature ideas, or if you want to pick my brain about a particular issue, then I’d be happy to discuss it.

3. Visit beautiful Southern California

The DevExpress head quarters are located in beautiful Glendale, California. Close to downtown and Hollywood, there’s lots to see, eat and do here.

It’s warm, sunny, and great time to visit Glendale, California. While here, you can visit Hollywood, Disneyland, and a bunch of other fun places.

Register for the DevExpress ASP.NET training now. I hope to see you there.

Use the DevExpress ASP.NET Upload control and you’ll automatically get the ability to upload pictures from your iOS or Android based smartphone. Here’s a walk through of how it work on an iPhone:

Upload using iPhone 5

1. Click browse on this demo and the following popup will be displayed:

2. Select a picture and click the “Upload” button and the file will start uploading to the Web Server:

3. Finally, the image will be displayed using the DevExpress ASP.NET Image control:

This works for iPad and Android devices too. Take a look below for some more screen shots:

Can I upload other types of files?

No because most smart phones don’t give access to their local file system. You could consider using a cloud approach:

1. Have the user upload to a cloud service.
2. Use the DevExpress ASP.NET File Manager control and create your own file system provider.
3. Then the ASP.NET File Manager can upload from the custom provider which interacts with your cloud storage API.

Please note that the File Manager control has an UI which is designed for larger screens like desktop monitors and mobile tablets. It’s not designed for phones.

Try It Now

Try it on your smart device now. Just go to this URL and click ‘browse’, select a picture, and click ‘Upload’:
http://demos.devexpress.com/ASPxperienceDemos/UploadControl/Example.aspx

Upload using iPad

Upload using Android Phone

How does it work?

On mobile devices, the DevExpress ASP.NET UploadControl can only work in the standard upload mode. In this mode, the DevExpress ASP.NET UploadControl uses an invisible file input (tag <input type="file" />) and IFrame elements.

The File input element allows the user to select files from the file system through the browser's open file dialog. And the IFrame element gives an ability to upload files asynchronously. When a file is selected and the user clicks the Upload button, a client instance of the UploadControl sends the current form data (with the selected file) by a postback request to the server through the hidden IFrame. The uploaded file is sent to the server in one request and is cached in its entirety in server memory. When file uploading starts, the client instance of the UploadControl sends AJAX-requests to the server in order to obtain information about the state of the progress. Such requests are made at intervals of one second.

The File input element (hence the UploadControl) is supported by the iOS platform since version 6. The DevExpress ASP.NET UploadControl supports the iOS and Android platforms since version v11.2.

The first release of DXperience for 2013 is almost here! In June, you’ll get to try it in your own development.

And here’s one of the first major features that you’ll encounter in this v13.1 release:

Endless Paging

Endless paging? What's that? Simply put, it's the ability of the Grid or DataView control to automatically load new content as you scroll or page down though the data. Take a look this short YouTube video to learn more:

Mobile Touch Supported

This feature is especially great when you use the DevExpress ASP.NET GridView or DataView through a mobile browser like iPad’s Safari, Microsoft Surface’s IE10, or Google Chrome on Android tablets.

Touch events are supported by most DevExpress ASP.NET control for all 3 of the major vendor’s (Apple, Google, Microsoft) tablet devices.

Examples: Facebook, Twitter

Examples are all over the place on the social network sites: think of Facebook.com, or Twitter, or Pinterest, anywhere where there is a lot of data and you don't want to the halt the user experience by loading it all (even if it were possible or necessary).

Part of 2013.1 Release

June 2013, is when the DXperience v2013.1 release will be available to everyone via devexpress.com.

Customize the filter row any way you choose with the DevExpress ASP.NET GridView in our first major release of DXperience for 2013.

New Filter Template

The DevExpress ASP.NET GridView has added a new template for the Filter Row. The Filter Row allows your end-users to filter the GridView easily and quickly. For example, in the grid image below, I’ve filtered it to find all the produce that has been discontinued:

Visual Studio Designer Support

When you’re configuring the DevExpress ASP.NET GridView in Visual Studio, you can use the smart tag and select "Edit Templates”. Then you’ll see the list of available templates for editing:

Once you select the “FilterTemplate”, the designer will allow you enter just about anything you want. That’s why ASP.NET Templates are so useful! In the grid below, I’ve added an Image and Text to the Filter Row for the Command Column. But I could enter just about anything else here like another control for filtering.

And the final result is a stunning grid with the exact output that I was looking for:

Source View Support

If you don’t like the designer, you can use the Source View too:

The Most Templates Evah!

The DevExpress ASP.NET GridView is incredibly versatile: it provides the largest set of templates for extending any ASP.NET Grid control.

Take a look for yourself by downloading a free trial: http://www.devexpress.com/Home/Try.xml

Part of 2013.1 Release

The DXperience v2013.1 release will be available to everyone in June 2013 from devexpress.com.

Starting with the first major release for DXperience in 2013, you’ll be able to set null text for the DevExpress ASP.NET Combo box control.

What? What’s this NullText?

NullText is grayed out text inside of an editor that gives your website visitor a hint as to what they should or could input:

ASPx ComboBox NullText

Here’s the DevExpress ASP.NET Combo box control with the Null Text property set to "Start typing here…”:

To use this great little feature, simply set the NullText property on the control:

Or through the source code:

Define NullText

It may seem odd to call this feature Null Text,  instead of Hint Text, Default Text, or something else. But read this definition:

The NullText property value is displayed in the edit box when the editor's edit value is set to null or System.DBNull.Value.

Then you’ll realize:

1. Programmers were involved in this definition.
2. Programmers are never wrong.

Check out these great getting-started tutorial videos for the DevExpress ASP.NET product suite.

Build and deploy in minutes

By watching these videos, you’ll learn the complete basics of how-to:

1. Create a new web project (with layout)
2. Drop a DevExpress ASP.NET control
3. Setup the control from the designer and the source view (Databind, Themes, & more)
4. Deploy the solution

And all of the major DevExpress ASP.NET controls are covered:

You will smile :-)

When you learn how easy it is to get started with DevExpress ASP.NET, you will smile because you’ll be ready to create and deploy fast, beautiful, and powerful ASP.NET web applications.

One of the biggest hurdles in adopting any new user interface technology is during the early phases when you may not be familiar enough with the library to even do the simplest of operations, like configuring the controls or databinding. So, myself, a few devs, and our excellent video production team have created the best set of “Getting started” videos in DevExpress history to help ease you into getting the most of our ASP.NET products.

Try it yourself

First, watch the videos. Then, try it for yourself in your Visual Studio with DevExpress installed. That is the best way to learn.

We’d love to hear your feedback so please let us know. Thanks!

Starting with the first major release for DXperience in 2013, you’ll be able to set null text for the DevExpress ASP.NET GridLookup control.

Just like the DevExpress ASP.NET Combo Box, the ASPx GridLookup will also support Null Text because GridLookup actually uses both the DevExpress Combo Box and GridView controls to provide the very useful GridLookup control.

ASPx GridLookup Null Text

Set the NullText property of the ASPxGridLookup control and you’re set:

Learn more

Check out these blog posts and videos about the ASPxGridLookup to see how you can incorporate it in your ASP.NET web projects.

Check out the new “Metropolis Blue” theme coming our in first major release of DXperience in 2013:

The new Metropolis Blue theme is variant on our current Metropolis theme which we introduced in late 2012:

Metropolis: A stunning new theme inspired by modern Windows 8 UI & Office 2013 (v2012.2)

What’s new about Blue?

The new Metropolis Blue theme’s main difference from Metropolis is the blue instead of orange that you can see here.

We provided this theme because customers like the Metropolis theme a lot and wanted a different color.

SharePoint 2013 Blue

The blue color is the same one from SharePoint 2013. This way, you also get a theme that is similar to SharePoint 2013.

Check out the new DevExpress ASP.NET Image Gallery Control coming out in the first major release of DXperience in 2013:

An Image Gallery is a great way to present a set of images from your website. And the DevExpress ASP.NET Image Gallery control provides 3 great features to help you:

1. Responsive page layout
2. Touch, Slide Animation, & More
3. Easy to use (Folder binding)
4. Data binding to data sources

Responsive

The DevExpress ASP.NET Image Gallery control provides support for a responsive page layout. The same layout above in the desktop FireFox browser is shown on the iPad and iPhone below:

And because it’s responsive, it will adapt to other devices too like Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile.

Touch, Slide Animation, & More

The Image Gallery also provides great usability. For example, when viewing an image, an image navigation bar is automatically displayed when hovering the mouse over the image:

Touch is also fully supported for all major devices on iOS, Android (v3.0+), and Windows 8.

The same great slide animation that you’ve seen on our Image Slider control is also available automatically for the Image Gallery control too!

In fact, many of the Image Slider features are available on the Image Gallery too.

Easy to use (Folder binding)

To start using the DevExpress ASP.NET Image Gallery control, just set the SettingsFolder.ImageSourceFolder property, then the images are scaled and thumbnails are created automatically.

Data Binding

The DevExpress ASP.NET Image Gallery control can be populated with image information taken from a data source and it can also be bound to a data source using the DataSourceID or DataSource property. While binding, the control automatically creates image items and retrieves their property values from the corresponding data items.