Summary

This chapter began by looking at the Image element, how to reference image files, and the effect on sizing by the Image.Stretch property. Setting Visual Studio’s Build Action for a file to Resource means it will be located in the assembly, whereas setting it to Content means it will sit outside the assembly in the application’s XAP file.

The chapter then explored the InkPresenter and demonstrated how to create a simple sketch app. You saw how the Background property of the InkPresenter must be assigned to register touch events.

It then moved to the MediaElement, and you saw how audio and video files can be played from the phone or streamed via the Internet. The XNA SoundEffect class is better suited to playing short sound effects. You saw how to use the new Windows Phone 8 Media Library extensions to add or remove music tracks to and from the Music+Videos Hub.

Deep Zoom and the MultiScaleImage element were discussed, including how they can be used to provide a stunning visual experience while making efficient use of your users’ bandwidth. You saw how to allow the user to manipulate the Deep Zoom image using touch.

Finally, the chapter examined the WebBrowser control, and you saw how to communicate to a web page from a Windows Phone app and vice versa. You also saw how to execute arbitrary JavaScript on a web page to modify CSS styles or to attach new behaviors. You then looked at storing and browsing offline content to decrease network usage.