Microsoft just released an update to the Deep Zoom Composer that works with Silverlight 2 Beta 1.  If you're unfamiliar with the "deep zoom" technology it provides a way to zoom in and out of images.  When I say "zoom in" I mean zoom way in.  Check out the Hard Rock Memorabilia site for an example of the technology in action.

For detailed information about the new release visit http://blogs.msdn.com/expression/archive/2008/05/03/an-update-to-deep-zoom-composer.aspx.  Here's a summary of the new features listed on the blog along with some images they provided:

•  Improved Exporting - The previous release created a file containing all of the images that you'd like users to be able to zoom in and out of, but didn't write any of the Silverlight code to jump start the process of using the MultiScaleImage control.  The new version adds that capability by creating a working Silverlight project after images are exported.

• Better Design Experience - The new version provides enhancements for arranging your photos in the Deep Zoom Composer.  Highlight groups of images (or a single image) to move them all at once and get snap and guideline capabilities.

• Updated Collections Export - What you see is what you get.  If you arrange images a specific way they'll be shown that way in the browser with this updated release (a previous issue was fixed).
  
• Greater Access to Help - An easier way to post help to the forums (as opposed to the Deep Zoom Composer Blog) has been provided.