{"id":687864,"date":"2020-09-02T16:55:32","date_gmt":"2020-09-02T23:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/?post_type=msr-blog-post&#038;p=687864"},"modified":"2020-09-02T17:03:19","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T00:03:19","slug":"microsoft-expressive-pixels-released","status":"publish","type":"msr-blog-post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/articles\/microsoft-expressive-pixels-released\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft Expressive Pixels Released"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>We are excited to announce the release of Microsoft Expressive Pixels!<\/h2>\n<p>Microsoft Expressive Pixels empowers people to create, express, connect, and share animated visualizations in their own unique way. With Expressive Pixels users can make and show both static and animated images on LED displays and other digital devices, such as a PC.<\/p>\n<p>Expressions allow us to show others how we feel and to share our ideas and beliefs. Humans express themselves to be understood and feel a sense of connection. However, we all express differently. Verbal expressions may be challenging for some due to speech disabilities or because they feel less comfortable. Often, a visual statement through creative and artistic expression can communicate as much, if not more, than words.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Learn about our journey to develop Expressive Pixels in this <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.windows.com\/windowsexperience\/?p=174688\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">feature story<\/a>. -->Watch our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/video\/welcome-to-microsoft-expressive-pixels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">welcome video<\/a> to learn more about Expressive Pixels, and this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/video\/galactic-bell-star-music-demo-expressive-pixels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">music video<\/a> to see how expressivity and eye-gaze music work together in harmony to create an inspiring experience.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"http:\/\/ms-windows-store:\/\/pdp\/?productid=9MTC56W1RXQH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> the app from Microsoft Store for Windows and start the journey. Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/product\/tips-and-tricks-expressive-pixels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tips and tricks<\/a> to create animated visualizations, check out our online Community Gallery for inspiration and see what is possible. Shine a light on your creativity by making new images and animations or building on top of existing ones to make them your own.<\/p>\n<p>Expressive Pixels is an open source release, so Makers everywhere can realize their own ideas and create. The app\u2019s online Community Gallery is powered by Microsoft Azure to enable the community to share animations. The images created on Expressive Pixels come alive on readily-available LED displays from 3rd parties such as <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/adafruit.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adafruit<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> (64\u00d732), Adafruit DotStar (8\u00d78), Adafruit Featherwing DotStar (6\u00d712), <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/sparkfun.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sparkfun<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> (32\u00d732), Sparkfun 8&#215;8, and <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/siliconsquared.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SiliconSquared<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> high resolution RGB displays.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ms-grid \">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ms-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"m-col-8-24\" >\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-688371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-FlowerBee-edit-screen-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Expressive Pixels: editing screen showing frames of the bee and flower animation\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-FlowerBee-edit-screen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-FlowerBee-edit-screen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-FlowerBee-edit-screen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-FlowerBee-edit-screen-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-FlowerBee-edit-screen-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> \t<\/div>\n\t \t<div  class=\"m-col-8-24\" >\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-688374\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-Community-Gallery-PC-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Expressive Pixels: photo of Community Gallery on laptop screen\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-Community-Gallery-PC-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-Community-Gallery-PC.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> \t<\/div>\n\t \t<div  class=\"m-col-8-24\" >\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-688380\" src=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-Sparklet-colorspin-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Expressive Pixels: photo of animated Sparklet next to laptop\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-Sparklet-colorspin-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ExpressivePixels-Sparklet-colorspin.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> \t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<div style=\"height: 30px;\"><\/div>\n<p>We are also introducing the <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/microsoft\/ExpressivePixels\/tree\/master\/MakeCode\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">integration with MakeCode<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> in this release, to offer additional entry points into programming devices. Microsoft MakeCode is an incredible learning platform for future programmers. It is a framework for creating interactive and engaging programming experiences for those new to the world of programming, in a way that is approachable and inviting. MakeCode devices can be connected to LED displays and integrated into new creations. Animations created in the Expressive Pixels app can be easily integrated within MakeCode programs by incorporating its Extension Package. This provides new and fun ways and capabilities for MakeCode programmers to light up their creations along their programming and creative journey.<\/p>\n<p>If you are a developer, check out our <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/microsoft\/ExpressivePixels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GitHub forum<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>, share with us your input and help take the app to the next level. If you are a Maker, explore our <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/microsoft\/ExpressivePixels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">open source APIs<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>. We hope the app will help open compelling scenarios for those creating new devices and Maker experiences.<\/p>\n<p>We hope you are as excited about Microsoft Expressive Pixels as we are. <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"http:\/\/ms-windows-store:\/\/pdp\/?productid=9MTC56W1RXQH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a> the app today and start to create, express, connect, and share. We would love to hear your feedback and make the app better. Share your thoughts in the <a class=\"msr-external-link glyph-append glyph-append-open-in-new-tab glyph-append-xsmall\" href=\"https:\/\/answers.microsoft.com\/en-us\/msresearch\/forum?sort=LastReplyDate&dir=Desc&tab=All&status=all&mod=&modAge=&advFil=&postedAfter=&postedBefore=&threadType=All&isFilterExpanded=false&page=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Microsoft Community Forum<span class=\"sr-only\"> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We are excited to announce the release of Microsoft Expressive Pixels! Microsoft Expressive Pixels empowers people to create, express, connect, and share animated visualizations in their own unique way. With Expressive Pixels users can make and show both static and animated images on LED displays and other digital devices, such as a PC. Expressions allow [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38127,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"msr-url-field":"","msr-podcast-episode":"","msrModifiedDate":"","msrModifiedDateEnabled":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_classifai_error":"","msr-content-parent":439290,"msr_hide_image_in_river":0,"footnotes":""},"research-area":[],"msr-locale":[268875],"msr-post-option":[],"class_list":["post-687864","msr-blog-post","type-msr-blog-post","status-publish","hentry","msr-locale-en_us"],"msr_assoc_parent":{"id":439290,"type":"project"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-blog-post\/687864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-blog-post"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/msr-blog-post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38127"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-blog-post\/687864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":689109,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-blog-post\/687864\/revisions\/689109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=687864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"msr-research-area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/research-area?post=687864"},{"taxonomy":"msr-locale","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-locale?post=687864"},{"taxonomy":"msr-post-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/msr-post-option?post=687864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}