newest version of Silverlight includes features such as these:

Extended out-of-browser capabilities to enable deeper desktop experiences without additional code or runtimes

Powerful enhancements for enterprise application developers, including full support for Microsoft Visual Studio 2010, providing access to Microsoft Office and Microsoft SharePoint Server, and improved printing, networking, reporting and charting capabilities

Richer Web experiences, including new webcam and microphone capabilities, native multicast support for wide-scale media content delivery, and more than 60 customizable controls to build compelling, interactive applications

Silverlight is currently installed on more than 45 percent of Internet-connected devices worldwide and is powering high-profile customers such as NBC’s online broadcast of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Wimbledon and “NFL Sunday Night Football Extra,” as well as Continental Airlines Inc., the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and eBay Inc.

“Silverlight 4 beta marks another significant step forward as Microsoft continues to rapidly innovate and enable developers to deliver rich applications across three screens,” Guthrie said. “Silverlight 4 provides developers with a full suite of capabilities to rapidly build high-quality, highly secure and engaging applications, on the Web or beyond the browser, affirming Silverlight’s position as a great choice for building business applications.”



Reference:

Silverlight 4 Beta : The Official Microsoft Silverlight Site

Microsoft Showcases Developer Opportunities for Windows and the Web: Company outlines developer scenarios with Windows 7 and Internet Explorer, delivers beta versions of Silverlight 4, Microsoft Office 2010 and SharePoint Server 2010.