Symbol to use Windows CE in RFID scanners

Symbol Technologies — better known these days for its accounting "problems" than for its barcode tech — is teaming with Microsoft on a Windows CE-powered RFID reader. Symbol's XR400 can handle both tag-scanning and database operations, unlike less powerful handheld scanners that have to offload their data for processing. The deal gets Microsoft a foothold in the RFID market, at the expense of other OS makers, such as PalmSource, which provides software for  other Symbol products.

[bangfalse @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Palm doesn't make much since as an OS for this non-handheld device, which is meant to be programmable by third parties. CE has true multitasking and a better programming API (especially if you use .NET Compact Framework) than Palm, and more developers are familiar with CE than any form of embedded Linux GUI or custom OS that they could come up with. Looks like a good move to me...

[anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

uumm..do u guys at engadget ever sleep?

[anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

caz sum of ur post appear at late hours of the night...

[anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

dam this insomnia!!

[anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

no sleep.....want to make me.....do bad things.....

[Vinit @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Well, Symbol and Windows CE were always a little cozy. Some of the sturdiest Pocket PC devices are all Symbol-made.

[RFID Tag Man @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Good choice of OS for their rfid scanners http://www.symbol.com/products/rfid/rfid.html methinks.