Microsoft certainly made a bit of splash at
Computex with the introduction of
Windows Embedded Compact 7, but it's not necessarily the easiest thing to wrap your head around right off the bat (or say three times fast). Thankfully, Microsoft has now come through with a site that explains the new OS in detail (complete with videos), and a trial download that will let you get a sneak peek at it yourself. The short of it is that the OS is aimed at devices that don't need or aren't well suited to the full-fledged Windows 7 (or
Windows Phone 7, for that matter) -- like the
Eee Pad pictured above -- which, incidentally, seems to address one of the major concerns from folks like
NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang. That added simplicity also means that the OS won't run regular Windows applications -- it is a successor to
Windows CE, after all -- but Microsoft does at least promise a "streamlined developer experience." That's not to say the OS isn't capable in its own right, though -- it boasts a full-range of media playback capabilities (including MPEG-4 and HD video), built-in support for Silverlight for Windows Embedded
and Flash 10.1, a customized version of Internet Explorer with full multitouch, support for
Open GL ES 2.0, support for the latest ARM v7 architectures and, of course, "seamless" integration with Windows 7, to name just a few highlights. Still hungry for more details? Then hit up the source link for the complete rundown and Microsoft's videos, and for all the information you need to download the preview release.
posted June 2nd 2010 11:51AM
Depending on the level of freedom they give you with CE7 (programs, usb ports, hdmi out, etc.), count me in.
I hope they're bringing the Ink library and handwriting recognition engine over to this WinCE offshoot, perhaps even a proper version of OneNote as well while they're at it.
Maybe they won't make the Courier themselves, but if they'll provide the software grounds and let someone else provide the hardware...
Well, after years and years of stagnation, WnCE finally will get a Win7 treatment. I am hoping this time, it is acceptable in usability.
The embedded platform is a great starting point due to compactness of code and efficiency of OS and apps. I just hope the Windows foundation layer will not screw it up!.
There is ONLY 2 metrics to measure acceptability: Performance and battery life. Performace is snappiness (no lag or pauses), battery life means at least 8 hours on web and music/video play. If it fails that, it will not stand a chance in the market.
Good luck MS, you are going to need a lot of it!. There is one competitor only now, there will be 4 or more by the time you launch.
Yawn. Microsoft is so 1990
Maybe it's because it's written in iambic pentameter, but I'm finding Windows Embedded Compact 7 kind of fun to say.