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Windows Embedded 8 Industry scheduled for release first week of April
Two short months after issuing a Release Preview, Microsoft's fully realized Windows Embedded 8 is ready for the POS terminals it helps to operate. The OS, heavily utilized across healthcare, manufacturing and retail industries, (and mostly ignored by the mainstream) will be made available for download the first week of April, allowing businesses to leverage Microsoft's various services, as well as the abstract "Internet of Things" -- whatever that means. And to help educate industry partners as to the advantages of its Embedded platform, Microsoft's also created a series of informative videos for interested parties to peruse. So, if you're unclear where Windows Embedded 8 fits into your business, or you just want to know what it actually does, hit up the source while you wait for that Spring release.
Microsoft posts Windows Embedded 8 Industry Release Preview
Windows 8 Embedded Industry is an almost unsung part of Microsoft's roadmap: it's a tightly managed release meant for factories and retailers who care most about reliable machines. If you've ever want to peek behind the curtain, though, you have a chance now that Microsoft has posted a Release Preview version of the OS for the public to try. We wouldn't recommend tossing regular Windows 8 aside if it's already installed; still, there's a handful of tricks within the Embedded Industry code that could make it palpable for curious users. It adds the same stylized apps and multi-touch input that you'd get from the desktop, plug-and-play peripherals and support for cloud services. We'll likely only ever see the finished Industry build when we're buying some cantaloupes, but those who hit the preview link will at least know what software is making the cash register hum.
Microsoft reveals Windows Embedded 8 and Windows Embedded Compact 2013 road map
You, the consumer, probably don't care too much about Windows Embedded 8 and Windows Embedded Compact 2013. But businesses and OEMs, they're pretty psyched. The next generation of Microsoft's light-weight OS offerings will bring the improved touch and gesture support of Windows 8 to low power platforms like car computers and kiosks. In all five versions of Windows Embedded 8 will be available: Standard, Pro, Industry, Automotive and Handheld. The latter of which is built around Windows Phone 8 as opposed to the desktop system. The Industry and Handheld editions are expected to land in January, with Pro and Standard to follow in March. Compact 2013 doesn't have a solid release window yet beyond Q2 of 2013. If you're an impatient builder of connected devices you can download a release preview of Windows Embedded 8 Standard at the more coverage link.
