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Windows Embedded Brings Windows 7 To Devices

Microsoft has released Windows Embedded Standard 7 to manufacturing. Windows Embedded is expected to let device makers put Windows 7 technology in devices to bridge the gap between phones and PCs. Microsoft's Steve Guggenheimer said developers will be able to use existing skills with Windows Embedded Standard 7.  Microsoft  launched a new version of Windows  7 Wednesday destined for a wide variety of embedded applications. The release to manufacturing of Windows Embedded Standard 7 is expected to give device manufacturers the opportunity to deploy Windows 7 technology within next-generation set-top boxes, connected media devices, and TVs for consumers as well as more specialized offerings for business and industrial applications.
With Windows Embedded, the goal is to let product designers create differentiated experiences on a wider range of products while harnessing the power of Windows 7 for PCs, noted Kevin Dallas, general manager of Microsoft's Windows Embedded business.

The addition of Windows Media Center in Windows Embedded "will drive the set-top box, connected media devices, and TV markets by providing OEMs with opportunities to develop uniquely branded experiences," Dallas said. Moreover, service providers also will be able to leverage the technology "to explore additional revenue streams" through the distribution via "a centralized media hub in the home" of unique content featuring immersive user experiences.

Filling The Gap

Windows Embedded will enable product designers to build advanced devices capable of running thousands of existing Windows 7 applications and drivers. The good news for developers is that they will be able to use the skills and tools they have already learned with Windows 7 and Visual Studio, wrote Microsoft Corporate Vice President Steve Guggenheimer in a blog.

Developers also will be able to optimize  the size of the OS footprint on devices by selecting just the drivers, services and applications needed. The highly customizable and componentized form of Windows Embedded, which scales as low as 40MB in size with a bootable kernel, helps reduce development time, optimize operating system  size, and lower hardware  costs, Microsoft said.

"Partners and customers already have plans to begin shipping products and solutions  for a variety of specialized devices built on the Windows Embedded Standard 7 platform," Guggenheimer wrote. "These embedded technologies fill the gap between phones and PCs for a world of specialized commercial devices, such as thin clients and industrial controllers, as well as consumer Internet devices (CIDs) and other emerging categories for consumers."
 
Creating Efficiencies

Windows Embedded incorporates the latest Microsoft technologies for the web, including Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 12, Silverlight 3, Remote Desktop Protocol 7, and .net Framework 3.5 SP1. Moreover, the new OS sports popular computing  capabilities such as multi-gesture touch interfaces and context-aware applications.

The technology will give device OEMs the ability to deploy parental controls and enhanced security  on next-generation devices. Additionally, the platform includes smart power-management APIs for developing environmentally friendly "green" products, Microsoft said.

When companies deploy Windows Embedded, their specialized devices create efficiencies not only by being easier to use, but also through their inherent connectivity  to existing enterprise  infrastructures, Guggenheimer wrote. "With the additional connectivity and support for Windows-based PCs, servers and online services, IT  professionals can help their enterprises ensure streamlined deployment , management and maintenance of their broad ecosystem of devices," he wrote.

From the consumer perspective, Windows Embedded will enable a wider range of devices to access an array of multimedia content from a home's centralized media hub -- including social-media portals and other Internet sites, and broadcast TV as well as personal libraries of photos, music and videos. Moreover, service providers are expected to benefit by building new revenue streams through the launch of specialized content aimed at home entertainment devices powered by Windows Embedded, Guggenheimer wrote.