Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 released

Posted on Thursday, November 02 2006 @ 1:06 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Microsoft announced the availability of Windows Embedded CE 6.0, the latest version of the company’s industry-leading software toolkit used to build real-time operating systems for devices such as Internet protocol (IP) set-top-boxes, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), wireless projectors, and a variety of industrial automation, consumer electronics and medical devices.

In conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of Windows Embedded, 100 percent of the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 kernel is now available through the Microsoft® Shared Source program, an overall increase of 56 percent from previous versions of Windows Embedded CE. The Shared Source program provides full source-code access for modification and redistribution by device-makers (subject to the terms of a license agreement), who are under no obligation to share their final designs with Microsoft or others. Although the Windows operating system is a general-purpose computing platform designed for creating a consistent experience, Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is a tool kit device-makers use for building customized operating system images for a variety of non-desktop devices. By providing access to certain parts of the Windows Embedded CE source code, such as the file system, device drivers and other core components, embedded developers are able to choose the code they need, compile it, and build their own, unique operating systems, quickly bringing their devices to market.

Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition is also shipping as part of Windows Embedded CE 6.0. This marks another first for Microsoft; Platform Builder, an embedded-specific integrated development environment, will now be included as a powerful plug-in for Visual Studio 2005 Professional. This brings the entire development chain together in one, easy-to-use tool, from device to applications, shrinking time to market for device development.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 boasts a re-engineered kernel with capabilities such as a capacity for 32,000 simultaneous processes and 2 GB of virtual memory address space per process while maintaining the software’s real-time capabilities. This enables developers to incorporate larger numbers of robust applications into more intelligent, complex devices used on the road, at work and or in the home:
  • On the road. With the introduction of new cell core data and voice components, Windows Embedded CE 6.0 will enable devices to establish data connections and voice calls over cellular networks, enabling the development of connections for machine-to-machine communication scenarios to build devices such as parking meters, vending machines and GPS devices.
  • At work. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 includes components designed to easily build projectors that use the built-in capability of Windows Vista™ to wirelessly access the desktop experience.
  • In the home. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 takes advantage of multimedia capabilities to allow the development of networked media devices, digital video recorders and IP set-top boxes.
  • Windows Embedded CE 6.0 uses a volume-based royalty licensing model; so device-makers can evaluate the entire product for 180 days, and purchase runtime licenses only when their devices start shipping. Microsoft provides the assurance of intellectual property (IP) indemnification (subject to the terms of a license agreement) and a 10-year product Support Lifecycle, helping ensure the integrity of its offerings so device-makers can rest assured that they have the support and protection for success.


    About the Author

    Thomas De Maesschalck

    Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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