Download Windows Embedded Compact 7 CTP

A preview release of Microsoft’s next-generation Windows Embedded CE platform is now available for download. Early adopters can grab the public community technology preview (CTP) of Windows Embedded Compact 7 immediately via Microsoft Connect, provided they have a valid Windows Live ID to sign in and participate in the testing program. Windows Embedded Compact 7 CTP will be unveiled at Computex Taipei by Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Division at Microsoft.

“The Windows platform creates tangible opportunities for our hardware partners to diversify their product portfolios and deliver rich computing experiences across a broad range of devices,” Guggenheimer noted. “The Windows Embedded Compact 7 toolkit will allow for richer customer experiences on a variety of specialized devices. We look forward to continued collaboration with our hardware partners to bring the very best experiences to customers worldwide.”

One aspect of the new embedded platform from the Redmond company must be made clear. While Windows Embedded Standard 7 is a Windows 7 spin-off, the same is not valid for Windows Embedded Compact 7. According to the Redmond company, Windows Embedded Compact 7 is simply the successor of Windows CE 6.0, a fact that explains the “7” in the product’s official label.

“I am really excited about this release as it brings great technologies that will allow Specialized Devices manufacturers to compete with existing tablets and slates. Providing an enhanced support for Silverlight-like UX (using Silverlight for Windows Embedded runtime and tools) along with connectivity and enterprise features such as Exchange 2010 AirSync, PDF and office viewers, or Device Stage support, Windows Embedded Compact 7 allows manufacturers to benefit from already implemented features, giving them the opportunity to concentrate on innovating,” Olivier Bloch, Microsoft Embedded technical evangelist, revealed.

Microsoft is looking to continue development of Windows Embedded Compact 7 throughout this year, and will only release the platform to manufacturing in the fourth quarter of 2010.