Windows Embedded CE Explained

Microsoft's proprietary operating system has evolved well beyond the desktop computers and servers, to mobile devices and even to the Cloud with Windows Azure, but at the same time, variants of the platform are powering hardware products that fail to display the ubiquitous Start button and to advertise a Windows installation. The embedded lineup of Windows platforms is often completely submerged beneath applications running on top and Windows Embedded CE makes no exception to this rule. In the video embedded at the bottom of this article, Dion Hutchings, technical product manager, touches the subject of Windows Embedded CE, explaining what the platform is all about.

“In the spectrum of operating system in Windows Embedded the CE is [designed for] the smaller footprint, power-conscious devices and also for real-time industrial animation,” Hutchings stated. “Windows Embedded Standard is for devices that are plugged in all the time, and need more horse power or application compatibility for x86, like kiosks and fight-booking terminals and things like that. So that shows you the spectrum of embedded devices.”

Back in April 2008, Microsoft relabeled the software products of its Windows Embedded lineup. In this context, Windows XP Embedded became Windows Embedded Standard (with Windows Embedded Standard 2009 already out the door at the end of 2009), Windows Embedded for Point of Service became Windows Embedded POSReady, and Windows Embedded CE was christened Windows Embedded Compact. At that time, the software giant indicated that the first Windows Embedded Compact would be delivered by the end of 2009.

Despite the change of monikers, Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded Compact are not a single item, with applications tailored for either operating system continuing not to be cross-platform binary compatible. At this point in time, Olivier Bloch, Microsoft Embedded technical evangelist, has pointed out to the resources necessary for downloading Windows Embedded CE 6 trial version.

“If you are new to Windows Embedded CE you might want to get a trial version. There is a problem though: Platform Builder (the tool to build CE kernels) is a plug-in to Visual Studio 2005. So to try building a CE 6 kernel, you need a version of Visual Studio 2005 (actually you need even more because you will have to install VS 2005 SP1 and a patch if you are using Vista). But Visual Studio 2005 is not available in eval version any longer on Microsoft Download Web Site,” Bloch added. “You can still order the eval DVD of CE 6 that contains an eval version of Visual Studio 2005. But, if you prefer a downloadable version, then here is a solution to get download links to all the elements needed to try CE 6.”