Windows CE updated for next-generation devices

Microsoft has released version 6.0 of Windows Embedded CE

Microsoft has released version 6.0 of Windows Embedded CE. The latest version supports devices and information appliances with more advanced capabilities and makes it easier for developers to speed products to market, the firm said.

The new version is probably the most significant announcement from Microsoft’s Embedded Division in years, according to European product manager Hardy Poppinga. “It will change the game for the embedded market,” he said.

Windows CE powers devices such as thin clients and forms the foundation code for Microsoft’s Windows Mobile platform for handhelds and smartphones.

Version 6.0 has re-engineered the Embedded CE kernel to support up to 32,000 simultaneous processes, each of which can have up to a 2GB virtual memory space. CE 5.0 supported a maximum of 32 processes with 32MB memory each.

“Requirements for devices are increasing rapidly. Smartphones now can make a voice call, browse the web, send email and act as a GPS navigation aid. Users just expect the device to handle all of that,” said Poppinga.

The new release supports cellular radio functions as standard, enabling vendors to make connected devices that can communicate over GSM networks. It also supports templates – predefined builds including the minimum components to operate devices such as wireless projectors.

For developers, Windows Embedded CE 6.0 ships with the Visual Studio 2005 development environment.

The entire CE 6.0 code is available under shared source licensing that lets developers make changes to the code and retain ownership of those changes. Microsoft also pledges indemnification against patent litigation for developers.