Windows CE is now 10 years old, but still has the newest kernel of all the OS's at Microsoft, today at MEDC in Las Vegas Windows CE 6 beta was announced - and yes we got the bits!
Some of the new features and benefits of Windows CE 6 include:
· Redesigned OS Kernel – Windows CE 6 supports significantly more simultaneously running processes, from 32 up to 32,000, each of which run in a 2GB virtual memory address space. This allows developers to build more complex applications into their intelligent devices, and add advanced multimedia, Web services and wireless networking.
· Enhanced Developer Productivity – In an industry first, Windows CE 6 delivers a unified tool for all Embedded application development via a Platform Builder plug-in for Visual Studio 2005. This enables more than 7 million Visual Studio developers worldwide to build and debug their entire device solution in one environment, and to use their existing knowledge and skills to build more innovative and differentiated Embedded devices.
· Protected Investment – Windows CE 6 provides continuity of features and functionality from previous generations of Windows CE, meaning device makers can leverage their previous investments in user-interfaces, applications, middleware and drivers, while enhancing their devices with the latest OS features.
Microsoft will continue its Shared Source Initiative, which grants developers access to millions lines of source code, and the rights to redistribute custom components while retaining intellectual property rights under Microsoft’s IP Indemnification program.