Microsoft has launched its Windows CE embedded mobile operating
system, codenamed Talisker, which is geared towards the company's
.net Web services future, writes Eric Doyle.
Windows CE .net is complementary to Windows Embedded but is aimed
at small handheld devices and mobile phones rather than the
clipboard-like Tablet PCs currently being developed.
The launch brings into question the longevity of Windows CE 3.0,
which was released last autumn as part of the Pocket PC 2002
specification.
As yet, no comment has been forthcoming from Microsoft regarding
the Pocket PC but it may be possible to port the new operating
system to the flash chips in current models from Compaq and
Hewlett-Packard.
Developments announced at the launch event included Simpad, a
Siemens mobile Web access device which is currently based on CE
3.0, and a thin client from Wyse. This instant support has been
made possible through Microsoft's early production of a
downloadable emulator to allow developers to work in the Windows
2000/XP environments. The company also provided a free beta version
of the operating system on CD-Rom.
Windows CE .net has improved support for both Bluetooth and 802.11b
wireless standards. It also runs Microsoft's Internet Explorer 5.5
browser and XML 3.0 - key components of the .net architecture. For
multimedia support, Microsoft has supplied Windows Media codecs and
controls.