Microsoft announces roadmap for its four-pronged embedded OS, with questions for WP7
Microsoft has announced the latest release of one of its more obscure operating systems, Windows Embedded Handheld (WEH). This targets ruggedized devices such as enterprise phones, but the appearance of version 6.5 only highlights the confusion around Microsoft's broader OS strategy. As it confirms that it will develop full Windows for ARM-based processors, it is unclear how long a future there is for the more specialized Windows variants - WP7, WEH and Windows Embedded Compact 7.
Microsoft's overall aim is to support the same Windows core/kernel across all its OSs, but as ZDnet's Microsoft guru Mary Jo Foley points out, this is unlikely to happen until Windows 9, which could be in the 2016 timeframe. In the meantime, there will just be more confusions over the respective role of the different Windows platforms, especially when they are all running on ARM as well as x86 processors. The most serious is the conflict in the tablet market, where Microsoft has barred the mobile-friendly WP7 from large-screened devices in favor of Windows 7 - to the fury of some OEMs, since they will have to wait at least until 2012 for an ARM implementation of full Windows.
There will also be some overlaps in the target markets for WP7 and the updated WEH 6.5. The new release will appear this week, and Microsoft is promising the next iteration, WEH 7, in the second half of this year. This would bring all its OSs to release 7 - WEH 6.5 is built on top of Windows Mobile 6.5, the final generation of Microsoft's previous smartphone platform, but WEH 7 will be based on Windows Embedded Compact 7, outlined last summer and due to launch this quarter. The compact OS targets a wide range of embedded devices including media players and industrial gadgets and there is also the Windows Embedded Standard strand for larger systems.
As well as rugged and enterprise handsets, WEH 6.5 will look for position in barcode scanners, RFID readers and other vertical applications. Key OEMs include Motorola Solutions, Intermec and Honeywell.
Windows Embedded Compact 7 is expected to be the core of the next version of the Embedded Handheld platform, and also future iterations of Windows Phone. It is also likely to provide an alternative to Windows 7 for tablet makers, especially as slates extend into enterprise and vertical segments.
As Foley outlines, Microsoft has also announced a community technology preview (CTP) test build of yet another embedded variation - Windows Embedded POSReady 7, for retail or hospitality point of sale systems. This includes a number of Windows 7 features and is due before the end of the year.
