6 Chapter 1 Introduction
n
Windows Embedded CE is designed for mobile devices, terminals, cell phones and
IP phones, multimedia devices, TV/video consoles, industrial automation equipment,
and other devices that require a minimum size, integration of multiple microprocessor
architectures, and support for real-time operations.
n
Windows XP Embedded is designed to be used in ATMs, gaming devices, heavy-
duty TV/video consoles, cash registers, point-of-sale devices, and information kiosks—
Areas that require high productivity, data security, the use of standard computer
equipment, and minimal expenses for developing and using software applications.
n
Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS) is designed for the service in-
dustry. It is based on the Windows XP Embedded technology, and it enables original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to deploy from standard distribution media.
n
A line of embedded server solutions from Microsoft is a logical conclusion of the
broader line of embedded operating systems. It enables developers to build infrastruc-
ture solutions based on the Windows Embedded platform.
Aside from the operating systems mentioned above, it is necessary to also mention the
Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system, which is designed for the manufacturers of
pocket PCs and smart phones. It is based on the CE operating system and contains additional
wireless technologies and specialized software.
Windows Embedded CE History
The history of Windows Embedded CE began in 1996, when Microsoft released its first oper-
ating system (CE 1.0) for non-personal-computer devices, which was originally positioned for
the pocket PC market. In 1997, the system (2.0 CE) became componentized and was designed
for a wide range of devices and more processor types. Following that, there were two more
minor releases (2.11 and 2.12), which expanded and enlarged the functionality of the operat-
ing system. Version CE 3.0, released in 2000, contains support for real-time operation and ad-
vanced multimedia technologies such as DirectDraw, DirectShow, and Windows Media Player.
The next version (CE 4.0) came out in 2001. It contained support for advanced technologies
such as Direct3D, Universal Disc File System (UDFS), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP),
advanced power management, and SQL Server CE database. Minor releases 4.1 and 4.2 pro-
vided developers with expanded accessibility functionality by adding support for viewing
files, Bluetooth profiles, and IPv6, as well as support for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
telephony, transaction-safe FAT (TFAT), and .NET Compact Framework 1.0.
In 2005, Microsoft released the next version of the system (CE 5.0), which provided develop-
ers with support for new technologies, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, Secure Digital
Input/Output (SDIO), Windows Media 9, and Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, as well as a uni-
fied build system, release-quality drivers, and a BSP with a dedicated general development
infrastructure of BSP and OEM adaptation layer (OAL) available to the developer. In re-