Microsoft have detailed the road map for Windows Embedded. You can read the details in Microsoft’s press release but it won’t come as any surprised that Windows Media Center isn’t mentioned. In Windows 7 Embedded there was a Media Center template and Microsoft made a big splash at CES 2011 with Embedded Media Center system, OEMs like Ceton could use it to build embedded Media Center systems. There is no mention of Media Center in Windows 8 Embedded and the situation seems has put off OEMs like Ceton from developing Windows Media Center Embedded solutions like their Q system.
Microsoft is committed to helping harness the potential of the Internet of Things by connecting devices to software and services in the back end or in the cloud, transforming that data into actionable operational intelligence. In describing the opportunity, Windows Embedded General Manager Kevin Dallas calls out Microsoft’s “big transition” from being a software company to a devices and services company.
“Faced with the explosion of business data, enterprises are looking for better alternatives to help them unlock the information inside,” Dallas says. “Microsoft’s broad set of technologies and products make it uniquely qualified to help address this problem. We’re working with our partners to create solutions that extend across the full breadth of Microsoft technologies and provide customers with the clarity they need to harness big data.”
Windows Embedded 8 is the family of device operating systems, including Windows Embedded 8 Standard, Windows Embedded 8 Pro and Windows Embedded 8 Industry. Each version has a distinct feature set that includes the building blocks for an intelligent system across hardware, software and services — namely, the ability to manage devices and identities, the presence of connected devices, the availability of rich, touch-enabled experiences, having devices that are secure, and the ability to analyze data.
Intelligent Systems in Action: Hospitality
In the retail and hospitality industry, making guests feel at home is essential to securing their loyalty. WatchTechnical Sales Program Manager Jeff Wettlaufer demonstrate how an intelligent system, powered by Windows Embedded 8, can help hotels create an end-to-end experience that’s personalized to each customer’s preferences.
Windows Embedded 8 supports a growing range of applications, device form factors, architectures and system requirements. In parallel, Windows Embedded Compact 2013 will support small footprint devices that require flexible hardware, the use of touch- and gesture-based inputs and hard, real-time support. Windows Embedded Compact 2013 will be generally available in the second quarter of 2013, and, along with Windows Embedded 8, will feature support for Visual Studio 2012. Together, both provide the tools that enterprises need to harness the value of data living on the edge of their networks.
The value of this insight is immeasurable, such that intelligent systems are considered essential for the growth of today’s enterprise; IDC forecasts the market for intelligent systems will exceed US$1.4 trillion by 2016.[1]
A Cohesive, Multiplatform Solution
With Windows Embedded 8, Microsoft is also incorporating the same level of imagination as it did in the latest version of its desktop operating system. Partners and enterprises will benefit from many of the same features found in Windows 8 — most notably, the use of touch and gesture, which will bring a richer, more natural experience to specialized devices such as POS systems, medical devices and in-car technology. And, with support for Visual Studio 2012, they can use their existing investments to build intelligent, seamless experiences that span a variety of platforms — from hardware to software and services.
Windows Embedded 8 Standard is a flexible, modular, version of Windows 8 that gives enterprises and partners the freedom to choose which parts of the operating system they need for their unique requirements. Devices can also be locked down to block certain gestures and deliver a more secure and differentiated user experience.
Windows Embedded 8 Pro (General availability in March 2013)
Like its predecessor, Windows 7 for Embedded Systems, Windows Embedded 8 Pro delivers the full power and familiarity of the Windows operating system. Enterprises and partners can create quick-turn, industry-certified solutions, without concern for application and device compatibility.
Windows Embedded 8 Industry (Community technology preview and details on timing will be available in January 2013)
Historically, Windows Embedded POSReady has targeted retail point-of-service (POS) solutions. Moving forward, Microsoft will deliver the power of Windows 8 technologies to these and other scenarios requiring fixed experiences with enhanced lockdown, branding and the other benefits of Windows Embedded 8 — including peripheral support to other industry-specific scenarios, such as manufacturing and healthcare, in addition to POS.
Windows Embedded 8 Handheld (More information will be available in early 2013)
The next generation of Windows Embedded Handheld will be based on Windows Phone 8 technologies. Microsoft is working with a handful of partners to bring new features and capabilities to the enterprise handheld device market.
Windows Embedded 8 Automotive (More information will be available in early 2013)
Microsoft is working with a group of preselected partners on the next generation of Windows Embedded Automotive, which will be based on Windows 8 technologies.
The release schedule includes the Windows Embedded 8 family of device operating systems, each with a distinct feature set that includes the building blocks for an intelligent system across hardware, software and services.
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