About Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3

Overview of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3

Windows Embedded CE is a small-footprint 32-bit operating system that integrates reliable real-time capabilities with advanced Windows technologies. This proven OS allows you to build a wide range of devices that deliver immersive user experiences and rich connected experiences on four different CPU architectures: ARM, MIPS, *SH4, and x86.

Windows Embedded CE provides embedded developers with a unified set of tools to configure, build, debug, and deploy customized Windows Embedded CE-based operating systems. This fully integrated development environment (IDE) includes an ARM Emulator to enable parallel development of both hardware and software, a development tool called Platform Builder which customizes the Visual Studio development toolkit to build customized embedded OS designs based on Windows Embedded CE.

A Windows Embedded CE–based device typically is designed for a specific use, not general purpose.  The componentized features in Windows Embedded CE are optimized for mobile devices that require one or more of the following: advanced power management capabilities, for small foot-print devices with limited memory and processing resources, next-generation devices that have rich user experience,networking, and communication trequirements, or for real-time devices that require deterministic responses to interrupts.

Examples of Windows CE-based devices include:

• Industrial automation products such as process management, Human Machine Interface panels, remote control devices, and robots
• Connected multimedia devices such as: connected internet devices, set top boxes, and personal media players Scalable wireless technologies to flexibly connect mobile devices, such as hand-held GPS, remote metering, and networked media devices
• Medical devices including, blood glucose meters, monitoring devices, and ultrasound equipment

Because Windows Embedded CE is a componentized operating system, you can create a custom version of the OS and applications that scales to your needs; optimizing the size of the footprint of the device, and utilizing only the key technologies needed for your scenario. Using the Windows Embedded CE development tool called Platform Builder (a plugin into Visual Studio 2005 for CE 6.0 R3), you can create a customized version of the OS, called an "image," that you then download onto your device hardware for debugging. If your hardware is not available yet, you can run your image and debug your applications on the included ARM emulator. That allows the end-user application developer and the system software developer to work in parallel on the same project.

With broad wireless support for personal area networks (WPAN), local area networks (WLAN), wide area networks (WWAN)—including Bluetooth and 802.11—, and cellular networks (GSM/GPRS, CDMA), a Windows Embedded CE-based device can stay connected anywhere, anytime. Support for local and network security features means that data produced, consumed, stored, and transmitted by these devices stays secured in a mobile environment.

Windows Embedded CE offers core operating services to support demanding real-time embedded designs across a wide range of devices. For example, embedded developers can enable highly responsive and efficient system performance with hard real-time operating system (RTOS) kernel support.  Read the 3^rd party report that validates Windwos Embedded CE as real-time based on a series of independent tests. 

* SH4 is supported through Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2.

The History of Windows Embedded CE

Microsoft officially entered the embedded marketplace in November 1996 with the release of Windows Embedded CE 1.0. Windows Embedded CE was designed from the ground up to provide embedded developers with the ability to extend the sophisticated software environment of today’s personal computer into the embedded world. Windows Embedded CE originally was developed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) building small, resource-constrained, handheld and Personal Information Manager (PIM) devices. In developing Windows Embedded CE, the embedded development team focused on four key areas: providing scalable wireless technologies to flexibly connect mobile devices; providing reliable, core operating system services for demanding real-time designs; enabling rich personalized experiences that span devices, PCs, servers and Web services; and delivering a rich, easy-to-use, end-to-end tool set.

Windows Embedded CE saw significant improvements with subsequent versions of the embedded operating system, including a simplified wizard-based operating system configuration, export software development kits (SDKs) to enable application development, multimedia support with version 2.12, and enhanced Internet capabilities and support for hard real time with Windows CE 3.0.

The fourth generation of Windows Embedded CE added emulation technology to enable developers to perform their development and testing using a Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional workstation without additional hardware investment.

Windows CE 5.0, which was released in July 2004, included many key Shared Source components, a program designed to enable OEMs to build better devices faster through source level access, and was considered the most open Microsoft OS to date. CE 5.0 gave developers the freedom to modify down to the kernel level, without the need to share changes with Microsoft or its competitors.

Now in its sixth generation, Windows Embedded CE 6.0 features a completely redesigned kernel, which supports more than 32K processes. Each process receives 2 GB of virtual address space, compared with 32 MB in previous versions.  It also provides a new file system that supports larger storage media, larger file sizes, removable media encryption, and more. With CE 6.0, a device maker can provide devices for the home, work, and field that consume media, share presentations, and connect to cellular networks.  

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 Key Features

Rich User Experiences

Deliver innovative and differentiated experiences to re-invent the way end users interact with your devices.

MicrosoftSilverlight for Windows Embedded
Silverlight for Windows Embedded is a native code (C++) UI framework that enables a new designer/developer paradigm that will dramatically improve the user interface on devices and the time & cost needed to deliver a differentiated experience.

Internet Explorer Embedded
Internet Explorer features enhancements like panning and zooming, Flash Lite 3.1 support, and a customizable application UI will dramatically improve the browsing experience you can deliver with the out of the box solution.

Touch and Gestures
Touch/gesture input capabilities will enable natural user input to Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 devices to meet & exceed evolving end user expectations for user interaction.

Media Player
Perform multiple actions beyond play, rewind, fast forward, pause, and stop. A new, powerful interface provides better web compatibility for Windows Embedded CE by supporting media player 7.0 OCX when browsing to sites.

Connected Experiences

Seamlessly connect to Windows devices, PCs, servers, and online services to extend the power of your device and deliver a consistent experience across devices, PCs, and the web. As we discussed, the list of features below does not really align with Windows Connected (cellular connected, WSD.

Connectivity
Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 extends the capabilities of existing CE devices to easily get connected to a network or the internet and stay connected. Invariably devices have multiple methods of connecting either LAN, WiFi, GPRS, Bluetooth or USB. The Connection Manager makes developing connected applications much simpler with a single API to request a network connection. Also an application can subscribe to connection status events to help manage connection quality.

Office and PDF Viewers
Integrated Office and PDF viewing capabilities will enable users of CE devices to access their important information through devices beyond the phone and the PC.

Cellular Networks
Develop devices that can easily make data connections and initiate voice calls through cellular networks using Cellcore Voice components.

Web Services on Devices API (WSDAPI)
Rapidly build Web services applications to interact with network-connected devices. WSDAPI delivers rich metadata exchange and messaging in addition to built-in support for discovery, security, and event handling. The Windows Vista operating system provides native support for Windows Rally through WSDAPI.

Remote Desktop Protocol
Enable Windows Embedded CE-based thin clients to connect using the latest version of Windows Server remote computing technologies with the Remote Desktop Protocol.

High Confidence Platform

Leverage your existing skills to build on the highly reliable, high performance Windows Embedded platform to bring your consumer and enterprise devices to market quickly.

How come we don't list out the specs on higher level components like browser, media player, RDP, office viewers, etc.

Real-time Operating System
Powering high-performance embedded devices to manage time-critical responses:

• Nested interrupts
• Per-thread quantums
• 256 levels of thread priority

Real-Time VALIDATED" - Windows Embedded CE 6.0 passed all real-time tests during an independent evaluation. Read up on the details in this report, Independent Real-Time Report for Windows.

Unified Kernel
The Windows Embedded CE 6.0 kernel handles more than 32,000 simultaneous processes, each with 2GB of virtual memory space. The file system supports larger storage media and file sizes (up to 4 GB) and removable media encryption.

Drivers
Production-quality device drivers help decrease the amount of modification needed for drivers to work with custom hardware. Enhanced driver support helps ensure easy portability. Drivers can be run in kernel mode for performance or in user mode for robustness. Review the complete list of supported device drivers.

Security Features
A one-tier security model feature is SDL compliant and helps ensure that only authenticated applications can run on an embedded device.

Source Code Access
Debug, test, and make changes to an OS image with Access to Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Shared Source. Plus, make modifications and create differentiated features, while maintaining control over your intellectual property -- without sharing your code.

Compatibility
Windows Embedded CE 6.0 works with key processor architectures (x86, ARM, and MIPS32). Its compatibility-testing tool has features to help port existing Win32 applications.

Integrated Development Environment
Platform Builder is integrated into the Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 development toolkit, allowing a single development environment for both platform and application development.

Write native or managed code by choosing your preferred Microsoft development technology -- Win32, MFC, or the .NET Compact Framework (C#, VB). Use IntelliSense technology, syntax highlighting for editing source code, visually modify included components through the catalogue and configure registry and operating system setting files via editors.

Develop with the latest compilers that increase C++ language conformance; provide better libraries; support CRT, ATL, and MFC; and offer improved run-time security feature checks (/GS).

Expression Blend
The same designers who create rich user experiences for the web with Silverlight and windows through the Windows Presentation Foundation can now bring their creative talent to Silverlight for Windows Embedded on your embedded device using the purely graphical and visual Expression Blend tool.

Device Emulation
Configure, build, and test operating system images with an ARM-based device emulator.

Small Footprint - Windows Embedded CE is capable of having a footprint as low as 300 KB.

Customizability - With 700 components to pick and choose from, OEMs can build a device to their spec without adding unnecessary technologies.

For complete details on Windows Embedded CE features,click here.  For information about new functionality in CE 6.0, see What's New in Windows Embedded CE 6.0.

Why Choose Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3?

Windows Embedded operating systems provide some of the best set of embedded tools and technologies to help you build reliable, powerful, and intelligent embedded devices for your customers.  Find out how the Windows Embedded CE operating system can help your device:

Differentiate your device: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 provides innovative technologies to enable you to create differentiated devices that deliver immersive user experiences and rich connected experiences.  By adding technologies like Silverlight for Windows Embedded and Internet Explorer Embedded to the existing CE 6.0 core OS, networking, and multimedia infrastructure, device manufactures have all the technologies needed create compelling consumer and enterprise devices.

Faster Time to Market and Lower Cost of Development– Windows Embedded CE enables faster time to market with comprehensive feature sets and familiar, easy-to-use developer tools.  Choose your preferred Microsoft development technology—Win32, MFC, or the .NET Compact Framework (C#, VB).  Platform Builder for Windows Embedded CE plugs into the development environment for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and provides an integrated development environment (IDE) that enables you to build both application and Windows Embedded CE operating system software in a familiar environment.

For UI design and development, manufacturers can utilize Expression Blend, Microsoft’s UI design tools to quickly design and develop immersive user experiences. By building on the proven Windows Embedded CE 6.0 foundation, device makers can leverage their current skills and investment in hardware, BSP’s, and design to bring their device to market efficiently.

Low Up-front Cost

• Product Evaluation – Windows Embedded minimizes your investment by allowing you to evaluate and test your system at no cost using the 180-day evaluation kit before making your purchasing decision. To download a trial version, click here.
• Shared Success Licensing Model – Windows Embedded CE reduces your up-front investment and aligns costs with devices shipment, using per-unit licenses with tiered volume discounts. This helps you predict your investment, limit liabilities, and reduces break-even volume.    
• Low-Cost Options for Runtimes – Windows Embedded CE is licensed according to four runtime SKU alternatives:
  1. Windows Embedded CE Core: offers almost 600 foundational operating system components that include cellular and other data transmission protocols to enable connected scenarios. Core also provides the .Net Compact Framework to develop applications and firmware for peripherals. 
  2. Windows Embedded CE Core Plus: includes foundational components in addition to features that enable OEMs to build connected experiences. Web Services for Devices (CE 6.0) and Sideshow (CE 5.0) are examples of applications provided in Core Plus SKU.  Runtime licenses are priced between Windows Embedded Core and Professional.
  3. C6G: provides consumer device OEMs a competitive package that includes the ability to create immersive user interfaces with Silverlight for Windows Embedded , rich web browsing with Internet Explorer Embedded, media playback capabilities, messaging, and Office and PDF viewing capabilities as well as foundational and connectivity technologies necessary for internet devices. These SKUs are ideal for set top boxes, portable media players, consumer internet devices, digital picture frames, digital media adapters, and eLearning devices. C6G SKU is available on Windows Embedded CE 6.0. 
  4. Windows Embedded CE Professional: offers the richest set of components and applications to enable complex consumer and enterprise class devices. In addition to the scenarios enabled by other SKUs, the Professional SKU can satisfy complex scenarios such as remote desktop connectivity, data sync via Active Sync, , email, contact management, and voice communication. It also includes a software development kit to allow devices to be customized and extended by end customers. Professional SKU is ideal for many device categories including thin clients, mobile handheld terminals, and industrial automation controllers.  Runtime licensing is $16.00. Pricing is based on purchase volume (contact your local distributor for volume discount rates). Local taxes, tariffs, and other costs may apply.

Increased Revenue Opportunity – Windows Embedded makes your previous projects reusable and helps you to easily update or extend product lines by using existing code. You can release a wider variety of compelling embedded products in less time than the competition and solidify your standing as an embedded marketplace leader.

Shared Source Program – The Windows Embedded CE Shared Source program offers developers access source code for much of the OS including 100% of the Kernel granting many rights including: debug, modify, improve, and share the Windows Embedded CE Shared Source code (additional licensing restrictions may apply). Additionally, OEM customers worldwide can create and redistribute commercial derivatives of the Windows Embedded CE Shared Source code for shipping in commercial devices without notifying Microsoft or sharing their derivative works with the embedded community. The source code is made available to facilitate the development and support of Windows Embedded CE-based hardware, software, and devices.

Preservation of Intellectual Property – Windows Embedded CE licensing helps you preserve your intellectual property, unlike some operating system platforms that require you to make your intellectual property public and subject you to liability from using code you presumed was in the public domain.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Windows Embedded – The Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy guarantees that Microsoft provides five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support for Windows Embedded products after release, for a total of 10 years of support.

Industry-Leading Partner Network – Through a worldwide network of industry-leading partners, you gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of valuable resources and services that help speed your device to market. Windows Embedded Partners include distributors, system integrators, independent hardware and software vendors, ODMs, OEMs, silicon vendors, tools vendors, and professional training organizations. Working with a Windows Embedded Partner early on furthers your development savings.

Community & Support – Access an active network of Microsoft developers, Windows Embedded customers, and more than 500 Windows Embedded Partners and 60 Windows Embedded MVPs. Collaborate with each other every step of the embedded device development process.

Other support resources include third-party products and services worldwide; training, tutorials, and how-to content; online community forums such as newsgroups, forums, webcasts, and blogs.

Get Started with Windows Embedded CE

If you are new to Windows Embedded CE, here are some steps you can take to get started with the product:

1. Go to the Windows Embedded CE Downloads page to obtain the applications you will need to evaluate the OS. Available downloads include: the Visual Studio 2005 Trial Development toolkit, the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Evaluation Edition, the Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team Suite Service Pack 1, the Visual Studio 2005 Service Pack 1 Update for Windows Vista,  the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1 and Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2. Downloading the appropriate applications will help you to determine if Windows Embedded CE meets your development needs.
2. Go to the Learn section of this site to train yourself on any subject from beginning to end.
3. Get answers to “in the trenches” questions by utilizing Windows Embedded CE Tips, which is a complete resource for how-to information and technical tips.  Or, get in-depth answers to technical questions by utilizing the Windows Embedded CE Library, which is an essential source for reference documentation, sample code, technical articles, and more.
4. Engage real-time with Microsoft’s vast embedded communitynetwork of developers, customers and more than 500 Windows Embedded Partners.  You and your technical team will have access to community projects, newsgroups, technical chats, webcasts, and forums for exchanging ideas and advice.
5. Sign up for a MSDN Subscription so you can gain early access to the latest Windows Embedded updates and resources.