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your Windows® embedded community
Windows For Devices
your Windows® embedded community
As with the Windows 7 Service Pack, a key feature in Service Pack 1 for Windows Embedded Standard 7 is RemoteFX. Stemming from Microsoft's 2008 acquisition of Calista Technologies, this is a set of enhancements -- most prominently graphics virtualization and the use of advanced codecs -- that has been added to RDP (remote desktop protocol).
Microsoft claims that with RemoteFX, users will be able to access virtualized workspaces remotely using thin clients, PCs, and other devices "with the fidelity of a local-like performance." The technology supports the Windows Aero desktop environment, full-motion video, 3D, plus Silverlight and Flash applications, the company adds.
RemoteFX's capabilities resemble those already touted for Citrix's HDX technology, offered as part of its XenDesktop and XenApp products. Microsoft says it has allied with Citrix "to enable the high-definition HDX technology in Citrix XenDesktop to enhance and extend the capabilities of the ... RemoteFX platform."
Windows Embedded Standard 7 Service Pack 1 also includes a couple of embedded-specific fixes, which Microsoft has described as follows:
New features for older operating systems, too
Microsoft has also released new features for Windows Embedded Standard 2009 and Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 3, according to this blog post by the company's Lynda Allen.Known as the Enhanced Write Filter Provider and File Based Write FilterProvider, they provide access to the Write Filter APIs through theWindows Management Instrumentation (WMI) layer.
The goal of each feature is to expose the full functionality of theWrite Filter to all .NET languages as well as to the Windows ScriptingHost, Allen adds. Furthermore, she notes, the Write Filter Providersenable remote management of both the the Enhanced Write Filter and theFile Based Write Filter.
Further information
Windows Embedded Standard Service Pack 1 is downloadable now in the form of multiple .exe and .rar files that need to be reconstituted into three DVD images. The toolkit DVD is used to install the Image Configuration Editor (ICE) and associated distribution share(s) onto a PC, while the 32-bit and 64-bit Standard 7 SP1 DVDs are bootable WinPE DVDs that contain the Image Builder Wizard (IBW) and the corresponding 32-bit or 64-bit distribution share, according to Microsoft.
Microsoft says developers can use the downloads to create runtime images on devices at no cost. These images will operate for 30 days with no product key and 180 days with a product key, the company adds.
Jonathan Angel can be followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.
