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Windows dominates point-of-service market
Feb. 22, 2008
Microsoft dominated the 2007 North American POS (point of sales/service) terminal market, with a 68.3 percent share, according to figures released by IHL Group. Linux grew its installed base by nearly a third, but still trailed in third place overall behind IBM's 4690 terminals. ...
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Claimed-first Menlow board debuts
Feb. 22, 2008
Lippert Embedded Computers has released what it says is the first board based on Intel's Menlow chipset. The Windows-compatible CoreExpress-Menlow module is also the first in Lippert's newly announced 65 x 58mm CoreExpress processor module format, aimed at automotive, medical, mobile, and point-of-service/interface (POS/POI) devices. ...
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"Father of PC/104" returns
Feb. 21, 2008
One of the first companies in the embedded PC and single-board computer markets has hired the "father of PC/104" to spearhead its product strategy. After eight years away, Rick Lehrbaum returns to the role of CTO at Ampro Computers, currently enjoying its 25-year anniversary this year. ...
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Mapping device runs Windows Mobile
Feb. 21, 2008
Magellan has introduced a new Windows Mobile-based handheld GPS receiver for GIS (geographic information system) data collection. The MobileMapper 6 boasts real-time accuracy between two and five meters, compatibility with Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), Bluetooth, and a two-megapixel camera, the company says. ...
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Panel PCs run WEPOS from flash
Feb. 21, 2008
I-Tech has introduced four touchpanel PCs with screens from 12 to 19 inches. The KPC series computers use Celeron M or Pentium M processors, feature metal cases with sealed fronts, and run Windows XP Embedded (XPe) or Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS), I-Tech says. ...
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Integrating Zune, Windows Mobile
Feb. 20, 2008
Microsoft is seeking ways to better integrate Windows Mobile and its Zune portable media player (PMP). A "Zune phone" is unlikely, but the company wants suggestions about how the devices can work together better, according to a new post on the Window Mobile team's blog. ...
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Webinar explores Windows Server 2008 as embedded OS
Feb. 20, 2008
Microsoft has scheduled a webinar to discuss how Windows Server 2008 software can be used to build dedicated servers and appliances. Set for Feb. 28, the webinar will demonstrate "Server Core," a new feature that reduces the footprint of the operating system, according to the company. ...
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Windows XPe extension supports real-time Ethernet cards
Feb. 20, 2008
Tenasys has announced that INtime, its real-time performance extension for Windows XP Embedded, now supports the cifX family of Ethernet cards from Hilscher GmbH. The combination of products enables a variety of real-time interfaces for high-speed PC control and monitoring of automated equipment, Tenasys says. ...
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Qualcomm SoCs feature "sensor-augmented" GPS
Feb. 20, 2008
Qualcomm has announced a family of three pin-compatible system-on-chips (SoCs) based on an ARM11 core. Built on 65-nanometer process technology, the QST 1000, 1100, and 1105 feature "sensor-augmented" GPS, available cellular connectivity and 3D graphics, and optional mobile TV support, according to the company. ...
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"Zooming" Windows Mobile UI ships
Feb. 20, 2008
Zumobi has announced that its "zooming" user interface and mobile widget platform for Windows Mobile phones is now out of beta. Version 1.0 includes significant performance improvements, better image rendering, quicker updating of content, and a smaller installation file, according to the company. ...
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Windows Mobile utilities mimic desktop counterparts
Feb. 19, 2008
Implicit Software Solutions (ISS) has introduced a suite of nine Windows Mobile utilities designed to be familiar to desktop Windows users. ISS Essentials offers a File Explorer with Recycle Bin, a Registry Manager, Task Switcher, and standby games like MineSweeper and Freecall, ISS says. ...
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HTC releases ROM upgrade for AT&T Tilt
Feb. 19, 2008
HTC has released a ROM upgrade for AT&T's Tilt, a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone. The upgrade, version 1.62.502.0, improves overall device performance and stability, enables dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones for the slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and includes Microsoft's Adaptation Kit Update (AKU) 0.4.4, HTC says. ...
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Windows Mobile software reduces background noise
Feb. 19, 2008
[Updated, Feb. 20] -- Solicall is shipping a Windows Mobile application that aims to filter out background noise during VoIP and cellular phone calls. Available for licensing by OEMs, or in a free softphone download, Solicall Mobile can reduce the bandwidth required to handle calls, the company says. ...
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ARM-based SoC targets low-cost Windows Mobile phones
Feb. 19, 2008
Beijing-based Vimicro has announced an ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) intended for low-cost Windows Mobile smartphones. The VC0818 is built on a 0.13 micron process, offers a variety of multimedia features, supports three-megapixel camera sensors, and is available as part of a complete development platform, Vimicro says. ...
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Windows phone targets world travelers
Feb. 19, 2008
Sprint has announced a dual-mode CDMA/GSM Windows Mobile phone aimed at frequent international travelers. The Samsung Ace features an unlocked SIM slot, QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth 2.0, a 1.2 megapixel camera, and a 2.3-inch display, according to the company.
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Kodak sensor targets camera phone performance
Feb. 15, 2008
Kodak has announced a 1.4-micron, five-megapixel sensor for camera phones. The KAC-05020 will increase image quality, cut noise, and quadruple light sensitivity, the vendor boasts, thanks to a new color filter pattern with clear pixels, and a "Truesense CMOS pixel" design reversing traditional sensor polarity. ...
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HTC phone offers GPS, Windows Mobile 6
Feb. 15, 2008
HTC has announced a Windows Mobile 6-based device it claims is one of the most compact phones in its product line. The P3470 is just 4.25 inches tall and weighs 4.3 ounces, yet features quad-band GSM connectivity, a 2.8-inch touchscreen display, GPS, and Bluetooth, HTC says. ...
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Rugged tablet PC runs Windows CE
Feb. 15, 2008
Glacier Computer has introduced a rugged ARM9-based tablet computer intended for mounting on forklifts and other vehicles. The Ridgeline CE runs Windows CE and has a 5.7-inch touchscreen display, along with a 10/100 Ethernet port, watertight rubber keypad, and integral strain-relief mechanism to protect attached cables. ...
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XPe HORM chat available
Feb. 15, 2008
Microsoft's MSDN developer website has published a transcript of the Windows XP Embedded (XPe) online "chat" held on January 29th. In addition to six Microsoft XPe team members, the chat included "special guest" Alexander Wechsler (left), an expert on XPe's Hibernate Once Resume Many (HORM) technology. ...
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WebKit-based browser comes to Windows Mobile
Feb. 14, 2008
Torch Mobile has become the first company to release a Windows Mobile 6 web browser based on open-source WebKit browsing technology. The Iris Browser provides a powerful, standards-based experience on resource-constrained devices, with multiple windows and tabs, and "virtual mouse" functionality, according to the company. The ...
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GPS vendor spins ARM11 SoC
Feb. 14, 2008
SiRF has announced a system-on-chip (SoC) that combines a Windows CE-compatible application processor with a "location engine" that provides both GPS and Galileo satellite tracking. The SiRFprima uses an ARM11-based core and includes hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, according to the company. ...
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Windows Mobile phone offers contactless payment technology
Feb. 14, 2008
Benq has announced a phone it says is the first Windows Mobile device incorporating NFC (near-field communications). Capable of storing NFC data on either its microSD or SIM cards, the "T80" will allow contactless payment, secure access, or control of home entertainment systems, Benq says. ...
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Microsoft's top Windows Mobile exec leaves for Vodafone
Feb. 14, 2008
Microsoft's Windows Mobile business has lost its top executive. Pieter Knook, an 18-year company veteran who is currently senior vice president of the company's Mobile Communications Business (MCB), will leave on Mar. 10 to become director of Internet services for Vodafone, the carrier says. ...
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Location tracking software runs on GPS-equipped phones
Feb. 13, 2008
Blue Tree Services is shipping software claimed to turn GPS-equipped Windows Mobile phones into real-time tracking devices. KoolTrax provides accuracy to within 13 feet, and sends alerts by email or SMS if a "trackee" moves outside a pre-defined area, says Blue Tree. ...
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HD video codecs support TI SoC, Windows
Feb. 13, 2008
Aricent has announced audio and video codecs aimed at letting phones based on TI's OMAP3430 system-on-chip (SoC) play and record high-definition (HD) video in MPEG-4 format. Devices will be able to act as HD camcorders and play movies in 720p resolution, according to the company. ...
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