| SPECIAL REPORT: Microsoft unveils CE .NET 4.2, aims at gateway, VoIP, set-top apps |
Apr. 24, 2003
[Updated 12:30 pm PDT] -- Microsoft Corp. announced the release of Windows CE .NET version 4.2 -- previously codenamed "McKendric" -- at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Francisco today. The new release includes added features targeting gateway, voice-over-IP (VoIP), and set-top box (STB) devices, and also provides faster performance and greater application compatibility, the company said.
Microsoft reported that more than 60 companies participated in its Windows CE .NET 4.2 "Joint Development Partner" (JDP) program, which offered OEMs, silicon vendors, and software developers early access to the new version and, in turn, provided Microsoft with useful feedback on product features and requirements. The JDP program presumably also gave participants a headstart on developing devices, systems, and software applications based on CE .NET 4.2.
New features in CE .NET 4.2
According to Microsoft's Windows CE .NET 4.2 data sheet, new features in this release include: "wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, 802.11, and IPv6; file viewers; device emulation; and rich multi-media and browsing capabilities, such as Internet Explorer 6.0 and Windows Media 9 Series codecs." CE .NET currently supports selected ARM, MIPS, SuperH, and x86 processors.
Additionally, Microsoft highlighted the following new or enhanced features of CE .NET 4.2 in today's announcement . . . - "Foundation" enhancements -- improved security and kernel enhancements, such as a faster compression engine and flexible cache flushing when using technologies such as Internet Protocol Firewall, Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)/IP Security Protocol (IPSec), and the Diffie-Hellman (D-H) Cryptographic Service Provider.
- New gateway, VoIP, and STB support -- new features to enable the creation of next-generation devices with advanced communication, data, and voice capabilities.
- Enhanced multimedia and browsing -- the addition of Internet Explorer 6 for Windows CE and Windows Media 9 Series codecs, resulting in rich, integrated browsing and multimedia, and the ability to provide an "instant-on, always on" digital media playback experience.
- New applications and services -- the .NET Compact Framework enables rapid, managed code development for devices, leveraging Microsoft's well-known desktop development tools. Additionally, Windows CE .NET 4.2 provides improved API compatibility across Windows CE-based devices, including the Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 software platforms. Windows CE .NET 4.2 also provides an additional CD containing 18 third-party solutions from eight Windows Embedded partners, including board support packages (BSPs), hardware specific device drivers, and profiling tools.
Availability
Microsoft will be demonstrating the newly released Windows CE .NET 4.2 in its booth at ESC this week. Evaluation kits are available for order on the Windows Embedded website. Further details on CE .NET 4.2 are here.
Stop by the Microsoft booth at the show to get your free 120-day evaluation CD!
Third-party support announcements
Here are selected announcements of third-party support for Windows CE .NET 4.2 from chip, board, system, and independent software vendors . . .
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of
Service and Privacy Policy.
Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008
Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is
prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.
news feed