| Microsoft targets PNDs with new embedded OS |
Jun. 16, 2008
 Microsoft has announced an operating system "designed specifically for OEMs building handheld PNDs" (portable navigation devices). Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 is based on Windows CE 5.0, but adds enhanced Bluetooth capabilities, SideShow functionality, Live Search, and MSN Direct technologies, according to the company.
Mukund Ghangurde, a Windows Embedded group product manager, told WindowsForDevices.com, "We see increasing connectivity and live search as key trends for PNDs." To that end, he added, Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 features beefed-up Bluetooth capabilities, including dial-up networking and phonebook access. A PND running NavReady will be able to make data connections via a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone, and will also allow hands-free voice calling, he said.
NavReady devices will be capable of connecting to Microsoft's Live Search search engine, allowing users to search for nearby restaurants or other points of interest (POIs). Search results will then be mapped on a PNDs screen, according to the company.
NavReady also integrates Microsoft's MSN Direct and SideShow technologies. The subscription-based MSN Direct service piggybacks on FM radio signals, every few minutes transmitting new weather, news, stock prices, and other content. In an example cited by Ghangurde, PNDs fitted with appropriate receivers could receive regularly updated gas prices, then display them on-screen alongside gas station locations.
SideShow, recently extended to Windows Mobile phones, involves mini-applications called gadgets that run on Windows Vista PCs. Via a Bluetooth link, gadgets will be able to send information to NavReady-based PNDs whenever they are within range, says Microsoft.
Ghangurdge explained that while NavReady is based on Windows CE 5.0, it is not designed to provide users with a Windows desktop or allow installation of arbitrary Windows CE applications. Rather, OEMs will build their own UIs (user interfaces), or work with a navigation engine vendor who has already created a UI. Unlike broader-based versions of Windows CE, NavReady is designed to work only on ARM-based processors, he added.
Microsoft says products based on Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 will be available to consumers from a variety of vendors, in time for this year's holiday shopping season. The first OEM to commit is Mio, whose president, Samuel Wang, said, "We are looking forward to bringing our next-generation PNDs to market with a richer end-user experience, and in a reduced timeframe."
 Coincidentally, Mio just introduced the Moov 380 (right). This Windows CE 5.0-based PND combines typical, SiRF starIII-based GPS capabilities with tri-band (900/1800/1900MHz) GSM telephony, gluing it all together via Intrinsync Software's Soleus software stack.
According to Ghangurde, nothing about Soleus precludes the use of NavReady, or vice versa. "The Soleus platform is really good at making phone-like devices built on CE, so Mio could use both offerings to come up with a very powerful device," he said.
Ghangurde added that Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 includes a license to use all the underlying components and developer technologies in Windows CE 5.0, such as Platform Builder.
Kevin Dallas, general manager of Microsoft's Windows Embedded business, said "Our commitment to this segment has always been about providing the platform and tools that give our OEM partners the most innovative technologies while reducing the complexity of development. The release of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 helps us fulfill this promise by taking the PND experience to the next level."
In recent research cited by Microsoft, analyst firm Canalys said it expects global shipments of PNDs to grow 72 percent in 2008, compared to 2007. Growth in EMEA, currently the largest region by volume, is projected to be 49 percent, while North American growth is projected at 107 percent. Annual shipment levels will rise to around 100 million units by 2010, says Canalys.
Further information
According to Microsoft, Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 is available for download today by OEMs who have signed up for it. More information may be available on the Microsoft website, here.
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