Microsoft releases Windows CE 6 beta

Microsoft has unveiled a test version of its Windows CE 6 operating system for embedded devices.

The operating system (OS) is commonly used in set-top boxes, GPS (global positioning system) based devices, as well as industrial automation and medical devices. Products with the new OS are expected next year.

According to a Microsoft statement, the software giant has redesigned the kernel, or heart of the OS, and expanded the capacity for simultaneous processes from 32 previously, to 32,000.

This means developers can incorporate large numbers of complex applications into intelligent devices that offer advanced multimedia and Web services. Windows CE 6 also includes features from older iterations of Windows CE, allowing device makers to keep previous investments in user interfaces, applications, middleware and drivers.

Full article: ZDNet Asia