| SPECIAL REPORT: DevCon 2002 wrap-up |
Nov. 01, 2002
Here's a recap of our coverage of Microsoft's 3rd annual Windows Embedded Developer Conference ("DevCon"), held Oct 21 through Oct. 24 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas . . .
Keynote clarifies CE roadmap
The DevCon keynote speech by Todd Warren, general manager of Microsoft's embedded and appliance platforms group (EAPG), was attended by nearly 1,000 developers.
Warren's talk continued Microsoft's trend toward clarifying its CE platform strategy. (WindowForDevices.com obtained an (exclusive copy of the powerpoints used in the presentation.) The operating system is the centerpiece of a roadmap that will make windows platform scalable from embedded to server.
His 'CE decoder ring', attempted to demystify OS code-name confusion. As he explained it, the first release of CE.NET is sometimes referred to as CE 4.0. Prior to its release, it was known by the code name 'Talisker.' It is the successor to CE 3.0 The latest release, which came out this past July, is CE.NET 4.1, also known as 'Jamison.'
Currently in the works, for a planned release in the first half of 2003, is 'McKendric'. A major new CE release, dubbed 'Macallan', is upcoming in 2004. Support for the x86, ARM (XScale), SH, and MIPS processor architectures will continue. (XP embedded, in contrast, supports x86 only.)
Warren also delineated the four areas where Microsoft wants to take a lead in providing 'go-to-market' solutions -- reference designs, to the rest of us -- aimed at CE OEMs. They are the Pocket PC, CE for Automotive, Smartphone, and smart displays. Pocket PC is clearly well established. The Smartphone will likely gain some ground with announcements made this week. Smart displays won't hit the market until early next year. As for automotive apps, CE is being greeted with some enthusiasm. The gating factor is the dearth of applications in that space besides automotive entertainment and navigation systems.
As evidence of the platform's increasing pervasiveness, Microsoft packed the stage with end-user embedded products running under CE. These ranged from the expected -- such as DVD players, automatic teller machines, and handhelds -- to the less usual. For example, a CE-controlled sewing machine made by Bernina was proudly displayed. The apps software running under CE enable it to stitch intricate patterns. (see the Bernina in our Cool Devices Guide).
Hindsight is always 20/20. Foresight may be another story. Read our pre-DevCon predictions in our story, Where does digital media fit in at Microsoft?. In hindsight, we can see that, although Microsoft did not make any specific digital media announcements at DevCon, embedded group general manager Todd Warren did clearly indicate in his keynote speech that digital media is an important part of Microsoft's fully connected device strategy.
Indeed, during the week following DevCon, Microsoft took a big public step toward its goal of bridging home entertainment and computing, with the release this week of its Windows XP Media Center Edition operating system.
-- By Alexander Wolfe, executive editor, WindowsForDevices.com
Other Announcements from DevCon included . . . - XP Embedded service pack 1 announced -- Microsoft's only real official announcement at DevCon was the unveiling of XP Embedded service pack 1. The release, which upgrades the operating system that was first introduced exactly one year ago, folds in a bunch of new features. Most interesting is a device update agent, which enables field-downloadable code revisions to thin clients and set-top boxes. Also included is a footprint estimator, to get a handle on the size of any of the 10,000 or so XP components you can select for inclusion in your XP Embedded image. A free evaluation version of XP Embedded with service pack 1 is available for order here. To encourage developers to transition to its embedded OSs, Microsoft announced a price reduction to their tools. Now through March 31, 2003, the tools suites for both CE.NET and XP Embedded will be sold for $995.
- Applied Data Systems (ADS) introduced two new products at DevCon 2002. The compact Bitsy-X is an application-ready single board computer that is based on Intel's 400MHz PXA250 processor and targets handheld computing. ADS' new Display Master SBC, based on the Intel StrongARM/PXA250 core, debuts at DevCon and offers enhanced graphics. The company's new products, along with their Graphics Master system, all support Windows CE .NET.
- Viewsonic announced at DevCon that it will include the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework within a core component of its product line, enabling a single, out-of-the-box solution for enterprise customers who want to leverage existing skills to design applications according to the Microsoft .NET architecture. Code-named Malibu, the initiative will include the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework as part of an upcoming line of mobile display devices.
- Nat Semi optimizes Geode for Windows XP Embedded -- National Semiconductor announced an improved set of software drivers for its Geode products. The upgrades enhance information access devices found in the home including set-top boxes requiring the latest in Windows Media Technologies support and up to date digital rights management technology.
- Microsoft announces North American Embedded Partners of the Year -- On the marketing side of DevCon, Microsoft announced its embedded partner of the year awards. Partners were honored in categories ranging from distributors to systems integrators to silicon vendors, highlighting the many types of partners Microsoft works with as part of the Windows Embedded ecosystem. Recipients include BSquare, Venturcom, Applied Data Systems, Arcom Control Systems, Macromedia, ViewSonic, Wyse Technology, Intrinsyc Software, Intel, and National Semiconductor.
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