MUNICH, Germany — June 15, 2010 — Every year, technology companies, enthusiasts and press around Germany gather in Munich to find out what’s hot in the world of Microsoft. And this year’s event is perfectly timed as two of the most talked about embedded platforms in the industry, Windows Embedded Standard 7 and Windows Embedded Compact 7, have been released. Along with its partners, Microsoft is showing what’s possible with the latest in embedded technologies based on Windows 7.
Reycom’s latest set-top box based on Windows Embedded Standard 7
It seems that as technology development accelerates, so too does the speed at which it is embraced. In only a few weeks, there has been a rapid wave of adoption from our partners who are already developing exciting devices based on this new platform. Take, for example, Reycom’s latest set-top box that offers simultaneous access to broadcast live TV and Internet TV via the Reycom Entertainment Center (REC), giving viewers great choice of options to their fingertips, whether they are watching live TV in high definition and with time-shift functionality or accessing movies and TV via video-on-demand.
Using Windows Embedded Standard 7, which delivers a powerful combination of Windows 7 technology and Windows Media Center in an embedded platform, Reycom’s set-top box provides consumers with the means to store and play their selected movies, TV shows, music and photos through the Reycom set-top box, providing the ultimate media experience for today’s always-connected consumer.
Windows Embedded Standard 7 also offers a feature-rich, reliable and standards-based development platform that delivers a wide range of functions and features optimized for the digital signage market. Microsoft is working with Intel to create the Digital Signage Evaluation Kit (DSEK-10) for manufacturers and device developers. A validated and tested open media player platform that is optimized for digital signage applications, this reference platform is composed of commercially available components, including the Intel® Core™ i5 processor running the Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 operating system. With this platform, developers can create an immersive, interactive digital signage experience for customers wherever digital signs are installed. Solution providers can shorten their time to market by leveraging this reliable and standards-based development platform.
Beckhoff’s Pick and Place Automated Robot running on Windows Embedded Standard 7
Windows Embedded Standard 7 delivers the well-established technology that developers are familiar with, in a highly customizable and componentized form with the specific tools and technologies manufacturers need to quickly build the next generation of digital signage applications featuring rich, connected and immersive user experiences. German partner FriendlyWay has been working with Microsoft to take advantage of the feature-rich platform to build its Impress 40 and D-sign digital signage screens.
In a different application, Beckhoff’s automated robot is using Windows Embedded’s technologies to create efficiencies in the manufacturing process. Windows Embedded Standard 7 is a flexible technology platform, providing versatile tools and comprehensive support to help deliver cost-efficient industrial solutions from sensors to servers. Managing, maintaining, controlling and deploying the growing multitude of devices that are critical to day-to-day operations is a major undertaking for any enterprise. Beckhoff is using Windows Embedded technologies helping to deliver to manufacturers increased efficiencies and productivity gains so they can focus on delivering their customers more choice and value through 21st century technologies like the pick and place robot.
In a very difference scenario, Windows Embedded Standard 7 is being used to help simplify the airport experience for travelers. Höft & Wessel’s almex.express modular system for building airport kiosks provides a platform that can scale from simple e-ticket delivery through to fully automated baggage check-in. The slimline design with customizable exterior is equipped with an LED backlight and a 17-inch screen for larger print as required. It can facilitate passport scanning and e-ticket check-ins through to mobile and Internet check-in, baggage acceptance with integration of scale and conveyor belt, and it can support biometrics.
Höft & Wessel airport kiosk hardware based on Windows Embedded Standard 7
Windows Embedded is also focused on innovating and supporting platforms for use in handheld terminals and ruggedized devices with industry-specific applications. Addressing the networked world in which we live and operate today, ADS Tec is displaying its latest mobile devices based on Windows Embedded Standard 7. From the optimized OPC7000 series to the TT13 Tablet PC for professional mobile use both indoors and outdoors, and to the VMT6000 product of the 6000 series, ADS Tec mobile PC terminals are designed to survive the rough environmental conditions of industrial everyday work.
With the release of Windows Embedded Compact 7 CTP just a couple weeks ago, Microsoft is paving the way for further partner innovation on more specialized devices based on Windows 7 powerful features. Using the new platform, device manufacturers will be able to combine rich experiences with touch-of-a-button connectivity on new devices such as slate PCs and portable media players.
Windows Embedded Compact 7 Public CTP is available to developers to download and try for themselves at http://www.windowsembedded.com/compact7. In the meantime, I’m excited and looking forward to seeing what our very creative German partners will be doing with it in time for our next meeting. Check out @msftweb on Twitter for more details on new devices and innovative applications of the new Windows Embedded platforms.
