Microsoft is set to release on Monday a beta version of an update to its Windows CE operating system for handheld devices, set-top boxes and other limited-function computing devices.
The Technology Preview Kit for Windows CE 5.0, formerly code-named Macallan, will be provided to developers attending the Embedded Systems Conference in San Francisco. Microsoft plans to make it available for download later in the week through its Microsoft Developer Network site for embedded developers.
Enhancements in the new version of the OS include an array of prebuilt drivers covering common hardware components and configurations, said John Starkweather, group product manager for Microsoft"s Windows Embedded group. That means developers can concentrate on features rather than hardware tweaking, he said.
"We looked at, "what are our top scenarios?"...and [decided] let"s put some of those drivers in the box," Starkweather said. "We are saving a significant amount of time for developers." Windows CE 5.0 also includes several security enhancements intended to guard against potential threats such as viruses or data theft.