Windows Embedded learning to take direction
Microsoft plans this week to demo for the first time a Windows-based portable navigation system running a new custom version of Windows.
At a trade show in Hungary, the software maker is showing a system from Mio Technology that is running the Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 operating system that Microsoft announced back in June.
At the time, the software maker said it would have systems out in time for this year's holiday shopping season. However, Mio's press release said it is not planning to have its systems out until sometime next year. I'm checking to confirm that things have indeed fallen behind schedule.
"Our adoption of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 is a significant step in our ongoing mission to create superior customer experiences on PND to consumer devices," Mio President Samuel Wang said in a statement. "Having a category-specific platform like Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 dramatically simplifies the process of building a connected GPS navigation device."
In addition to mapping, NavReady provides for features like Live Search, Bluetooth, and MSN Direct services for things like traffic, weather, and gas price info.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
