Microsoft releases preview of Windows 7 embedded edition

Microsoft has released a technical preview of its new Windows 7-based embedded edition, the company said Tuesday.

Designed to run on everything from ATMs to digital photo frames, Windows Embedded Standard 2011 is now available for download as a trial edition. The finished version is expected in the second half of 2010.

The community technology preview of Windows Embedded gives businesses and developers a chance to evaluate it on their devices and offer feedback to Microsoft. The company said that Windows Embedded lets manufacturers choose only those components they need to drive their equipment, eliminating the need to develop a full platform on their own.

Windows Embedded is used in a variety of markets, including industrial automation, entertainment, and consumer electronics. In the business world, the software is typically found in thin clients, kiosks, medical equipment, and point-of-service devices. On the consumer side, Windows Embedded is used in GPS devices, gaming consoles, networked TVs, and portable media players.

Microsoft said the latest embedded version offers several new features. Businesses will be able to manage their devices using Active Directory group policies and virtual desktops. The new edition will support 64-bit CPUs, the Windows Aero interface, and Windows Touch for touch screens. Windows Embedded Standard 2011 will also incorporate Internet Explorer 8 and Windows Media Player 12.

To help manufacturers, the company will offer Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certification, a preparation kit, and training software. More information can be found on the Windows Embedded Training site. The company will also let businesses and developers register for free Webinars.

[joetesta70]

I've been using Windows 7 and was surprisingly impressed. Thinking of switching back.

[JosePolanco]

excelente noticia !

[cosuna]

Seems Microsoft is pushing Vista/7 onto anything that moves... or doesn't.

It would be better for them to wait and see if Windows 7 cuts the mustard, before thinking of putting this baby on ATMs.

Ever wonder how a UAC looks in your internet Kiosk. Yep, you are right, it does not add any security after all. OUCH!!!

[wixostrix]

Windows Embedded has been in ATMs and other devices for years I doubt it's going to be a fail for Win7E. UAC is much less intrusive in Win7.

[Exedore101]

I beleve most ATM's today already run some form of windows embedded.

[DrtyDogg]

Why wouldn't UAC offer any security to an internet kiosk?

Posting without knowing what you are talking about, OUCH!!!!

[Thranx]

well timed. XPe is getting pretty old. Not that it doesn't do a great job, just that eventually people are going to want some better management features that the newer OSs offer. In 2011 XP will be 9-10 years old.

[Seaspray0]

cosuna, do you even know what a kiosk is? Let me give you some examples... atm machines, ticket vending machines, DVD vending machines, directory assistance screens for big buildings. They allow public use and do not allow the public to do anything other than what the kiosk program allows (they're even designed to autorun the kiosk app on boot). They do not allow you access to the operating system.

cosuna do you even know what UAC is? That's the pop up you get when you make changes to the operating system that requires administrator rights... something you will never ever be allowed to do on a kiosk. And if the kiosk software messed up to the point you could even access the desktop and try to make changes, I certainly would want UAC there to stop you.

cosuna, do you know how silly you look after making those comments?

[jcomputm]

Good! So Microsoft is now updating their embedded line of operating systems. I have to say, Windows seven is AWESOME!! I finally got it via internet not long ago, and if the PC version is impressive , the embedded version must be impressive as well.

[kayePR]

See more of Windows 7 embedded edition at TechInsights' ESC Boston event (www.embedded.com/boston) September 21-24, 2009. The event's ?Build Your Own Embedded System? sessions will feature Windows 7 Technology for specialized devices & Intel® Atom? Processor. These hands-on seminars and design kits give electronics system developers unprecedented access to the technologies and implementation expertise,