Microsoft delivers test build of Windows 7-based 'Quebec' Embedded OS
Microsoft made available for download on September 1 a public test build of the embedded version of its Windows 7 platform -- known officially as Windows Embedded Standard 2011 and codenamed "Quebec."
(The Community Technology Preview bits of Embedded Standard 2011 are available on Microsoft's Connect site.)
Windows Embedded Standard is targeted at OEMs and specialized device makers who want to build platforms and applications that use various Windows components. In other words, it is the componentized version of Windows 7.
Its sister product, Windows Embedded Compact, formerly known as Windows CE, is the core Windows-based embedded platform used by makers of smaller devices and phones, including Microsoft's own Windows Mobile and Zune groups. The next slated version of Windows Embedded Compact is codenamed "Chelan," and is slated to ship in late 2010. (An interim version of the Embedded Compact platform, codenamed "Cashmere," may or may not still be on the drawing board.)
Windows Embedded Standard 2011, when Microsoft first outlined its feature set, was described as the embedded version of the Vista platform. But more recently, the Softies have said it will be a subset of Windows 7, not Vista. Among the features in this Community Technology Preview build:
- Support for Active Directory group policies and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager
- Increasted interoperability with Microsoft Terminal Services and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
- Support for the Windows Aero user interface, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Touch, Windows Flip 3D navigation, Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 12, Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 7.0 and Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5
- Support for 64-bit CPUs and smart power-management APIs for building apps that can improve CPU idle time and reduce power consumption
Microsoft didn't provide a final ship-date target for Windows Embedded Standard 2011, but I'd guess it's likely to hit sometime next year. is saying to expect Windows Embedded Standard 2011 to ship in the second half of 2010. (Thanks, EmilP !)