Windows 7 ‘Embedded’ on other devices
Windows Embedded Standard 7 may not be a very catchy name, but it could catch on in a big way.
Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7, has been a huge success already on the PC. In its short life after being released last October, the OS has found its way onto millions of computer users’ hardware, and the reception it has received has been overwhelmingly positive. So why not bring the features and usability of Windows 7 through to devices other than the PC?
That’s exactly what Microsoft is aiming to do with Windows Embedded Standard 7.
Windows Embedded Standard 7 is a version of Windows 7 designed specifically to be embedded into devices other than computers. According to Microsoft’s press release, Windows Embedded Standard 7 cane be used for “thin clients, digital signage and industrial controls for the enterprise, as well as set-top boxes (STBs), connected media devices (CMDs), and TVs for consumers.”
Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business Unit at Microsoft, said:
With the release of Windows Embedded Standard 7, Microsoft has furthered its commitment to the integration of Windows 7 technologies in the specialized consumer and enterprise device markets by providing OEMs with the latest innovative technologies to differentiate through rich, immersive user experiences and streamlined connectivity.
This is tapping into a huge market which is growing at a rate of knots. Digital video recorders, set-top boxes, and Web-connected televisions are becoming standard fixtures in people’s homes, and they all require an operating system with an easy-to-use UI. Microsoft is hoping to fill that gap with Windows Embedded Standard 7.
Microsoft is definitely back in business, but it does need to work on the naming of its products. Windows 7 is short and to the point, but we’ve since had Windows Phone 7 Series (before the Series was thankfully dropped) and now Windows Embedded Standard 7. Sticking a lower case ‘i’ in front of the name may help, but I think that’s already been done.
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May 5th, 2010
Microsoft is terrible at this segment. Linux, on the other hand is perfect for it, is already well established and easily customized and is all kinds of devices as firmware.
CE, Mobile etc…have been awful.
May 11th, 2010
meh, I’d like to pretend to be on board with you pertaining to the implementation of linux, but the world today isn’t one that is willing to sit down and learn how to adapt linux into their own devices nor learn to further custom tailor it to their own personal preferences….if microsoft can effectively implement an o/s as unique and individual to the user as windows 7 is on various other devices it will do very well….linux is a fine operating system for network administrators overseeing server systems and data analysts….but not for everyday users….you’ll never get a mass movement towards linux no matter how much you simply it….it’ll never be point and click simple.