The third version of the .Net Micro Framework (version 3.0) is available as a beta on connect. Enter this beta test today and get a chance to win a universal remote running Microframework (see details), the RicaVision VAVE100.
This new release of the .Net Microframework brings a bunch of interesting features like these ones:
- Interop
- Touchscreen
- Filesystem
- VS2008
- DPWS Tools
- Wi-Fi
- SSL
- Serial enhancements
- USB Device
- Fonts
- More cores
- Emulator and diag enhancements
For more details on these features, go there.
Live search provides a really interesting feature: building your own search macros.
In my previous post, I mentioned a macro to search the MSDN library for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 info. I built another macro to search my blog in a couple of clicks and here you are:
http://search.live.com/macros/obloch/blog/
The starting point to build your own search macro is the "create your own search engine" link in the lower right corner.
Here is a great Macro that will make your life easier if you are developing on Windows Embedded CE 6.
The Live search engine enables building macros to customize search. Veronica built one you have to try and use:
http://search.live.com/macros/windows_embedded/ce6/?FORM=OIJG
Always forgetting your shopping list?
Always roaming around not finding what you are looking for and really need to buy?
Would like to get some recipe advices while looking at a certain article?
Don't want to queue up and would like self check-out to be easy?
Then imagine shopping with one of these embedded device attached to your trolley! I like it!
Springboard Retail Networks | Concierge
At the moment I am writing this post, there might be a designated winner for each category of the Imagine Cup.
But all participants did a really good job and there were some amazing projects in the Embedded Development category. Here is the list of the Embedded Development finalists:
- China – Wings
- Team Members: Shibiao Xu, Junjie Li, Zhongjie Wang, Lei Yan
- Ireland – Acid Rain
- Team Members: Brian Byrne, Aodhan Coffey, Karl O’Dyer
- Korea – Here Rose
- Team Members: Hyon Lim, Aram So
- Poland – Aero@PUT
- Team Members: Piotr Kryger, Mikołaj Małaczyński, Jakub Pawłowski, Piotr Slęzak
- Singapore – Trail Blazers
- Team Members: Pinto James Dominic, Shi Ben Yong, Hu Shuhan, Denver Lim
- Ukraine – Sun Round Sky Around
- Team Members: Tsopa Oleksandra, Makovetskiy Sergey, Tkalich Inna
And there you will find a great video of the project of the team from Ireland on Channel 8: http://channel8.msdn.com/Posts/IC-08-Embedded-Development-Meet-team-Ireland/
You might have found it really difficult to find a BSP for Windows CE (which ever version).
Here is a great tool that will help you for sure:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/embedded/aa714506.aspx
This is the list of all supported BSPs for all versions of Windows CE from Windows CE 3.0 to Windows Embedded CE 6.0.
You certainly have heard about the Windows Embedded family renaming. If not, take a look at this post.
Part of the Windows Embedded Ready sub-family (specific verticals offerings), here is a new born: Windows Embedded NavReady 2009. By the "Nav" prefix, you certainly have guessed that this new product is not about being ready to run some well known anti-virus ;-)... but is more about portable navigation devices, aka PNDs or GPS.
So imagine the scenario: you are driving and need to get info like the weather, traffic, or the best and newest points of interests near you like a restaurant or a gas station with best prices... The only thing you have is your PND and a cell phone, let's be more precise, a Bluetooth cell phone. Why not leverage your cell phone connectivity and link it using Bluetooth to your PND, you would then not only be able to make phone calls from the PND (using it as an hand free kit), but also get your PND connected to services on the Internet. Then, bringing your PND back home, you could also want to leverage its large LCD screen for some... Sideshow usage...
Ok, I hear some of you saying: "What is the big deal here? Some PND already provide this kind of functionality or kind of...". Let me answer that: think it the OEM way... The PND manufacturers need integration, they need to be able to leverage up-to-date connected technologies, and they need to integrate these technologies quickly, easily, and for an optimum cost...
Here are all the features Windows Embedded NavReady adds to the Platform Builder 5.0 catalog:
- the ability to perform Live Search on the device via the Internet and get up-to-date point of interest (POI) information.
- key Bluetooth technologies (profiles) enabling PNDs to provide rich hands-free scenarios to end-users and managed dialup networking services to applications on the device when used together with compatible Bluetooth capable phones (and for data when the end user has a compatible data plan activated on the phone).
- enabling OEMs to integrate MSN Direct technologies. These technologies can reduce end users commute time while enhancing the travel experience by providing up-to-date information such as traffic alerts and fuel prices.
- Inside the home, GPS devices will be able to function as a Windows Sideshow device to Windows Vista, allowing the device to interact with various Windows Vista gadgets to receive, send or display information important to the end-user.
You are smart and attentive enough, so you noticed I mentioned Platform Builder version 5.0... You'd probably want to ask why this new offer is based on Windows CE 5.0 and not on the latest CE version which is 6.0. The answer is quite simple: today, many PND manufacturers are using CE 5.0 in there devices, and Microsoft's first focus is to provide these OEMs with the right features that will make it possible for them to bring their devices to market fast with these new capabilities... and without having to licence any third party technology on top of their actually running OS.
If you want to learn more about Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, visit the Web site :http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/products/navready/default.mspx
If you want to get started and to download NavReady, then go there.
John works at Microsoft in the OEM Embedded devices group. I think his brand new blog will provide great info and news about the Embedded technologies as he has a real world view, facing customers constantly. Ok, sometimes he might look a bit scary, but I swear, he is a cool guy!
Add his RSS in your favorites right away!
Here is his blog address:
http://Blogs.msdn.com/jcoyne
I am just flying back from TechEd Dev Orlando. This week went really well for the Windows Embedded track. This year was our first time at TechEd North America. We wanted to propose different kind of content: overview and presentations for non-embedded developers and deep dive sessions (especially during the 3 pre-con tracks on Monday) for embedded developers (and non-embedded developers wanting to dive into cool and interesting technologies!) I feel that was a success.
At the pre-con sessions we had few but really interested and interesting attendees. Maybe we didn't advertise enough on the fact that there were 3 full tracks for Embedded technologies during that first day of pre-con, and maybe we didn't give enough insights on the content. What is sure is that the attendees were really pleased and the feedback is very positive and encouraging. Seems like the formula choice for the pre-con was a good one. According to the feedbacks we got and will continue to receive (BTW, feel free to comment on everything!), we will reproduce and enhance this next year.
Windows Embedded breakout sessions were well attended and feedbacks are really positive. Thank you for the good evals you gave us! If you have not filled out your eval it is still time! We need to know if the type of content was appropriate, if you'd preferred different content, other type of demos, sessions level, whatever! Let us know.
The Windows Embedded booth generated some interest too. We showcased some cool devices illustrating the kind of stuff that can be built with our technologies. Our experts were there answering the attendees questions. When I was on the booth I answered questions asked by curious developers wanting to know what Windows Embedded was and other ones, Embedded developers, coming with great and tricky questions about their actual Embedded development. Once again I am sure we can make it even greater, let us know what you would expect form a "Windows Embedded booth" on a TechEd Dev event.
Hope to see you at next edition!
Digital Beverage has created a product called MyFountain. Running Windows XP Embedded this “digital bartender” is a fully automated drink fountain that mixes drinks, pours them and cleans the nozzle afterwards with hot water—no bartender required. MyFountain also comes with a mini-computer and touchscreen so you can create your own drinks with the online recipe generator. Digital Beverage also has created a higher end model run on Windows XP Embedded called the Virtual Bartender. Isn't that cool?
You can see it live @ TechEd on the embedded booth!
You might have read Mike's post about his 1998 TechEd shirt.
Here is a picture I took this morning:
Yes, It is the exact same shirt! He also brought his 8Bit tie, but didn't dare to wear it: chicken!
So Mike presented a session on Windows CE this morning @ TechEd 2008, wearing that 1998 TechEd shirt. Collector.
Here is the proof I have ben eating alligator in Florida. That pretty much tasted like... let's say... like chicken. Even if I was told by my colleague Dion (our Australian Technical PM for Windows CE) he could easily kill any alligator ;-) with his own hands, I guess this will not be something I will eat often! It was good.
If you are @ TechEd in Orlando and want to listen to some music and meet with bloggers, just come on the bloggers lounge.
Want to get started and trained on Windows Embedded tools and technologies?
Get a chance to participate to one of the workshops that will be given worldwide in the next weeks in Chicago, Redmond, Bloomington, Boston, Mountain View, Washington D.C., Germany/Erlangen, France/Paris, France/Lyon.
Registration is accessed on this page: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/accelerationworkshops/
The PDC 2008 event will take place in Los Angeles at the end of October. The Web site is now live over here: http://microsoftpdc.com
We are working on setting up a great embedded track for this year edition. Bet you'll be there!
