Windows Embedded CE
From pocketnow.com
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Windows Embedded CE
Description
Windows Embedded CE, also known as Windows CE is one of Microsoft's embedded operating systems available for creating computerized customized embedded computers. Unlike the desktop version Windows Embedded CE does not have standard installation that can be copied to a device. Instead Microsoft ships source code for Windows Embedded CE and an OEM must customize the code and add missing components (example: drivers for their hardware) to create the OS Image; all Windows CE builds are custom builds. The package that contains the source code and the associated tools is called the Platform Builder. And OEM may use the Platform builder to create a finished product. The OEM may also create hardware to be further customized by its partners or customers in which case the necessary drivers for their hardware ship in what is called the Board Support Package (BSP).
Relationship to Windows Mobile
The relationship between Windows Embedded CE and Windows Mobile is often misunderstood. Some popular yet incorrect views are that Windows Embedded CE and Windows Mobile are the same thing or that Windows CE is a dead operating system that is no longer updated and Windows Mobile takes its place. Both views are untrue.
Windows Mobile is derived from Windows Embedded CE. After a version of Windows Embedded CE is complete further development is done to create a version of Windows CE for phones. The result is shipped in the Adaptation Kit for Windows Mobile. Like the Platform Builder the Adaptation Kit is not a built operating system image. An OEM takes the adaptation kit and develops and licenses additional software components to create Windows Mobile builds appropriate for their products. All Windows Mobile builds are custom builds.
Derivitive Products
Windows Embedded CE is used in a variety of producs. Those products include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Windows Mobile
- Windows Automotive
- Ford Sync
- Set Top Boxes
- Sling Media Player
- Industrial Robots
- Remote Controls
- Zune
