Microsoft News Tracker

Microsoft today announced that a community technology preview (CTP) of XP-based Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is now available with customer shipment planned for 4Q08.

Featuring new technologies including Microsoft Silverlight, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 6.1, and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is designed to drive managed and secure thin clients, sophisticated point of service and kiosk devices requiring visually compelling user experiences, and smart networked multifunction printers that are easy to manage and connect with enterprise infrastructure. Windows Embedded Standard 2009 also includes componentized drivers for Intel Corporation’s latest x86 processor architectures [e.g. Intel Atom Processor - ed.], providing device makers with the flexibility to access the latest generation of hardware.

I am always intrigued by the Windows Embedded challenge of jamming increasingly amplitudinous Windows client operating systems into various gadgets since it seems like a neat piece of retro engineering if not a magic trick. If you aren’t familiar with the specifics of the family members, Microsoft has this concise overview chart.