Microsoft Introduces First Embedded Operating System Optimized Specifically for Portable Navigation Device (PND) Manufacturers
Posted on June 16, 2008
Filed Under Microsoft
REDMOND, Wash., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Microsoft Corp. today
announced the availability of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, Microsoft’s
first embedded operating system designed specifically for OEMs building
handheld portable navigation devices (PNDs). Windows Embedded NavReady 2009
delivers innovative technologies to help developers and OEMs quickly bring
to market smart, connected, service-oriented PNDs that easily connect to
online services, mobile phones using Bluetooth, Windows-based PCs and the
Internet. Based on Windows Embedded CE, Windows Embedded NavReady 2009
builds upon a decade of experience and success that the Windows Embedded
Business has achieved by helping developers and OEMs simplify the
development, user experience and maintenance of their PND designs.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)
“As demand for personal navigation devices continues to increase, and
existing owners look to upgrade from their original devices, original
equipment manufacturers must continue to innovate and enhance their
products with features that will attract a variety of users,” said Chris
Jones, Canalys vice president and principal analyst. “Personal navigation
solutions will increasingly become connected, which will open up new
opportunities to add value through the delivery of dynamic information and
location-based services. But this is a highly competitive market and it is
important that businesses like Windows Embedded help OEMs and others bring
these rich devices to market quickly and efficiently.”
Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 Key Features
This release also provides a number of benefits that can help
developers and OEMs quickly bring to market new scenarios in which the PND
connects to other devices and online services. Features include the
following:
* Live Search delivers OEMs and partners key elements enabling Internet-
based Live Search on devices to find up-to-date points of interest
similar to the ones provided by the Live Search Maps service.
* Bluetooth technologies enable OEMs to provide rich, hands-free scenarios
to users with the following profiles: Hands Free, Pairing Service, Phone
Book Access, Advanced Audio Distribution, Audio and Video Remote Control,
Dial Up Networking and Bluetooth Connection Manager. Users will be able
to use their PND device as a hands-free device to make phone calls or
data connections when the device is paired with a compatible phone
enabled with Bluetooth.
* MSN Direct enables OEMs to incorporate MSN Direct technologies. These
technologies can reduce users’ commute time while enhancing the travel
experience by providing up-to-date information such as traffic alerts
and fuel prices.
* Windows SideShow functionality helps enable the PND as a secondary
display screen for many Windows Vista-based PCs*, allowing Windows
SideShow gadgets to interact and exchange information with the PND and
providing a rich user experience at home or work.
“As a leading designer and manufacturer of portable navigation devices
we have relied on Windows Embedded CE as a proven real-time operating
system for our Mio product line,” said Samuel Wang, president of Mio
Technology Corp. “With the launch of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 and the
introduction of features including Live Search, MSN Direct and Bluetooth
capabilities, we are looking forward to bringing our next-generation PNDs
to market with a richer end-user experience and in a reduced timeframe.”
“Windows Embedded powers many of the portable navigation devices in the
marketplace,” said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded
Business at Microsoft. “Our commitment to this segment has always been
about providing the platform and tools that give our OEM partners the most
innovative technologies while reducing the complexity of development. We
firmly believe the release of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 helps us
fulfill this promise by taking the PND experience to the next level.
Adopting Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 today will allow device-makers and
solution providers to focus on innovation while bringing smart, connected,
service-oriented portable navigation devices to market in time for the 2008
holiday retail season and beyond.”
With the addition of the Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 solution,
Windows Embedded now presents two device category-specific offerings:
Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 and Windows Embedded POSReady. Windows
Embedded POSReady, the next generation of Windows Embedded for Point of
Service, is scheduled to ship in 2009.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize
their full potential.
* Works with Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Enterprise,
Windows
Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate.
To download the Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 technologies:
http://www.WindowsEmbedded.com/NavReady
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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