Microsoft newsgroups report that Windows Embedded Standard 7, which manufacturers can use to create specialized devices that run Windows 7-based components, has been released to manufacturing.
The new embedded OS allows OEMs to create and enhances experiences for the end user with connectivity to Windows PCs, servers, and online services on devices like thin clients, digital signs, and industrial controls. The new OS will also find its way into set-top boxes, connected media devices, and TVs. This means that from now on any equipment manufacturer will be able to add a version of the Windows 7 operating system to its gadgets, and additional support for Microsoft’s Windows Media Player might make this particularly suited to devices that merge television viewing with Internet browsing.
Microsoft version of an iPad, here we come.
Also crossposted on Microsoft Operating System newsgroups, reports of a new version of Windows Home Server has gone into beta. Codenamed “Vail,” the next Windows Home Server release is built on 64-bit Windows Server 2008 R2. Microsoft unveiled a community technology preview version of Windows Embedded Standard 7 back in September.
