Windows CE an "Embedded System"

If you have been following handheld computing for several years, you probably know that the software in the Pocket PC is not the first version of Microsoft's Windows CE operating system and handheld application software. Microsoft introduced Windows CE 1.0 in 1996, along with the original version of its Handheld PC software. The first Handheld PCs were pocket-sized clamshell devices with small keyboards. These were followed by Windows CE 2.0 Handheld PCs, and finally Windows CE 2.11 Palm-size PCs and Handheld PC Pros. According to the logos on their covers, all these devices were "Powered by Windows CE." Although the devices grew in popularity, they were not wildly successful.

Microsoft felt that one of the reasons for the lack of success was the confusing name "Windows CE" on the cover of the devices. With the release of the Pocket PC, Microsoft changed the cover logo to "Windows Powered" (Windows CE is still the name of the operating system). When news of this change first broke it was interpreted by some as indicative of the failure and demise of the Windows CE operating system. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The operating system continues to be a very important part of Microsoft's operating system strategy. In this issue I will explain where Windows CE fits in a family of "embedded" operating systems sold by Microsoft and how it makes the Pocket PC different from the competition.

Common building blocks create different products

The software built into your Pocket and Handheld PC is pieced together from component building blocks, like a Legos structure. Microsoft started with the Windows CE "kernel" and file system (the most basic parts of the operating system). On top of these they added the graphics, windows manager, and the event manager (all of which provide the basic functions for displaying items on the screen and processing input). Device drivers, communications, and the user interface are the remaining building blocks of the operating system. Finally, the "Pocket" applications are added. That includes Pocket Outlook, Word, Excel, File Explorer, Media Player and more.

Screens 1 & 2: The Windows CE 3.0 operating system and the Windows Media application are virtually identical on the Pocket PC and Handheld PC 2000. The main difference is the design of the user interface.

What I'm calling "building blocks" software developers call "modular design." This lets Microsoft create different products without having to start from scratch each time. For example, take a look at Windows Media Player on the Pocket PC and on the new Handheld PC 2000 (see Screens 1 & 2). The Windows CE 3.0 operating system and the Windows Media application are virtually identical on the two devices. The big difference is the user interface.

Microsoft lore has it that the first prototype of the Windows CE Handheld PC user interface was written over a single weekend, and designed to closely resemble the Windows 95 interface. The target market was people using Windows 95 and the marketing team's research suggested that they would expect to interact with the H/PC in the same way they do with their desktop PC. The Palm-size and later the Pocket PC user interface is quite different.

Windows CE an "embedded system"

Most of us buy our desktop PCs or laptops with the operating system and applications pre-installed. That means that who ever you bought the computer from went through the trouble of installing the software on the computer's hard drive. A computer or electronic device with an "embedded system" takes this one step further. It comes with the operating system and necessary software applications built into the hardware of the computer. It never corrupts and you never have to re-install it.