Microsoft Ships Windows CE for Hand-Held PCs with Color Capabilities

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft has begun shipping a version of its Windows CE operating system that enables color on hand-held PCs. This move is part of the company's effort to make Windows CE the de facto standard OS for hand-held applications. By shipping the new OS to manufacturer partners, Microsoft expects new palm-size PCs to be available in stores during the first half of this year. The latest release, formerly code-named "Wyvern," includes improvements to readability and usefulness of small-screen devices. Color display is a significant advancement, as it addresses the issue of hard-to-read monochrome displays on current hand-helds.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has shipped Windows CE OS with color capabilities to manufacturer partners, enabling new palm-size PCs with color display to be available in stores during the first half of this year.
  • The new OS includes improvements to readability and usefulness of small-screen devices, addressing the issue of hard-to-read monochrome displays on current hand-helds.
  • Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Philips Electronics North America Corp. have announced support for the new technology.
  • Microsoft expects the new OS to spur innovation in the independent software vendor (ISV) space, including new games and Internet content.
  • The software giant views palm-size PCs as must-have extensions to the network and PC.
  • Harel Kodesh, vice president of the information appliance group at Microsoft, stated, "One part of this is color, which is a natural evolution."
  • Jay Tempesta, vice president and general manager at Compaq's Enhancements and Monitors Division, said, "Windows CE for the palm-size PC is an integral part of our 1999 mobile companion strategy."

Statistics:

  • Microsoft has shipped the new Windows CE OS to its manufacturer partners.
  • Compaq expects to release new palm-size PCs with color display eventually.
  • Philips Electronics North America Corp. has also announced support for the new technology.
  • The first half of this year is expected to see the availability of new palm-size PCs with color display.
  • Microsoft plans to spur innovation in the ISV space through the new OS.
  • Harel Kodesh mentioned that one part of the new OS is color, which is a natural evolution.

Sources:

  • Newsbytes News Network, http://www.newsbytes.com (19990201/WIRES PC/)
  • Microsoft Corp., http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/