So long and thanks for all the fish!

It's time to send all our readers and followers Season Greetings and to bid farewell (but not goodbye).

I would like to thank everyone who has participated over the last 4.5 years - active as well as passive - and hope that the information provided through this blog in 580 posts, with 191 comments and over 129 thousand views, was useful.

As Vera Lynn sung back in 1940: "We'll meet again. Don't know where. Don't know when ... but I know we'll meet again some sunny day!"

To all of you Season Greetings and a Happy and Prosperous 2013!

So long and thanks for all the fish!
Damian


Read more! Post this to a friend!

Renesas DevCon - last day

Hi folks,

today is already the last day of this years Renesas DevCon. It has been a very valuable, informative and interesting event.

Thanks very much to everyone who has made this experience so valuable, especially the people at Renesas – see you at the next DevCon in 2014!

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Renesas DevCon Impressions

Hi folks,

welcome from the last day of the Renesas DevCon here in sunny southern California.

The exhibit ended last night, however there are a lot of interesting sessions to attend as well as a lot of interesting people to talk to.

Here are some impressions from the Renesas DevCon:

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Renesas DevCon Day 2

Hi folks,

Today I held my talk at the Renesas DevCon: “9L04I Developing the Next Generation Automotive User Interface”.

At the end I raffled off the XBOX 360 sponsored by Elektrobit and Microsoft – congratulations to the lucky winner!

At the exhibition I had some really interesting conversations about Windows Embedded as well as EB GUIDE and EB tresos with some of the participants while enjoying a cold beer.

See you today at the Renesas DevCon!

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

A warm hello from the Renesas DevCon 2012 – Day 1

Hi folks,

welcome to the first day of the Renesas DevCon 2012 in Garden Grove, CA. We are showcasing our HMI development tool EB GUIDE running on Windows Embedded Automotive 7 as well as EB tresos.

Don’t forget to attend my session tomorrow, Tuesday October 23^rd for a chance to win a Microsoft XBOX 360:

4pm to 6pm: “9L04I Developing the Next Generation Automotive User Interface”

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Win a Microsoft Xbox 360 by attending my talk at the Renesas DevCon

Hi Folks,

I will hold a presentation with hands-on lab “9L04I Developing the Next Generation Automotive User Interface” (look under “Operating Systems”) on Tuesday, October 23^rd at the Renesas DevCon in Anaheim, CA October 22^nd to 25^th.

Simply attend my session to enter to win a Microsoft Xbox 360 sponsored by Microsoft and Elektrobit – one lucky attendant will go home with the Xbox!

Make sure to also stop by at our booth and chat about Windows Embedded Automotive 7, EB GUIDE or any other topic.

See you there!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Visit EB at the SAE Convergence!

Hi folks,

visit EB at the SAE Convergence, October 16^th to 17^th in Detroit, MI at booth 708, where we will be showcasing Windows Embedded Automotive 7 and EB GUIDE Studio amongst other technologies.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for August 2012 have arrived!

Hi all,

the August updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Update August 2012:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Build

120813_KB2734737 - This update addresses an issue with SYSGEN_WCELDCMD causing inclusion of SYSGEN_MINGDI and SYSGEN_MINGWES in headless device configuration.

Component: DHCP

120823_KB2740023  - This update addresses an issue with TCP stack discarding DHCP unicast packets.

Component: Kernel

120816_KB2740479 - An exception may occur in the new thread generated in CreateThread.

120828_KB2746680 - This update addresses an issue with the possibility of Kernel validating an invalid pointer as valid when the OEM RAM Table is being used on SH4 and MIPS platforms

Component: Networking

120828_KB2743480 - This update addresses an issue with the static WINS server being ignored by iphlpapi

Component: RPC

120809_KB2731955 - Memory leaks may occur in rpcrt4.dll module during suspend/resume with continuous ping operation.

Component: WININET

120814_KB2735592 - This update addresses an issue with HttpOpenRequest receiving "501 Method Not Implemented" notification.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update August 2012:

Fixes made in this update:

Component:  Base OS

120831_KB2738288 - This update addresses an issue with the DOS Copy command erroneously deleting files.

Component:  Bluetooth

120625_KB2708132 - Under certain circumstances all existing RFCOMM connections are disconnected. A new registry key is also introduced 'AvoidMultipleDisconnectMsgs' [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Bluetooth\rfcomm] to turn ON/OFF the fix for this issue. The registry is set to '0' by default disabling the fix.

Component:  COMM

120831_KB2722850 - This update addresses the issue with the web server being not accessible after adding DefaultDomain registry key.

Component:  FILESYS

120809_KB2726340 - This update addresses possible data corruption that may occur when running multiple read/write threads.

Component:  Storage

120813_KB2728493 - This update enables to mount non-partitioned ExFat formatted disk.

REMEMBER: It’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP 3 available for download

Hi folks,

The latest CTP for WES8 is publicly available for download via Microsoft Connect as of September 12^th 2012:

“Windows Embedded Standard 8 enables OEMs and Enterprises to create embedded devices that can use all of the powerful features that are available in Windows 8. Standard 8 also provides additional features to support embedded device requirements around:

·     Compliance, Security & Lockdown

·     Custom Branding

·     Activation, Management, & Servicing of the OS & Apps (WinRT & Win 32)

·     Modularized OS

A foundational value is allowing devices to be integrated into Intelligent Systems by ensuring compatibility with Microsoft core enterprise solutions such as System Center, and Forefront. You can create devices with the confidence that they are able to leverage the powerful enterprise & IT pro tools offered by Microsoft.

CTP3 Specific Highlights

Features Improvements:

·     Updates to existing tools: Image Configuration Editor (ICE) & Module Designer (MD)

·     New Dynamic Dependency Analysis

·     Additional Device Templates Support

·     Overall Lockdown and Branding optimizations

·     Module name changes

·     Support for 6 additional languages:

o  Arabic (ar)

o  Dutch (nl)

o  Italian (it)

o  Russian (ru)

o  Swedish (sv)

o  Turkish (tr)

Please reference the CTP3 Release Documentation download that provides more details on what's new since the release of CTP2.”

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for July 2012 have arrived!

Hi all,

the July updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Update July 2012:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: DirectX

120731_KB2735847 - A memory leak may occur when using "RenderFile" API.

Component: FILESYS

120724_KB2731516 - This update addresses the possible infinite loop in the CDirectory::Initialize() function.

Component: MSFLASH

120703_KB2728374 - This update improves error handling and provides fixes to the transaction log recovery mechanism in the Flash model device driver (MDD) module.

Component: Schannel

120621_KB2716156 - WSD is unable to create a proxy on a client using Web Service for Device APIs when hosting Web Service on HTTPS.

Component: SOFTKB

120709_KB2719060 - An input panel may disappear when changing the current SIP from XAMLIM to Keyboard or Large Keyboard.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update July 2012:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: COMM

120724_KB2701834 - This update enables Gateway configuration in the DHCP Allocator. A new registry "DhcpDefaultGatewayInfo" is implemented under [HKLM\Comm\ConnectionSharing]. It takes an IP address as string. If the registry has an valid IP address, use it to override the gateway information. If the registry is set to '0.0.0.0', gateway information would not be sent to the DHCP clients. If the registry is either invalid or not present, the behavior will not changed, and the IP address of the adapter would be sent as the gateway information.

Component: DEVMGMT

120726_KB2736057 - This update addresses an error that may occur when SYSGEN_DEVMGMT and SYSGEN_SNMP are included with the image.

Component: Filesys

120724_KB2728496 - This update addresses the possible infinite loop in the CDirectory::Initialize() function.

Component: Fonts

120727_KB2733094 - This update adds "Arial Narrow" font to Windows Embedded CE 6.0.

Component: RDP

120726_KB2719189 - Double-clicking on an icon within RDP session may not launch an application due to consecutive clicks not getting recognized as double clicks.

Component: ZeroConfig 802.11

120726_KB2730716 - This update will allow a device to check whether the most preferred Access Point is visible before trying to connect to it.

REMEMBER: It’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for June 2012 have arrived!

Hi all,

the June updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Update June 2012:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Catalog

120608_KB2708168 - This fix updates the CeBase.PbcXml file to include a number of Catalog items as approved content for the "C7NR" SKU.

Component: CoreOS

120628_KB2708316 - Under certain circumstances the system locale may not get updated correctly.

Component: DHCP

120608_KB2711628 - DHCP may cause an extra connect/disconnect on Media Sense event processing.

Component: Storage

120606_KB2646031 - This update addresses FSDMGR race conditions and deadlock issues between multiple threads operating on stores, partitions and PNPThread functions.

Component: Tools

120606_KB2710541 - Under certain circumstances the Kernel Tracker tool takes longer than expected to open the CeLog file.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update June 2012:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: CoreOS

120621_KB2718736 - This update addresses an issue with the focus in the listbox.

Component: DirectX

120620_KB2724694 - An error may occur when a corrupted WMA file is opened.

Component: GDI

120606_KB2711135 - PolyLine function may render incorrect results.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Update June 2012:

Fixes made in this update:

Component: Internet Explorer

120601_KB2712960 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Component: Security

120606_KB2712421 - A device may not be able to connect to SMB share via USB RNDIS

REMEMBER: It’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Phone 8 SDK

Hi folks,

The preview for the Windows Phone 8 (WH8) Software Development Kit (SDK) will be available on September 12^th 2012 for selected developers through the Windows Phone 8 SDK Preview Program. Along with the release of the WP8 SDK preview, details on how to apply will be shared.

The final version of the WP8 SDK will be available “later this year when we unveil Windows Phone 8” according to Todd Brix.

For details on WP8, see my previous post.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

First Windows Phone 8 devices unveiled

Hi folks,

After Samsung unveiled their upcoming Windows Phone 8 (WP8) device, the Samsung ATIV S last week, Nokia followed today in showing their two new WP8 powered devices Lumina 820 and Lumina 920.

All 3 devices will have a Qualcomm 1.5 GHz Dual-Core processor and will be available “later this year”.

Samsung ATIV S specs

Nokia Lumina 820 specs

Nokia Lumina 920 specs

See my earlier post for details about Windows Phone 8.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows CE SDK and Windows 7

Finally, our PCs at work have been changed to Window 7 and as expected there emerge problems running pre Windows 7 software - like VisualStudio 2005/2009/etc. Fortunately we had to switch quite late and so we benefit from the blood and sweat of our developer colleagues all over the world :-D Thank you, Simeon Pilgrim, for your excellent post (WinCE SDK problems in Windows 7) - it solved our problems straightway. Cheers, Jürgen
Read more! Post this to a friend!

Free Compact 7 July Live Meeting

Hi folks,

don’t miss the upcoming free July Windows Embedded Compact 7 Webcast held by fellow MVP Doug Boling:

Date:

Tuesday, July 17, 2012 9:00 AM Pacific Time (GMT-08:00)

Duration:

1 hour

Title:

Booting x86 systems into Windows Embedded Compact 7

           

Registration:

Here

Description:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 is a popular operating system for low cost, x86-based systems. The problem is getting the system up and running. From DOS based bootloaders to the customized BIOSLoader embedded developers have tried a number of methods to boot the operating system. This webcast will cover the various bootloaders for x86 systems and how to configure and update the loaders to customize the user experience for your system. Learn about x86 bootloaders in this example filled webcast.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Ford Sync in Computer History Museum

Hi Folks,

Ford’s  Microsoft Auto based in-car infotainment system “Sync” was inducted into the permanent collection of the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA. The museum officially added the 1^st generation “Sync” module which is based on the Windows CE 5.0 kernel and was first made available in 2007 as a $395 option for the 2008 US market Ford Focus.

It’s pretty cool that the project I am working on at the moment can be found in a museum!

Have fun! 

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Phone 8: details revealed

Microsoft revealed the first (but not complete) details on the upcoming Windows Phone 8 (WP8) at the Windows Phone Summit in San Francisco:

• WP8 will be based on the desktop Windows 8 kernel
• WP7 and WP7.5 devices (Windows Embedded Compact 7 kernel) will NOT be updateable to WP8
• WP7.8 will provide some features of WP8 to WP7 and WP7.5
• However, WP7 and WP7.5 apps will run on WP8
• multicore processor support
• NFC-chips for mobile payment and data transfer
• Multiple screen resolutions: WVG (800x480), WXGA (1280x768) and 720p (1280x720)
• MicroSD support
• Memory will be Bitlocker encrypted
• Enterprises can deploy apps outside of Marketplace
• Metro-Style UI will be further customizable:
• Scaling of tiles
• More tile colors
• Developers can further customize tiles to better fit their apps
• Deeply embedded Skype calling

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Compact online documentation

Hi Folks,

if you have been searching for the online documentation of Windows Embedded Compact 7, Windows Embedded CE 6.0 and Windows CE 5.0 look no further:

The Windows Embedded Compact online documentation includes:

·         Product documentation

·         Technical articles and tutorials

·         Code samples

·         Videos and screencasts

·         Links to community content

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Microsoft announces own tablet PCs "Surface"

Hi folks,

today, Microsoft announced two tablet PCs called “Surface” both running Windows 8:

One of which is running Windows RT on an ARM processor from Nvidia and is supposed to RTM at the same time as Windows 8 whereas the other one running Windows 8 Pro on an Intel Core i processor and is supposed to RTM 3 month after Windows 8.

Check out the preliminary technical specification for both “Surface” tablet PCs.

Specifics on pricing are not revealed as of yet.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

New “Intelligent Systems”-Blog from Microsoft

Hi folks,

To further emphasize their commitment to “Intelligent Systems” Microsoft has launched a new Blog:

Approaching Embedded Intelligently

Check it out!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for May 2012 have arrived!

Hi all,

                 

the May updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Update May 2012 (Update 11):

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: EXFAT

120515_KB2701377 - EXFAT file system corruption may occur when writing to a disk from multiple threads.

 

Component: IME

120522_KB2683589 - A user may not be able to input username/domain to access a network share.

Component: Kernel

120507_KB2701179 - This update addresses some issues with a watchdog timer.

Component: Networking

120531_KB2717306 - Under certain circumstances RasDial API may fail with the ERROR_PORT_NOT_AVAILABLE.

Component: Security

120507_KB2672845 - This update addresses a security issue.

120530_KB2712419 - A user may not be able to connect to SMB share via USB RNDIS. The registry key should be set HKLM\Comm\SecurityProviders\NTLM "SendLMResponse"=dword:1 to enable NTLMSSP to send the LM response.

Component: Servers

120522_KB2706634 - This update addresses file corruption issue.

Component: Services

120504_KB2579163 - The web server can not be accessed after adding DefaultDomain registry key.

Component: Shell

120531_KB2716304 - This update addresses an error that may occur while freeing the resources for namespace in Hash buckets.

Component: Tools

120531_KB2709958 - Build breaks may occur after cloning an item using the Platform Builder installed on a Windows XP SP3 machine.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update May 2012:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component:  COMM

120522_KB2708148 - Under certain circumstances RasDial API may fail with the ERROR_PORT_NOT_AVAILABLE.

Component: FSDMGR

120531_KB2643056 - This update removes the coarse-grained level locking, addresses race conditions between multiple threads and possible deadlock.

Component: Internet Explorer

120524_KB2712962 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.

120516_KB2708778 - This update addresses an Internet Explorer issue.

Component: NK

120514_KB2709887 - This update addresses some CELog reporting issues.

Component: RDP

120515_KB2708318 - This update addreses an issue with Internet Explorer window blocking RDP session window.

Component: Servers

120522_KB2710580 - Stack overflow may occur when transferring 1MB or more of data using SOAP.

Component: UTILS

120508_KB2699748 - Cmd.exe's 'dir' command displays incorrect file size for the files larger than 2 GB.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP 2

Hi folks,

Microsoft released the 2^nd Community Technology Preview (CTP) of Windows Embedded Standard 8 aka. WES8!

Go ahead and download the WES8 CTP 2 here. The WES8 CTP 2 is based on Windows 8.

You can find the WES8 CTP 2 datasheet here.

Have fun playing around with the new Windows 8 based Windows Embedded Standard!
Read more! Post this to a friend!

Free Webinar: HTML5 & the Future of Embedded Devices

Hi folks,

don’t miss the upcoming free Webinar held by BSQUARE:

Date:

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 1:00 PM Pacific Time: (GMT-08:00)

Duration:

1 hour

Title:

HTML5 & the Future of Embedded Devices

           

Registration:

Here

Description:

HTML5 is everywhere right now. And with good reason. This platform can add functionality and capabilities to your device, extending the lifecycle of a current product and preparing applications for future platforms. It is ideal for devices built on Windows Embedded Compact and Windows Embedded Handheld. John Traynor, Vice-President of Products at Bsquare will share insight into the growing popularity of this platform and share a demonstration of HTML5 applications. Join us and find out how HTML5 affects your current and future products.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Free Compact 7 June Live Meeting

Hi folks,

don’t miss the upcoming June free Compact 7 Webcast held by fellow MVP Doug Boling:

Date:

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 9:00 AM Pacific Time: (GMT-08:00)

Duration:

1 hour

Title:

Image Tuning to balance Performance and Power in Windows Embedded Compact 7

           

Registration:

Here

Description:

The demands of the embedded world make creating the best image possible an absolute requirement. This difficult task is made easier by the vast array of profiling and tuning tools available in Windows Embedded Compact 7. Come learn about these tools and see how they are used in this informative, example filled webcast. 

Have fun!
Read more! Post this to a friend!

Windows Embedded Compact QFEs for April 2012 have arrived!

Hi all,

                 

the April updates for Windows Embedded Compact are available for download:

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Monthly Update April 2012 (Update 10):

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: Browser

120419_KB2650110 - This update addresses some issues in Internet Explorer.

120424_KB2679205 - This update provides updated localized dialogs.

120430_KB2689356 - Imgcache bitmap is out of sync and can cause some issues.

Component: Browser & Network

120423_KB2643019 - This update removes UI dependencies for headless support.

Component: Build

120409_KB2692550 - This update addresses possible build breaks.

Component: DirectX

120424_KB2694902 - This update addresses an issue with the CObjDispFilter::ThreadProc not working with the thread priority of registry value.

120430_KB2705374 - Under certain circumstances a video frame is not displayed.

Component: Drivers

120420_KB2689385 - This release installs new updates for flash MDD.

Component: Filesys/Storage

120426_KB2689124 - Incorrect amount of used/free space is reported on TexFAT formatted partition when using the GetDiskFreeSpaceEX API.

Component: NETIO

120418_KB2698706 - An uninitialized local variable in IPNAT may cause an exception.

Component: Network

120411_KB2698969 - This update addresses possible memory corruption.

120411_KB2681259 - Incorrect DHCP sequence may occur when the network cable is unplugged and plugged if the default gateway address is not distributed by the DHCP server.

120430_KB2697703 - This update addresses a memory leak.

Component: Shell

120420_KB2703757 - Memory leak may occur when the file explorer is opened and closed within 2 seconds.

Component: SYNC

120430_KB2704750 - ActiveSync may not update Date/Time in non-DST time zones.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update April 2012:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component:  Bluetooth

120430_KB2695045 - This update addresses test failures.

Component:  COMM

120417_KB2688906 - A device may not be able to connect to SMB share via USB RNDIS.

120426_KB2697843 - This update addresses an exception.

Component:  DCOM

120411_KB2690112 - This update addresses an issue with some functions not returning an error when the input is negative.

Component:  Internet Explorer

120418_KB2689887 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Component:  TFAT

120427_KB2690868 - Incorrect amount of used/free space is reported on TexFAT formatted partition.

Component:  TimeSVC

120411_KB2697599 - This update addresses some DST start/end times from 2011 to 2012.

Component:  WININET

120425_KB2635814 - The 'GetChannelBindingToken' may not update the length field and cause failure.

Windows CE 5.0 Monthly Update April 2012:

Fixes made in this Update:

Component: Internet Explorer

120420_KB2689890 - This update addresses some Internet Explorer issues.

Component: TimeSVC

120411_KB2697598 - This update addresses some DST start/end times from 2011 to 2012.

Remember: it’s important to keep your system up to date!

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

The future of Windows Embedded Compact and the .NET Compact Framework

Hi folks,

The important news: Windows Embedded Compact is alive and kicking; Microsoft is putting a lot of effort in the Windows Embedded Compact v. Next! Here are the latest highlights of what’s coming with Windows Embedded Compact v. Next:

• Still based on CE core: hard-real-time, small footprint
• Supported CPUs: x86, ARM v6T2, ARM v7
• Native (C++) and managed (C#) application development support in Visual Studio 11
• .NET Compact Framework update
• Faster OS boot (2 seconds from power-on)
• Kernel update: increased file system performance
• Hardware –optimized code paths for Silverlight for Windows Embedded (SWE)
• SWE UI development tools in Expression Blend

Windows Embedded Compact v. Next will presumably RTM in the 1^st quarter of 2013.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!

Free Compact 7 Live Meeting

Hi folks,

don’t miss the upcoming Free Windows Embedded Compact 7 Webcast held by fellow MVP Doug Boling:

Date:

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 9:00 AM Pacific Time: (GMT-08:00)

Duration:

1 hour

Title:

Maximizing the Capabilities of Internet Explorer For Embedded in Windows Embedded Compact 7

Registration:

Here

Description:

An often overlooked feature of Windows Embedded Compact 7 is the extensive capabilities and configurability of Internet Explorer For Embedded. Our version of IE has changeable “chrome” to fit in almost any user interface. As on the Desktop, our version of IE can be embedded into applications as a control. Updated to support some of the latest HTML standards, Internet Explorer For Embedded is a power tool that can be used to create great user interfaces. Learn more about Internet Explorer For Embedded in this month’s webcast.

Have fun!

Read more! Post this to a friend!