The History of Microsoft Windows CE - Windows CE 5.0Windows CE 5.0, Codename Macallan was announced at the beginning of 2003. While not scheduled for release until Q3/4 2004 some details of the release are known. Macallan was originally to be billed against the Windows codename Longhorn release. Due to delays in the Windows release time line caused by Windows XP security concerns, and the subsequent extended internal audit which pushed the Windows developer groups to spending time on Windows XP SP2 instead of Longhorn development. The Windows CE 5.0 release happened well in advance of heavily delayed Longhorn (not expected mid 2006). Some of the main achievements of CE5 have been to improve the Storage capabilities of Mobile devices, as well as improving the file system that the Operating System uses. CE5 will compliment Longhorn in other ways. Through the adoption and refinement of new and existing communications protocols, Macallan supports the Smart Display Remote Protocol (Codenamed Mira), allowing the CE5 based 'remote display' device to act as an extension to the desktop PC workspace through the use of the Remote Desktop Protocol. Improved developer tools are also part of the Windows CE 5.0 mantra. For the first time in the history of Windows, Microsoft has opted to provide Platform Builders the ability to view and modify over 2.5 million lines of the Windows CE source code. Named the Microsoft Shared Source Directive (MSSD), device developers can make custom modifications to the underlying makeup of the operating system, without any obligation to share those changes back to Microsoft. Unlike the Open Source world, dominated by the GNU GPL concept. Platform Builders are not obligated to share their modifications with other OEM's or competitors. A certain amount of device 'intelligence' is also incorporated into CE5. Improved UPnP support will make devices location aware, better supporting different networks and security systems. A new system called Location Services will allow applications on the device to adapt to the users physical presence. For example having one layout while at home and a more formal ergonomic layout and display of information while in the office. For the mobile gamer the Macallan release promises to provide significant advancement. While DirectX subsets have been incorporated into Windows CE since the 3.0 Platform Builder refresh. CE5 boasts full DirectX 8 Direct3D support in the form of Direct3D Mobile. Allowing mobile devices and game developers to make use of advanced 3D graphics. Windows Mobile 5.0Windows Mobile 5.0 extends upon the Windows Embedded platform lineage bringing greater functionality and performance improvements to the struggling Pocket PC and SmartPhone product lines. Windows CE 5.0 Release History
AcitveSync 4.x is the formal Sync Client for Windows CE 5.0 generation devices. For more on the lineage of ActiveSync 4.x click here. Windows CE 5.0 Screenshots | Handheld PC Device List
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