When we think of versions of Windows designed to run on phones, Windows Mobile and Windows Phone come to mind, but the Redmond giant had another alternative. we are talking about Windows CEAlthough it was born with a mobile spirit, it is an operating system that also reaches industrial, medical, banking and entertainment devices.

Development of Windows CE began before the arrival of Windows 95 under the codename Pegasus. Microsoft’s idea was to create a “pocket” alternative to the mainstream operating system for desktop and laptop computers. Although these requirements vary, these devices must have at least a QWERTY keyboard, LCD touchscreen, and pen support.

Windows CE, Microsoft’s compact operating system

After passing the testing stages and fine-tuning its requirements, Windows CE is released Between 1996 and 1997 NEC MobilePro 200, Casio Cassiopeia A-10, HP 300LX and Philips Velo. In all cases, they were Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Although the system was called Windows, it had quite significant limitations even for that time.

If there was one thing Microsoft emphasized it was productivity, but version 1.0 of Windows CE was not compatible with its flagship application, Microsoft Outlook, although this was fixed a year later. Another problem he faced was application development. It wasn’t easy and also required developers to invest in hardware, Visual Studio 97, and certain development modules.

As time went on, Windows CE evolved and is no longer an option designed just for Windows CE. mobile devicesanyone. In later versions, ATMs were optimized to be the heart of closed systems such as scientific and industrial devices, healthcare equipment, and automobiles. In fact, Windows Automotive 5.0, based on Windows CE, was released in 2005.

Cassius Cassiopeia

General Dynamics Edge Sector

Far from ending its existence on mobile phones, this unique system, which continues to exist on mobile devices, also gave life to some PDAs of the 2000s and reached the General Dynamics Sectéra Edge. Yes, the famous US defense contractor behind aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon has developed a “secure” phone for the government.

Windows CE user interface

Sectéra Edge was a very strange device. It was one of the few devices approved in 2008. National Security Agency (NSA) for highly secure communications. This was not a smartphone, at least not in the sense we understand this concept today, but rather a personal assistant with telephone capabilities.

Sega Dream Release

Microsoft also had a dedicated Windows CE for the Dreamcast. This version was quite different from the versions available on the market as it was developed with the support of the Japanese video game giant and had DirectX support. The idea was that developers could facilitate the portability of computer games to the SEGA console.

Windows CE has changed its name several times, but Microsoft itself calls this operating system Windows CE. in supporting documents. Windows Embedded CE from 2006, Windows Embedded Compact from 2008, and Windows CE 2023 from 2013 were the latest versions available.

After 26 years on the market, Microsoft decided to say goodbye to this strange operating system. Support ended on October 10 this year but will continue to work on millions of ATMs, medical and industrial equipment worldwide. Note that in general these are closed computers that are not connected to the Internet.

Images: Microsoft | Wikimedia Commons | General Dynamic

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