Updated: July 13, 2020 (November 20, 2006)

Microsoft Device Platforms

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration and content management. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology... more

Windows Embedded CE is one of several Microsoft platforms for manufacturers of specialized devices. Shown here are the most important platforms.

Platform	Description	Key Scenario	Example Devices
MS-DOS	PC OS licensed for use in non-PC devices	Small-footprint devices with Intel-architecture processors	Numerous existing devices
Windows Embedded CE	Componentized real-time OS and development tools for multiple 32-bit processor architectures with hardware memory management	Commercial or custom low-power networked devices	Home medical monitor, VoIP phone, GPS receiver, wireless projector, set-top box
Windows Mobile	Components, configuration tools, and reference designs for specific processors and types of mobile devices	Handheld devices with GUI and cellular voice and data functions	Windows smart phone, wireless-enabled PDA
Windows XP Embedded	Componentized edition of Windows XP SP2 and development tools

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