Windows CE 4.2 Released

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2003/Apr03/04-23Version42RTMPR.asp">http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2003/Apr03/04-23Version42RTMPR.asp</a><br /><br />Microsoft released Windows CE 4.2 to manufacuring Wednesday. "Windows CE .NET 4.2 adds new features for creating innovative solutions in gateway, voice over IP (VoIP) and set-top box (STB) devices along with faster performance and greater application compatibility for the wide range of consumer and commercial embedded devices in which Windows CE is used today."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/windowsembedded.gif" /><br /><br />The Pocket PC is based on Windows CE, but keep in mind they are <b><i>not</i></b> the same thing. In fact, the Pocket PC you hold in your hand is based on Windows CE 3.0 which was released in 2000. There are no Windows CE 4.x Pocket PCs out yet. Think of the Mobile Device team at Microsoft as a customer of the Windows CE team. They take the CE platform and build the Pocket PC UI on top of that. In the past, things you and I take for granted, like the tap-and-hold function, were a totally custom feature for the Pocket PC. However, that may not be the case in the future according to the press release: "Windows CE .NET 4.2 also provides improved API compatibility across Windows CE-based devices, including the Pocket PC software platform." If the tap-and-hold API is now part of the WinCE 4.x API set, this frees up the Pocket PC team to do more important things with future revisions, like a better Pocket Word. :D <br /><br />Read the press release to see what other new features and benefits Windows CE 4.2 offers, but remember, they won't be on a Pocket PC until MS moves the entire "Pocket PC Experience" to the new platform, no small undertaking, and even then, they may not include specific features. The CE 4.2 footprint can be as small as 200KB, but can also be as large as to blow through the ROM size of any Pocket PC if you put in every single feature.

[pocketpcdude1024]

This is great news! :D This means that a new Pocket PC version is coming soon! (why else would they update WinCE?)

[Ed Hansberry]

This is great news! :D This means that a new Pocket PC version is coming soon! (why else would they update WinCE?)
Uhm... just so you know, they updated Windows CE in 2001 and 2002. Notice this is 4.2. There was a 4.0 and a 4.1. That is the other thing - an update to Windows CE does not mean there is an update to the Pocket PC.

[lmtuxinc]

it should!

[Foo Fighter]

Great! Now the NDAs have lifted, so Jason and Ed can give us all the details on Pocket PC 2003. Including pictures, and detailed specs. j/k

Well it was worth a shot! :spam:

[Duncan]

Note the subtle undertones dripping from every word Ed typed (mmm... mixed metaphor... never mind...)...

For example -

The Pocket PC is based on Windows CE, but keep in mind they are not the same thing.

is clearly Ed's way of saying - 'Pocket PC 2003 to be released next week'!

Note how Ed cleverly tells us about at least a dozen new features in the next PPC OS without once breaking his NDA.

He's a genius I tell you!

[pocketpcdude1024]

I'm betting he doesn't want to be suspected of breaking his NDA so he posted that "disclaimer". According to Brighthand, PPC2003 is coming late May/June! 8)

[Paragon]

I don't think Wondows CE 4.2 has anything to do with Pocket PC 2003. I'm assuming that Pocket PC 2003 is built on CE 4.0 or 4.1. As Ed mentioned the Pocket PC team is a customer and just received 4.2 today, and would only just begin to build on it now. If they were to use 4.2 in PPC 2003 it wouldn't be... 2003...it would be 2004 at least.

Correct me if I'm wrong.....The release of CE 4.2 has nothing to do with PPC 2003?

Dave

[Duncan]

Being serious for a moment - Ed doesn't actually say the Pocket PC team have only just recieved Win CE 4.2 - nor does he say otherwise... it is manufacturers who have their mits on it for the first time.

People who were at the recent MS conferences, and the recent Pocket PC 2003 PE screenshots, seem to indicate that PPC 2003 will be based on CE 4.2. That doesn't tell us exactly what will be included from CE 4.2 in PPC 2003 however.

Less seriously - I'm not sure any of us is seriously suggesting that this is a PPC announcement - we're just having fun over the whole NDA thing... :)

[pocketpcdude1024]

Less seriously - I'm not sure any of us is seriously suggesting that this is a PPC announcement - we're just having fun over the whole NDA thing... :)

Exactly! :lol: We have been waiting patiently for over a year for the next verson of PPC and with screenshots popping up and descriptions of the next version appearing all over you can't help but get a little impatient... expecially since we know you know something... :wink:

[Ed Hansberry]

As Ed mentioned the Pocket PC team is a customer and just recieved 4.2 today, and would only just begin to build on it now
Now, I didn't exactly say that either. They are a customer, but they were a customer in 1999 too and they got an early build of CE 3.0 and in fact, the Pocket PC released and shipped to consumers in April of 2000 and it was late summer to early fall before Windows CE 3.0 actually shipped. I'm not saying they are working on a PPC based on CE4.2, but just because it shipped to the general customer list today doesn't mean that the PPC team didn't have access to it in beta or even alpha stages.

So, speculate away! Mwahahahahahahahahhahahaha. I think I've muddied it enough now that I am confused. :lol:

[Paragon]

Sorry, Ed! I did kind of put words in your mouth. What I was really saying was that it was my understanding that the PPC team didn't receive OS versions til they had been released.....but now as you DO say "you have muddied the waters"

Dave

[powder2000]

So I have one question, can a mips pocket pc run .NET? Why can't we just overwrite the rom with .NET? I know that there would be tweaks per manufacturer that would need to be made, but why don't we have the option to stick with a ppc running ppc2002 or to use the same model running .NET? Just wondering. :roll:

[pocketpcdude1024]

If PPC2003 isn't based on WinCE 4.2, then how do you explain this screenshot?: :?
http://msmobiles.com/articles/pocketpc2003phoneedition/4.gif
And please don't say Photoshop... :|

[Ed Hansberry]

So I have one question, can a mips pocket pc run .NET? Why can't we just overwrite the rom with .NET?
No. CE can run on MIPS, as well as ARM, SHx and ix86. However, the Pocket PC is a particular build of Windows CE with all of its own code and that cannot be loaded onto a non-ARM (which includes X-Scale) device.

If PPC2003 isn't based on WinCE 4.2
Now, I didn't say that either did I? In fact, if you go back and read this thread, I haven't said much of anything. :lol:

I am just stirring the pot...

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2003/20030424-stirthepot.jpg

[GO-TRIBE]

I don't think Wondows CE 4.2 has anything to do with Pocket PC 2003.

Host: Mark (Microsoft)
Q: Are the any Pocket-PC devices already using Windows CE .NET 4.x?

A: (adding to Chris's answer) Not right now, Pocket PC 2003 will be based on 4.2. The Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 are supported by .NetCF though.



You can read it here from the horse's mouth:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/embedded/embedded_022603.asp

[pocketpcdude1024]

If PPC2003 isn't based on WinCE 4.2
Now, I didn't say that either did I? In fact, if you go back and read this thread, I haven't said much of anything. :lol:

I am just stirring the pot...

You've pretty much said that what we said you said wasn't what you said... :wink:

[Ed Hansberry]

Not right now, Pocket PC 2003 will be based on 4.2. The Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 are supported by .NetCF though.
w00t! More confusion. CE.NET doesn't equal .NET either. Windows CE 4.0, the original .NET version didn't support the .NET framework. More pot stirring...

[Paragon]

I don't think Wondows CE 4.2 has anything to do with Pocket PC 2003.

Host: Mark (Microsoft)
Q: Are the any Pocket-PC devices already using Windows CE .NET 4.x?

A: (adding to Chris's answer) Not right now, Pocket PC 2003 will be based on 4.2. The Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 are supported by .NetCF though.



You can read it here from the horse's mouth:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/embedded/embedded_022603.asp

Excellent! I have been corrected. I don't mind at all. :)

This is a very good thing to see PPC 2003 using 4.2

Dave

[paris]

does this list satisfy your thirst for Pocket PC 2003???

Secure WiFi (802.1x) support
Zero Configuration
New user interface
Native Bluetooth Stack
OS stack
DUN, object push, serial port profiles
Radio shut down
OTA configuration manager
Enhanced Keyboard Support
Single user mode for input and navigation
Inbox, SMS, instant messenger

Features
Optimized contacts search
Auto menu accelerators
Hardware buttons mapping
"Always Up-to date" Sync
Improved scheduled sync
"Titanium" SMS notifications
Messaging services enhancements
SMS: Contacts name lookup and direct call back
MMS plug-in (native to inbox
New Connection Manager!!!!
Quick Search in Contacts (just start typing to search)
Power management with unattended apps
Email signatures
Improved time-zone handling
Autocorrect and autosuggest
Text readability (gradients)
Vcard and vcal support
Today/Homescreen plug-in divided for multiple mail accounts
Color weekend appointements in calendar.
Scrollable summary and attendees list in calendar
Contacts View by company department
Free appointments don't show conflicts with other calendar events.
Call forwarding improvements
One-touch access to vmail
Network selection UI
Cert management UI
Bean receive improvements
Secure WAP Proxy
New Connectivity notifications
Support for WinCE v4.2
Increased stability and reliability
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) /
IP Security Protocol (IPSec)
IPv6
Exposed in pIE, Messenger, Inbox, Sync, WMP
Apps enabled within mixed mode (v6/v4) networks

New hardware support
Low cost memory with NAND
Pendant bus support
WMP hardware assisted decode supported
API's
Networking and communications APIs
e.g. SMS interception API
Menu extensibility in PIM apps, phone dialer, call history, speed dial
Application signing
Certificate store and enrollment & management UI
Ability to revoke all apps from a specific developer
Add platform version for app install

Tools
New managed code development
.NET CF in ROM
Smart Device Extensions moves to Visual Studio .NET
PocketPC 2003:

Secure WiFi (802.1x) support
Zero Configuration
New user interface
Native Bluetooth Stack
OS stack
DUN, object push, serial port profiles
Radio shut down
OTA configuration manager
Enhanced Keyboard Support
Single user mode for input and navigation
Inbox, SMS, instant messenger

Features
Optimized contacts search
Auto menu accelerators
Hardware buttons mapping
"Always Up-to date" Sync
Improved scheduled sync
"Titanium" SMS notifications
Messaging services enhancements
SMS: Contacts name lookup and direct call back
MMS plug-in (native to inbox
New Connection Manager!!!!
Quick Search in Contacts (just start typing to search)
Power management with unattended apps
Email signatures
Improved time-zone handling
Autocorrect and autosuggest
Text readability (gradients)
Vcard and vcal support
Today/Homescreen plug-in divided for multiple mail accounts
Color weekend appointements in calendar.
Scrollable summary and attendees list in calendar
Contacts View by company department
Free appointments don't show conflicts with other calendar events.
Call forwarding improvements
One-touch access to vmail
Network selection UI
Cert management UI
Bean receive improvements
Secure WAP Proxy
New Connectivity notifications
Support for WinCE v4.2
Increased stability and reliability
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) /
IP Security Protocol (IPSec)
IPv6
Exposed in pIE, Messenger, Inbox, Sync, WMP
Apps enabled within mixed mode (v6/v4) networks

New hardware support
Low cost memory with NAND
Pendant bus support
WMP hardware assisted decode supported
API's
Networking and communications APIs
e.g. SMS interception API
Menu extensibility in PIM apps, phone dialer, call history, speed dial
Application signing
Certificate store and enrollment & management UI
Ability to revoke all apps from a specific developer
Add platform version for app install

Tools
New managed code development
.NET CF in ROM
Smart Device Extensions moves to Visual Studio .NET

[cmchavez]

does this list satisfy your thirst for Pocket PC 2003???



Features

Hardware buttons mapping
"Always Up-to date" Sync
Improved scheduled sync
"Titanium" SMS notifications
Messaging services enhancements
SMS: Contacts name lookup and direct call back
MMS plug-in (native to inbox
New Connection Manager!!!!

Does this mean we can finally be rid of ActiveStink 3.x? :twisted:

[pocketpcdude1024]

does this list satisfy your thirst for Pocket PC 2003???


Where did you get this juicy info? 8O Oh, BTW: You posted the info twice! :wink:

[RickP in AZ]

Paris: please cite your source. Not that I don't believe you, it's just that I'd like some verification,

I for one am quite fed up with the lack of any information on the alleged "Pocket PC 2003/4." It is time for the leaks to start coming out, smuggled screen shots, brags about features, etc. So far msmobiles.com has the only leak and my interest is piqued but my passion for Pocket PC is waning a bit with the lack anything really exciting. :D

And hp better announce that they are providing a full upgade CD for those of us with the 48MB ROM. Not some half-patootie'd "semi" upgrade like they stuck us with before. I realize that they want us to buy a new device from them but if the iPAQ 2200 is all they have to offer then I will most probably be knocking on Dell's door for the mythical "Axim X7."

[Paragon]

I've seen the list of features a few times lately. I don't know why I didn't notice the CE 4.2 before....The other thing I don't see is native support for printing? Rumor had it along time ago that it was in CE 4.X?? Anyone know anything about this?

Dave

[Ivan]

does this list satisfy your thirst for Pocket PC 2003???



Darn! No native support for Tacfire either... :wink:

[paris]

the list i posted was found in spam-ce.com forums(seems to be down at the moment) and in brighthand forums. In brighhand they gave this link as well but nothing more to it. http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&safe=off&selm=1050418911.545199%40news-ext.oce.nl&rnum=7

I dont know if its true or not or whatever but i thought i'd copy it here fyi.

;)

[Bob S]

does this list satisfy your thirst for Pocket PC 2003???

Secure WiFi (802.1x) support
Zero Configuration
New user interface
Native Bluetooth Stack
OS stack
DUN, object push, serial port profiles
Radio shut down
OTA configuration manager
Enhanced Keyboard Support
Single user mode for input and navigation
Inbox, SMS, instant messenger

- - - - - -

Networking and communications APIs
e.g. SMS interception API
Menu extensibility in PIM apps, phone dialer, call history, speed dial
Application signing
Certificate store and enrollment & management UI
Ability to revoke all apps from a specific developer
Add platform version for app install

Tools
New managed code development
.NET CF in ROM
Smart Device Extensions moves to Visual Studio .NET

Not to mention
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Air conditioning
And it can program your George Forman Grill

[Peter Foot]

I've seen the list of features a few times lately. I don't know why I didn't notice the CE 4.2 before....The other thing I don't see is native support for printing? Rumor had it along time ago that it was in CE 4.X?? Anyone know anything about this?

Dave

Native support for printing was in Windows CE 3.0 (and probably earlier versions too). However its wasn't included in the Pocket PC builds because it was not considered to be an important feature for such a device. Pocket PC is just a particular configuration of Windows CE components along with specific stuff such as the shell and applications. Therefore you can't expect every feature of Windows CE to be featured in the Pocket PC platform. There are several third party solutions for when printing is required (e.g. http://www.fieldsoftware.com).

[Paragon]

Thanks, Peter.

I wasn't aware that printing was in the full version of 3.0. What I had read on the subject seemed to imply that it was a new feature in 4.0.

I'll vouch for Fieldsoftware. Their/his printing solutions are great. I think they should be the benchmark for what a solid piece of PPC software should be.

Dave

[gorkon280]

The Casio PPC's will not be able to run .NET with exception of the E-300 possibly. Casio in their infinite wisdom did not include flashroms so even if you could get a copy for MIPS you could not flash it.

Gork!

So I have one question, can a mips pocket pc run .NET? Why can't we just overwrite the rom with .NET? I know that there would be tweaks per manufacturer that would need to be made, but why don't we have the option to stick with a ppc running ppc2002 or to use the same model running .NET? Just wondering. :roll:

[T4RZ4N]

blimey....
what's NDA ?? 8O

[pocketpcdude1024]

blimey....
what's NDA ?? 8O

Non-Disclosure Agreement. It's essentially an agreement that the Microsoft MVPs (Jason & Friends) signed that legally binds them to not reveal anything specific about the future of Pocket PCs. It can get annoying with Ed's "stirring the pot" because we know he knows, but he won't tell us anything... :wink:

[T4RZ4N]

Great.
At least we know we'll get the first hand info when they are allowed to do so :D
Thanks pocketpcdude1024.

[powder2000]

OK, this is a little of topic, but it concerns CE.net. We have a view TDS Ranger handhelds distributed by Trimble. These units are running ce.net and we use them of course with trimble software as survey controlers. The survey crew wants to know if there is a paint or note program that will allow them to create simple diagrams when in the field. Since I am not familiar with ce.net, I was wondering if there was any software even available yet, or whether it would be backwards compatible with pocket pc apps. If it is backwards compatible, then I know what apps I could use. If it isn't are we stuck waiting until someone develops an app. I also browsed through the menus and couldn't find any note program other than pocket word. This however doesn't allow drawings.

[ctmagnus]

I also browsed through the menus and couldn't find any note program other than pocket word. This however doesn't allow drawings.

Pocket Word allows drawings. Just set the input method in Word to drawing (View -> Drawing), regardless of the current SIP method chosen.

[powder2000]

Nope, that option is not there in ce.net.