Samsung Plans to Acquire Windows CE Source Code

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20050428/460100000020050428201008E9.html' target='_blank'>http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20...28201008E9.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Samsung Electronics Co., the world's third-largest handset maker, is in talks with Microsoft Corp. to get the U.S. software giant's operating system source codes for handheld gadgets, said Lee Ki-tae, head of Samsung's telecommunications business. Lee, who made the comment at a Thursday lecture in Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, said Samsung is pushing ahead with its plan to receive the source codes of Microsoft's Windows CE operating system, which is a popular choice for more advanced wireless devices such as mobile phones that allow users to surf the Internet and check their e-mails."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050428-Samsung.gif" /><br /><br />So just what would Samsung do with Windows CE source code? ;-)

[Horus]

This is probably just a reference to Samsung participating in the existing CE "shared source" program (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sharedsource/Licensing/Windowsce_premium_rdst.mspx).
If they were to change too much and then build a PPC or Smartphone out of it, then it wouldn't really be a PPC or Smartphone as far as application compatibility, etc.

[rlobrecht]

I thought that all OEMs (ODMs?) who developed Windows CE devices received the source code for CE?

[Fred44]

99% of of the source code is avaible for those that develope Win CE devices. It's included with Microsoft Platform Builder.

[Darius Wey]

This is probably just a reference to Samsung participating in the existing CE "shared source" program (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/sharedsource/Licensing/Windowsce_premium_rdst.mspx).
If they were to change too much and then build a PPC or Smartphone out of it, then it wouldn't really be a PPC or Smartphone as far as application compatibility, etc.

That was my initial impression as well. However, it's hard to gauge what Lee purported, since there aren't many details revealed in that article. I hope there isn't more to it. :|

I thought that all OEMs (ODMs?) who developed Windows CE devices received the source code for CE?

There are certain criteria that have to be met before they are given access to it.

I think the other thing to consider is the fact that Samsung have never really dominated the Pocket PC market. Only recently have we started seeing cool gadgets such as the i730. Perhaps the comment was made as a means of self-promotion. Samsung want to bring new ideas in the market and it's easy to get hopes up by spreading a bit of Christmas cheer here and there. Then again, this was sourced from a local Korean news site, so things could be a little biased. Personally, I'm surprised Samsung didn't have access to this sooner, but hey... you learn something new everyday! ;)

[David McNamee]

So just what would Samsung do with Windows CE source code? ;-)

Samsung builds products in a lot of different areas - not just handhelds. Maybe they are interested in using the CE source to create a derivative OS to drive one of their other products - it would sure beat using Linux! &lt;G, D &amp; R />

[Darius Wey]

it would sure beat using Linux!

It's funny you mention Linux actually. After MontaVista's recent release of MobiLinux into the market, it'd be interesting to see just how many OEMs out there are thinking of adopting it.