Microsoft today introduces its first operating system for navigation devices. Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 is based on Windows Embedded CE. It allows portable navigation devices to connect to online services, mobile phones using Bluetooth, and (of course!) Windows-based PCs. True to form, the OS includes online search through none other than its own Microsoft Live Search and offers access to its own Live Search Map service.
An article in InformationWeek notes that NavReady 2009 is the second device-category-specific OS from Microsoft’s embedded business. The first, it says, was Windows Embedded POSReady for point-of-service devices. The hope, of course, is to have navigational device manufacturers shipping products in time for next year’s holiday season.
The story also notes:
“Microsoft is also planning to release a fully application-compatible embedded OS called Windows Embedded Enterprise, composed of Windows Vista and Windows XP for Embedded System. The new OS will be licensed exclusively for embedded device development.“
We’ll have to wait and see how many device manufacturers will be signing on to bring Windows to their gadgets. As for a full-fledged Microsoft navigational device — would you trust Microsoft to tell you where to go, and how to get there?
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