Windows CE 2.0 to compete with embedded Java

Microsoft will take a big step into non-PC space when it launches Windows CE2.0 this fall. While the initial version of Windows CE was geared only at"PC companions" that Microsoft called Handheld PCs, CE 2.0 will targeta wide range of devices such as:

Now that CE has moved beyond the limited handheld market, it will becompeting with Sun's upcoming Embedded Java, a low-end version of the Javarun-time environment that will be used in embedded devices. Sun hasalready announced a handful of vendors that will use Embedded Java inconsumer electronic devices.

Windows CE, however, is already a generation ahead of Java and is alsosupported by numerous vendors. CE 2.0 supports printing, TCP-IP, and willinclude Pocket Visual Basic, which enables form and ActiveX scripting.

Developers can write CE 2.0 applications in Visual Basic, Visual J++, andVisual C++ (C and MFC/C++). Also, CE shares the Windows look and feel withWindows 9x and NT. It will also use Internet Explorer 4.0