What's New in Windows Embedded Compact 7

10/4/2011

Windows Embedded Compact 7 provides many new features and improvements that were added since the previous version of Windows Embedded Compact.

For more information about the new features listed here, see Windows Embedded Compact 7 on the web for the most recent version of the Windows Embedded Compact 7 documentation. Alternatively, update your version of the Windows Embedded Compact documentation by using Windows Embedded Developer Update. To update the documentation, on the Tools menu, select Windows Embedded Developer Update, clickCheck for Updates, and then follow the prompts.

For content contributed by the Windows Embedded Compact developer community, see theTechNet Wiki website.

Applications and Services

Connectivity with Microsoft Exchange Server

ActiveSync now supports wireless or desktop pass-through connections to a server that is running Exchange Server.

Dynamic Virtual Channels (DVC)

By using the Dynamic Virtual Channels (DVC) API, you can extend the functionality of Remote Desktop Connection by creating custom add-ins for the client and server.

Image Caching Service

The Image Caching Service Registry Settings supports graphics hardware acceleration for Internet Explorer Embedded.

MTP Responder

With MTP Responder, you can connect a Windows Embedded Compact powered device to a desktop computer by using Media Transfer Protocol (MTP). For more information, seeInside MTP Responder andMTP Responder Deployment Guide on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Remote Desktop Connection Audio Capture Redirection

You can use Audio Redirection with Remote Desktop Connection to send audio input to, and play audio output from, a Windows Server 2008 R2 server that supports Remote Desktop Services.

XmlLite

You can use the XmlLite class library to build high-performance, XML-based applications.

Application Development

Active Template Library (ATL)

Active Template Library (ATL) is updated to version 9.0.

Messaging API (MAPI)

Windows Embedded Compact 7 supports Messaging API (CE MAPI) for creating email messaging applications.

Pocket Outlook Object Model

Pocket Outlook Object Model is updated to version 3, which supports Personal Information Management (PIM) data objects and Embedded Database (EDB) for multiple folders and email accounts.

Audio, Graphics, and Media

Adobe Flash Player ActiveX Control

The Adobe Flash Player ActiveX Control supports video and animation playback in Internet Explorer Embedded. The control supports microphones, cameras, printing, and an accelerometer.

DirectShow Filters

HTTP Source Filter supports HTTP 1.0 and 1.1 on-demand streaming for content that is not in the Windows Media format.Buffering Stream Filter accepts unbuffered streaming data from a source filter, such as theHTTP Source Filter.

Image Decoder Filter decodes JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, and ICO image formats.

Video Mixing Renderer Filter replaces the DirectShow Video Renderer Filter.

MPEG-4 Demultiplexer Filter is part of the DirectShow pipeline for streaming MPEG-4 content.

MPEG-2 Demultiplexer Filter is part of the DirectShow pipeline for streaming MPEG-2 content.

For more information, see Windows Embedded Compact 7 Multimedia Features on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

DLNA Devices

You can build a device that interacts with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) devices in a home network. For more information, seeDLNA Media Security. Also seeWindows Embedded Compact 7 Multimedia Features on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Media Library

By using Media Library, you can manage media items in a media application. For more information, seeWindows Embedded Compact 7 Multimedia Features on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Media Player

The new Windows Media Player is based on Silverlight and integrates playback, media library, and DLNA support. For more information, seeWindows Embedded Compact 7 Multimedia Features on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Windows Imaging Component

You can use Windows Imaging Component to add image-related functionality to your OS.

Windows Media DRM 10 for Devices

Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) 10 for network devices (WMDRM10-ND) is updated to version 10.02.

Windows Media DRM 10 for portable devices (WMDRM10-PD) is updated to version 10.08.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Windows Embedded Compact 7 Bluetooth support is updated to the Core Specification v2.1 + EDR.

Bluetooth Settings UI Sample

The Bluetooth Settings UI Sample manages settings and pairing on your device.

Extended Inquiry Response (EIR)

Windows Embedded Compact now supports EIR. For more information, see Bluetooth API Connection Functions.

Secure Simple Pairing (SSP)

Windows Embedded Compact now supports SSP. For more information, see Bluetooth API SSP Functions.

Board Support Packages (BSPs)

Freescale i.MX27 Development Kit

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for the Freescale i.MX27 Development Kit.

Freescale i.MX31 Development Kit

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for the Freescale i.MX31 3DS Development Kit.

ICOP eBox 3300 Development Kit

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for the ICOP eBox 3300 Development Kit.

NEC NE1TB Capricorn Development Kit

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for the NEC Electronics NE1TB Capricorn Development Kit.

Samsung SMDK6410 Development Kit

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for the Samsung SMDK6410 Development Kit.

Sigma Designs Vantage 8654 Development Kit

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for the Sigma Designs Vantage 8654 Development Kit.

Support for ARMv6 and ARMv7

You can compile code for the ARMv6 and ARMv7 microprocessors by using /QRarch - Specify Target Architecture. For a list of new functions, see ARMv6 Intrinsic Functions.

Texas Instruments (TI) OMAP3530 Development Kit

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for the TI OMAP3530 Development Kit.

Vector Floating Point (VFP)

You can use the VFP coprocessor on ARM microprocessors by using /QRfpe- Enable Hardware Floating-Point Targeting.

Virtual PC-Based Devices (vCEPC)

Windows Embedded Compact includes a BSP for Virtual PC-Based Devices (vCEPC). For more information, see Getting Started with Virtual CEPC on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Custom BSP Support

You can create or migrate a BSP that works with the version of a microprocessor that is supported in Windows Embedded Compact 7. For more information, seeThe Basics of Bringing up a Hardware Platform orBSP Porting Guide for Windows Embedded Compact 7 on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Compact Test Kit (CTK)

Compact Test Kit (CTK)

The Compact Test Kit (CTK) provides new test cases and a new UI for running tests. For more information, seeWindows Embedded CTK User Guide on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Graph Tool

The Graph Tool reads output log files that contain test results, and then displays the results graphically.

Core OS

Cryptography API: Next Generation

Cryptography API: Next Generation is the long-term replacement for the Cryptographic Application Programming Interface (CryptoAPI or CAPI). It is a pluggable Windows Cryptography API that you can use to add authentication, encoding, and encryption to applications.

Security Loader

Security Loader, also known as the Loader Verifier Module (LVMOD), replaces Certification Module (CERTMOD). Security Loader helps protect the integrity of a device by ensuring that portable executable (PE) and cabinet (CAB) files are fully trusted before they can run. For more information, seeDeploying Applications on a Windows Embedded Compact OS with Security Loader on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)

Windows Embedded Compact supports SMP with functions for initializing secondary processors and setting thread and process affinity. For more information, seeSMP Reference. Also seeWindows Embedded Compact 7 Symmetric Multiprocessing Guide on the web or in %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Time Zones

Windows Embedded Compact supports Time Zone IDs for the December 2009 time-zone update.

Device Drivers

Accelerometer Driver

You can use the Accelerometer Driver to retrieve accelerometer data from a device.

Filter Drivers

Windows Embedded Compact introduces a filter driver model that you use to add single or cascading device drivers to other drivers. For more information, seeFilter Driver Reference.

Network driver interface specification (NDIS) 6.1

NDIS now supports versions 6.1, 6.0, and 5.x. For more information, see Network Driver Reference.

Touch Screen Stream Interface Driver

Windows Embedded Compact provides a new touch screen driver that provides improved support for multi-touch technology. For more information, seeTouch Screen Stream Interface Driver Reference.

Wireless Device Power Management

Windows Embedded Compact provides wireless power functions for Bluetooth, cellular radio (CellCore), and Wi-Fi. For more information, seeWireless Device Power Management Reference.

Device Management

Configuration Service Providers

You can configure settings on a device by writing a provisioning XML file for a configuration service provider. For more information, seeDevice Management.

International

Language Support

You can use catalog items to add support for individual locales. For more information, seeNational/Regional Language Support (NLS) Catalog Items and Sysgen Variables.

Uniscribe Support for OpenType Fonts and New Scripts

Unicode Script Processor for Complex Scripts matches the implementation in Windows 7 and supports OpenType fonts. The following scripts are supported: Bangla, Malayalam, Mongolian, New Tai Lu, Phags-pa, Odia, Sinhala, Tai Le, and Tibetan.

Networking

Connection Manager

The Connection Manager update removes meta-networks and adds support for additional network topologies, connection policy management, and a resource manager. It is no longer integrated with the shell.

Extensible Authentication Protocol Host

Extensible Authentication Protocol Host authenticates supplicant protocol implementations such as 802.1X and Point-to-Point (PPP).

Firewall Service

The new Firewall Service provides improved network security for Windows Embedded Compact 7.

IP Helper

IP Helper helps you manage the local device by enabling applications to retrieve and modify network configuration settings.

Native Wi-Fi

Windows Embedded Compact 7 supports the Native Wi-Fi API. For more information, seeWi-Fi.

Windows Filtering Platform

Windows Filtering Platform provides API and system services that you can use to create network-filtering applications.

Shell and User Interface

Window Compositor

Window Compositor displays overlapping windows on a device screen by implementing alpha blending. For more information, seeWindow Compositor Developer's Guide orWindow Compositor Graphics Performance Tuning Guide on the web or at %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Fonts

Windows Embedded Compact 7 supports new fonts that resemble the fonts in Windows 7. For more information, seeFonts.

Sample Home Screen

Sample Home Screen provides a Silverlight home screen that has a configurable XAML UI. For more information, seeCreating an Application Launcher by Using the Sample Home Screen in Silverlight for Windows Embedded on the web.

Silverlight for Windows Embedded

Silverlight for Windows Embedded is a native (C++) UI development framework for devices. For more information about the new Silverlight control panel, seeControl Panel. For additional information, seeSilverlight for Windows Embedded Developer's Guide,A Sample Application Tutorial Using Windows Embedded Silverlight Tools,Expression Blend and Silverlight for Windows Embedded, andAdd an Existing Window Control to Silverlight for Windows Embedded on the web or at %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

For guidelines on hardware to use with Silverlight, see Silverlight for Windows Embedded Hardware Recommendations.

For more information about Silverlight graphics performance, see Improving Performance in Rich User Interfaces for Embedded Systems, Silverlight for Windows Embedded Graphics and Rendering Pipeline, and Performance Tuning Guide for Silverlight for Windows Embedded on the web or at %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

Storage

Event Log

Event Log records important hardware and software events.

Tools

New Features in Platform Builder

Windows Embedded Compact 7 provides new features in Platform Builder. For more information, seeWhat's New in Platform Builder andDeveloping an Operating System Design on the web or at %Program Files%\Windows Embedded Compact 7\Documentation.

New Design Templates

Windows Embedded Compact 7 provides two new design templates: Embedded Device with Silverlight XAML Design Template and Portable Media Player Design Template.

New Remote Tools

You can use the new remote tools in Platform Builder to analyze and test your run-time image. For more information, seeRemote Tools in Platform Builder.

Windows Embedded Developer Update

Windows Embedded Developer Update is a new tool you use to download the latest software updates and documentation updates, and to receive update notifications for Windows Embedded Compact 7.