Microsoft has introduced its first-ever embedded OS for portable devices that use GPS (global positioning system) and maps to get people where they want to go. Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 is aimed at companies building handheld electronic navigation devices and includes several features to make them Web-friendly, such as easy connections to online services and the Internet, as well as links to mobile phones via Bluetooth, and to Windows-based PCs. The aim of the new OS is to spread the popularity of portable navigation devices (PND) by adding or enhancing new features such as Internet connectivity and services. PNDs are among the hottest electronic devices this year.
Microsoft Unveils First OS for Portable Navigation Devices
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Adam Scheinberg
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Let me be the first to say Linux already does all this. My wife’s Tom Tom does just about everything listed in the article as “new”. Why do we need another also-ran? Why do we need a branded OS on our GPS units? How about firmware that just works!!!
Why do we drive different cars? Wear different clothes? Eat different foods? Live in different houses? Answer: Because we can — and we like it that way. Competition, choice, and diversity is a good thing and, frankly, the market will resolve this issue, one way or another.
Edited 2008-06-18 23:11 UTC
It was Not Invented Here so it doesn’t exist. Just ask Balmer.
Seriously, why does Microsoft feel the need to come up with new names for everything?
We quite happily call these things “GPS” or “Satnav” and Microsoft comes along and wants to call them “PND’s”, why?
Are they just trying to confuse people, or are they really so isolated that they don’t realize these things already have names?
The N800 with a bt reciever or the N810 with it’s built in reciever and Maps, Maemo Mapper, Tile Downloader and a few other options seem to make a good personal nav device.
Garmin and Megellin hand held GPS also seem to do well and have a GPS specialized OS. Most aftermarket car GPS now have a battery in them so you can take them in hand too.
Perhaps they meant the first Microsoft published OS for personal navigation devices. I get it though, MS is a corporation bound by law to demonstraite to it’s shareholders that no potential market is being overlooked. Even without the obligation to the shareholders, would you expect anything else from computer-dom’s number one “Me Too, Me Too” manufacturer?
(I see I’m in one of these moods this morning, going to be a fun day..)