On April 4, 2006, Microsoft released a set of drivers and tools for the Windows CE 5.0 operating system, enabling device manufacturers to develop products more easily.
This upgrade, named the Networked Media Device Feature Pack (commonly referred to as the feature pack), is provided free of charge to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) such as Samsung Electronics and Humax, according to Hardy Poppinga, a product manager at Microsoft. Windows CE 5.0, which was launched in July 2004, is an embedded operating system that runs on personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players, and other hardware.
Microsoft stated that the feature pack includes several built-in middleware components that provide networking technology and customizable user interfaces. It supports various Windows Media formats as well as multiple other video formats.
An analyst from Ovum (UK) noted that Microsoft’s provision of its middleware software, which reduces reliance on third-party middleware, will simplify development, enhance device performance, and accelerate product development.
Additionally, the feature pack grants access to the source code of Windows CE. The software license includes a Digital Video Recorder engine with various functionalities such as customizable encoding, file compression, and digital rights management.
IDG News Service
