Microsoft has confirmed it is ready to take its Windows 7 operating system away from PCs and notebooks so it can be used on HDTVs, set-top boxes, and other consumer gadgets.
The Redmond-based company's Windows Embedded Standard 7 is designed to run on products using an x86 processors, excluding PCs, smartphones and tablet computers. Ideally, the Windows Embedded Standard 7 could be used by HDTVs, set-top boxes, digital signs, and retail Point of Sale (PoS) systems.
Microsoft says its Windows Embedded Standard 7 is a version of Windows 7 that is capable of supporting regular Windows 7 features available in a much smaller form factor.
Windows Embedded first launched last September, and became popular because it has built-in connectivity to PCs and servers running Windows.
PC manufacturers are interested in offering software to HDTV viewers, as set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and video game consoles add streaming services, widgets, internet apps and other new features. Microsoft must prepare to battle the Google Android open source OS in the living room, with at least one European company working on an Android-powered HDTV.
Intel, Gigabyte, Yahoo, and other companies also have streaming products for HDTVs.
Microsoft faces increasing competition in its key business units, so its constant evolution is the proper long-term plan as the alternatives expand further. For example, Microsoft has a strong working relationship with car maker Ford, which has put its Synch automotive software in newer generations of Ford vehicles.
I'm still unsure if Windows 7 Media Center being implemented on embedded devices is the game changer Microsoft hopes for -- there are too many competitors in the market, although Microsoft is doing a great job with its Xbox 360 game console. The company will be able to use both its hardware and software to help keep it relevant in the growing streaming device and embedded device markets.
Could this mean that we'll see a Blu-ray player running Windows in the future? It's definitely possible.
