Microsoft Aims Windows Embedded at Smartbooks

From PC World: Microsoft plans to use Windows Embedded to combat rival operating systems in smartbooks and a number of other devices meant to always be connected to the Internet that Microsoft calls CIDs, or consumer Internet devices.

Smartbooks are mini-laptops similar to netbooks, with 10-inch screens and full keyboards. But they use different components, including processors from Arm Holdings, which give them far longer battery life than netbooks. The kicker is that while Windows 7 will work in netbooks, Microsoft is offering Windows Embedded for smartbooks, potentially giving rival Google a chance to shine in this product segment with the new Chrome OS.

It appears that not everyone is satisfied with Microsoft's OS plan for small devices.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, started building its own operating system for small handheld computers and mini-laptops in 2007, the Linux-based Moblin OS 2007, a project it still backs even though it's turned over development to the Linux Foundation for further development. The chip maker is trying to sell its Atom microprocessors in more small devices and wants to make sure people have a good experience with software on these devices.

Kevin Dallas, the general manager of Microsoft's Windows Embedded business, discussed Microsoft's strategies for smartbooks and other devices, such as the company's Haiku concept device, in an e-mail interview with IDG News Service. What follows is an edited transcript of that exchange:

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