Microsoft revamps Windows Embedded retail OS

Windows Embedded for Point of Service 1.1 arrives.

Microsoft has updated its Windows Embedded for Point of Service (POS) operating system.

The 1.1 update of the retail platform includes an improved ability to install mass storage devices during set-up, and expanded support that now totals 33 languages, including Traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Thai.

Microsoft also announced the availability of the next version of POS for .Net 1.11, with support for new device classes that include biometrics, electronic journal, bill acceptor and image scanner.

POS for .Net supports the UnifiedPOS version 1.11 specification, including standard changes for ClearInput, Smart Card and printer base classes.

In addition, the company claimed strong growth for Windows Embedded POS in the retail market.

A recent report by retail industry research firm IHL Consulting Group found that Windows Embedded POS doubled its market share in 2006 to seven per cent of the total North American market, representing 160 percent growth over 2005.

In a similar report, IHL also found that the number of Windows XP Embedded and Windows Embedded POS users doubled over the past year, from 13 percent to 27 percent.

"Today's news reaffirms Microsoft's commitment to addressing retailers' needs, making the Windows Embedded POS platform the ideal solution for retail customers and partners," said Ilya Bukshteyn, director of marketing for Windows Embedded at Microsoft.