Microsoft Announces NavReady Embedded Operating System for PNDs

NavReady is Microsoft's first category specific operating system

Microsoft announced a new embedded Windows operating system this week called NavReady. Microsoft says that NavReady is the first category-specific operating system it has released.

Some key features of NavReady are a small footprint that uses a componentized technology that allows the OS to be incorporated into CE 5.0 designs easily. The OS is designed to run on an ARM processor and it supports a 32-bit native real-time unified kernel.

Microsoft says that NavReady will help manufacturers build portable navigation devices (PNDs) with a highly connected design. The OS supports Bluetooth for rich hands-free usage, managed dial-up networking services and other Bluetooth features.

One key component is Live Search for devices that helps perform search quires to find points of interest. Desktop pass-though is also featured and allows the PND to establish connections to online services and the Internet when the device is connected to a Windows-based PC that has ActiveSync/WDMC installed along with an internet connection. PNDs using the NavReady OS can also act as SideShow display for Vista computers.

The internet connectivity of the new OS allows for use of MSN Direct for updates on traffic, gas prices and more. PC World reports that Mio Technology has already announced it will use the Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 operating system in its next line of Mio GPS devices.