Three chip vendors join Microsoft and ARM CE.Net drive

Three chip vendors join Microsoft and ARM CE.Net drive
Redmond, Wash. — Three leading chip designers and suppliers, Motorola, STMicroelectronics and NeoMagic are joining forces with Microsoft and ARM to devise products optimised for Windows CE.Net.

The partnership was announced at today's Microsoft/ARM Executive Summit, held here. Optimisations include extended battery life, wireless technology and enhanced performance.

The chip vendors join existing ARM core-based systems from vendors such as Hynix Semiconductor, Intel, Samsung Electronics America and Texas Instruments that support Windows CE.Net. The endorsement of three more chip companies is a major coup in Microsoft's attempt to establish the embedded operating system in many more wireless, multimedia and imaging applications.

"Windows CE.Net provides the richest operating system platform for small-footprint mobile devices," said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platform Group at Microsoft. "We are very excited to continue our great work with ARM and the new consortium members that deliver innovative and exciting hardware platforms optimised for Windows CE.Net."

"The relationship will ensure each company's technology is fully optimised to complement their respective products and extend opportunities to other leading ARM partners," said Mike Inglis, executive vice president of marketing at ARM. "The goal is to provide a proven development and manufacturing environment that delivers faster development cycles, better integration, superior functionality and performance, and ultimately quicker time to market."