Microsoft to push Windows Embedded 8 Handheld into the realm of retail and beyond

Microsoft aims to showcase a range of technologies that will enable retailers to sort through and meliorate make uses of information to drive strategic insights and fuel business decisions. Such technology will be on prove at the National Retail Federation Annual Convention & EXPO (mouthful alert) this week. The company aims to provide the necessary tools and data to employees in the retail industry to create a meliorate experience for the customer.

And then just what is Windows Embedded? Microsoft will apply its platform to enable companies and organisations to use Windows on specialised hardware. From digital advertising and promotion signs to handheld devices, Windows Embedded viii and Windows Embedded 8 Handheld (www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded) is the choice that Microsoft aims to button forward.

The company is working with Motorola Solutions, Intermec, Honeywell, Ingenico and Bluebird on a new generation of devices powered past Windows Embedded 8 Handheld, the next generation of the Windows Embedded Handheld platform built on Windows Telephone 8. Considering the handheld version of Embedded is built on Windows Phone eight, we can surely await some bang-up experiences when using the software.

Kevin Dallas, full general manager of Windows Embedded at Microsoft had the post-obit to add to the proclamation:

"From the retailer'south backroom to its shop aisles and its digital channels, the front line for gaining customer loyalty is diverse. One of the biggest goals for retailers is to give sales associates the engineering science they demand to exist effective at their jobs, including the handheld devices specifically designed for these environments. It's not about impressing the customer with technology; it'due south about taking advantage of technology that transforms the client experience, and with our partners, we're creating security-enhanced, enterprise-class devices that aid retailers do just that."

An example of this engineering beingness pushed forward is a team of Windows Embedded engineers working closely with Motorola Solutions. The two teams are working on devices that offer the latest technology support, including intuitive touch on usability, support for mobile point-of-service (POS) scenarios such as line-busting, and new application interfaces that make it easy to build line-of-business applications for taking advantage of peripherals (such as barcode scanners, magnetic stripe readers and receipt printers).

Girish Rishi, senior vice president of Enterprise Solutions for Motorola Solutions noted the following on the partnership:

"The landscape for retailers and enterprises across many industries is undoubtedly evolving, with handheld devices standing to emerge every bit strategic assets that empower workers, service customers and fuel vital operational intelligence to the back stop. By extending Windows Telephone eight, Windows Embedded 8 Handheld will provide Motorola Solutions' customers with devices that deliver a rich, flexible experience for employees and an intelligent, continued experience for the customer and retailer."

At the end of the solar day, Microsoft is further using tiles and the familiar interface. It's becoming the face up of Windows, and one that should help Windows Telephone in the New Year with more companies making use and implementing Windows Embedded 8 Handheld.

The Home Depot

The American company (the US equivalent of B&Q here in the Britain) has stepped forward to be ane of the first companies to benefit from the deep collaboration. The retailer has fabricated it a top strategic priority to ensure its 300,000 associates spend more time serving customers than on back-end tasks to improve customer satisfaction and the overall shopping experience.

The Home Depot (www.thehomedepot.com) has already deployed Motorola Solutions devices running Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, but now the retailer is working closely with both Microsoft and Motorola to ascertain the next generation of the popular device, which speeds up checkout, enables quick communication betwixt staff and puts information at the fingertips. The new hardware volition build on the potent foundations from 6.5 with vocalism search and piece of cake-to-use, touch-enabled business apps. This all sounds pretty keen.

Such hardware will be on display at the convention mentioned in a higher place, which will reportedly enable attendees to see how customers can purchase an item on The Abode Depot website and schedule information technology for pickup at his or her local store. The associate at the designated local store will be able to utilize the device to locate purchased merchandise and identify opportunities to aid the customer with related needs. This reportedly helps to create a consummate experience for the customer.

We're not limited to handheld solutions as well as Motorola Solutions devices are part of a larger solution, which includes in-shop Windows PCs where retail employees can gather more than data almost promotions, provide project estimations and schedule dwelling house installation appointments. Microsoft aims to further amend the service offered by The Abode Depot past upgrading the back-end to ensure assembly spend less fourth dimension using the engineering science, but receive the same level of (or more than) information.

To wrap-upward, Microsoft is besides demonstrating how a retail store manager can monitor store operations through incorporation within an intelligent system. Managers use a touch-enabled Shop Direction dashboard to proceeds quick access to operational analytics, POS data, building maintenance controls and the ability to control in-store digital signage.

Developing for Embedded

Then what's in it for developers when it comes to Windows Embedded 8? With the support of Visual Studio 2022, enterprise awarding developers can brainstorm developing apps already past hit up the Windows Phone viii SDK - this shows just how connected each platform is nether the Windows umbrella of products.

Microsoft will also be delivering new APIs for peripherals such as magnetic stripe readers, carte payment readers, receipt printers and bar code scanners and imagers, making it easier for developers to create line-of-business applications that are supported beyond all Windows Embedded viii Handheld devices with listed peripherals. It'll work on all devices using the aforementioned app.

We tin can look to see Microsoft release the Windows Embedded 8 Handheld SDK, which volition provide boosted APIs for the industry peripherals. Windows Embedded 8 already supports concern and productivity apps from Microsoft, including Lync, Office 365 and Dynamics for Retail.

As mentioned above, the company is pushing towards unity between its platforms, and we tin can wait forward to better times with Windows Phone.

Source: Microsoft, YouTube

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