Windows CE.NET
(Code Name Talisker)
By Chris De Herrera, Copyright 2001
 Version 1.02  Revised 11/12/2001

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Introduction

Recently Microsoft announced the beta 1 release of Talisker.  Talisker is the next generation of the Windows CE operating system.  During October, 2001, Microsoft named the next generation as Windows CE.NET as the official name for Talisker. This article will explain the relationship between Windows CE and the Pocket PC.

What is Windows CE?

Windows CE is small embedded (can run from rom) operating system.  It supports many of the same APIs as larger versions of Windows 9x/ME/2000/XP does however they have removed duplicate APIs.  Windows CE is used in a variety of products such as the Sega Dreamcast, thin clients, and set top boxes.  In addition, Microsoft chose to use Windows CE for it's PDA size products like the Handheld PC and Pocket PC.  Also, Microsoft chooses what features of the Windows CE operating system to support in the Handheld PC and Pocket PC.  

Does the Pocket PC run the Latest Version?

The Pocket PC runs Windows CE 3.0 as it's core operating system.  The Windows CE operating system must be completed before the Pocket PC applications can be ported to it. Also features and APIs in the Windows CE operating system do not always exist in the Handheld PC or Pocket PC.  You need to check the specifications on the device you select before assuming that the features and APIs exist on it.

Will the Pocket PC 2002 code name Merlin (the next generation of Pocket PC) use Talisker?

No, Pocket PC 2002 (code name Merlin) uses Windows CE 3.0.

Conclusion

I anticipate that every release of a Handheld PC and Pocket PC will run the most current publicly available version of Windows CE.  Since Talisker is the next generation of Windows CE and it is in beta, I do not anticipate seeing it in a Handheld PC or Pocket PC until it is final.

More Information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/features/ce30faq.asp.
Talisker Emulation Edition Preview Release Beta 2