Microsoft posted a Windows Embedded Handheld (snappy name ;-) roadmap based on information released at the ES400 launch last week. The attached white paper from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/products/handheld/future… the following key messages:
During Motorola’s June 17 launch event for its ES400 enterprise digital assistant (EDA), Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced several strategic investments in the enterprise handheld device market, including a comprehensive roadmap of platforms and technologies delivered under the new

Windows Embedded Handheld brand. This movement by Microsoft acknowledges the unique needs of ruggedized handheld device OEMs and ends users by providing a solid foundation for future innovation tied directly to the market. The first release will come this calendar year and will build on the Windows Mobile 6.5 platform.

Although the initial version of Windows Embedded Handheld is not expected to differ markedly from the current Windows Mobile 6.5, its relevance is tied not only to the future roadmap, but also – and perhaps more importantly – Microsoft’s commitment to provide an extension of the OS support lifecycle to more closely align with the typical lifecycle of devices in the enterprise. Similarly, Microsoft will continue support and investment in a platform that utilizes the tools and developer paradigms used in building applications and experiences, including Visual Studio 2008 and Windows Forms. These moves to extend familiar security, manageability and connectivity solutions with the Windows Mobile platform coupled with enhanced lifecycle support will help instill confidence Microsoft is committed to protecting existing investments over as new software platforms are released.

Regarding the future roadmap, an updated Windows Embedded Handheld platform based on Windows 7 technologies will be released in the second half of calendar year 2011. This expanded platform will build on Windows Mobile 6.5’s proven manageability and security features by incorporating additional technologies from Windows Embedded Compact 7, including updated kernel and memory models, browser, and input methods, such as multitouch. Additionally, the platform will feature the Silverlight for Windows Embedded user interface framework to help OEMs, developers and designers implement immersive user interfaces on enterprise handheld devices. Microsoft will also include a migration path for existing applications to a new application platform based on Microsoft Silverlight and Microsoft XNA with Visual Studio 2010.