Curtain Call for Windows CE and Windows Embedded Handheld

It is often said that all good things must come to an end, and some once-popular Windows Embedded Operating Systems are about to become a thing of the past as newer, cutting-edge systems steal the spotlight.

Microsoft has announced that it is going to start phasing out support for the Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows CE operating systems that are used on many mobile devices. These systems have long been popular with handheld devices, particularly the more rugged ones, so this is something to keep in mind when switching to new devices.

Support for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is scheduled to end on June 10, 2018, while Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld and Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 will reach end of life on June 9, 2019 and January 14, 2020 respectively.

Time to Switch to Android?

While this is still a few years off depending on the system in question, it is vital to start planning an upgrade strategy now in order to avoid business slowdowns. Some experts believe that switching to Android can help because it’s more futureproof. It is already familiar to many users, and it is an easier platform from a developer standpoints, which means a wide range of custom applications can be created to suit your warehouse or business’s needs.

Many of the world’s top mobile device companies have been using Android in their handhelds and smartphones for some time now, and more are likely to join them as the flexibility and power of this operating system continue to make it stand out from the pack. Some popular devices that already use Android OS are the Zebra TC55 and Honeywell Dolphin 75e, the rugged Honeywell Dolphin 7800 Android and Honeywell CT50, and the ultra-rugged Zebra TC8000 and Zebra MC9200.

While the prospect of migrating everything to a new platform might seem overwhelming at first glance, starting the process well in advance of the phasing out of the old Windows systems can ensure a smooth transition with no downtime.