You'll also find this OS in new GPS satnav systems, very powerful and programmable universal remote controls, ever more Wi-Fi Skype phones (such as the Win CE powered model from Linksys) and a range of other electronics devices needing an embedded operating system.

With Windows CE 6.0 taking on some of the graphical and other niceties of Vista, it’s the operating system that will be powering many Pocket PC based smartphones in 2007. It should be Microsoft's most polished and powerful handheld operating system yet, as they battle with Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Motorola and others for mobile communications superiority.

In contrast to a normal launch event, where all attendees and the company itself must all travel to the one location, the launch for Windows CE 6.0 will be an entirely virtual affair where we can learn about all of the new features and possibilities, see a range of cool demos, and have questions answered by a live panel of Microsoft experts.  

The event starts at 8am PST on November 1st (US time) with a live webcast keynote followed by a range of sessions that anyone can attend after free registration.

As smartphones based on this new version of Windows won’t be with us until well past the start of 2007, the decision to go with a new device running a new Windows Mobile operating system isn’t anywhere near as close as is Vista, or from my point of view, as immediately compelling. But the day of change – whether you change with it or not – is drawing ever closer.

In just a couple of weeks, two brand new versions of Windows should be here (in one form or another), along with a shiny new version of Office. And unlike those wanting to migrate to Linux or free Office alternatives or open source and whatever else, and despite all the new licensing, security changes and other issues, I just can’t wait any more (and am happily running Beta versions to prove it).

Bring forth those operating system and Office goodies, Microsoft. Your Windows have been shut for far too long!

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