As announced recently on the Windows Embedded blog, the Windows Embedded Compact 2013 product is now generally available. This update release includes integration to the latest Visual Studio 2013 through updated platform builder and application builder, inbox WiFi device driver for TI SDP44xx and debugging features.

Visual Studio 2013 provides a modern development environment for creating the state-of-the-art, next-generation applications for devices and services. With Visual Studio, Microsoft continues to add value with ability to develop applications with greater agility, higher scale and improved quality. Adhering to the new advanced Visual Studio CPS (Common Project System) architecture, the new Compact application builder for Visual Studio 2013 allows Compact customers to extend their IDE customization and have a smoother GUI experience. In addition, utilizing the advanced visual studio debugger architecture – including remote debugging and multi-process debugging –the update release enhances debugging capabilities and allows for real device-testing capability with WWAPI interface. To learn more check out the post on a developer’s perspective.

We are also updating the platform builder for Visual Studio 2013. With this new change, a question might come to mind: What will happen to current projects and solution based on Visual Studio 2012? The good news is that you don’t have to make any changes to those projects. Since Visual Studio 2013 is completely backward-compatible to the previous project format, you can simply open the project and continue to develop without interruption to the ongoing projects.

To learn more about the product, including how to download a free copy of the update release to Windows Embedded Compact 2013, please visit Windows Embedded Compact.

Thanks!

Partha Srinivasan: Senior Product manager, Windows Embedded Team Partha Srinivasan is the product manager for Windows Embedded Server, Microsoft SQL Server and Windows Embedded Compact products within the Windows Embedded group at Microsoft Corp. He develops product strategy, positioning and launches as well as core marketing content and communication.