Windows Embedded Partner Program gets Freescale onboard

Freescale Semiconductor has joined the Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Embedded Partner Program to promote i.MX with Windows Embedded Platforms, bringing six generations of application processor expertise to Windows Embedded CE-based handheld devices. Additionally, Microsoft's Windows Embedded Business has become a Global Platinum sponsor of the Freescale Technology Forum.

Freescale also announced wide availability of its i.MX31 product development kit (PDK) based on the Windows Embedded CE 5.0 and Windows Embedded CE 6.0 OS. The integrated modular design of the i.MX31 PDK enables a more efficient development process—a critical benefit in the handheld device market. The PDK simplifies consumer device development with three separate, reusable modules that work together for streamlined software creation.

Several Freescale alliance partners offer their technologies based on i.MX and Windows Embedded CE. The comprehensive ecosystem supporting i.MX and Windows Embedded CE includes baseline tools, system integrators, middleware partners and board vendors.

"Collaborating with Freescale through our Windows Embedded Partner Program brings together an abundance of resources to the current and emerging device segments," said Kim Chau, senior partner marketing manager of the Windows embedded business at Microsoft. "The combination of Windows Embedded CE and the i.MX family of processors provides OEMs with integrated, low-power, cost-effective solutions that allow for quicker and easier development of high-quality devices."

"Freescale has a strong track record of partnering with Microsoft on projects since our early collaboration on Windows Embedded CE and the Dragonball processor family," said Aaron Shagrin, director of the multimedia alliances network at Freescale. "We are pleased to officially join the Windows Embedded Partner Program and have Microsoft as a Global Platinum sponsor of the Freescale Technology Forum events."