Windows Embedded Compact 7 is the next generation of Windows Embedded CE.  Compact 7 is a real-time operating system that brings the power of Windows 7 to a wide range of handheld devices.

As a budding handheld device developer, you can leverage the powerful technologies in Compact 7 for creating attractive, intuitive user experiences that use the latest hardware platforms.  It includes support for ARM v7, hardware graphics acceleration, and multi-core processing.

Using familiar tools like Visual Studio and Microsoft Expression Blend you can create devices with compelling user experiences using Silverlight for Windows Embedded and multi-touch input capabilities, a modern browsing experience with Internet Explorer and Flash 10.1, rich media playback capabilities with support for MPEG-4, and connections to PCs with Windows Device Stage, servers through AirSync, and other media devices with DLNA.

Hardware requirements

• Approximately 100 GB of free hard disk space
• 2.4 GHz or higher CPU
• 1024 MB or more RAM
• 1280x1024 display
• 7200 RPM or higher hard disk

Operating Systems
You can install this release on the following operating systems:

• Windows XP with Service Pack 3
• Windows Vista with Service Pack 2
• Windows 7 and any available service packs

Software Requirements
Your computer must have the following software installed:

• Visual Studio 2008 (for all components)
• Visual Studio 2008 Service Pack 1
• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5

Optional software
To use Microsoft Silverlight for Windows Embedded you will also need to have the following software installed:

• Microsoft Expression Blend 3
• Windows Embedded Silverlight Tools