Developer Microsoft Corporation Default user interface Graphical | Kernel type Hybrid | |
Working state Publicly released / Trialware Source model Closed source / Shared source Latest release 8.1 with Update (v6.3.9600) / April 16, 2014; 2 years ago (2014-04-16) | ||
Windows Embedded Industry, formerly Windows Embedded POSReady and Windows Embedded for Point of Service, is an operating system subfamily developed by Microsoft as part of its Windows Embedded family of products. Based on Windows NT; Windows Embedded Industry is designed for use in Industrial Devices such as cash registers, automated teller machines, and self service checkouts. Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry was the last release, with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise superseding both Windows Embedded Industry and Windows Embedded Standard.
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Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS)
Based on Windows XP with SP2 and designed for use in Point of Service situations, WEPOS expanded Microsofts Windows Embedded family of products. It was the first version of Windows Embedded that could use the Windows Update Agent to update an installed and deployed image. Service Pack 3 (SP3) for WEPOS was released on October 8, 2008. When the new Microsoft Lifecycle Support policy for Internet Explorer went into effect on January 12, 2016 IE6 support was dropped from not only WEPOS, but all other supported platforms. WEPOS was also the last supported platform for IE7 after this date. Windows Embedded for Point of Service was released on May 24, 2005.
Windows Embedded POSReady 2009
Based on Windows XP with SP3, this version offers more features over Windows Embedded for Point of Service such as Full Localization and XPS support if .NET Framework 3.5 or higher is installed. Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 was released on December 9, 2008. Recently, people have used Regedit to fool Windows Update into thinking that their computer is using this OS when they are really using Windows XP so they can continue receiving security fixes for Windows XP until 2019, when Windows Embedded POSReady 2009's Extended Support is exhausted. An unofficial SP4 for Windows XP also includes this Windows registry patch along with other post-EOL fixes for XP. With WEPOS support having ended, POSReady 2009 and Windows Embedded Standard 2009 are the only XP derived operating systems still officially supported.
Windows Embedded POSReady 7
Windows Embedded POSReady 7 is the first version of Windows Embedded Industry to be based on the Windows 7 Platform. It was released on July 1, 2011.
Windows Embedded 8 Industry
Based on Windows 8, Windows Embedded 8 Industry was released on April 2, 2013. Available in both Pro and Enterprise versions. The Pro version is only available pre-installed on OEM devices, while the Enterprise version is available through the volume licensing channel only. The Enterprise version also provides embedded-specific features designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows 8 Enterprise. Alaska Airlines uses Windows Embedded 8 Industry in-flight entertainment devices.
Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry
Based on Windows 8.1, Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry was released on October 17, 2013. As with 8 Industry, it is available in both Pro and Enterprise versions. Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Update was released on April 16, 2014.