In 2018, Microsoft ended the support for and further development of all Microsoft Windows CE devices. However, a transition phase is currently in progress and Microsoft has officially approved the sale of Windows CE devices until February 28, 2022. As of March 2022, the support will be discontinued. Thus, it is now time for users of Windows CE devices to plan and implement an upgrade to Android as their new operating system. We explain the advantages of the Android operating system.
What do Windows CE users need to consider in regards to Microsoft discontinuing the support and further development of Windows CE? And what is the consequence of them not providing any further tools? “As a result, there is an increased risk of software viruses for Windows CE users. Also, the functional guarantee will expire from March 2022,” explains Dirk Gelbrich, General Manager Technical Department at DENSO WAVE EUROPE. “We know this problem and help our customers, for example in retail and logistics, with the switch from Windows CE to Android as the new operating system.” The latest mobile data collection devices from DENSO, for example the BHT-1700 and BHT-1800, are equipped with Android as the operating system and can thus offer stability for the future.
Windows CE has long been the standard operating system for mobile data collection devices. However, there has been a noticeable change in the past five years towards Android based devices. According to a recent survey, more than 70 percent of customers relied on Windows CE in 2014. In comparison, 95 percent of all projects were already implemented with the Android operating system in 2019.
Why an Upgrade to Android offers Advantages
Why have so many Windows CE users already switched to Android? we see one of the reasons in the possibility of adding to existing Windows systems without any problems. Other important factors are the extended security features of the Android operating system and the rapidly growing number of innovative devices with Android. The latter include the BHT-1700 handheld terminal and BHT-1800 handheld terminal from DENSO WAVE EUROPE. Furthermore, new Android 10 models will be added to DENSO’s product portfolio in early 2021. The mobile computers are equipped with Android as standard, which, in addition to their ergonomic shape, ensures that both handhelds are easy and intuitive to use. Smartphones that are used privately are also often equipped with Android as the operating system. Hence, employees already know how to operate it and they do not have to be completely re-trained when they use the BHT-1700 or BHT-1800 from DENSO WAVE.
Gelbrich explains another strong advantage of Android: “With Android as the operating system, updates are continuously possible, which means that companies can plan with a stable system for the future.” In addition to stability and consistency, the flexibility of and with Android is an important factor for numerous companies, for example from the logistics or retail sector. “The compatibility with other devices and software is ideal with Android, so that the device management in a company can be carried out very easily. Employees save time, money and effort,” Gelbrich continues.
Additionally, the Android operating system is an open source platform, meaning that the Android OS enables a quick reaction to new functionalities. Thus, the software can be adapted to the needs of a company. For example, a retailer uses an Android device in different areas than a logistician. With the BHT-1700 handheld terminal or BHT-1800 handheld terminal, equipped with Android, users remain flexible in the long term.
Realizing the Switch from Windows CE to Android with smart Handhelds
Overall, it is crucial to take the development – away from Windows CE to Android – into account in all planning processes. “When choosing a new operating system, the focus should be on the performance and security of the respective operating system,” recommends Gelbrich. Together with our European partner network, we make it possible for customers, for example from the logistics or retail sector, to migrate existing applications. For new projects, users should initially use Android devices such as the BHT-1700 or BHT-1800 from DENSO.
On the one hand, the innovative BHT-1700 handheld terminal from DENSO WAVE EUROPE combines the advantages of an extra-large, shatter-proof screen with the usual input via keyboard. On the other hand, the BHT-1800 handheld terminal, also offers an extra-large 5-inch display, but without a keyboard. The angled scan head and several quick access keys ensure easy operation. Users can always keep track of things with these mobile computers equipped with Android.
“DENSO WAVE EUROPE offers full support when switching from Windows CE to Android as the new operating system and answers all questions about compatibility and integration. In addition, we also discuss the future corporate requirements of the mobile data collection devices with our customers. This way, our customers, who include retailers and logisticians for example, can concentrate on their everyday business,” says Gelbrich.
