Windows 10: Windows for IoT adds expanded silicon support

Brink · Oct 14, 2019

The world of IoT is more exciting than ever, transforming every business on the planet, and that transformation is accelerating. Advances in AI and ML are helping companies across industries gain efficiencies; reduce downtime, waste, and errors; and improve customer satisfaction by harnessing the power of the Intelligent Edge and Intelligent Cloud.

Windows has been powering enterprise-grade embedded devices for more than two decades, and during the keynote today at CEATEC Japan, I shared Microsoft’s strategy for how Windows for IoT helps device builders of all sizes quickly create IoT solutions that bring digital transformation to life for customers with smart and secure IoT devices. With a special focus at CEATAC on the evolution of smart cities, smart buildings and smart infrastructure under the “Society 5.0” framework, we’re excited that Windows for IoT delivers a scalable family of operating systems as the foundation for building intelligent edge devices. This family includes:

Windows 10 IoT Core is built for small-footprint smart devices, while still offering the manageability and security expected from Windows, and along with Windows 10 IoT Core Services ensures long-term OS support and services for managing Over-the-Air (OTA) device updates and device health. A great example of how Windows 10 IoT Core is being used is Hourfleet, a ride-sharing platform addressing urban mobility challenges faced by many cities, towns, and communities. The Hourfleet platform is a globally deployable, robust and cost-effective product underpinned by Windows 10 IoT Core and Azure IoT.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise This full-featured edition of Windows 10 IoT delivers enterprise manageability and locked-down capabilities for fixed-function smart devices. Companies like City Beacon are building next-generation intelligent infrastructure based on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. City Beacon has built a Smart Hub that can be located on city streets and venues; these multifunctional kiosks house a variety of IoT devices, connected to fast networks providing citizens with access to hyperlocal apps and services.

Windows Server IoT 2019 Windows Server IoT is for the most demanding edge-computing workloads, for connecting, storing and analyzing data from large databases of connected applications, networks and web services.

Expanding silicon choices

Today we are announcing the General Availability of the Windows 10 IoT Core Board Support Packages for the NXP i.MX family of processors, including i.MX6, i.MX7, i.MX 8M and i.MX 8M Mini application processor families. NXP is a leader in highly secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications and bringing NXP i.MX and Windows 10 IoT Core together provides device builders with additional choices for building secure, commercial-grade, connected devices.

Windows 10 IoT Core enables secure, power-optimized devices for the Intelligent Edge. Developers can quickly build new intelligent devices using the familiar and powerful Windows development environment and commercialize them using our powerful Azure IoT platform. By embracing the NXP family of processors, we’re bringing a whole new range of industrial-grade silicon choices to IoT project engineers.

“We are pleased to have reached the General Availability milestone and continue to build our partnership with Microsoft,” says Jeff Miles, vice president of Business Development, Secure IoT Edge to Cloud Products at NXP. “With this addition, NXP customers now have access to industry-leading edge-computing solutions, from i.MX 6 to i.MX 7 and i.MX 8M across Windows 10 IoT Core for advanced industrial and IoT applications, harnessing the full power of Azure in their intelligent edge products.”

Customers adopting NXP i.MX and Windows 10 IoT Core

We are already seeing boards and devices using the NXP i.MX processors with over 15 boards available or in development from the partner ecosystem. As an example, Diagramics has built an NXP i.MX8-based solution with Windows 10 IoT Core to build rich client devices, certified by Azure IoT Device Catalog, and enable IOT plug-n-play registration of these devices with Azure IoT Hub Device Provisioning Service. More information can be found on the boards and solutions.

During the keynote I also shared a brand-new solution from Smart Tower based on the combination of Windows 10 IoT Core, NXP, and Azure IOT. The solution is designed to improve reliability and reduce downtime for critical public infrastructure, such as cell towers or electricity distribution networks. Smart Tower designed the solution to take full advantage of edge processing, creating a sensor module attached to the tower and a ground control unit that analyzes the health of the tower in real time, supporting high latency or disconnected scenarios. Additionally, the solution leverages Azure IOT Hub to manage and connect the devices and enables historical analysis across the whole network of towers being monitored. Smart Tower chose the combination of NXP, i.MX and Windows 10 IoT Core because of the extreme operating conditions the device would endure, and the familiar Windows IoT platform reduced the development costs and time to market.

Continued Innovation at the edge

Earlier this year, we enabled support for Azure IoT Edge on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise and Windows Server IoT 2019. This makes it easy and seamless to integrate the IoT Edge runtime, making it possible to move machine learning algorithms and other similarly complex computing functions from the cloud to edge devices. Windows for IoT also supports Windows Machine Learning and Windows Vision Skills, which allows you to run advanced AI algorithms developed in Azure on any Windows for IoT device.

Industry-leading ML at the edge: New Windows ML Container

The new Windows ML container, available today as an insider preview, is specifically designed for delivering AI-inferencing workloads built using the Windows ML API. Windows ML container gives businesses a fast and agile platform to build enterprise-grade IoT solutions. It combines the advanced features of Windows with the security of the Windows 10 IoT platform and the manageability of the Azure IoT Edge service.

Windows ML containers provide hosted AI workloads with hardware acceleration and direct access to the host’s peripheral devices. Hosted workloads can use sensors or cameras connected using USB, I2C, SPI or GPIO. Hardware acceleration is available using any DirectX 12- capable GPU or Microsoft Compute Driver Model-compliant ASICs attached to the host.

By optimizing the container specifically for AI workloads, the on-disk size of the container is approximately 350 MB, significantly smaller than any other GPU-enabled inferencing container in the market. With this smaller size, customers can manage Windows ML containers more easily and at lower cost. Find out more about the Windows ML container Insider Preview.

Introducing SQL Server IoT 2019: Data storage and analytics on Windows for IoT

SQL Server has been available for embedded usage for many years, and we are excited to bring the latest SQL Server 2019 capabilities to embedded device builders. We are introducing SQL Server IoT 2019, which is the binary equivalent to SQL Server 2019 and will be licensed through the OEM channel and is specifically designed for dedicated-use, server-class edge appliances running application software. Coupled with Windows Server IoT 2019, Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2019 provides a comprehensive database platform for mission-critical data analytics and unmatched scalability, industry-leading performance and security and intelligence over all your data. SQL Server IOT brings real-time analytics on operational data with in-memory technologies with higher concurrency and scale through persistent memory. Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2019 will be available before the end of the year.

Microsoft is making substantial investments in cloud connectivity and using the power of Windows to accelerate our customers’ journeys to the cloud and the intelligent edge. The innovations we announced at CEATAC and the real-world IoT solutions being built by our customers and partners are just the start of the exciting path ahead for Windows for IoT. If you’re at CEATEC this week, be sure to visit Microsoft booth A012 to experience these Windows IoT solutions firsthand or on the web.
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Source: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexp...ransformation/

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IoTGirl · Oct 14, 2019

Windows 10 Enterprise IoT

Hi David,

Embedded Mode can be set in Windows Enterprise and Windows Mobile versions. For target options please see the definitions at

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-iot From that page:

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is a full version of Windows 10 that delivers the enterprise manageability and security of Windows 10 Enterprise to IoT solutions. It is designed for powerful industry devices used in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and other
industries. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise runs crucial line of business applications and performs specialized functions in a secure, reliable and streamlined way to support mission-critical devices.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MANAGING AND UPDATING WINDOWS 10 IOT

*Note that Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is a binary equivalent to Windows 10 Enterprise

Windows 10 IoT Mobile

Windows 10 IoT Mobile brings the full functionality of Windows 10 Mobile to the Internet of Things. That includes instantaneous application access, native support for barcode scanning, and other peripherals, as well as enhanced productivity for a variety
of mobile scenarios.

The Mobile Enterprise editions also offer capabilities such as ARM support, multiple user profiles, and advanced lockdown to enable scenarios across retail, healthcare, manufacturing and other vertical industries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WINDOWS 10 IOT MOBILE

*Note that Windows 10 IoT Mobile is a binary equivalent to Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise

Windows 10 IoT Core

Windows 10 IoT Core is optimized for small-footprint, low-cost IoT devices that bring intelligence to the edge. It is designed to power purpose-built devices like gateways that enable IoT solutions. Windows 10 IoT Core also brings enterprise-grade security,
manageability, and connectivity of Windows to a new class of devices.

Below are the steps to bring your IoT Core powered devices to life:

Click to
Download IoT Core

Learn more about how to create applications and build proof of concepts and leverage step-by-step instructions, sample
code, documentation, community projects and more…

Ready to sell your product?
Commercialize your device or
Find your local distributor.

Actually, IoT Core does not have a menu, that is the default application that comes installed on the sample image from Microsoft. When you create your device you would replace that default experience with the purpose driven application for your solution.
As for securing an IoT device, it really depends on its purpose and environment but for information on IoT Core you can find documentation at WindowsOnDevices.com. Specifically

https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/iot/docs/buildingsecuredevices

Sincerely,

Brink · Oct 14, 2019

Microsoft doubles down on Windows 10 IoT with added support

Companies making IoT devices have demanding expectations of their hardware and software. Microsoft is dedicated to delivering high quality, reliable IoT solutions for the devices which operate in harsh environments and are expected to last for many years. For decades, Microsoft has been serving customers in the embedded and IoT markets and we continue to increase our investment and commitment to this market.

Through a broader hardware portfolio, customers have greater ability to quickly and securely develop devices to power our lives and our world.

At the Embedded World Conference today, we announced an expansion of our supported silicon offering for Windows 10 IoT Core and committed that the next releases of Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise will offer 10 years of support.

Windows 10 IoT Core Supporting NXP i.MX SoCs

Windows 10 IoT Core is an edition of Windows 10 designed for building smart things and optimized to power intelligent edge devices. First released in 2015, it has been adopted by industry leaders like Johnson Controls, Askey, and Misty Robotics.

To support growing customer and partner demand, Microsoft, in close collaboration with NXP, has initiated a private preview of Windows 10 IoT Core on NXP i.MX 6 and i.MX 7 processors. The i.MX product portfolio is one of the most popular IoT processor families in the industry and this enables Windows IoT developers to create a broader variety of high performance, power-optimized, and industrial grade devices.
Windows 10 IoT Core uses a unique capability of the NXP i.MX 6 and i.MX 7 to enable trusted I/O which can ensure that malicious applications or rogue actors are unable to tamper with the physical control of a device even if they infiltrate the operating system software.

Several leading hardware vendors are demonstrating Azure Certified for IoT devices based on i.MX 6 with Windows 10 IoT Core at Embedded World. These include both system on module and single-board computer options giving flexibility to manufacturers interested to build products using NXP, Windows 10 IoT Core, and Azure.

Aaeon PIXO-IMX6

Advantech RSB-4411

Keith & Koep pConXS with TrizepsVII

SolidRun HummingBoard

Kontron SMARC-sAMX6i (Azure certification in progress)

Microsoft and NXP continue to invest and improve the i.MX 6 and i.MX 7 solutions and are planning additional processor enablement in the future. A final launch timeline for commercial availability is expected later this year. Customers interested in participating in the private preview of Windows 10 IoT Core on NXP silicon can sign up online.

Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise offer 10 years of support

With the Fall 2018 release of Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, Microsoft will provide 10 years of support via the Windows Long-Term Servicing Channel. These releases, like all Windows releases, are built with robust security with a world-class team of security and privacy experts that are focused on maintaining security throughout the life of the device.

Windows 10 IoT continues to expand its ecosystem, delivering on the promise to create an operating system for all connected devices. Through a broader hardware portfolio and, customers have greater ability to quickly and securely develop devices to power our lives and our world. We are excited to see what you will make.
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Source: Microsoft doubles down on Windows 10 IoT with added support - Windows For Your Business

Brink · Oct 14, 2019

Updates to Silicon Support Policy for Windows

Earlier this year, we shared information about Windows 10 embracing silicon innovation and our work with partners to achieve breakthroughs in performance, imaging, connectivity, power, graphics, and more as the Windows platform evolves with them. At the time, we shared our commitment to deliver security, reliability and compatibility to our installed base.

Enterprise customers are moving to Windows 10 faster than any version of Windows. At the same time, we recognize that, in some instances, customers have a few systems that require longer deployment timeframes. We listened to this feedback and today are sharing an update to our 6th Gen Intel Core (Skylake) support policy.* We have extended the support period from July 17, 2018 to the end of support dates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1; and we will provide all applicable security updates.

This policy change primarily applies to our commercial customers who are currently managing deployments with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, and does not apply to customers running Windows 10.

Today Windows 7 is in extended support and support will end for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, and support for Windows 8.1 will end January 10, 2023.

6th Gen Intel Core devices on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be supported with all applicable security updates until the end of support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

This change is made possible through the strong partnership with our OEM partners and Intel who will be performing security update validation testing and upgrade testing for 6th Gen Intel Core systems running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 through the end of support dates.

As previously communicated earlier this year, future silicon platforms including Intel’s upcoming 7th Gen Intel Core (Kaby Lake) processor family and AMD’s 7th generation processors (e.g. Bristol Ridge) will only be supported on Windows 10, and all future silicon releases will require the latest release of Windows 10.

This change is designed to help our customers purchase modern hardware with confidence, while continuing to manage their migrations to Windows 10. There are now over 350 million devices on Windows 10 and more than 135 billion hours of use since the launch, with enterprise customers deploying Windows 10 to devices every day. We recommend that customers upgrade these 6th Gen Intel Core systems on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 as soon as possible so that they can receive full support along with the great enhancements that come from running modern hardware with modern software.

Our commitment to all of our customers remains strong and we’re grateful for your ongoing support.
Additional information on the topic can be found here.

*Applies to Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Embedded 7, 8, 8.1.
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Source: Updates to Silicon Support Policy for Windows | Windows For Your Business

Windows 10: Windows for IoT adds expanded silicon support

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