Microsoft Corp. today announced the beta 2 release of "Talisker," the code name for the next version of the Windows� CE operating system. "Talisker" beta 2, the robust real-time operating system for building the next generation of smart mobile devices, will be made broadly available through the "Talisker" Technology Preview Program. This new program provides embedded developers with two ways to help jump-start their evaluation of the next version of Microsoft� Windows CE. First, the "Talisker" Emulation Edition Preview, available for free download at http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ enables developers to build and test their design on a single Windows 2000- or Windows XP based workstation without additional hardware investments. Alternatively, developers can order the "Talisker" Technology Preview, which includes all supported processor architectures and is available on CD or DVD. Finally, Microsoft unveiled the "Talisker" Rapid Development Program (RDP). With current members including Intermec Technologies Corp., Siemens AG and Wyse Technology, the "Talisker" RDP is designed to gather in-depth technical feedback from industry partners and customers that are actively developing products and services on beta versions of "Talisker."