XP Embedded gets very own free SP 2

Microsoft has now extended the Windows XP service pack 2 footprint even further - to a whole range of smaller footprint devices including shop tills, thin clients and medical systems.

Microsoft has taken the wraps off a XP Embedded, which comes with XP SP2 thrown in, and is allowing developers to download and test the OS for free to check for incompatibilities with what it calls a "technology preview".

XP Embedded is the Redmond equivalent of Lego - it's been "componentised" or split into 10,000 little bits - which developers can tweak at will to suit the device they're working on. Microsoft has also released Windows Embedded for Point of Service, set up for checkout kiosks and the like.

Like the traditional PC equivalent, XP Embedded with Service Pack 2 has polished its firewall, improved Bluetooth connectivity and worked in new patch management features, among other enhancements. It's also introduced a quick-boot feature to get devices back on their feet quicker after a shutdown.

And also reminiscent of the PC version, the timing of the actual release has slipped - it's now scheduled to be fully available within 90 days of the original's release.

The download is available here.