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Windows 10 IoT Core already supports the Intel-based MinnowBoard Max and popular Raspberry Pi 2 compact computing boards. Now developers have another maker board to choose from: DragonBoard410c.
“We are very excited to add the DragonBoard 410c, which features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, to our family of supported Windows 10 IoT Core devices,” said Steve Teixeira, director of program management for Microsoft’s Internet of Things (IoT) unit, in a blog post. Windows 10 IoT Core is Microsoft’s stab at IoT device software and part of a larger strategy to cement the company’s place in the burgeoning market for IoT technology solutions, which includes Microsoft’s cloud-based Azure IoT Suite.
DragonBoard 410c from Arrow Electronics features a quad-core, 64-bit-capable ARM-based processor that runs at up to 1.2GHz. “It features advanced processing power, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPS, all packed into a board the size of a credit card,” according to Qualcomm’s developer site.
Its miniscule dimensions and generous collection of connectivity and expansion options lend themselves to a variety of uses, noted Qualcomm. “All this makes it ideal for enabling embedded computing and Internet of Things (IoT) products, including the next generation of robotics, cameras, medical devices, vending machines, smart buildings, digital signage, casino gaming consoles, and much more.”
Teixeira also announced some new developments in Microsoft’s collaboration with open-source board maker Arduino.
“You can now get the Windows Insider Preview of Windows 10 IoT Core with the next four technology investments as part of our Arduino partnership,” he announced. They include Windows 10 IoT Core Universal Windows Platform support for Arduino Wiring, an open-source programming framework for microcontrollers.
“We want to make it easy for you to use existing Arduino Wiring Sketches, libraries, and hardware with Windows 10 IoT Core Universal Windows Apps (UWA) on a Raspberry Pi 2 or other supported board,” said Teixeira. “By creating a new Visual Studio template, supporting NuGet Packages, and platform improvements we’re making it easier than ever to build on Windows 10 IoT Core.”
Also as part of the preview release is support for direct memory mapped Universal Windows Platform Providers, and the availability of the Windows Virtual Shields and the Windows Remote Arduino Experience applications in the Windows Store marketplace.
Windows Virtual Shields is a technology that allows developers to use “sensors and actuators on your Windows 10 device from an Arduino over USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth,” Teixeira explained. “For example, you can access your Windows 10 Phone accelerometer or your Windows 10 Desktop Screen from an Arduino over WiFi.”
Windows Remote Arduino Experience, meanwhile, allows Windows apps to exert their influence on the real world.
“This technology lets you develop on your Windows 10 device and access the physical world via an Arduino over USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth. For example, you can program in C# on your Windows 10 Phone and drive a servo connected on your Arduino over Bluetooth,” Teixeira said.