Microsoft has launched Windows Embedded Compact 7, its Tablet Operating System, which is a lightweight interface specially designed for tablet devices. Microsoft is hoping that the Embedded Compact 7 will impress leading manufacturers, such as, Asus, Acer, MSI and HP too. According to Microsoft, the Embedded Compact 7 will provide OEMs with the tools and technologies to deliver “the power of Windows 7″ across the set specialized devices, including slates, portable media players, e-readers, and others. It is compatible with x86-based tablets. It can also run on ARM-based devices.

Microsoft released the public Communit Technology Preview (CTP) for the Windows Embedded Compact 7 at the Computex 2010 in Taipei. The Windows Embedded Compact 7 is now available online on a trial basis. According to the official product page, it features an updated version of Internet Explorer with support for Silverlight and Adobe Flash 10.1. The Internet Explorer feature will include enhancements such as panning and zooming, Flash Lite 3.1 support. A customizable application UI is set to dramatically improve the browsing experience. The touch and gesture input will let you input to Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 devices. The multi-touch interface is equipped with panning and pinch zooming. It also features support for Microsoft Exchange 2010 and Microsoft Office, Windows 7 Device Stage for transferring files between a mobile device and a PC. The OS comes with a “simplified media player with tons of codecs [and] easy library management. It has the ability to share content with DLNA-compliant devices.

With a multicore support, an upgraded Internet Explorer web browser, Adobe Flash support, user interface (UI) development via Silverlight, and the ability to share and manage content across DLNA devices, it is sure to interest many. The Asus Eee Pad EP121 will be one of the first tablets to launch with Windows Embedded Compact 7.