Time is running out on the Windows Embedded Handheld mobile operating system, and if you still haven’t developed your migration plan, now is the time to get started.
All Microsoft support has ended for most versions of Windows Embedded Handheld, and here are the end-of-life dates for the last supported versions:
July 9, 2019 – Mainstream support ends for Windows Embedded Handheld 8.1, with no extended support available from Microsoft.
January 13, 2020 – Extended support ends for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5.
April 13, 2021 – Extended support ends for Windows Embedded Compact 7.
If you’re running any other version of Windows Embedded Handheld, your Microsoft support options have already expired. If you’re running one of the three remaining supported versions, and you don’t have an extended support contract with your mobile device manufacturer, you’ll no longer receive OS updates or security patches.
No matter where things stand for you, you’ll need to migrate to a new OS as soon as possible. You should also consider switching to Android, as all major enterprise device manufacturers and most companies are doing. It’s the most sensible choice given Microsoft’s eventual exit from the enterprise handheld market and the few cross-grade options for upgrading from Windows Embedded Handheld versions to Windows 10 IoT.
Fortunately, a migration to Android is more than just a grim necessity. It’s a terrific opportunity to enhance, streamline, and simplify mobile workflows by upgrading to an open and customizable platform with an easy-to-use touch interface that’s immediately familiar to workers. Android reduces training time and makes practically any workflow as simple as tapping an app screen.
In fact, with Zebra’s new MC9300 Android touch handheld mobile computer, you get all of these benefits in the familiar form factor of an industrial handheld with a pistol-style grip for scanning, a physical keypad for data entry, 
and advanced 1D/2D barcode scanning with extended range, omnidirectional scanning flexibility, and the ability to scan signatures, documents, form fields, and more.
Of course, with the end of security patches and support for Windows Embedded Handheld, you might be wondering what kind of security you can get with Android. The good news is that Android has become a fully enterprise-ready and highly secure OS thanks to Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx), which give you complete control over every device, app, network connection, and user access. Android also gives you control over security updates and makes them easier to apply with over-the-air wireless updates.
Best of all, Zebra provides 10 years of guaranteed Android security and OS updates through its LifeGuard™ for Android program. This adds 5 more years of extended support to Google’s standard 5-year coverage, ensuring that you’ll be covered for the life of your device.
If you haven’t already put together your OS migration plan, we strongly recommend that you get started as soon as possible and consider an investment in Zebra’s MC9300 and its family of over 20 Android devices.
If you need help developing your plan and finding the best devices for your mobile workflows, our experts can help you through the process—from defining your requirements and budget to choosing your new devices, redeveloping your apps and databases, and testing and deploying.
To learn more, visit our Android enterprise web page at https://www.tpi1.com/android/ or contact us at TPI for personalized consultation.