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WE-DIG is going online; you are invited to join the fun.

WE-DIG is four years old, and -- in keeping with our goals -- we are changing how we do things so that we can reach a much larger audience.

Note: We are adding an online component, but we still meet on the first Wednesday of the month for those lucky enough to live within driving distance of the MS campus in Redmond, WA.

WE-DIG Goals

From WE-DIG's very beginning, there were two goals. First, organize great content for developers building cool mobile and embedded systems. This, it turns out, has been the easy part. Since we meet at Microsoft's Redmond campus, it has been relatively easy to find smart, passionate developers - the campus is filled with them.

The second goal: Go Global. From the start, we wanted to push our WE-DIG content to the broader world, to support people around the world who have a passion for mobile and embedded coolness. This has been harder than it sounds. We used to record our meetings on video tape, but were not happy with the results. We supported several user groups getting started, but have not been able to reach the larger audience that we always knew was out there.

With this new initiative, developers around the world can participate in WE-DIG. There are two parts:

1) The Presentation

2) The Q&A Session

The Presentation: A Channel 9 Screen Cast

Is video is the next killer app for the Internet? We think so. Starting with our February 2008 meeting, all WE-DIG presentations are pre-recorded and posted online, hosted by Channel 9.

There is a lot of Channel 9 content; what makes the WE-DIG screen casts so special? Tune in and see. We think you will like our topic selection - always addressing the latest technologies and breaking issues. You will certainly like our speakers, experts who probably helped design and build these technologies.

There is one more thing that we provide - a question and answer session for each screen cast.

Q&A via MSDN Online Chat

Once you watch the video, you will have ideas - lots of ideas. And you will have questions - lots of questions. WE-DIG is sponsoring online chats to let you talk to the presenter online, and get answers to your most crucial questions.

So - sign up for WE-DIG, and join us online!

WE-DIG/Seattle: January 2007 Meeting

Date: Wednesday January 3, 2007
Time: 6:30 - 9:00pm
At: Bldg 117, Chinook Room, Microsoft Campus, Redmond, WA

===== Theme: Windows Vista Synchronization =====
At this first meeting of the New Year, WE-DIG is getting ready to toast a new Operating System -- Windows Vista -- and Vista's new synchronization engine, sometimes known as the Windows Mobile Device Center. Although still under development, some of Vista Synch Program Managers -- Sridhar Mandyam and Ken Lavering -- have graciously agreed to join us.

If you are interested in synchronzation solutions with Windows Vista, we hope you will consider joining us as well.

===== Please Register =====
If you plan to join us, please let us know that you are coming using our convenient, one-click registration process. You can find it here: http://www.we-dig.org.

===== Sumobot Contest on Hold =====
Last fall, WE-DIG/Seattle announced the first ever worldwide virtual .NET Micro Framework Sumobot Contest. We received eight entries before December 8th, which was the official contest closing date.

When our volunteers convened on December 9th to battle the bots, we ran into some hardware problems. And while we had some spare parts available, we were not able to address this issue to hold the contest. And so -- until we can get our bots repaired and/or replaced, the contest is on hold.

We are scrambling to get our existing bots repaired. We are also looking for more bots. If anyone reading this has a Sumobot from last year's MEDC conference (and one that they are willing to donate to this cause), please email us at this address (board_at_we-dig[dot]net).

==== Upcoming WE-DIG Meeting Themes ====
Feb 7, 2007 -- Peer-to-Peer Programming with Bluetooth and Compact Framework
Mar 7, 2007 -- GPS Programming with Compact Framework and Virtual Earch
Apr 4, 2007 -- Windows Mobile Crossbow

==== The WE-DIG Board ====
The WE-DIG board consists of individuals who are dedicated to building grassroots support for Windows Embedded. You can contact the entire board at the following email address (board_at_we-dig[dot]net).

The current members of the WE-DIG board are as follows:
o Michael Hall, Microsoft Corporation
o Martin Hernandez, bSquare Corporation
o Chris Muench, Siemens Automation
o Michael Salamone, Intrinsyc Software
o Ron Vanderputten, Intermec Technologies
o Paul Yao, Utimaco Safeware, Inc.

WE-DIG .NET Micro Framework Sumobot Contest

Enter this programming contest, and win some great prizes. Click for details

*** Update: October 30, 2006 ***
In the 20 days since we announced the contest, our announcement has been read by 600+ prospective contestants, and we have already started receiving entries. Remember: we are limiting the contest to the first 32 entries, so be sure to submit your entry soon!

WE-DIG/Seattle: September 2006 Meeting

The Microsoft .NET Micro Framework is a managed code environment bringing the efficiency and reliability to the embedded space that managed code provides. In addition, the platform is fully integrated with the Microsoft Visual Studio�, allowing for development using familiar tools even when debugging code running on the target device. In this way, the .NET Micro Framework extends the Microsoft embedded story to a new set of smaller devices. Join us at our monthly WE-DIG meeting to learn more about this important new platform. If you are able to join us in Seattle, please register on our web site: http://www.we-dig.org and let us know that you'll be able to join us on September 6th.

WE-DIG/Seattle: August 2006 Meeting

** Note: New Location -- Building 117 **

Date: Wednesday August 2, 2006
Time: 6:30 - 9:00pm
At: Bldg 117, Chinook, Microsoft Campus, Redmond, WA

===== Theme: Robotics SDK =====
Yes, we know. You got into software because you were inspired by visions of robots from all the Sci-Fi that you read. You might almost have forgotten, but just in time Microsoft has made a technology preview of a Robotics SDK. After visiting the Robotics home page (http://msdn.microsoft.com/robotics), mark your calendar to join us at the August WE-DIG meeting for insights from the group that developed the SDK.

===== Please Register =====
If you plan to join us, please let us know that you are coming using our convenient, one-click registration process. You can find it here: http://www.we-dig.org.

==== Upcoming WE-DIG Meeting Themes ====
Sep 2006: The MicroFramework - When Smaller is Better

==== The WE-DIG Board ====
The WE-DIG board consists of individuals who are dedicated to building grassroots support for Windows Embedded. The board has the following members:
o Michael Hall, Microsoft Corporation
o Martin Hernandez, bSquare Corporation
o Chris Muench, Siemens Automation
o Michael Salamone, Intrinsyc Software
o Ron Vanderputten, Intermec Technologies
o Paul Yao, Utimaco Safeware, Inc.

==== Feedback ====
If you have any feedback for the WE-DIG board, you can email us at the following email address: board_[at]_we-dig_[dot]_net.

WE-DIG/Seattle: July 2006 Meeting

** Note: New Location -- Building 117 **

Date: Wednesday July 5, 2006
Time: 6:30 - 9:00pm
At: Bldg 117, Chinook, Microsoft Campus, Redmond, WA

===== Theme: Update on Managed Code =====
This past spring, Microsoft announced XNA - a managed code framework for game developers that runs on *multiple* platforms, including XBox-360, Windows Mobile, and Windows XP. Chris Muench, WE-DIG board member and long-time game developer will share his insights into XNA. If we are lucky, he will even demo some of his amazingly graphical games (and yes, those 3-D effects are being handled in managed code!). The Compact Framework Team has released a new service pack for .NET CF 2.0. We have invited a member of the team to join us for an insider's look at what is new in the new service pack, and what the future may hold for the .NET Compact Framework.

===== Please Register =====
If you plan to join us, please let us know that you are coming using our convenient, one-click registration process. You can find it here: http://www.we-dig.org.

==== Upcoming WE-DIG Meeting Themes ====
Aug 2006: TBA XP-Embedded Projects
Sep 2006: The MicroFramework - When Smaller is Better

===== Future Meetings Will Be in Building 117 =====
Based on popular demand, we are making Bldg 117 our new home. And to help celebrate, we have asked cities and towns across the USA to display fireworks next Tuesday night. While admittedly short notice, we hope that -- if you live in the USA -- your home town participates. A "thank you" to Nic Sagez for reserving the room for us.

==== The WE-DIG Board ====
The WE-DIG board consists of individuals who are dedicated to building grassroots support for Windows Embedded. The board has the following members:
o Michael Hall, Microsoft Corporation
o Martin Hernandez, bSquare Corporation
o Chris Muench, Siemens Automation
o Michael Salamone, Intrinsyc Software
o Ron Vanderputten, Intermec Technologies
o Paul Yao, Utimaco Safeware, Inc.

==== Feedback ====
If you have any feedback for the WE-DIG board, you can email us at the following email address: board_at_we-dig_[dot]_net.

Winterstorm in Redmond takes out We-Dig Streaming server....

Unfortunately our stream server died today during a power outage caused by a heavy winterstorm. We are working on replacing the server but at this time, we cannot say when it will be up again...just hold on tight:-)

Microsoft announces name for Longhorn: Windows Vista

To read the announcement and see Brian Valentine's announcement video click here: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/jul05/07-22LHMA.mspx

January 2005

For those of you in Seattle, you are invited to attend the next WE-DIG meeting, scheduled for Wednesday January 12, 2005. Topic: Smart Client Development -- Today and Tomorrow Date: January 12, 2005 Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm Location: Quinalt Room, Bldg 34, Microsoft Main Campus, Redmond, WA, USA Please register with us! We *promise* to keep the information that you provide private, and to only use it to let you know of meetings and events of interest. If you are outside the Seattle area, it still makes sense to register. We are talking with other groups at other locations about starting up a WE-DIG group. When you register and tell us where you are, we can let you know when a group is formed somewhere near to you. If you are interested in embedded and mobile technologies - especially those built on Microsoft technologies - then WE-DIG is going to have a lot to offer you. So please, register with us today!

WE-DIG/Seattle: Dec 2004 Meeting

You are invited to join us at our monthly developer interest group meeting.

Date: Wednesday December 1, 2004
Start: 6:30pm
Location: Quinalt Room, Building 34, Microsoft Campus, Redmond, WA

==== Agenda ====
At the December WE-DIG meeting, the focus will be on these two areas:
-- Location-based programming
-- Smart Personal Object Technology

==== Location-Based Programming ====
We are fortunate that Steve Lombardi, Microsoft's MapPoint Technical Evangelist, has agreed to join us. Steve is going to talk to us about the recently released MapPoint Location Server. He also promised to give us a preview of Caravel, a product that has not been discussed anywhere else in public. Caravel is Microsoft's next generation mapping and navigation application for Windows Mobile.

Details on the Location Server:
http://www.microsoft.com/mappoint/products/locationserver/default.mspx

Where is Steve? -- Live demo of location-based programming
www.whatididwaswrong.com/whereissteve

==== Smart Personal Object Technology ====
Developers interested in SPOT watches will want to hear from the two guests coming to the December WE-DIG meeting: Donald Thompson and Mark Phillips. Donald Thompson, a Microsoft architect, will provide insights into the SPOT system design and software implementation. Mark Philips of A Dot Corporation will be showing us his company's SPOT development kit.

Intro to SPOT, by Donald Thompson:
http://www.sys-con.com/story/?storyid=46614&DE=1

A Dot Corporation
http://www.dotcorporate.com

==== Register with WE-DIG ====
The Windows Embedded Developers Interest Group (WE-DIG), formed in April 2004, is dedicated to the exchange of ideas around Microsoft Windows embedded and mobile software development.

Please register to receive meeting announcements.

WE-DIG/Seattle: Nov 2004 Meeting

October 2004 Meeting Agenda

Featured Topic: Microsoft Windows XP Embedded

6:00 Meeting Opens
6:15 Open Mike -- Present/help solve dev problems
6:45 Featured Event: Windows XP Embedded
o What's New in XPeSP2?
o XPe Panel Discussion
7:45 Break / Networking / Pizza
8:15 Tool Time -- Demos of New XP Embedded Features
8:30 What's News?
9:00 Drawing / Meeting Close

WE-DIG/Seattle: October & November 2004 Meetings

*** Meeting Announcements *** October 2004 -- The focus of this meeting is on Windows XP Embedded, and the impact of Service Pack 2 on embedded and mobile developers. November 2004 -- The focus of the November meeting will be on Windows Mobile, and in particular on the impact of recent updates including: (a) Windows Mobile 2003, Second Edition, and also (b) .NET Compact Framework, SP1, SP2, and SP3 (in beta)

WE-DIG/Seattle: September Meeting to Focus on Windows CE 5.0

WE-DIG / Seattle

Windows Embedded Developers Interest Group

September Meeting Agenda

Date: September 1, 2004

Location: Quinalt Room, Building 34, Microsoft Main Campus, Redmond, WA

Our Mission:

The Windows Embedded Developers' Interest Group is dedicated to the exchange of ideas around Microsoft Windows embedded and mobile software development.

========= MEETING AGENDA =========

6:30 Pre-Meeting Event: Author Book Signing

7:00 Meeting Starts

7:10 Panel: Windows CE 5.0 Team Members

8:00 Break

8:10 Whats News

8:25 Tool Time: Entrek Tools

8:30 Open Problem Solving Session

9:00 Drawing / Meeting Concludes

========= Pre-Meeting =========

We set aside a half-hour prior to the start of each meeting to provide an opportunity for first-time attendees to register with WE-DIG, to talk to the WE-DIG board, and for special events. The special event this month is an author book signing. Refreshments served.

This is also the time to enter the drawing, which is held at the end of the WE-DIG meeting. We have a lot of goodies that you can win. The featured item is an iPaq H2210 Pocket PC, courtesy of the Microsoft Mobile Device Division.

========= Author Book Signing =========

Before the formal meeting starts, we are going to have an author book signing featuring the authors of two recently released .NET Compact Framework books, Paul Yao & David Durant. They will be available to answer your questions and sign your copies of their books (copies of which are going to be on hand for sale).

========= Meeting Starts =========

The meeting starts at 7:00pm. At this inaugural WE-DIG meeting, you are going to meet the members of the WE-DIG board, and learn about its mission.

The MC is Paul Yao, a member of the WE-DIG board, and president of The Paul Yao Company.

========= Panel Featuring Windows CE 5.0 Team Members=========

The latest version of Windows CE, version 5.0, shipped on July 9. Three members of the Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 team have graciously agreed to join us in a panel discussion:

o Jeana Jorgensen, Windows CE Product Manager

o Chip Schnarel, Group Program Manager, Windows CE

o Mark Miller, Architect, Windows CE

Audience participation is welcome, so come prepared to gain insights and to ask your own questions about this latest version of Microsoft's operating system for embedded and mobile software development.

The panel is to be moderated by Chris Muench, Strategic Relations Manager at Siemens Automation, and a member of the WE-DIG board.

========= Whats News =========

During Whats News, you will hear late-breaking news about developments in the world of research, technology, and business which promise to have an impact on developers in the world of Microsoft Windows embedded and mobile systems.

The Whats News segment is to be presented by Nick White, Microsoft Corporation.

========= Tool Time =========

Building great embedded and mobile solutions requires great tools, and so we dedicate a brief portion of each meeting to discuss tools - what we call "Tool Time" (with apologies to Tim Allen). Tool Time provides a chance for users to present reviews of development tools. Some Tool Time segments may feature tool developers announcing new products, or providing tips on using currently shipping products.

This month features Michael Salamone of Entrek (http://www.entrek.com), to present insights into the various Windows CE-oriented development tools from his company. Michal is a member of the WE-DIG board.

========= Open Problem Solving Session =========

A key benefit of community events like the WE-DIG meetings is the opportunity to network with common interests. In addition to the informal networking that inevitably takes place at this type of meeting, the Open Problem Solving Session provides every attendee with the change to describe real-world development problems or issues that they have, and to get the perspective of ofther members. This is also the time of the meeting when any attendee can announce job openings, or when anyone looking for a job can let the group know that. Almost any public announcement is allowed, subject only to the limitations of good taste, the interests of the group, and the patience of the moderator.

The Open Problem Solving Session is moderated by Jon Fincher, Program Manager for Windows XP Embedded, and member of the WE-DIG board.

========= Drawing =========

Just before the end of the meeting, we are going to have a drawing for lots of valuable prizes, including:

HP iPaq H2210 Pocket PC, courtesy of the Microsoft Mobile Device Division
Copies of books from the Addison Wesley .NET Developers Series
And lots more...

WE-DIG Announcement and News RSS Feed ready

You can subscribe to our RSS feed at HTTP://www.We-Dig.org/rss.aspx.

WE-DIG/Seattle: First Meeting: Wednesday September 1st, 2004

WE-DIG/Seattle meets the First Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting is going to be on Sept 1, 2004.

Topic: What's New for Windows CE 5.0

If you are just getting started with Windows CE software development, you picked a great time to get onboard. Version 5.0 is going to have a host of great new features. For developers who have worked with earlier versions of Windows CE, you are going to hear about new features from members of the Windows CE team itself. Register with this site, and receive more details about this meeting as they become available. Not in the Seattle area? No problem. We are going to provide online content to help you get the benefits of being here -- without being here.