Microsoft's automotive technology is based on Windows CE (Click image for further information)

Microsoft jumped into the market for factory-installed telematics in 2003 with its CE-based Windows Automotive, later branded Windows Mobile for Automotive, and finally as Microsoft Auto. Systems based on Windows CE and ARM-based processors have been installed in cars by Fiat ("Blue&Me") and by Ford ("Sync"), which recently announced plans to build a CE-based in-dash computer into its trucks ("Work Solutions").

Blaupunkt's TravelPilot Lucca 3.5 Edition (Click image for further information)

Meanwhile, Windows CE is extremely common in aftermarket PNDs (personal navigation devices). Examples introduced so far this year include: TeleType's WordNav 3000, aimed at truckers; Blaupunkt's rounded TravelPilot Lucca 3.5 Edition (shown, left); and Huaqiang's NAVO N2043.

ABI Analyst Dominique Bonte commented, "Windows CE is one of the dominant platforms in the telematics device market. Even the Nokia 500 PND is based on Windows CE."

Telematics products such as General Motors's OnStar and Ford's Sync will soon become standard features in U.S. cars, says the study. In Asia, meanwhile, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Hyundai have been offering telematics options since 2002.

In a statement, Bonte said, "Consumer Telematics systems are becoming more popular due to the growing awareness of car manufacturers, telematics service providers, governments, and drivers about the benefits of positioning and communications technologies in cars for improved safety, security, efficiency, convenience, infotainment, cost savings, and reduced environmental impact."

The following forces are driving the automotive telematics market, says ABI:

• Positioning technology matures -- GPS technology is improving and available at lower prices, says ABI, and flat-fee data communication tariffs are encouraging greater use. Meanwhile, the widespread use of portable navigation devices is educating consumers about the technology.
  
  
• Safety and emergency response efforts emerge -- In Europe, the eCall/eSafety project is attempting to make automatic emergency calls mandatory in all new cars starting in 2011. In the U.S., there's the Vehicle Infrastructure Integration Consortium (VII-C) program mentioned earlier.
  
  
• Infotainment systems grow in popularity -- To differentiate their products, says ABI, automobile manufacturers are interested in moving beyond navigation services to provide infotainment enhancements that include real-time location-based content such as traffic, fuel prices, parking availability, and tourist information.
  
  
• New applications appear -- ABI predicts that new applications for stolen vehicle tracking and insurance applications will experience strong growth. New portable and handset-based solutions are arriving, says the research group, featuring teenage driver tracking and speed monitoring.

Availability

The ABI report, "Consumer Telematics Forecasts," is available here.

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