| Microsoft drives "Connected Concept Cars" to Las Vegas |
Jan. 08, 2004
Microsoft showcased its first "Connected Concept Cars" -- based on a Hummer H2, Cadillac CTS, and BMW X5 -- today at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Microsoft says the concept vehicles demonstrate the latest applications, services, and technologies available from its Windows Automotive initiative.
According to Microsoft, the technologies in the concept cars surpasses today's "limited and often unsafe" means for accessing information in the car such as traditional maps, cell phones, PDAs, and car owners' "guesstimates" regarding maintenance concerns such as oil level or engine status.
The key components and features of Microsoft's Windows Automotive technology that are being demonstrated in the concept cars are . . . - Advanced speech technology -- Drivers can stay focused on the road ahead by using Microsoft's powerful speech technology to get personalized traffic updates, place a phone call, ask for driving directions or even play digital music.
- PDA and cell phone integration -- Bluetooth technology wirelessly connects a driver's Bluetooth enabled cell phone and PDA to the vehicle's electronics system, allowing drivers to speak to make and receive calls, receive meeting reminders and access important data through the car audio system.
- Web services -- Drivers can avoid traffic jams, get the latest headlines or find the closest gas station with the lowest prices via MSN Autos using personalized, voice-controlled Internet access.
- Customized navigation -- Taking a wrong turn is a thing of the past with the Connected Car's voice-controlled navigation system. Drivers can find points of interest or get turn-by-turn directions with the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) and MapPoint technology.
- Hands-free phone -- Drivers will never again take their eyes off the road to make a call. They can enjoy a hands-free phone conversation while behind the wheel without the distraction of manually dialing a number.
- Remote diagnostics -- Drivers are alerted of potential car problems and maintenance updates, potentially improving their car's performance over its lifetime.
According to Microsoft, research shows that drivers are increasingly using their cell phone and PDA in the car, indicating they have a strong desire to stay connected to the world around them. Recent studies estimate that Americans spend more than 500 million commuter hours per week in their vehicle (Department of Transportation study) and that 73 percent of cell phone users talk on their phones while driving (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration study).
Microsoft says it is currently working with automakers worldwide to put its Connected Car technology into production vehicles and that several new car models have adopted Windows Automotive technology. There are currenntly 23 preinstalled and aftermarket devices that make use of Microsoft's automotive technology, available from 12 automakers and suppliers including BMW, Citroen, Clarion, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Toyota, and Volvo, the company says.
What's Windows Automotive?
According to Microsoft: "Windows Automotive is an open platform that allows developers to quickly create powerful in-car computing solutions. It offers flexibility, with a choice of computing platforms, hardware peripherals and software components, as well as a large community of experienced developers for Windows CE." Further details on Windows Automotive are available here.
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