| Microsoft showcases in-car "infotainment" |
Jan. 06, 2006
 Microsoft showcased several new products built on Windows Automotive technologies that provide in-vehicle communication, navigation, and digital entertainment, this week at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. The new offerings include navigation systems built into several Honda vehicles, as well as portable and aftermarket devices.
(Click here for larger image of the Alpine Blackbird)
In-vehicle navigation
Alpine Electronics of America showed off its Blackbird portable navigation device (pictured above) along with its aftermarket in-vehicle DVD-based navigation system, the NVE-N872A. Microsoft also touted built-in navigation systems in the new Honda Odyssey minivan, Honda Ridgeline truck, and the 2006 Honda Civic. All of these systems provide satellite-guided turn-by-turn directions and other features such as voice-guided controls and information on more than 7 million points of interest, including Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, according to Microsoft.
Windows Automotive, Windows Mobile for Automotive
"Windows Automotive" and "Windows Mobile for Automotive" are two different products, both offered by Microsoft's Windows Automotive group.
Windows Automotive is a software platform that provides suppliers with the foundation and tools for the development of a wide range of full-fledged in-car solutions, according to Microsoft.
Windows Mobile for Automotive, in contrast, is a hardware/software reference design intended to provide the auto industry with a ready-to-manufacture electronic gateway to enable the production of low-cost telematics systems for in-vehicle deployment. The gateway will make it easy for drivers and passengers to integrate and operate mobile phones, digital music players, and portable navigation devices on the road, the company adds.
The Windows Mobile for Automotive hardware/software reference design will be available next year, Microsoft says.
Integrating mobile phones into the vehicle
This year, Fiat will introduce the first vehicles that seamlessly integrate Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones for access to contacts, appointments, and hands-free calling, Microsoft said. Additionally, users will be able to connect their MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) players to the vehicles' audio system via a USB port on the dash.
An in-vehicle "mobile office" computer
 Microsoft and Stargate Mobile are jointly demonstrating "mobile office" (pictured on the right), a small, lightweight computer that can be docked inside a vehicle and used either within the vehicle or taking onto a job site. Running Windows XP Professional, Stargate Mobile's device provides workers with Internet connectivity and full access to Office applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, directly within the vehicle or at a job site.
Microsoft says that Ford will be the first automaker to offer the mobile office, branded "Ford Link," as a dealer-installed incentive later this year.
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