Microsoft is very close to having a link into your car, Software Notebook: Fiat rolls out Microsoft-driven, in-car 'infotainment'. It is interesting to note that while it integrates entertainment and cell phones. It does not really go as far as controlling the car itself.
This is important if you have read my article a couple of years ago about BMW, Don't Pull a BMW. In an incident with a high ranking diplomat the BMW system crashed. However, in this case no one could get out of the car and it took over an hour to prior the car open since it was an armored vehicle.
The last thing you want is your cell phone connection dropping, causing the computer to crash and thus your computer crash turns into a real physical car crash.
So what is it that Microsoft is doing:
- Well for starters just jack your phone in and your car takes over as the phone. You can use voice control to make calls. And the car has builtin microphones so you have the ultimate in hands free.
- It has a builtin USB port so you can plug in your Rio or other WMA or MP3 player sans iPod. The music is then played throughout the car.
- the engineers did not stop with descrete functionality. If you get a call you have integrated caller id and auto muting of the music.
- And finally unlike the first generation GPS systems that cost thousands it looks like the option will be an affordable under US$500.
While it is no OnStar I hope I can have one put into my new ride. Although I will have to ditch my iPod. For more info check out Windows Automotive Home Page.
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