Trust Microsoft to get in on the action
July 30th 2008 09:04
From Motot Trend:
A relative newcomer to in-car technology, Microsoft provides infotainment systems for several automakers including Fiat's Blue&Me and Ford's Sync, which allows drivers to control their cell phones and MP3 players via voice commands. For Ford the technology has been an impressive hit, helping boost sales among younger buyers in particular, and the automaker hopes to deliver one million Sync-equipped vehicles by the end of the year. Given this success, it should come as no surprise that Microsoft is now looking to expand its Automotive Business Unit (ABU), and will introduce several new technologies in the coming years.
Since Sync was introduced in 2007, several automakers have rushed to offer competing systems of their own, and some have gone even further, such as Chrysler's new UConnect technology that will feature high-speed internet access in 2009. However after recently inking a new deal with Hyundai, Microsoft is appointing Detroit native Tom Phillips to take charge of in-car technology development, and will invest an additional 30 percent in the ABU this year. According to Phillips car buyers new to the market "are looking for new experiences," and for most drivers there's a "disconnect between what people experience in their cars and what they experience in the rest of their lives." With this in mind the software giant is working to put more day-to-day technology on wheels, and predicts that over the next few years Microsoft will help cars "provide even more connectivity and innovation."
What do you think? Should automakers push to include the latest tech in their vehicles, with internet access, email, and more? Or should your car remain one place you can't stay connected to everything in your life?
Well if Microsoft has anything to do with it we'll be wired up wherever we go.
Way to Go, techno tells
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