Telematics: Microsoft wins award

This makes me scared and laughing. Microsoft winning an award in in-car technology. The Microsoft Windows Mobile for Automotive platform was named Best Telematics Solution at the Telematics Detroit 2006 conference and exhibition. It's like DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors winning an award for best interior *LOL*.

Fiat Auto SpA was the first automaker to commercially release systems based on the Windows Mobile for Automotive platform at the Geneva Auto Show in February. The Fiat solution, marketed as Blue&Me, provides hands-free mobile phone support for over 140 models of mobile phones, portable media player integration via Universal Serial Bus and voice-guided navigation. Consumers have the convenience of being able to control their mobile phone and digital music player using either their voice or controls built into the steering wheel. Drivers and passengers can use their voices to receive calls, browse their phone book, or search and play music from their portable music player. The software is easily upgradeable to support future generations of mobile phones and portable devices, designed to allow consumers to enjoy their in-car digital lifestyle as new devices and technologies emerge.

"We are honored to receive the Best Telematics Solution Award for Windows Mobile for Automotive. At Microsoft, our focus is to help motorists stay connected with the people, information and entertainment they want, with enhanced safety features and convenience," said Mark Spain, director of the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "We're delighted with progress we have made, but this is just the beginning. The advances in software and technology are taking us into a new era of rich, personalized in-car experiences unlike anything we've seen before."

"When we decided to work with Microsoft on the Blue&Me project, we knew that it would be a highly successful collaboration," said Giuseppe Bonollo, vice president of Product Portfolio Management at Fiat Auto. "This award represents a clear statement by the industry in favor of standardized platforms on which to develop flexible 'infotainment' solutions like Blue&Me with a short time to market."

"People spend a large amount of time in their vehicles, and telematics is changing part of peoples' lives for the better," said Ven Pedro, event director for Telematics Detroit 2006. "The more the industry matures, the more this technology will filter down from the high end into the mass market and change driving for everyone, forever. The winning companies in the 2006 awards have achieved a lot in the past year and are taking strides to make this future a reality."

For more than a decade, Microsoft has been working collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver in-car infotainment solutions that help drivers and passengers more safely and reliably communicate, navigate and enjoy digital entertainment on the road.
Microsoft's Windows Powered solutions are on the road today enabling advanced communication, navigation and digital entertainment experiences in more than 60 OEM and aftermarket devices from 18 automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Fiat Auto, Volvo, Honda/Acura, Toyota, and DaimlerChrysler. More than 30 electronics suppliers worldwide including Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion and Kenwood are developing next-generation in-car infotainment systems based on Microsoft's in-vehicle technologies.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR

Source: Telematics Journal

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