Microsoft today announced that it will expand its automotive business unit with a number of new interface software systems and electronic services expected to be rolled out over the next couple of years. The software giant has already partnered with Ford in the U.S. for its Sync program, and with Fiat for its globally available Blue&Me range of in-car connectivity technology, but the new program aims to get Microsoft more involved in the industry and the future of in-car computer systems and services.

The first of the new services unveiled will be the immediate availability of ‘Microsoft Live Search for Devices,’ a system that allows drivers to search for nearby businesses using information gathered from their vehicle’s satellite navigation system. So far only North American and French users are being targeted, but as the technology gains acceptance, its availability is expected to expand.

In-car ‘infotainment’ systems the next big thing for Microsoft
The success of Microsoft’s first endeavours into the field of telematics or ‘infotainment’ systems have led the mega-corporation to push further into the field, seeking more partnerships and developing new systems.

One of the first implementations of Microsoft’s automotive wizardry, Fiat’s Blue&Me telematics system is available on several models in the Australian lineup, including the 500 minicar. Ford’s Sync interface, which has proven very popular in the U.S., but is not available here, allows drivers to control their cell phones, music players and navigation systems with voice commands and steering-wheel mounted controls.

The Blue&Me system features most of the same elements as Ford’s Sync-branded system, with its core being based around a flexible infrastructure of communications technologies that allows users to integrate their cell phones, music players and other devices into the car’s systems via Bluetooth wireless communication and built-in USB ports. The use of open standards allows more devices to be compatible with the system than proprietary solutions, meaning the user can upgrade phones and music players with impunity.

Next-generation systems will span more carmakers, feature greater integration
Microsoft’s auto business is now working on a new service-oriented platform targeted for release in 2009 that will integrate a number of its current in-vehicle products into a single system. Furthermore, Microsoft is also partnering with a number of new carmakers, such as Hyundai, to help increase the adoption rate of its new platform.

Hyundai will debut its system initially in its North American models around 2010 and will eventually spread it across to global markets with Europe and Asia to follow soon after.

Generic names for Microsoft’s information and entertainment communications platform include Microsoft Auto and Windows Mobile for Automotive, though those names are replaced when the system is customised for the individual applications licensed to the carmakers. Nevertheless, the same essential technology platform underpins them all. As it grows its automotive business, Microsoft will continue to develop manufacturer-specific versions of its system, branding them with unique names and images, but all providing essentially identical functionality.

• Hyundai and Microsoft partner to offer in-car computer system

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