CES 2010 – Microsoft Auto 4.1 and Windows® Embedded

While at CES I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes at the Microsoft Auto and Windows® Embedded booth and looked at some of the new automobiles featuring Microsoft® Auto. Take a few minutes to see a quick overview of Microsoft Auto and a few of the fine vehicles that now carry the Microsoft logo.

What is Windows® Embedded?

Automobile manufacturers have different versions of the Windows® Embedded Microsoft Auto-based infotainment package. Each package offers different solutions for each market. The auto manufacturers at the show were Fiat, Ford and Kia Motors.

Microsoft says “Microsoft® Auto 4.1 is the newest generation of embedded operating system from Microsoft designed specifically for developing state-of-the-art in-vehicle infotainment systems.”

What do I say? This is some very cool stuff. Auto 4.1 allows you to integrate your phone, music player, GPS, Bluetooth and HD radio. I do not need a new vehicle but this is really tempting me to upgrade the old Ford to a newer model.

Windows® Embedded Booth

The booth was right across from the Microsoft booth and tied in to the theme.

Fiat

Blue&Me­ is the Fiat brand that combines Microsoft Auto communications and entertainment. Some of the main features are:

• eco:Drive
• Hands-free
• Music
• Language support

More information can be found at:

http://www.microsoft.com/auto/fiat.mspx

This cute little Fiat would work great for delivering Papa Johns pizzas. I wonder if the back seat is big enough to have…sorry, prom flash back.

Inside, it is sporty and has clean lines. I would not drive a Mini but I would drive this.

Inside the steering wheel seems normal…

…however, it has the Microsoft logo! I totally want a steering wheel with the Windows® logo. How cool is that? I probably would buy underwear if it had the MS logo to be honest.