Microsoft Soon to Offer Windows CE-Based Infotainment System to Automakers

TBox, the hardware that supports Windows Automotive software, will allow full connectivity from portable devices such as

TBox, the hardware that supports Windows Automotive software, will allow full connectivity from portable devices such as phones, laptops, handhelds and MP3 players. (Photo: Microsoft Canada)

phones, laptops, handhelds and MP3 players to the car's electronics systems. It consists of a processor, memory, and a storage device with no moving parts, and is expected to be available on the open market within one to three years.

"Our goal is to deliver adaptable, scalable platforms for connected devices that will enable and enhance applications and services offering flexible solutions for customer needs in the automotive industry," the Microsoft Automotive website says.

What will it be able to do? Well, other than the system's obvious potential to connect through to a variety of internet sites for downloading everything from route assistance,

You name it, and Microsoft plans to offer support for it. (Photo: Microsoft Canada)

restaurant menus, plus audio and visual entertainment, comes the ability to let a car's owner know when an oil change should be performed, give drivers real-time information on road conditions and warnings against accidents which could block potential routes, automatically pay highway tolls, as well as automatically upgrade software for running vehicle systems, such as stability control, traction control, braking systems, etc. It will also be able access telematics services for remote vehicle diagnostics, similar to OnStar.