LAS VEGAS Jan. 9, 2003 The life of insurance claims representatives isn’t particularly glamorous. They’re out on the road most of the time, but still need to log their notes, file claims, get driving directions and be able to communicate with the office. They need help.
Today at the 2003 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. will give drivers and passengers a glimpse of the technologies that will make their lives easier. Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit and its partners have outfitted a Toyota Sequoia with a host of today’s hottest technologies, including in-dash systems like the Clarion Joyride, a Microsoft® Windows® Powered Pocket PC Phone Edition, the recently launched Windows Powered Smartphone, and an Xbox™
video game system in the back seat. Microsoft also will highlight at CES other mobile solutions in store for people on the go.
As technology evolves, consumers are experiencing new levels of personal connectivity and information in the car. For example, the popular Mini Cooper is equipped with a Windows Powered Pocket PC loaded with ALK Technology’s CoPilot technology, which provides drivers with turn-by-turn directions and traffic updates. The Clarion Joyride, powered by Microsoft Windows Automotive technology, provides hands-free communication, personalized information and entertainment options.
“In the near future, technology will allow drivers and passengers to feel as comfortable in their car as they do in their living room,”
said Bob McKenzie, general manager of the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft.
“We’re working with industry partners like Clarion and Alpine to enhance the driving experience, safely and seamlessly.”
In addition, Microsoft’s MSN® Autos Web site allows users to access information ranging from new- and used-car prices to Web services such as alerts on recall notices and reminders for oil changes.
“More than 10 million people each month receive our real-time traffic updates, search for the lowest gas prices in town, get access to service and repair information, and obtain general information about their car,”
said Ryan Hamlin, general manager of MSN Autos at Microsoft.
“Today that information is available on a variety of devices and, moving forward, we’re working with the Automotive Business Unit to put that information in the vehicle in a safe and secure manner.”
Microsoft is making possible new types of driving experiences, ranging from voice-activated communication, information and entertainment to real-time traffic reports and navigation, in 17 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from world-class automakers and suppliers, including BMW of North America LLC, Citro
ë
n, Clarion Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (manufacturers of Subaru brand cars) and Volvo Cars of North America.
In addition to Microsoft’s showcasing its Connected Car technology at CES, Gonzalo Bustillos, director of business development and marketing for the Automotive Business Unit, will join a panel of in-vehicle technology experts to discuss what consumers want from their in-dash devices. The session
“Telematics: Is the Killer Application’ Dead?”
will take place Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in room N260 of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the North Hall.
About Windows Automotive
Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry since 1995 to provide great software that delivers information, entertainment, communication and services in vehicles. The company works very closely with automakers, suppliers, aftermarket manufacturers, service providers and consumers to provide the embedded automotive industry with the systems and
tools for building the next generation of intelligent, Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and access to Internet services for a wide range of flexible solutions. Windows Automotive is an open platform that allows developers to quickly create powerful in-car computing solutions. It offers flexibility, with a choice of computing platforms, hardware peripherals and software components, as well as a large community of experienced developers for Windows CE.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software
any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft, Windows, Xbox and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information on Windows Automotive:
http://www.microsoft.com/automotive/
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .
Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive Quote Sheet
“Our company has been successfully building in-vehicle devices for both the aftermarket and OEMs based on Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive since our first AutoPC. Today, we’re proud to announce that our latest product, the recently released Japanese aftermarket device AutoPC CADIAS, is also based on Microsoft’s software platform. We have always pursued products that create a more personalized driving environment for users and feel that Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive is a great platform for building such an environment.”
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Yasuhiko Nakagawa
Executive Director
General Manager, Products Strategy Division
Clarion Co. Ltd.
”
Zandiant has been developing in-vehicle information and entertainment devices based on Microsoft’s software platform from the development of the Clarion AutoPC in 1998 to the Citro
ën AutoPC and the Clarion Joyride shown here today. Microsoft’s platform is an important part of our solutions for commercial vehicles as well as passenger cars, and we look forward to its continued advancement.”
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Albert Wong
Chief Executive Officer
Zandiant
