RSSNew Windows Automotive, CE Set for Launch
By Nate Mook | Published March 12, 2003, 10:32 PM
The new version of Microsoft's Windows Automotive platform will launch on March 26, with similar debuts following in Europe and Asia by the end of April. As first reported by Microsoft Watch, CEO Steve Ballmer will likely unveil the new system Automotive Executive Summit in Dearborn, Michigan.
Windows Automotive was developed as part of Microsoft's "Connected Car" strategy and will not actually power automobiles. Instead, Microsoft wants to bring Internet-based technologies such as entertainment and Web services directly into cars. Seven auto manufacturers are currently onboard to embed Windows Automotive in upcoming models.
Windows CE serves as the core of Windows Automotive and the operating system will be updated to release 4.2, code-named McKendric, in early April. CE 4.2 supports different data and voice profiles, along with a version of the .NET Compact Framework. Bluetooth support will also play a key role, allowing drivers to use cell phones hands-free, Redmond tells Microsoft Watch.
A beta version of McKendric was issued to developers last October, and Microsoft expects new Web services based on the platform. Along with Microsoft's own MapPoint .NET service, partners are creating applications to check traffic, gas prices, weather and other information pertinent to drivers.
...............that this will bring a whole new meaning to the phrase "Car Crash"
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|Can you imagine if you are going down the Motorway (freeway for American readers) at 100MPh and the car blue screened? Shudder.
Still, it does give the script kiddies more possible machines to use in Denial of Service attacks..
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|wtf... do you still use Windows 9x or something because I have never received that error under Windows 2000 or Windows XP. I say get with the times and drop the out of virtual memory act... its outdated by about 3 years now.
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|/foghorn leghorn voice
It's a joke, son! Dadblamed kids just don't pay attention.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled pr0n. That is all.
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|Ok, the OS level software seems to be there now (probably was there earlier, but anyway...). Now, if only some after-market head-unit maker would create a unit that has firewire and/or usb2.0 connectors on it that would allow a car owner to attach large storage devices (read 100GB+) with collections of MP3/WMA/Ogg/etc files on it and allow the car owner to easily play back those files via the head-unit, a real winner might actually exist. All of these ideas of getting alerts/emails/weather/maps in the car is great, but all I want is my whole 100GB+ audio collection available to me in my car easily. And I don't want embedded hard drives. Make it an open solution. Either way, this is cool news. Now if the head-unit makers would just get their head's out of the sand and catch up with the rest of the world and make some usable and extensible devices...
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|mmmmmm, imaging P2P warez on the go in peak hour traffic?
I could get some pr0n from the car behind me, I cant wait for this!
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|computers in cars is old school s***. I have had a computer built into my car since the 2.53 p4's came out, There are many other people that have them also. The biggest problem that I have is having to shut down windows everytime I shut my car off. That is a pain in the ass. I am running windows xp right now. and working on sensors for gas, and other liquids, and a group of about 50 people are working on bring these and many other computer functions to cars. This is what I have installed currently
P4 2.53 GHz
512 MB PC 2400 (1 stick)
120 GB Hard Drives (60GB and 60GB) (notebook 5400 rpm)
Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer
Wireless Keyboard by viewsonic
7.4 inch LCD Screen in glove box, and two 4.5 inch LCD in head rests.
2x DVD-R, 12x DVD-ROM
Audigy Platnium.
ohh yes, and a 220 watt dc power supply
I made a custome enclosure for all of these items. I currently have a few msdos programs keeping track of things, but we are trying to develope a windows running application. Which we hope to be finished with in the next month or two.
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|yeah, I haven't bit the bullet on putting a full-blown computer in my car yet because of the power off/on issue. i'd love to know of a good solution for that. that is somewhat what i'm hoping the new Car CE OS stuff will do.
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