Microsoft gets behind the wheel

By 2010 some high-end models will be using the Microsoft technology that is already powering the Ford Sync system. This system integrates MP3 players and mobile phones with the user’s car, allowing them to use hand-free calling and control what music is playing by voice. GPS navigation is also included with the software.

Although the for some the reality of cars running Microsoft software still seems a long way off, especially in Europe, there are a number of exciting features in Windows Automotive 5.0 that can help car manufacturers create powerful navigation and entertainment devices.

These include:

• A powerful User Interface Toolkit for creating menus and helping users interact with their cars.
  
• Support for Microsoft Windows Media playback that offers users a rich multimedia experience with support for a variety of formats such as Windows Media Audio, MP3, and DVD.
  
• A focus on application speed, so you won’t have to wait around for the operating system and other programs to load up.
  
• High-performance graphics support through the Microsoft Direct 3D Mobile API, the Microsoft DirectX API, and GDI-Sub.

These features will defiantly make travelling by car more enjoyable in the future, but what do you think? A great gadget that allows increased integration with your digital lifestyle, or yet another potentially dangerous distraction for drivers?