Operating system designed for in-vehicle computers
Microsoft revs up Windows for cars
/v3-uk/news/2011224/microsoft-revs-windows-cars
13 Jul 2005, Robert Jaques , V3
Microsoft today unveiled Windows Automotive 5.0, the latest version of its operating system designed for in-vehicle computers running navigation, entertainment and communication systems.
Based on the real-time embedded Windows CE 5.0, Windows Automotive 5.0 has been designed to integrate with services offering real-time traffic updates, directions to the cheapest petrol in town, turn-by-turn navigation and more.
Windows Automotive 5.0 features enhancements including the Automotive User Interface Toolkit which enables the creation of 3D graphics and advanced navigation displays.
The platform's multimedia functions have been boosted with the addition of DirectShow which supports a variety of digital media including Windows Media Audio, MP3 and DVD.
Expanding virtual memory support to 96MB allows for larger and more sophisticated applications, such as improved speech recognition, better graphics and 3D navigation.
In addition Microsoft said that enhanced power management and faster cold-boot times have been added to the latest release.
The OS supports Bluetooth, 802.11, UPnP, USB, XML, Soap and other common connectivity standards.
"The release of Windows Automotive 5.0 marks an important step in the company's continued collaboration with the automotive industry," said Todd Warren, corporate vice president of the Devices, Services and eXperience group at Microsoft.
Windows Automotive 5.0 was co-developed by Microsoft teams in Redmond and Tokyo in an effort to meet the differing needs of the automotive industry worldwide.
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Do you agree?
Yeah, right.
It will be a cold, frosty day in hell before I have anything Microsoft running any part of my car.
Now, if it ran on one of the long available, well-proven real time OSes, or maybe even Debian Linux, that's a different story.
Posted by Jim Allyn, 13 Jul 2005
Power Windows?
What about the infamous 'blue screen'. Does the car grind to a halt? Does the little prick of a paper clip pop up on the dash? ~ 'I see you are trying to turn left... Would you like me to: turn left? turn right? go straight?' ~ What about a forgotton password, call AAA and confirm your DOB and mother's maiden name and they will email you a new one... So what if I want Linux? Does it take me a longer time to learn to drive? Do I need to enter a command line under the hood every time I fit new tyres? ...and I'm sure I'll need an overpriced anti-virus, firewall, spy guard etc. that still won't protect me... Oh, I must activate or I won't be able to leave the garage...
Posted by bizeem, 14 Jul 2005
BSOD
You're kidding right? Windows for cars? Whoa boy, this will give the Blue Screen of Death a whole new meaning.
Posted by jimux, 14 Jul 2005
do some research
If you take a look at the companies website you notice that many cars on the road today use Windows to drive their navigation systems. Acura, Volvo, Mercedes, BMW. Those sound like companies that wouldn't risk shipping bad software in the automobile.
Posted by technologyfan, 12 Oct 2005