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Fiat Joins Microsoft in a Wireless Partnership
bizpile writes "The AP is reporting that Microsoft and Fiat have gotten together to develop a system of wireless communications into Fiat's vehicles. The goal of the alliance, announced Thursday, is to create a flexible, easy-to-use telematics system (think OnStar from General Motors) for Fiat and its Lancia and Alfa Romeo brands sold in Europe, the companies said."
You look at the story, and think 'wireless telematics? (a) why? (b) eek, scary.'
But in fact it appears this doesn't really have a lot to do with conventional auto telemetrics:
From the arcticle:
The Microsoft/Fiat system, expected to be available in vehicles next year, will be based on standard hardware and operate with Microsoft Windows Automotive software. Using the short-range digital wireless communications standard known as Bluetooth, it will allow motorists to integrate their cell phones and personal digital assistants with the onboard system.
Drivers also will be able to access digital music stored in personal electronic devices through a USB connection in the dashboard, as well as other information."
So what we have here is a way of ensuring that (presumably MS-based) music players and (presumably MS-based) PDAs will be able to link in.
It's notable that they are planning to use USB for music (so no iPods).
So in reality, not really as scary, or indeed as interesting/innovative as it could have been.
1974 called: it wants its joke back.
/.ers) FIAT's not the company it was way back when they were selling cars over there, their output is actually pretty damned good these days, mechanically that is - this move is likely to mean really sucky in-car electronics
seriously though (for the benefit of all you state-side
*chortle* I take it you didn't rtfa?
To date, Microsoft's telematics customers include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Citroen, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Volvo