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Microsoft Bets Big On Computing For the Car

Posted by timothy on from the it-looks-like-you're-applying-makeup dept.

dstates writes "The automobile industry may be hurting, but Microsoft is doubling down and making a massive new investment in its automotive business unit. Microsoft already works closely with a number of car companies and will enhance that effort with more people and more resources. Sync developed as a collaboration with Ford Motor Co. allows motorists to control their cell phones, music players and navigation systems with voice commands while they drive. Microsoft is also making 'Live Search' technology available to automakers to develop in-car search and navigation. Detroit native Tom Philips, the new unit leader said 'There are a lot of technologies that are two to three years out that are going to provide even more connectivity and innovation. There's such a disconnect between what people experience in their cars and what they experience in the rest of their lives.'"

6 of 378 comments (clear)

  1. You can pry it from my cold dead hands by nurb432 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I want to retain control of my car, thank you very much, and adding a bunch of so called 'var computers' is not going to do that.

    Keep your grubby mitts off my vehicle.

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    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
    1. Re:You can pry it from my cold dead hands by DesScorp · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I want to retain control of my car, thank you very much, and adding a bunch of so called 'var computers' is not going to do that.

      Keep your grubby mitts off my vehicle.

      It's far too late for that. You "lost" control of your cars in the early 80's, when they started using computers to regulate everything from fuel flow to your transmission. The only difference now is that you can actually see the computer interface.

      --
      Life is hard, and the world is cruel
  2. experience?! by jcgam69 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    There's such a disconnect between what people experience in their cars and what they experience in the rest of their lives.

    I have a novel idea: maybe we should focus on DRIVING while we're in the car.

  3. Re:a prediction by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    PREDICTION: Microsoft is rehashing old failed attempts again...

    They did this in the 90's with the autoPC platform. it was an utter failure.

    Just like how tablet pc's have been a failure to the masses over and over and over again..

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  4. Re:Zune? by SatanicPuppy · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Navigational updates are a good thing...That stuff is only as useful as it is current, but it has big brother possibilities which I don't particularly care for, and I'm pretty mellow (for a geek) about potential violations of my privacy.

    Microsoft especially has proven repeatedly that they are more than willing to sell out their customers...In my mind that's the real issue, above and beyond issues of utility or stability. Do you want them to have that kind of access to your life?

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    ad logicam Claiming a proposition is false because it was presented as the conclusion of a fallacious argument.
  5. Hmmm by Kelbear · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "Detroit native Tom Philips, the new unit leader said 'There are a lot of technologies that are two to three years out that are going to provide even more connectivity and innovation. There's such a disconnect between what people experience in their cars and what they experience in the rest of their lives.'"

    Maybe, just maybe, the reason for the disconnect is that we're in a giant heap of metal hurtling at 70mph amid a bevy of other giant heaps of metal.

    I think we should preserve that disconnect.