daveb91
05-07-2008, 06:08 PM
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates probably doesn't get behind the wheel of a Hyundai or Kia too often, but that won't stop him or his company from driving multimedia vehicle entertainment forward.
Microsoft Corp. and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group announced today a new long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems. Together, the companies will deliver future technology products for Hyundai and Kia vehicles based on the Microsoft Auto software platform (which is already being applied in North American Ford vehicles).
The first product to come from the Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia alliance will be a next-generation infotainment system - set to arrive in 2010 - that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices. The voice-controlled connectivity will further expand into multimedia and navigation devices, allowing drivers to enjoy music in various digital formats.
The two companies say the next-generation infotainment systems should be comparable to mini-PCs, as new functions will be added or upgraded in the form of software program updates.
Hyundai-Kia's adoption of the Microsoft Auto software platform is particularly notable because it increases Microsoft's presence in the increasingly competitive Asian car market.
Microsoft Corp. and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group announced today a new long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems. Together, the companies will deliver future technology products for Hyundai and Kia vehicles based on the Microsoft Auto software platform (which is already being applied in North American Ford vehicles).
The first product to come from the Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia alliance will be a next-generation infotainment system - set to arrive in 2010 - that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices. The voice-controlled connectivity will further expand into multimedia and navigation devices, allowing drivers to enjoy music in various digital formats.
The two companies say the next-generation infotainment systems should be comparable to mini-PCs, as new functions will be added or upgraded in the form of software program updates.
Hyundai-Kia's adoption of the Microsoft Auto software platform is particularly notable because it increases Microsoft's presence in the increasingly competitive Asian car market.