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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Microsoft Connected Car Technology Named Best Telematics Solution of 2004
REDMOND, Wash., June 3 -- Microsoft Corp.'s
(Nasdaq: MSFT) Connected Car Technology was named Best Telematics Solution at
Telematics Update Awards 2004. A panel of automotive and telematics technology
experts selected Microsoft(R) Connected Car Technology from a strong group of
finalists including Motorola Inc.'s Global Telematics Platform, General Motors
Corp.'s OnStar, QNX Software Systems Ltd.'s QNX Neutrino realtime operating
system (RTOS) and Intelematics Australia Pty Ltd.'s DriveZone TSH.
"The winning companies from this year's Telematics Update Awards are all
very deserving of their recognition. The telematics solutions Gartner selected
this year represent an important step forward for the industry in providing
simple and reliable access to relevant information for drivers and carmakers
alike," said Thilo Koslowski, Gartner G2 vice president, Automotive lead
analyst and Telematics Update Award judge.
Microsoft's Connected Car Technology was recognized as the industry's best
end-to-end solution based on factors such as cost, quality and functionality.
The technology races past today's limited and often unsafe means for accessing
information in the car, such as traditional maps, cell phones and personal
digital assistants (PDAs). It also helps keep drivers clued in to maintenance
concerns such as oil level or engine status so they don't have to
"guesstimate" when they're due for their next service call. Microsoft's
Connected Car Technology focuses on providing drivers with useful information
that makes getting from place to place easier than ever. Powered by Windows(R)
Automotive technology, the technology provides these features:
-- Advanced speech technology. Drivers can stay focused on the road ahead
by using Microsoft's powerful speech technology to get personalized
traffic updates, place a phone call, ask for driving directions or even
play digital music.
-- PDA and cell phone integration. Bluetooth(R) technology wirelessly
connects a driver's Bluetooth enabled cell phone and PDA to the
vehicle's electronics system, allowing drivers to speak to make and
receive calls, receive meeting reminders, and access important data
through the car audio system.
-- Web services. Drivers can avoid traffic jams, get the latest headlines
or find the closest gas station with the lowest prices via MSN(R) Autos
using personalized, voice-controlled Internet access.
-- Customized navigation. Taking a wrong turn is a thing of the past with
Connected Car Technology's voice-controlled navigation system. Drivers
can find points of interest or get turn-by-turn directions with the
help of Global Positioning System (GPS) and MapPoint(R) technology.
-- Hands-free phone. Drivers will never again take their eyes off the road
to make a call. They can enjoy a hands-free phone conversation while
behind the wheel without the distraction of having to manually dial a
number.
-- Remote diagnostics. Drivers are alerted to potential car problems and
maintenance updates, potentially improving their car's performance over
its lifetime.
"We are very excited that our Connected Car Technology has been honored by
the automotive community with a Telematics Update Award this year. It is great
to be recognized over an impressive list of finalists for the work Microsoft
is doing to deliver in-car solutions that make time on the road more efficient
and enjoyable for everyone," said Peter Wengert, group marketing manager for
the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft.
About Windows Automotive
Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry since 1995 to
provide great software that delivers information, entertainment, communication
and services in vehicles. The company works closely with automakers,
suppliers, aftermarket manufacturers, service providers and consumers to
provide the embedded automotive industry with the systems and tools for
building the next generation of intelligent, Windows Powered devices that
demand rich applications and access to Internet services for a wide range of
flexible solutions. Windows Automotive is an open platform that allows
developers to quickly create powerful in-car computing solutions. It offers
flexibility, with a choice of computing platforms, hardware peripherals and
software components, as well as a large community of experienced developers
for Windows CE.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services
and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential
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