Microsoft, Others to Develop Windows CE for Cars
A unit of Microsoft Corporation and five Japanese companies have agreed to develop software for automobile computers, greatly enhancing the functions of car navigation systems.
A unit of Microsoft Corporation and five Japanese companies have agreed to develop software for automobile computers, greatly enhancing the functions of car navigation systems.
The system is expected to allow drivers to listen to e-mail while driving, operate car navigation systems by voice, and automatically make phone calls by saying the name of the person they wish to call, the firms said.
The new software will be based on Windows CE for Automotive, an operating system designed to make possible new in-car computers capable of hands-free communication, access to the Internet and the ability to summon emergency services and roadside assistance.
The five companies are Japan's biggest car component maker Denso Corp.; Toyota-affiliated car parts maker Aisin AW Co. Ltd.; leading Japanese car audio equipment manufacturer Clarion Co. Ltd.; Nissan-affiliated car navigation systems maker Xanavi Informatics Corp.; and Japan's second-biggest trading house Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
Navigation systems using the software will go on sale in Japan in 2001 or 2002, according to a Denso spokesman.
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