A gateway to the connected car

SAE 100 Future look:Each generation of cars has not only brought drivers sleeker designs and more powerful engines, but also more advanced electronics in the form of features such as satellite radio and navigation.

Technology innovation has always been a key brand differentiator among carmakers in the automotive industry. Each generation of cars has not only brought drivers sleeker designs and more powerful engines, but also more advanced electronics in the form of features such as satellite radio and navigation. Today, software's role is expanding beyond just vehicle design and manufacturing to serve as an important gateway for enabling the integration of consumer electronics into the car. However, the growing complexity of software challenges the industry to determine how to harness powerful technology most efficiently and cost-effectively in the future.

For this reason, Microsoft formed a dedicated Automotive Business Unit to help the automotive industry design and develop these systems. Our mission is to improve the lives of drivers and passengers by developing valuable and safer communication, location, and entertainment experiences based on an industry-standard platform. At the heart of our approach, we envision a future in which every person drives a “connected car.” This vision provides:

Automakers with the ability to reduce cost and complexity through the adoption of a standard software platform. With the support of a telematics platform ecosystem, OEMs can deliver powerful new in-car experiences, reduce warranty and recall costs, as well as create better customer connections for their dealers.

Suppliers with the ability to differentiate telematics solutions through applications built on the most reliable, cost-effective, and flexible industry-grade operating system available-Windows Automotive.

Drivers with safer communication via speech technology connected to the car audio system, as well as access to location-based information and entertainment from the road, using their mobile device(s) and/or an embedded system.

Passengers with more enjoyable entertainment experiences, including digital music, movies, and gaming.