Microsoft’s Windows Mobile for Automotive Blue&Me debuts at Geneva International Motor Show

February 28th, 2006

Microsoft Corporations Automotive Business Unit showed off their Windows Mobile for Automotive today at the 2006 Geneva International Motor Show.  This is a software and hardware solution that will allow car manufacturers to include infotainment systems in their new automobiles.

Fiat Auto Group showed the first Blue&Me in-car infotainment system using Microsoft’s Windows Mobile for Automotive.  The Blue&Me allows for voice activation for talking on their phones, and listening to music.  It makes it safer by being hands free.  It currently supports over 140 types of mobile phones using the Bluetooth technology.  It has ability to upgrade the software as the industry changes.  It will support nine different languages and will be available in the following cars in Europe; Fiat Grand Punto, Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Romeo Spider, and Alfa Romeo Brera models.

“The digital lifestyle is about staying connected with people and information, and enjoying digital entertainment, wherever you are — even in the car. Working with Fiat we have delivered automotive-grade systems that extend the digital lifestyle into the car at a price that is affordable to most car buyers,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “Windows Mobile for Automotive provides performance, reliability and flexibility for a new generation of in-car communication and infotainment solutions.”

Microsoft Windows Mobile for Automotive is configurable by the manufacturer.  They can tailor the infotainment equipment for different price points.

“By partnering with Microsoft, we’ve been able to design, test and deliver a new in-car infotainment system to market in less than two years,” said Giuseppe Bonollo, vice president of Product Portfolio Management at Fiat Auto. “We look forward to offering similar Microsoft-powered systems to our customers in every new Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo model over the next few years.”

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By Nicole Wilson
Best Syndication Staff Writer

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