The concept was previewed last week at Microsoft’s Build conference, where the company’s “Internet of Things” director, Steve Teixeira, demonstrated basic functions such as navigation, media playback and voice calls, as shown in a video spotted by The Verge.
The platform serves as an extension of the “Metro” interface that serves as the basis for Windows Phone, with content organized via high-contrast tiles. It utilizes the Mirrorlink standard to communicate with the Windows Phone device, providing many of the same core functions without requiring the cellphone to be taken out of the driver’s pocket.
A quiet unveiling at Build was no coincidence, as Microsoft will need third-party developers to help create apps that are optimized for the particular safety and usability requirements of a vehicle infotainment system.
“If my car is in drive mode, one of the things we will aim to do is enable application builders to write apps that conform to good, safe drive-mode behavior and safe drive-mode user-interface standards,” Teixeira said.
The concept is said to be undergoing simulator testing and real-world trials on closed tracks, however it still appears to be behind the competition. Voice input will presumably be a central feature, providing functionality similar to that of Apple’s Siri technology, however the Build preview was limited to touchscreen interactions.
Microsoft has yet to announce any formal partnerships with automakers to bring its Windows experience into vehicles.
Leave a Reply