At the Geneva Motor Show in March Fiat Auto will unveil the first fruits of their recent collaboration with Microsoft, which will see a new Windows Automotive-based infotelematic operating system becoming available new Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia models for around 200 euros. This first offering from the partnership which also involves Samsung Electronics, ScanSoft, Siemens, SiRF, Xilinx and Magneti Marelli, will see the Fiat Auto buyer able to specify a new control panel which will form an integral part of the main instrument console, positioned directly in front of the driver, and displaying icons in response to voice activated commands. This system has been chosen over the usual 'NatNav' style screen positioned in the centre of the dashboard which displays moving maps, partly on the grounds of keeping the costs down, but also to allow a closer integration of the system with the driver, which then offers an enhanced safety aspect. The navigational aspect of this new system will use a series of denoted icons that are controlled via a GSM link, which uploads information to the car via Bluetooth.

In July 2004 Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit and Italian carmaker Fiat Auto, announced that they had formed a long-term partnership aimed at developing fresh infotelematic solutions for the Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo brands. Fiat Auto is already an acknowledged leader in on-board infotelematic systems, with its bCONNECT facility being particularly highly regarded. The new partnership brings Microsoft's leading software into the equation, allowing Fiat to plug into rapidly growing demand for infotelematic and wireless services and applications from European consumers.

Through Microsoft’s Windows Mobile for Automotive solution, automakers can use a standardised software stack and hardware reference design to quickly create a consumer electronics gateway that helps drivers and passengers more easily integrate and operate their mobile phones, digital music players and portable navigation devices on the road. In Geneva, Fiat Auto will introduce the first vehicles to utilise this solution to seamlessly integrate consumers’ own devices such as mobile phones with Bluetooth connectivity for access to contacts, appointments and hands-free calling, as well as to connect their MP3, Apple iPod and Windows Media Audio (WMA) players via a USB port on the dash for enjoying digital music on the road.
 

In addition, consumers will be able to access Web services for off-board navigation and real-time traffic updates. All features will be voice-enabled so drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

Meanwhile at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show which opened on Thursday, Microsoft showcased several new products built on Windows Automotive technologies delivering advanced in-vehicle communication, navigation and digital entertainment experiences for consumers. Alpine Electronics unveiled a new portable navigation device called Blackbird and a new aftermarket in-vehicle navigation system, the NVE-N872A. In addition, Microsoft showcased the Windows Automotive-powered navigation system in the new Honda Odyssey minivan, Honda Ridgeline truck and the 2006 Honda Civic. These new navigation systems provide satellite-guided turn-by-turn directions and useful features such as voice-guided controls and information on more than 7 million points of interest, including the Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, to make getting from place to place easier than ever.

“These new products demonstrate the power and versatility of Microsoft’s in-vehicle technologies for helping the automotive, mobile and consumer electronics industries meet the demands of drivers and passengers,” said Martin Thall, general manager of the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. “These new Alpine and Honda solutions are the latest of an extensive list of products built on the Windows Embedded platform that deliver safer, more reliable and affordable ways for consumers to communicate, navigate, access information and enjoy digital entertainment on the road.”