Fiat Auto
will present Blue&Me based on Windows Mobile for
Automotive as a world premiere, alongside executives
from Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, at the Geneva Motorshow 2006 (February, 28). This is the first step in
the long-term strategic industrial partnership signed in
July 2004 with the objective to co-design innovative
automotive telematics systems.
Blue&Me
changes the paradigms of communication and car
infotainment. It is a new system, easy to use,
accessible and competitive that makes all trips more
comfortable and safe. The system will exclusively be
available on new Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo cars as
well as on Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles. Grande Punto,
Alfa Romeo 159, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider will be
equipped this spring, soon to be followed by the other
models of Fiat Auto’s product range.
Fiat Auto’s
Blue&Me based on Windows Mobile for Automotive
relies on an open system which is always up-to-date,
upgradeable, and flexible. It is content modular, and
can be matched with a wide service offer. Instead of
costly and rigid hardware, Fiat Auto and Microsoft -
with the support of Magneti Marelli - will offer a
platform that can be adapted to most mobile phones,
digital media players and other mobile devices. The
customer is free to change them with new models without
compromising compatibility with the car.
Blue&Me
guarantees maximum security levels and
user-friendliness. The voice-activated system, the
complete integration of steering wheel control buttons
and information on the dashboard display will allow
users to utilize any Bluetooth based mobile phone - also
if this is in a pocket or handbag - without removing
hands from the steering wheel. Thanks to a
modern voice-recognition system, no preliminary voice
training is needed, and even incoming SMS are visualized
and read. Among audio functions, it is possible to
listen to preferred music stored on a mobile phone, in
the newest smart phones, and in MP3 readers or USB
removable sticks. All this thanks to a USB port, in the
glove box, which enables the connection to any digital
device with the correspondent port.
The
collaboration between Fiat and Microsoft allows Blue&Me
to be based on an open platform, compatible with the
largest number of devices such as mobile phones, Palms
and MP3 players, with the real benefit of continuously
catching up with market innovations, thus maintaining
the perfect integration with the car at an entry-level
price. A further short-term evolution will offer a
particularly simple and interactive navigation system,
and access to a set of services among which are a
personal assistant to check addresses, weather and
traffic forecasts, satellite localization in case of
theft, SOS, and other services currently under
development.
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Blue&Me
will initially be available on the Fiat Grande Punto,
Alfa Romeo 159, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider (above) this spring, soon to be followed by the other
models of Fiat Auto’s product range. |
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Fiat Auto
will present Blue&Me based on Windows Mobile for
Automotive as a world premiere, alongside executives
from Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, at the Geneva
Motorshow this month. |
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In
conclusion, Blue&Me which is based on the Windows Mobile
system is a completely integrated technology
with a one-to-one relation with the customer, as the
name underlines.
Microsoft
Automotive Business Unit
Since 1995, Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit has worked
collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology
designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and
entertainment systems. By extending its knowledge of
software for use in the car to Windows Mobile-based Pocket
PCs, Microsoft is able to deliver the easiest, most
convenient and productive software designed specifically to
help people take their connected lifestyle with them
wherever they go.
In addition to offering consumers an
alternative means to experience in-car connectivity,
Microsoft will continue to provide the automotive industry
with its advanced telematics platform, Windows Automotive.
Microsoft technology is on the road today in 61 preinstalled
and aftermarket devices from 18 world-class automakers and
suppliers, including BMW, Citroën, Clarion Co. Ltd.,
DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, NexTech,
Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.
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