subject: Kia dealer, Libertyville customers may soon see Microsoft dominate vehicle systems [print this page] Kia dealer, Libertyville customers may soon see Microsoft dominate vehicle systems
It's not quite 2001's HAL, but Microsoft may soon run your car if not every aspect of technology in life. Customers of a Kia dealer in Libertyville may soon see the Windows Embedded Automotive 7 system in their Kia models.
Capable of doing so much more than just keeping your phone going, this software can control everything from the audio system to connecting music devices with Bluetooth and accessing calendars and contact lists. The system can be controls with a voice command or a touch screen and can send text messages by speaking. Dealers of Antioch used cars believe Kia is adding touches the customers want and such systems will increase sales.
Even though many of us are slightly afraid of new technology, never being sure if it will be smarter than we are, it's exciting to get a vehicle with a system that no one on else on the block can yet claim. Apparently it's not about keeping up with the Joneses' new model, but surpassing their current software.
Microsoft also will have its Silverlight media player available for car companies as an alternative to the Flash player. Silverlight offers better 2D and 3D graphics on car screens and buyers will be impressed. Customers of Antioch used cars are in for a treat with this technology.
Of course, other software companies are clamoring to get in on the gold mine that is auto technology too. There may be room for several of them, as it seems everything possible is being incorporated into new vehicles and it all runs on software - from the extensive safety systems which work together with a computer to increase driving safety to advanced audio and entertainment systems.
Microsoft even has a voice-controlled car system in place in models in Australia made by Fiat. The technology is called Blue&Me. The times they are advancing and software is needed to get there, which is not so different from anything else these days.
Your Kia dealer in Libertyville will delight in demonstrating this new technology and you will be impressed. Improved graphics, and near total operation from one software system. Now, as long as the control panel or touch screen is laid out simply, we'll all be fine. Many previous and current system controls have been criticized, and rightly so, for their complexity in operation. We trust Microsoft is beyond that.
Regardless, we all need to get used to this type of operating system because it certainly is what's coming. I do wonder about the safeguards, though. Is it like a business, when the software crashes or computer system goes down and they can't tell you any prices or even sell you anything? Let's hope not!
