Leading Telematics Software Platform, Windows Automotive, Launches Amid Global Partner Support With New Features to Enable a Safe Connected In-Car Experience

Do consumers want hands-free communication, real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions in the car? According to a recent survey, three out of five consumers are on board.* Responding to industry needs, Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of its fifth-version software platform for automotive suppliers and manufacturers, Windows� Automotive 4.2. Based on Microsoft� Windows CE .NET 4.2, the robust, real-time embedded operating system, Windows Automotive will enable automakers to build devices that fit every price range and car model, and will allow drivers and passengers to take their mobile lifestyle on the road.

Consumers want to be connected, even in the car, and research supports this trend. The survey revealed that 85 percent of U.S. cell phone owners use their cell phone and 50 percent of personal digital assistant (PDA) owners use their PDAs while in the car.* Windows Automotive is Microsoft's first automotive-specific platform to natively support voice- and data-enabled Bluetooth� and the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework. With these new features, Microsoft is enabling the automotive industry to provide drivers and passengers with hands-free communication, seamless access to Web services such as news, weather and sports, diagnostic information for maintenance, and wireless synchronization of data with mobile devices, as well as smooth functionality among many mobile devices.