Posted on 12-Jul-2005 23:27
| Filed under: News
: Windows
Microsoft Corp.'s Automotive Business Unit has announced the Microsoft Windows Automotive 5.0, the latest version of its automotive-grade software platform designed for the custom development of in-vehicle solutions including navigation, infotainment and communication systems.
Microsoft Windows Automotive 5.0 provides the automotive industry with a flexible software platform to create an array of in-vehicle solutions. Building on previous versions, new features such as the Automotive User Interface Toolkit (AUITK) and expanded virtual memory support enable the creation of 3D graphics and advanced navigation displays, while enhanced power management and faster cold-boot times improve performance.
In addition, the platform is expected to help the industry deliver better solutions to market more quickly using the new Automotive System Tools (ASTs), which include improved test modules and easy-to-use product engineering guidelines to help simplify the development process and increase reliability.
Based on Windows CE 5.0, a real-time embedded operating system, the system contains the building blocks necessary to integrate with off-board services, including those offering real-time traffic updates, directions to the cheapest gas in town, turn-by-turn navigation and more.
A faster user interface development called Automotive User Interface Toolkit connects to the core application program to facilitate the development of a high-quality skin for the driver and passenger interface without requiring developers to write additional interface code.
With this solution, developers only need one software platform for an end-to-end solution, from a high-end 3D graphic navigation system to a low-end single DIN device such as a digital radio or hands-free kit. In addition, Windows Automotive 5.0's multimedia function with DirectShow can power a variety of rich digital media including Windows Media Audio, MP3 and DVD.
The platform supports the two most common CPUs available for embedded systems, the MIPS and SuperH. In addition, Windows Automotive 5.0 supports Bluetooth, 802.11, UPnP, USB, XML, SOAP and other common standards.
Companies such as Alpine Electronics Inc., Clarion Co. Ltd., Kenwood Corp., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Pioneer Corp. and Tottori Sanyo Electric are using the Windows Automotive platform to develop a range of solutions ranging from digital radios and hands-free kits to high-end 3D navigation systems.
