Toyota & Microsoft Announce Partnership
Toyota and Microsoft announce they are working together for on next-gen. telematics platform services via the Azure cloud: http://bit.ly/foHsfU
The full transcript of their press conference is Here [Eds]
Toyota and Microsoft this week announced a partnership that will expand Microsoft’s penetration in automotive telematics, while providing Toyota with on-board communication, control and entertainment electronics. While this marks the first time the two companies have joined forces to develop in-car systems, they have worked together for more than 10 years on a mobile Internet project for Japan.
According to a Toyota news release, the automaker’s new telematics software will offer voice- and touch-activated communication, entertainment features and battery-charging management for electric and hybrid vehicles. The system is based on the Windows Azure operating system.
At a news conference, Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s president, said, “Together, utilizing Windows Azure and Microsoft’s vast information infrastructure, we will boost the value of automobiles by making them ‘information terminals,’ moving beyond today’s GPS navigation and wireless safety communications, while at the same time enhancing driver and traffic safety.”
Mr. Toyoda said the system would use virtual operators and voice recognition.
Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive, said that starting in 2012 “customers will be able to turn on the heat or A.C. in their car while their vehicle is plugged into the grid or dynamically monitor miles until the next charging station right from their GPS system. Or a customer could use a smartphone to check battery power or maintenance information remotely.”
Toyota’s telematics system will have its premier in electric and plug-in hybrid models in 2012 and will be available in numerous models worldwide by 2015. Via: NYT.