Microsoft Updates Automobile Software

This spring, Microsoft will release a new version of its automobile software, Microsoft Auto, which powers Ford’s Sync and Fiat’s Blue & Me.

Microsoft Auto 4.0 will be able to control a vehicle’s entire audio system, including tuning the radio, playing a CD and ripping tracks from a CD to a vehicle’s hard drive. Velle Kolde, the senior product manager for Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, said automakers won’t need to install separate hardware to run the communications systems and stereo with 4.0 – which will reduce costs for the automaker.

Hyundai and Kia will be the first automakers to make use of the new software. The Korean automakers announced a deal with Microsoft last year, but no details were released regarding how the new software will be used. Hyundai and Kia vehicles with Microsoft Auto 4.0 are planned for release as early as next year.

Microsoft will officially unveil the new software at the Geneva motor show this week.

Source: Automotive News