Jul30
Automotive News:
The software that powers infotainment systems such as Ford Sync soon may allow motorists to do Internet searches -- likely by voice -- while they drive.
Microsoft Corp. will make its Live Search Web search engine available as part of its Microsoft Auto software. Live Search is a service similar to Yahoo! or Google.
It would be up to individual automakers and suppliers to decide whether to implement Live Search in vehicles, navigation units and radios and to decide how drivers would access the information.
"Part of this should be voice-driven," said Tom Phillips, newly named general manager of Microsoft's automotive business unit. "Part of it may still require a glance or some other textual type of information."
Phillips said the search engine should start appearing in vehicles in 12 to 18 months, as portable or in-vehicle equipment.
Ford Motor Co. spokesman Alan Hall would not say whether Live Search would become part of Sync.
"We're always looking to add new applications" to Sync, he said. "Our plans have always been to leverage the platform approach of Sync and add new features and capabilities as we see fit from a customer perspective."
Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group plans to introduce an infotainment product based on the Microsoft Auto software in 2010. "We'll have the capability to offer" search, said spokesman Jim Trainor, but the carmaker "can't say yet" whether it will.
Microsoft says drivers and passengers could use Live Search to find local attractions such as restaurants. Directions, reviews and menus might be available. Search results could be narrowed to the driver's ZIP code.
"People want services that make their lives easier. They want things that save them time. They want services that do the same things for them in their vehicle that they get when they're at their desk," said Phillips, who recently succeeded Martin Thall as head of the automotive unit.
Consumers, he said, "think nothing of going to Live.com or perhaps another search site because we need information, but how is it we get into our car and we're totally cut off -- with no access to the information?"
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This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader
This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com