Microsoft Auto
Encyclopedia
Windows Embedded Automotive (also previously known as Microsoft Auto, Windows CE for Automotive, Windows Automotive, and Windows Mobile for Automotive) is an embedded operating system
based on Windows CE
for use on computer systems in automobile
s. The operating system is developed by Microsoft
through the Microsoft Automotive Business Unit that formed in August 1995. The first automotive product built by Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit debuted on December 4, 1998 as the AutoPC
, and also includes Ford Sync
and Blue&Me
. Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit has built both the software platforms used for automotive devices as well as the devices themselves. The current focus is on the software platforms and includes two products, Microsoft Auto and Windows Automotive.
that was jointly-developed by Microsoft and Clarion
. The system was released in December 1998, and referred to the operating system itself as "Auto PC". Microsoft's Auto PC platform was based on Windows CE 2.0, and had been announced in January of that year.
On October 16, 2000, Microsoft officially announced the next version of the platform. This version of the operating system was renamed to "Windows CE for Automotive" and had new applications preinstalled like the Microsoft Mobile Explorer.
On October 21, 2002, Microsoft announced that the platform would be renamed to "Windows Automotive". The version added support for development using the .NET Compact Framework
.
With the release of Ford Sync
, Microsoft renamed the platform from "Windows Mobile for Automotive" to "Microsoft Auto".
Microsoft again renamed the operating system as "Windows Embedded Automotive", and updated its version to 7 on October 19, 2010.. This is the latest in MS Auto category, and is based on the Windows 7 platform.
Embedded operating system
An embedded operating system is an operating system for embedded computer systems. These operating systems are designed to be compact, efficient, and reliable, forsaking many functions that non-embedded computer operating systems provide, and which may not be used by the specialized applications...
based on Windows CE
Windows CE
Microsoft Windows CE is an operating system developed by Microsoft for embedded systems. Windows CE is a distinct operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows...
for use on computer systems in automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
s. The operating system is developed by Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
through the Microsoft Automotive Business Unit that formed in August 1995. The first automotive product built by Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit debuted on December 4, 1998 as the AutoPC
AutoPC
The AutoPC is a brand of carputer jointly developed by Clarion and Microsoft....
, and also includes Ford Sync
Ford Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
and Blue&Me
Blue&Me
Blue&Me is an infotainment system for Fiat Group cars based on Microsoft Auto and developed in a partnership between Magneti Marelli and Microsoft Corporation. The system is based on modular structure which allows installation and use of arbitrary services. The system offers Bluetooth and USB...
. Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit has built both the software platforms used for automotive devices as well as the devices themselves. The current focus is on the software platforms and includes two products, Microsoft Auto and Windows Automotive.
History
The Windows Embedded Automotive operating system was originally shipped with the AutoPCAutoPC
The AutoPC is a brand of carputer jointly developed by Clarion and Microsoft....
that was jointly-developed by Microsoft and Clarion
Clarion (car audio)
is a Japanese manufacturer of car audio, automotive navigation systems, AutoPCs, visual equipment, bus equipment, and communication equipment.Up until the end of 2005, products in Japan were marketed under the brand name AddZest, while outside of Japan the same product typically carried the Clarion...
. The system was released in December 1998, and referred to the operating system itself as "Auto PC". Microsoft's Auto PC platform was based on Windows CE 2.0, and had been announced in January of that year.
On October 16, 2000, Microsoft officially announced the next version of the platform. This version of the operating system was renamed to "Windows CE for Automotive" and had new applications preinstalled like the Microsoft Mobile Explorer.
On October 21, 2002, Microsoft announced that the platform would be renamed to "Windows Automotive". The version added support for development using the .NET Compact Framework
.NET Compact Framework
The Microsoft .NET Compact Framework is a version of the .NET Framework that is designed to run on resource constrained mobile/embedded devices such as personal digital assistants , mobile phones, factory controllers, set-top boxes, etc...
.
With the release of Ford Sync
Ford Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
, Microsoft renamed the platform from "Windows Mobile for Automotive" to "Microsoft Auto".
Microsoft again renamed the operating system as "Windows Embedded Automotive", and updated its version to 7 on October 19, 2010.. This is the latest in MS Auto category, and is based on the Windows 7 platform.