Bill Gates unveils Car PC program- Tbox

**organasised** · 05-29-2005, 01:27 PM

This article was printed today in the uk`s paper "The Sunday Times."

Bill Gates opens the car Windows

Microsoft is moving out of people’s homes and into their cars. The computer giant run by Bill Gates (below) has spent three years perfecting a system that will combine in-car entertainment, communication and satellite navigation.

The voice-activated device, known to insiders as the Tbox, will enable drivers to connect up mobile phones and personal computers so that they can make hands-free phone calls and get route guidance without the need to type in numbers or postcodes. Microsoft believes it will put navigation devices within the price range of every car buyer.

The basic Tbox system — officially called Windows Automotive — is controlled by two buttons on the instrument panel or steering wheel. It includes a global positioning system receiver and can be adapted to include built-in navigation or simply allow motorists to connect up their phone or hand-held computer to access route information via the internet, all using voice commands to a microphone on the dashboard. To make a phone call the driver simply states a name in their address book and the system will access data on the phone’s SIM card using Bluetooth wireless technology and dial it. The Tbox also allows MP3 players such as the iPod to be plugged in and played through the stereo.

The company has signed a deal with Fiat in Italy to fit Windows Automotive in all new Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia models from next year. Ford is also testing the software.

“Rather than the current situation, in which a string of competing suppliers design bespoke solutions for luxury car makers, Microsoft has created a cheaper alternative,” said Jürgen Za, a spokesman for Microsoft. “It can be upgraded just like programs on a PC.”

**aoLhaTer** · 05-29-2005, 03:34 PM

It would be interesting if the software could be obtained and it wasnt locked down to certain hardware. Id give it a shot; hell Im already running XP, this can only be better.....right?

**12Vsystems** · 05-29-2005, 03:44 PM

This is interesting. Microsoft took a shot at the AutoPC in 1999 and failed badly.

http://news.com.com/2100-1008-511193...t=dtx&tag=ntop

This could really open some new Doors in car computing. Let's just hope they don't screw it up before it's released.

**SickVette** · 05-29-2005, 04:36 PM

The AutoPC did tank big time. This does not sound like an OS it sounds like a product that is installed in the car.

**ShawJohn** · 07-28-2005, 08:04 AM

AsI understood it the Tbox was just a connectivity module to allow a PDA to connect to the car stereo and possibly the ECU. It doesn't appear to actually play mp3's or proviced GPS nav or provide any storage but just allow your PDA or Laptop to output to the cars standard LCD & radio hardware.

I read it as a PC/PDA interface box, NOT a PC for a car! But I could be wrong...

**J187** · 07-28-2005, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by 12Vsystems

This is interesting. Microsoft took a shot at the AutoPC in 1999 and failed badly.

http://news.com.com/2100-1008-511193...t=dtx&tag=ntop

This could really open some new Doors in car computing. Let's just hope they don't screw it up before it's released.

It's kinda sad if microsoft can't make it happen, yet all of us have very little trouble. Maybe total world domination is a distraction. At anyrate, as soon as microsoft figures it all out, even if the article is referring to hardware, it'll certainly mean the soon coming of an OS designed for mobile auto use. Windows AU or something. So it should be something to look forward to. Nice find on the article.

Oh, and Billy G, if you are snooping around these parts trying to correct what wrong with AutoPC, remember, the

is your friend and you should hang out in the FAQ emporium before asking stupid questions.

**sdashiki** · 07-28-2005, 09:04 AM

Bill is too buys counting his STOLEN billions from software pirates.

more like butt pirates...

**liquid_smoke** · 07-28-2005, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by J187

It's kinda sad if microsoft can't make it happen, yet all of us have very little trouble. Maybe total world domination is a distraction. At anyrate, as soon as microsoft figures it all out, even if the article is referring to hardware, it'll certainly mean the soon coming of an OS designed for mobile auto use. Windows AU or something. So it should be something to look forward to. Nice find on the article.

Oh, and Billy G, if you are snooping around these parts trying to correct what wrong with AutoPC, remember, the

is your friend and you should hang out in the FAQ emporium before asking stupid questions.

LOL, i just ****ed my pants on that one.

**sdashiki** · 07-28-2005, 11:59 AM

**** you Billy.

I hate you.

Fingers in so many pies, where we gonna be in 2020? Having McGates serve us french fries, or the Microsoft Roadster.

Bill this is to you: you were a college drop out nerd, made a couple of good business deals and now live the phat life. STOP ******* WITH THE REST OF THE COMMERCIAL ELECTRONICS WORLD, YOU ARE NOT AN ENGINEER, YOU ARE NOT A PROGRAMMER, YOU ARE A CAPITAL VENTURIST NOTHING MORE.

Spread yourself so thin over tons of markets and eventually all yer **** suffers. I mean M$ ******* makes windows, has since day one, and yet it still sucks balls 20 yrs later?

**thegingerkid** · 07-28-2005, 12:27 PM

eh, actually... billy boy was a programmer, and a pretty good one too as a matter of fact..

could bill gates write code?

microsofts beginning

he may be a monopolizing venture capitalist now but i reckon ya gotta give the man some credit sdashiki..