[Concept] Windows 8 Automotive edition.

FuturDreamz

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I was thinking that Windows 8 could theoretically be the ultimate in-car audio-visual-navigation system. It would have access to the Marketplace, so it can run all Windows 8 applications. This also allows for Microsoft to unify the in car nav ecosystem.

Hardware:
7-9" touchscreen
Specifications either equal to Windows 8 RT's requirements or between Win8RT and WinPhone8's requirements.
Includes GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, and optional (but reccomended) HSPA/LTE celluar modem.
Steering wheel controls for bluetooth phone and media controls (that control current media program)
physical buttons, such as cd/gps/vehiclestatus hotkeys, volume keys, eject disk, power
Cd Drive!

Software:
Mostly Windows 8 RT, but with no desktop at all.
Decent CD application that launches automatically when a disk is inserted.
Bluetooth management app, which allows you to easily connect your phone to the system and interface with the phone like all smart auto systems can (handsfree calls, media streaming with controls, etc)
gps application has audible directions, and can map gas stations on your path and look up prices on gasbuddy.com or something.
Includes a car application that gives your car's complete status information, and allows you to configure some settings

Thoughts? My explanation is a bit unclear, but I believe Microsoft could make a really awesome in-car system based on Windows 8 RT or Windows Phone 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
Well, Microsoft already has the Sync system that is in Ford vehicles. It's unlikely they would do something like you suggest because the opportunity for distracting the driver is so high... in-dash systems have been working to become less and less distracting while still providing the features users want.

Many years ago, Microsoft had an actual product called the AutoPC. This was a voice controlled PC that offered a lot of features, but in general it was expensive and didn't provide that much real functionality.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
History of Windows Embedded Automotive 7 | Microsoft Auto Older Versions

Automotive Technology | Windows Embedded Automotive 7 Key Features

Automotive Devices | Windows Embedded Automotive 7 Technical Specs

How to Buy Windows Embedded Automotive 7


Although the Windows 7 embedded compact version is mentioned in the above links, Windows embedded standard 7 is available to download, and you can build almost any system you can imagine - from a set-top box home theatre pc to a kiosk pc - you can even build your own desktop OS.

Connected Devices | Windows Devices | Windows Embedded Standard 7

Windows Embedded Standard 8 has been released as preview versions at the same time as the Windows 8 consumer preview and Windows 8 release preview. There is similar functionality availability as the windows 7 version, except the windows 8 version is a short term trial, with OSs that you build are only operational for 30 days. In Windows embedded standard 7 sp1 you could build OSs that you could evaluate for 90 days, or 1 year with an academic license.

Intelligent Devices | Windows Devices | Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP 2
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
Yes, but waht I'm thinking of is user upgradeable and compatible with Windows 8 applications.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
Windows 8 embedded uses the same codebase as Windows 8 - runs on the same hardware, runs the same software, looks the same etc, except for branding screens. Embedded image builder version has some Windows 8 RT development tools, so it must have support for the ARM processor too, although documentation is scarce.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
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