Microsoft engineers and researchers are attempting to one-up Google Maps by creating route animations with the abundance of panoramic street-view photography so you can experience your trip before you drive it. It's called Videomap and it's quite clever.

The main issue with representing the trip before you make it is, unless you're traveling within a mile of your house, the time it would take to watch the trip on your computer is too long to be useful. Conversely, if you were to speed the entire trip up it would be nonsense. The software bridges this gap by speeding up and slowing down the video based on landmarks and turns.

Even better, since it's a panoramic camera, they're able to slow down the video and crop it so the driver looks around the turn as if they were driving themselves. It can also turn to show obvious landmarks along the journey and zoom-out when the data is less important (i.e. when traveling along an extended area with few turns or landmarks, like a highway)

Limited studies show the technique results in increased accuracy and reduced time spent consulting maps, which is good, though the limitation of this technique appears to be the increasing accessibility of GPS when you travel. For this reason, the system seems better matched to waking, biking and transportation that takes places within a certain time-compressed zone than driving.

Individuals with difficulty grasping spatial data in map form tend to utilize landmarks in determining their travel and a system like this seems suited to serving their needs. It's also fun to watch. Just imagine being able to reminisce about your old hometown by taking a quick virtual drive down Main Street to see what shops and restaurants may have changed. Sounds pretty cool to us.

[Microsoft via Technology Review via Jason_Pointin</a]

Back in the day you used to be able to roll around in a Dodge Ram 1500 in Gran Turismo 4, but this is taking four-wheelin' to a whole new level. Seriously, how well can a big lug like these luxo-utes handle and why on Earth would you have any interest in racing them in a video game?

Thankfully, this wasn't the only update that Turn 10 provided us today as we now know we'll have the opportunity to drive the Pontiac G8 GXP forever and pretend that GM never killed it. Phew!

Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]

Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]
Check out our continually growing Forza 3 car list HERE. [via Forza Motorsport]

The October release date of Microsoft and Turn 10's XBOX 360 racer looms ever closer, reminding us that we'll be spending some quality seat time on our couch this Fall. Check out our ever growing car list HERE to see what other rides you'll be able to pilot, though we think the Audi R8 5.2L V10 is all we'll ever need. [Forza Motorsport]

The addition of cars like the Toyota Yaris, MazdaSpeed 3 and Honda Fit mash nicely with the all-wheel-drive prowess of the Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi EVO IX MR and Nissan GT-R SuperGT, making us crave for the official October release of the newest XBOX 360 racer.

Check out the updated (07.01.09) car list HERE.

[via Forza Motorsport, Kotaku]

The announcement that the famed 8.489 Mile, 21 turn Circuit De La Sarthe will be included in the next generation of the famed Forza series has got to get more than just a few enthusiasts excited. Previously the only way you could act out your French endurance dreams was by going to the Playstation-based series, Gran Turismo. Thankfully Turn 10 developers made the trek across the pond to measure, photograph and accurately re-build the famed circuit in digital form for us to create our own epic 24 Hour of Le Mans battles. In fact, Turn 10 Track Team Lead, Matt Collins, apparently collected over 15,000 images to help with the Stateside team's digital replica including images of the track barriers, road materials, rumble strips, vegetation and trackside buildings. The nearly 60GB of source material has been accurately placed with the help of physical data collected via GPS to create ultra realistic digital versions of both circuit configurations, Bugatti and Sarthe.

Also released this weekend was this partial car list of ten included Le Mans Prototypes along with a few detailed images of the exterior and interior of each of the digital versions of these famed racers which you can see below.

We've also compiled a list of the cars that we know will make the game thus far, but remember this is nowhere near the final list as there will be over 400 cars from 50 different manufacturers, all of which will feature full range of visual and mechanical customization. Also, expect to see more parts-flying carnage thanks in part to a more realistic damage model that will also include the ability for cars to completely roll over during a race, a feature not previously attempted in a racing game.

(Updated: 07.15.09) Forza Motorsport 3 Confirmed (Partial) Car List:

Alfa Romeo

* 8C Competizione

Audi

* 2 Audi Sport North America R8
* 2 Audi Sport North America R10 TDI
* 8 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R10 TDI
* 2009 Audi Q7 V12 TDI
* 2010 R8 V10
* R8 V8 FS I
* 2010 S4
* 2009 TT

Aston Martin:

* 2009 DBS
* DB5 Vantage

Bentley

* 7 Team Bentley Speed 8

BMW

* 15 BMW Motorsport V12 LMR
* 2008 135i Coupe
* 2009 M3
* 2009 BMW X5 xDrive 4.8i
* Mini Cooper
* 2009 BMW M5 E60

Cadillac

* 6 Team Cadillac Northstar LMP-02
* 2009 CTS-V

Chevrolet

* 2006 Corvette Z06
* Corvette ZR1

Chrysler

* 2008 Chrysler 300C SRT-8

Dodge

* Challenger SRT-8
* Viper SRT-10 Coupe ACR

Ferrari

* 30 MOMO Doran Racing F333 SP
* California
* Dino
* 2007 430 Scuderia
* 599 GTB Fiorano

Fiat

* 500

Ford

* 2005 GT
* RS200
* 1968 Shelby Mustang GT-500KR

Holden

Honda

* Civic
* 2009 Jazz
* NSX

Infiniti

* 2009 G37

Jaguar

* XKR-S

Land Rover

* 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Lamborghini

* Murciélago LP640

Lexus

* 2009 IS-F

Lotus

* Elise
* Evora

Maserati

* GranTurismo

Mazda

* 2008 Mazdaspeed 3

Mercedes-Benz

* CLS 63 AMG
* McLaren SLR
* ML 63 AMG
* SL 65 AMG Black Series

Mitsubishi

* Lancer Evolution VIII MR
* Lancer Evolution X GSR

Nissan

* 3 YellowHat YMS TOMICA GT-R (2008)
* 12 Calsonic IMPUL GT-R (2008)
* 21 Nissan R390 GT1 (1997)
* 23 XANAVI NISMO GT-R(2008)
* 2009 370Z
* Sentra
* Skyline GT-R R33
* 2008 Tiida

Pagani

* Zonda C12-S

Peugeot

* 3 Peugeot Talbot Sport 905 Evo 1C
* 8 Peugeot Sport 908

Pontiac

* 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Porsche

* Porsche AG 906c
* Porsche 956
* 997 GT2
* 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Seat

* Ibiza

Subaru

* Impreza WRX STI

Toyota

* 3 Toyota Motorsports GT-ONE TS020
* 6 ENEOS SC430(2008)
* 25 Eclipse Advan Supra (2006)
* 2009 Yaris

TVR

* Sagaris

Volkswagen

* 2008 Volkswagen Touareg R50

As we mentioned above, the Circuit De La Sarthe will see its Forza debut along with 100 other real life global circuits which will include drift circuits, road courses, oval tracks and the long-rumored drag strip. You'll be able to pick up your very own copy of Forza Motorsport 3 this October. [via ForzaMotorsport]

The most obvious comparison to make is to Sony's Gran Turismo 5 due out on PS3 sometime before the next millennium, most notably the precise and cleanly rendered real-time visuals that Turn 10 Studios have created for their newest console-racer king of the hill.

Looking closely at some of the cars represented in this preview and you'll notice a 2009 Corvette ZR1, Aston Martin DBS, BMW 135i, BMW E92 M3, Audi R8 5.2L V10 among several other new comers and the inclusion of fully rendered and modeled interiors for the first time in the Forza series. The final list of cars will exceed 400 from 50 various manufacturers with each and every one having the ability to be fully customized as we've all come to know and love in the Forza series.

Also included are over 100 true-to-life global racetracks ranging from locations in Spain, Italy and the American Southwest which will feature both standard circuit and oval events as well as the long-awaited and heavily rumored drag racing and drift events. A new feature to the game will be the inclusion of a race calendar in which the player will be able to participate in a personalized 200+ event racing calendar. Cool stuff indeed.

A firm release date is not yet set, but we're guessing Microsoft will release Forza Motorsport 3 just before this year's Christmas season to solidify their crown in the console racing wars. [via Kotaku, YouTube]

We'll leave the name of the employee secret, just in case he offended anyone, but the story is great:

Bwahahaha, was running around MSFT's main campus to go grab some stock 99 cobra springs for the IRS swap I have planned for my beater foxbody this winter.

I saw a few familiar heads in a Ford Fusion Hybrid, and so I popped down a gear on my four-speed, and made a raucous noise as I passed them.

I just dusted the CEO of my brand-of-choice.

That's cool. Almost as cool as Mulally's red, Ford-badged sweater vest.

Photo Credit: Wilson Rothman

Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios recently held a secret developer meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil and a very covered Forza Motorsport 3 logo popped up on the screen during a Powerpoint presentation. CVG managed to capture some video of the event, which has now been removed from YouTube. Regardless, OXCGN was able to get the released artwork, which you can see on the left, depicting Forza Motorsport 3's official logo.

As we reported back in January, Forza Motorsport 3 will feature a total of 400+ cars and over 100 tracks necessitating the game to ship with two seperate discs. It's likely that Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios will show a preview of the game later this year. We can't wait.

[Kotaku via CVG / oxcgn]

Somehow this beast manages to pull off Jed Clampett meets Back To The Future, which is not a combination you see everyday. The truck tires and corrugated sheetmetal combined with the flying buttresses and random bits of junk combine in a way almost reaching Lagonda-levels of beauty. [CarDomain]

Although no official release date has been revealed, the company behind all the pretty in-game artwork has let loose a couple of teaser images of the new Forza Motorsport 3. Microsoft Game Studios has sub-contracted Kaarbo Designs to create menu graphics for all previous Forza Motorsport games and they’ve let loose some early pre-production proofs of Forza 3 in-game race posters. The images were found on Kaarbo Design’s website and then promptly removed adding to the legitimacy of the images. In response to the leak, Kaarbo has said that the posters “are only samples and are not to be used.” Something that may be finalized is the Forza 3 logo in the upper left-hand corner of each poster.

While Forza 2 was big, it’s said that FM3 is so large that the DVD format has become an issue. With a total of 400+ cars and over 100 tracks it will likely ship on two separate discs. A preview of Forza Motorsport 3 will likely be shown later this year at the E3 show. We can’t wait to get our hands on a copy since our thumbs are just now healing from the first game.

[via xbox360 fanboy]

Basically, Bernstein analyst Jeffrey Lindsay thinks Google, Yahoo and Microsoft are the new GM, Ford and Chrysler because they parallel the auto industry. His argument is "Buick, Oldsmobile and Chevrolet were the high tech industry of the 1940s." He then claims they were "gobbled up to become GM" just ahead of when they needed more innovation rather than less. Lindsay then compares that to Yahoo and their ownership of Flickr, Del.icio.us and the rest — where each is buying up their competitors in expensive deals that limit their own spending on innovation.

So basically, he's claiming GM avoided innovation heading into the gas-guzzling era of the 1950s and 1960s because they'd spent so much on buying up small companies. While we do believe they avoided innovation during those two decades in favor of continuing to design big boat-like four-doors while foreign automakers were designing smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, it had more to do with arrogance than with over-spending on nameplates that limit their own innovation. Mostly because Buick was GM's first brand, Oldsmobile was acquired by GM in 1908 and Chevrolet was bought in 1918. Otherwise, sure, that argument they all were "gobbled up" in the 1940s makes a lot of sense.

So the long answer is some analysts have way too much time on their hands. [via ZDNet]

Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to Develop Next Generation of In-Car Infotainment New partnership will globalize innovative in-car infotainment.

SEOUL, South Korea — May 6, 2008 — Today, Microsoft Corp. and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) entered into a long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems. Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, and Mongku Chung, chairman of HKAG, were present as Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit, and Hyun Soon Lee, president and chief technology officer of HKAG, signed the agreement in Seoul.

Together, Microsoft and HKAG will deliver new and innovative solutions based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, bringing the future of in-car technology to Hyundai-Kia drivers worldwide.

"These new systems will redefine consumer experiences in the car," Thall said. "Since the spring of 2006, HKAG and Microsoft have been sharing their vision for the future of in-car technology. We're now aligned to develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems."

"We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver high-performance infotainment solutions to our customers," Lee said. "The advanced capabilities, flexibility and low price point make the Microsoft Auto software platform an attractive solution for us."

The first product, a next-generation infotainment system that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, will be introduced in the North American market in 2010. It will further apply to Asian and European markets, and expand into multimedia and navigation devices. These easy-to-use infotainment systems will allow consumers to enjoy music in various digital formats.

The next-generation infotainment systems are comparable to mini-PCs. Even after product launch, new functions can be added or upgraded in the form of software program updates, an innovation to existing in-car multimedia technology.

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group's adoption of the Microsoft Auto software platform increases Microsoft's presence in the Asian car market and enhances the global automotive business. The engineering and marketing teams of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit in Redmond, Wash., will be working directly with counterparts at HKAG in Seoul to support this goal. Microsoft Auto-powered systems are currently available in Fiat Auto Group vehicles in Europe and South America and Ford Motor Co. vehicles in North America.

In a related announcement, Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia, along with the Institute for Information Technology Advancement (IITA), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-establish an automotive IT innovation center with the goal of promoting innovation and opportunities for Korean software and device vendors in the global market.

The system uses complex algorithms and machine mapping to analyze data from the major highways and the side streets to provide the best and most timely solution to traffic jams—meaning it may just tell you to just stay on the highway because the detour solutions are also heavy. Clearflow will be available for free for 72 major cities. There's no official word on the release of Clearflow, but when it is ready, you can go online and more accurately plan an outing prior to the trip. I'm sure it will be supported on portable GPS devices soon, as well. [NY Times]

Talladega. Yes, the partial name of the semi-funny Will Ferrel movie is the codename of Microsoft's next generation of Sync. Then again, we all know codenames are rarely used for the real release of any product, but who knows with this case. I can already imagine the kids: "Hey dudebro, check my sa-weet Talladega system!" Yeah, it just doesn't sound right. [Automotive]

As we all know, Microsoft Auto software underpins the popular Ford SYNC service, which combines the various in-car systems into one somewhat easy-to-use interface. What if they were able to use that system to advertise to you? How would they use it? According to Microsoft's Martin Thall, it looks as though the GPS is probably the best outlet. Imagine driving down the street and having the navigation screen display an ad for Starbucks with some sort of special incentive for pulling in to get a latte, like offering you a free Mp3.

This isn't a wild idea, in fact I wrote about locational advertising for UrbanCartography.com almost three years ago. This is much better than the current model for the provider because charging a monthly rate will, as with cell phones, allow competition to dictate a lower price or more service. There's also a finite, though large, number of customers.

As Google has already proven, there's almost an unlimited amount of advertising revenue to be gotten (if you don't believe me just google "mesothelioma"). As stewards of this technology, we imagine that companies will be responsible and limit the advertising so that it doesn't become ridiculous. Right.... right?

[CNet via The Truth About Cars]

A lot of Microsoft's motive for spreading Sync comes from demand on Ford vehicles. It would appear people really like Sync, which is currently a worthwhile $395 upgrade to any FoMoCo product. Thall says that Ford is super-great for adopting Sync so early, but Microsoft has dollar signs in their eyes and wants to make money everywhere possible, more or less. [Detroit Free Press]

FORD SYNC WILL MAKE IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY MORE AFFORDABLE THAN EVER

* Ford Sync™ - developed in collaboration with Microsoft - is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.
* Sync will be standard on Lincoln products and widely available on Ford and Mercury vehicles. Option price: $395.
* Sync will be available in 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products beginning this fall, and in nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products within two years.

DEARBORN, Mich., August 9, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today confirmed the distribution and pricing strategy of Ford Sync, an advanced in-car communication and entertainment system developed in collaboration with Microsoft. Sync will be standard on Lincoln vehicles and widely available on Ford and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, Sync will be included as standard equipment on high-series models from Ford and Mercury - the Ford Edge Limited or Ford Focus SES, for example. On models where Sync is optional, it will be priced at $395.

"Consumer reaction to Sync has been extremely positive since our launch earlier this year," says Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "This positive reaction has convinced us to make the system widely available across our range of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products. The simplicity and capability of Sync have tremendous appeal and the affordability we are confirming today is certain to drive ever greater interest."

Sync is a Ford-exclusive technology based on Microsoft Auto software which provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players - Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes, and other MP3 players - and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle and operate the devices via voice commands or with the vehicle's steering wheel or radio controls. Simply stated: with Sync, consumers are able to use their voice to command their digital media players and Bluetooth mobile phones.

Sync is an on-board computer platform loaded with software that seamlessly integrates the vehicle with today's popular portable electronic devices. Since it is a software-based system, it is updatable and should be able to support the devices and services of tomorrow.

"Drivers want a simple solution to stay connected to the information, entertainment and people most important to them while on the road," said Velle Kolde, product manager of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit. "Ford Sync, based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, is an updatable, smart and convenient solution for connecting your car with your life."

Demand for In-Car Connectivity is on the Rise

According to research firm IDC (www.IDC.com), the popularity of digital media players continues to grow. A survey in 2006 found nearly 25 percent of U.S. households had at least one media player and ownership among younger consumers was even higher: nearly 60 percent of people aged 18 to 24 owned at least one.

In a related trend, Ford research indicates that over 70 percent of new car buyers are now looking for the ability to use digital media players in their new cars.

Likewise, mobile phone use is commonplace in North America. There are more than 200 million mobile phones in the U.S., according to the Consumer Electronics Association. More mobile phones than ever are Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications mechanism that replaces traditional cable connections for portable devices. Using Bluetooth technology, Ford Sync can seamlessly connect to a user's mobile phone while it is in the vehicle.

According to the Bluetooth SIG, the special-interest group that manages the Bluetooth protocol, the top-selling phones of all major U.S. carriers have been Bluetooth enabled since 2006 and approximately 70 percent of new mobile phones sold today are Bluetooth enabled.

Ford Sync Becomes Widely Availability

Sync will be available on nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products within two years. The launch will begin this fall, initially with the Ford Focus, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. By the end of the year, Sync will be standard or available on the following 2008 model-year vehicles:

Ford Edge

Mercury Sable

Lincoln MKX

Ford Explorer

Mercury Milan

Lincoln MKZ

Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Mercury Mountaineer

Ford Focus
Ford Fusion
Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus X

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

Fiat Auto, Microsoft and components developer Magneti Marelli whipped up the "Blue & Me" system gracing the Fiat 500's furnishings (along with those of other Fiat models). The tech platform uses Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system to manage a network that integrates voice activation, steering wheel control buttons and the dashboard display and any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The setup is similar to Ford's Sync system; It reads incoming SMS messages aloud to the driver and incorporates music stored on a mobile phone, smart phone, MP3 player or USB memory into the audio system via console-mounted USB port. For a few extra webdollarz, Blue&Me Nav adds navigation and telematics services like emergency management, service info and as-yet indeterminate insurance services. A next evolution, Fiat says, will include interactive navigation and information services like addresses, weather and traffic forecasts, satellite localization in case of theft. The whole dealy underscores the company's tech-urban positioning of the 500, which will likely squeeze higher profit margins out of the Euroeconobox. Click through for corporate-release details. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Blue&MeTM and Blue&Me NavTM:

communicating and travelling without frontiers

Just one year after its launch, the Blue&Me™ system is proving to be a huge commercial success (in fact it is requested by 20% of purchasers of all Fiat Group Automobiles models) and it has won several prestigious international awards. The Fiat 500 will be available with either the first level Blue&MeTM (including a hands-free function with Bluetooth® interface, advanced voice recognition, USB port, MP3 player and SMS text message interpreter) or the latest version of the device, Blue&MeTM Nav, which adds a navigation function at a very competitive price. The Blue&MeTM Nav will be available after the launch and is already wired to enable a range of telematic services such as SOS Emergency, Info Service and insurance services.

Blue&Me™ Nav offers a simple, intuitive pictogram navigation system that features an innovative method of introducing the destination using voice controls.
The destination is located in real time: the map of the country is memorised on the USB pen drive, and this makes access to the data faster and quieter than when a CD is used. And with Blue&Me™ Nav, all the functions are built-in, and the telephone, music and navigation information is available on the instrument panel. What is more, as he navigates, the driver can listen to his favourite music, which he has memorised, together with the map, on the same USB pen drive or media player, or make a telephone call using the hands-free device.

All the strong points of the system
Blue&Me™ was developed in 3 years by Fiat Auto and Microsoft. The partnership was ratified in June 2004, with the long-term goal of designing innovative telematic systems for cars, and it has created a product that has established itself on the market, exploiting a perfectly integrated technology that is in complete harmony with the user, as its name suggests.

Based on the Windows Mobile for Automotive system, this device features an open system that is always in step with the times, updateable, flexible and modular. With the help of Magneti Marelli, Fiat Group Automobiles and Microsoft offer a platform that adapts to most cell phones, music players and other personal devices, replacing current expensive, rigid hardware, with the great benefit of being able to constantly adapt to innovations on the market, remaining perfectly integrated into the car. All at an accessible price.

Blue&Me™ is extremely safe and easy to use. The voice control system, which is perfectly integrated into the controls on the steering wheel and the information on the instrument panel, allows a customer with a Bluetooth® cell phone to use it even if the phone is in a jacket or bag, without taking his hands off the wheel. And the advanced voice recognition system allows immediate interaction, because the voice does not have to be 'learned', even allowing incoming text messages to be interpreted aloud.
Occupants can listen to hours and hours of digital music in MP3, WMA and WAV format recorded on an iPod, a cell phone, an MP3 player or a USB pen drive, by connecting the digital device to the USB port.
The customer who purchases the Blue&Me™ Nav system will receive a navigation kit comprising a USB pen drive with the memorised map, and a back-up CD that can be used to transfer the map onto a personal MP3 player or iPod.

The Nav key on the dedicated control board on the roof panel connects directly to the navigation menu, which can also be accessed via the controls on the steering wheel, or vocally. The USB key is inserted to start navigating, and the driver uses the keys on the steering wheel to choose his destination by selecting the initial letters of the address; he can even complete it vocally.

Like all other information, navigation details can be displayed on the control panel: destination address, pictograms of the directions to follow, information on arrival and the usual vocal suggestions of the manoeuvres to make, reproduced through the speakers. Unlike other navigators, on which it is not possible to navigate and listen to music CDs at the same time without a CD changer, with Blue&Me™ Nav the driver can navigate as he listens to the music saved in the media player.

The navigation program can be used on a personal computer together with the back-up CD, to save the maps of a number of countries, purchased separately, on the USB pen drive. Then the driver can select a whole country (for example Italy, France, Germany, etc.), or part of a country (for example northern/central/southern Italy), or even a region that groups together maps of different countries (for example northern Italy and Switzerland, Austria and southern Germany).

Blue&Me™ MAP 500:
a latest generation portable navigator
Six months after the launch of the Blue&Me Nav™ system, which has attracted a great deal of interest on the international automotive market, Fiat Automobiles now announces the world première of a new development for the Blue&Me™ platform: MAP 500, a multifunction portable navigator with an original design developed for the Fiat 500 that is incorporated in the car using innovative technology.
Available after the launch and developed with Magneti Marelli, leader in the first equipment navigation systems market, the device represents a new frontier in the portable navigation systems market, as a safe user-friendly system that is incorporated perfectly on board the vehicle from both an electrical/mechanical viewpoint and in terms of connectivity.

This new architecture offers numerous advantages via the Blue&Me™ technology, which simplifies the direct integration of the portable navigator and the car: the data from the CAN network on the vehicle improve the accuracy of the navigator and the voice messages are reproduced through the car audio system. This guarantees higher standards in terms of comfort and of safety. In addition to map satellite navigation, the Blue&Me™ MAP 500 system also incorporates a number of multimedia functions that can be exploited in portable mode, such as the reproduction of music and the display of films and pictures.
Another feature of the device is the excellent mechanical and electrical integration on the car, which does not call for loose cables or temporary supports. Fiat Automobiles has taken great care over the incorporation and ergonomic positioning of the new device in the facia so that it is easy to install and to remove, respecting the latest automotive standards.

The new portable navigator uses a wireless connection with the Blue&Me to exchange information, so that it can be used in complete safety and the utmost comfort.

Some advantages for the user:
• More accurate navigation compared to conventional portables; possibility of navigating even in tunnels or areas where GPS reception is poor.
• Simultaneous management of all the audio, radio, CD, telephone and navigation sources.
• All the Blue&Me functions: hands-free, USB port, steering-wheel controls, voice recognition and text message reader.

The radio and the 'Interscope Sound System' Hi-Fi system

The Fiat 500 offers a radio complete with audio CD and MP3 file player, and a choice of two Hi-Fi systems. The radio is part of the design of the dashboard, in an ergonomic position in the upper part of the facia (the best position for the driver), where it can easily be reached by the passenger. The device can easily be connected to the Blue&Me system so that, thanks to the hands-free function with Bluetooth® interface, the driver can use a Bluetooth® cell phone even if it is in a jacket or bag, without taking his hands off the wheel. And because the Blue&Me incorporates an advanced voice recognition function, interaction is immediate and the voice does not have to be 'learned'; the system can also interpret incoming text messages.

The original sound system has six speakers: two 30 Watt tweeters and four full-range (two 40 Watt and two 35 Watt).

The second system is available on request. Known as the 'Interscope Sound System' it is an absolute novelty in this segment, characterised by refined technology, and ideal for the motorist who wants a particularly sophisticated Hi-Fi system, because it was designed and calibrated specifically for the Fiat 500 passenger compartment.

The new Interscope Sound System comprises six speakers (two tweeters, two woofers and two full-range, all 40 W), one 100 W sub-woofer and a 30 W amplifier. What makes the sound experience on board the car really unique is the fact that the Interscope Sound System uses 3 different methods of processing the signal and the related acoustic effects simultaneously: the first (TruBass) extends the perceived frequency field towards the bass without needing a subwoofer so that the listener has the sensation of listening to a system that produces extended, very deep basses.

The second method (Focus) raises the apparent position of the sources of sound to ear level. This gives the sensation of listening to speakers positioned higher than they actually are, and simultaneously the response in perceived frequency goes back to being 'natural', because the 'colouring' caused by the filtering of the head has been removed.

And finally, the third method (3D) which spatially equalises stereo reproduction, correcting any errors due to the position of the speakers and improving spatial perception. The result is a more embracing sound, which recreates a correct stereophonic effect even for listeners who are positioned further away from the symmetrical axis of the speakers (as in the case of the car).

Related:
More on the Fiat 500; Microsoft And Ford Get N'Sync At The Detroit Auto Show And CES, We Get First Exclusive Hands-On: Part 1 [internal]

"This morning on my way into downtown I spotted the Microsoft live "street view" truck. I only had time to grab one picture before my exit onto J street. Its a cameraphone pic so its not great but you can see the cameras on top of the truck and the Microsoft Live logos on the back. I did not catch the name of the company out on the prowl for them either."

Related:
Google Street View: How They Did It [internal]

Related:
Microsoft And Ford Get N'Sync At The Detroit Auto Show And CES, We Get First Exclusive Hands-On: Part 1 [internal]

" will allow for hands-free cellphone communication and other wireless information transfers inside the car, including the ability to receive email and download music."

...it will "revolutionize the driving experience" — but we've yet to see proof of that. The system will be available starting in the Ford Focus and the Five Hundred first and then is expected to spread across the automaker's lineup. The WSJ's also claiming the system will be called "Sync," which means we're now assuming the release event will include a performance of n'Sync — with the part of Lance Bass played by Toby Keith. – Ray Wert

Ford Aims to Jazz Up Its Fleet With Microsoft Pact [WSJ]

Related:
Detroit Auto Show Preview: Ford And Microsoft Scheming, Making Plans — Doing The Bluetooth Thing? [internal]

Ford and Microsoft teaming up to offer Blue&Me in-car computing in 2007 [Autoblog]

Related:
MyGig Has A Hard Drive, How About Yours? [internal]

When Formula One drivers round Hockenheim or Sepang or Bahrain in 2008, it'll be under the electronic wing of McLaren and Microsoft. As the two companies announced this week — though the deal's been known since mid-year — they've jointly bagged the contract to provide engine control units (ECUs) to all F1 teams starting in 2008. The venture's called "Microsoft MES," and it pairs the pasty geeks from Redmond with the 10-intelligence druids from Woking on the systems, which have the potential to gather 1GB of data during a typical Grand Prix run. It'll probably turn out fine, as long as no one winds up sitting on hold with customer support during a late-race shootout. All that faux-pleasantness can break a man's will in 30 seconds. – Mike Spinelli

McLaren, Microsoft confirm ECU supply [Autosport.com]

Related:
Formula One Reboot: Microsoft To Supply Racing Electronic Control Units [internal]

Bridgestone confirmed as sole tyre supplier [itv.com]

Related:
More racing [internal]

TransportTrends reports on a patent Microsoft recently filed for a new, virtual-reality navigation technology that won't require drivers to take their eyes off the road. The system would project (on a vehicle's windshield) the image of cartoon "lead car," fed by information gleaned from a satellite nav system. The driver would then "follow" the avatar's lead to a requested destination. We have no clue how close Gates and Co. are to making something like this a reality, but we do know it'll either completely redefine the sat-nav industry or be the most assinine digital flop since Gazoontight.com [or Microsoft Bob — thanks Chris!].

Microsoft files for Phantom Car Patent [internal]

Related:
Pioneer Offers Aftermarket Navigation System With Live Traffic Updates [internal]