Touch-Enabled Vehicle Surfaces and Interfaces?

REDMOND, Wash – April 1 2008 – Microsoft Corp. is putting the table-top technologies to use in partnering with the Microsoft Sync technologies provided for some makes and models of domestic vehicles. The new moldable touch-sensitive surfaces, call “Virtual Skin,” allows you touch-enable steering wheels, center consoles and just about any other surface in the vehicle. The technology creates new ways for car makers to further integrate technologies into the vehicles, adding new features and integration points for the Sync systems.

“We were really looking for a way to have the car literally respond to your touch,” says Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “The goal was to bring to true fruition the ‘information at your fingertips’ vision Bill Gates introduced several years back. By integrating what we’ve learned from the table-top interfaces and the Sync systems, these new cars can literally respond to your touch just by applying Virtual Skin.”

Initial modules include controls for on-board GPS navigation systems, integration of the sound system and other entertainment modules supported by the Sync system. In addition, full automation of cellular phones and other Bluetooth devices is supported. With the full integration of Bluetooth and optional connector modules and interfaces, it’s possible to weave together a system of Sync-enable solutions for the vehicle. From database-enabling your playlist to working with information from your workplace’s computers while you’re away from the office using the touch interface to browse information directly from the driver’s seat, the possibilities are incredible.

“We were initially concerned about safety, but we feel with the pervasive presence of the tools and the fact that the Virtual Skin can be molded literally to any surface, we can technology-enable items in the vehicle that don’t distract from the driver’s attention. With this in mind, we feel that we can Sync-enable the steering wheel, for example, and literally bring information to your fingertips as you operate the vehicle,” says Robert (Robbie) Bach, President of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division. “We see the key integration with Bluetooth devices and our Windows CE devices as a critical step forward into designing this Virtual Skin, which isn’t limited to vehicles, but rather offers incredible opportunity for expanded utility and integration of the Office suite of products into nearly every facet of life. From databases to word processing and email communications, getting to your information is easier than ever.”

For $9.43/lft, OEM Vehicle manufacturers will receive a ready-to –install Virtual Skin:

– Easy application to nearly any surface
– Built-in adhesive option to fix the fabric to non-horizontal surfaces
– Woven edging to allow for multiple strip applications without losing
sensitivity across panels
– Control panel application that ships with ready-made applications,
sample databases (Pubs) for use with the fabric
– SDK for developers (to be released Q4 2008)

“We’re delivering not only a major innovation in vehicle automation, but a major step forward to providing consumers with true ease of use in their vehicles. In addition, with the SDK, we expect to see innovative and exciting applications of all new things you can accomplish while away from work in your vehicle,” Bach said.

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