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Intel and Microsoft Team Up to Create PCs for Cars

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a bid to expand their presence in the emerging market of non-PC computing devices, Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp. have joined forces to develop voice-activated computers for automobiles. The new machines, powered by Intel microprocessors and Microsoft's Windows CE operating system, will offer a range of features, including voice-controlled navigation, mobile phone service, and e-mail, as well as stereo sound and entertainment options. As both companies look to establish themselves in the automotive computing market, they are coordinating their efforts, with Microsoft's Auto PC variant of Windows CE serving as the software for the system. The first Auto PCs are expected to hit the market in the first half of next year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intel and Microsoft are developing voice-activated computers for automobiles, using Intel microprocessors and Microsoft's Windows CE operating system.
  • The new machines will offer features such as voice-controlled navigation, mobile phone service, and e-mail, as well as stereo sound and entertainment options.
  • Microsoft's Auto PC variant of Windows CE will serve as the software for the system.
  • Ford Motor Co.'s Visteon unit, General Motors Corp.'s Delphi Delco Electronics unit, and Clarion Corp. are also working on similar machines using Microsoft software.
  • The first Auto PCs are expected to hit the market in the first half of next year.
  • Microsoft is pushing hard to make Windows CE the standard operating system in electronic devices such as car computers, hand-held computers, and smaller palm-size PCs.

Statistics:

  • Intel and Microsoft are developing a new category of computing devices for automobiles.
  • The new machines will be powered by Intel microprocessors and Microsoft's Windows CE operating system.
  • The first Auto PCs are expected to hit the market in the first half of next year.
  • Microsoft's Auto PC variant of Windows CE will serve as the software for the system (no specific data on usage or market share).
  • Home Depot's CEO, Bernard Marcus, earned a total compensation of $2.95 million in 1997.
  • Home Depot's earnings before a charge rose to $1.22 billion, or $1.64 a diluted share, from $938 million, or $1.29 a year earlier.

Sources:

  • Bloomberg News
  • Microsoft Corp. press release (no specific date or publication date)

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