Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has announced an agreement with Microsoft to develop a new generation of "infotainment" for automobiles. Under terms of the agreement, the companies will release a voice-controlled connectivity system in 2010 that will link mobile devices. That first product will be followed up by multimedia and navigation devices that are "comparable to mini-PCs," the companies said.The companies signed the long-term agreement here today. Part of the deal is Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group's adoption of the Microsoft Auto software platform, which brings Microsoft firmly into the center of the Asian automotive market. The Microsoft Auto technology was previously available in Fiat vehicles in Europe and South America, and in Fords (known as SYNC & pictured above) in North America.
Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia will also set up an information technology "innovation center" that will promote Korean software and hardware products worldwide and will help develop new in-car technology and services
[Source: Edmunds]
