At the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft showcased several new products built on Windows Automotive technologies delivering advanced in-vehicle communication, navigation and digital entertainment experiences for consumers.

Alpine Electronics of America unveiled a new portable navigation device called Blackbird and a new aftermarket in-vehicle navigation system, the NVE-N872A. In addition, Microsoft showcased the Windows Automotive-powered navigation system in the new Honda Odyssey minivan, Honda Ridgeline truck and Motor Trend's Car of the Year, the 2006 Honda Civic.

These new navigation systems provide satellite-guided turn-by-turn directions and useful features such as voice-guided controls and information on more than 7 million points of interest, including Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, to make getting from place to place easier than ever.

Telematics Research Group estimates that nearly 5 million vehicles on the road have navigation systems and that another 1 million consumers are bringing portable navigation devices into the car. When this data is combined with research from the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration estimating that Americans spend more than 500 million commuter hours per week in their vehicle and that 73 percent of cell phone users talk on their phones while driving, it's clear that consumers increasingly want to stay connected, even when they are behind the wheel.

Other solutions that Microsoft(R) software platforms and Web services are enabling for the automobile, being shown at CES, include these:

  --  Portable navigation. In addition to Alpine's new Blackbird device,
      Windows CE(R) is powering portable navigation devices from a number
      of industry partners. Devices shown combine the robust features of an
      in-car navigation system with the portable convenience of a powerful,
      lightweight device
  --  High-speed rear-seat entertainment. Today Microsoft announced its
      plans to collaborate with KVH Industries Inc. to develop a customized
      version of the MSN(R) TV 2 Internet & Media Player that will deliver
      in-vehicle, mobile broadband connectivity and MSN TV service, Windows
      Media Player, MSN Mail, MSN Messenger, digital photo viewing, MSN
      Video and MSN Radio to car, truck, RV and boat owners.
  --  Mobile office productivity. Microsoft and Stargate Mobile are
      showcasing the mobile office -- a solution providing business
      professionals on the go with a small, lightweight computer that can
      be docked inside a vehicle for use away from the traditional office.
      Built on Windows XP Professional, the Stargate Mobile computer
      provides workers with Internet connectivity and full access to
      Microsoft Office applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel and
      PowerPoint, right in the vehicle or just about anywhere on a job
      site.  Ford Motor Company will be the first automaker to offer the
      mobile office, named Ford Link, as a dealer-installed incentive later
      this year.