Microsoft’s take on infotainment systems and car software may be a little covert and restrained, but it is still fun to imagine what Microsoft could create if it decided to directly take on Apple and Google’s infotainment systems.
This “Windows 10 Auto” concept from MSFT Space imagines an interpretation of Windows 10 which is geared as a mobile infotainment system. Much like iOS and Android, Windows 10 Auto would be powered by your Windows mobile device. When you dock your Windows phone into a car, you;ll get the same sort of apps and experiences you have on your phone- except with a user interface optimized for cars as pictured below.
The core of Windows 10 Auto is a card-based interface and the support for Cortana. The card-based interface will surface cards which would the best content and apps based on previous usage data, as well as the location and timing. For instance, if you’re home in the morning, the system would proactively suggest a course to work for you.
In the above concept, the system provides cards which it thinks will be the most useful to the user. For example, as it’s the start of the day, the system assumes that the user is heading to their work — and therefore, it’s showing a card for Windows Maps which will provide directions as soon as the user taps on it. Moreover, the system is aware of the fact that the user’s car is low on fuel, which is why it’s showing a Fuel Meter that has data regarding the nearest gas station, and it also estimates the remaining miles with the current fuel level.
Cortana also plays an important role in the concept. With infotainment systems, it is important that users not take their eyes off the road for extended periods of time – so it stands to reason that a voice interface will offer one of the best means of interaction with the system.
Windows 10 Auto will have Cortana just like any other Windows 10 device, but Cortana on Windows 10 Auto would allow users to control literally every aspect of the system with their voice. This is especially important as users may not be able to interact with the system via touch input at times, so voice commands will be really useful in situations like this.
Cortana would allow users to call their favourite contacts, control music playing on Groove Music, get details about their car, read emails, and a lot more.
Music is also important in car entertainment systems, and this concept pays special attention to Groove Music and suggests a few ways by which Groove Music can be adapted for usage in a car system.
it will include easy to access controls, and a simple way of switching between songs just be swiping left/right. The app will also show the progress of a music playback on the bottom (which the users can swipe to back to a certain part of the song).
You can check out the full concept from the source link below and let us know what you think in the comments.
Disclaimer: The concept was created by Mehedi Hassan, the Deputy Editor and Lead Developer at MSPoweruser.
