. 24/7 Space News .
Trimble Microsoft Launch GPS System for Car PC
Las Vegas - Jan 8, 1998 - Trimble announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that it has been selected as the GPS technology provider for the Microsoft Auto PC platform. Trimble's GPS provides real-time location for navigating and it can also be used as a geographic data filter, sorting information of interest to the driver by its proximity to the car. By including Trimble's Sierrao chipset into the reference design, Microsoft has made it easy for manufacturers looking to implement the Auto PC to integrate GPS technology.

``The addition of GPS location technology from Trimble transforms the Auto PC into an even richer and more valuable design for automotive electronic manufacturers,'' said Harel Kodesh, General Manager, Consumer Appliance Group at Microsoft Corp. ``Support from companies such as Trimble will help add to the success of the Windows CE platform, allowing consumers to communicate in new ways while driving in their automobiles.''

``The benefits of linking driver information systems with the world's most commonly used operating system are tremendous,'' said David Hall, Vice President and General Manager of Trimble's Software & Component Technologies Group. ``The Auto PC allows drivers the ability to transition seamlessly from home or office computing to the mobile computing environment. Microsoft is paving the way for more developers to pursue a deeper integration of functionality in their future driver information systems.''

Microsoft's Auto PC

The Auto PC is the latest member of Microsoft's PC Companion line of products powered by the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. By extending the power of Windows to the automobile, it brings the benefits of connectivity, communication and entertainment to the mobile environment. With worldwide support from auto manufacturers, aftermarket electronics firms and independent software and hardware vendors, the car stereo-sized device can be easily installed in the dashboard of most automobiles and integrates navigation and communications applications designed to assist drivers, as well as an AM/FM radio and CD player.

Based on a version of Windows CE 2.0 optimized for the specific requirements of the automotive market, Auto PC responds to verbal commands and uses speech synthesis to communicate pertinent information back to the passengers, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Trimble and In-Car Navigation

Trimble's relationship with Microsoft is the latest in a series placing the company at the center of the fastest-growing sector of the GPS industry. According to the U.S. GPS Industry Council, car navigation will grow from $310 million in 1995 to $3 billion by 2000. The Council estimates that the GPS industry as a whole will grow to over $8 billion by the year 2000.

By industry estimates, Trimble has approximately 30% of the worldwide market for GPS engines at the heart of car navigation systems. Trimble

  • GPS UPDATE - SpaceDaily Special Report




    Thanks for being here;
     We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

    With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

    Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

    If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
    SpaceDaily Contributor
    $5 Billed Once

    credit card or paypal
         		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
    $5 Billed Monthly

    paypal only














    • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.