Nissan Leaf gets Windows platform; forms schism with Google?

Nissan Leaf gets Windows platform; forms schism with Google? The digital evolution, and for that matter revolution, has put information, tools, and devices at the fingertips of consumers and has connected people to their surroundings like never before. It's not just smartphones, social media, or apps either. Cars, once sold on features like power doors and locks, are now offering computer platforms to connect drivers to the expansive cloud of information and media now readily available whenever accessible. It's really no surprise then that perhaps the most anticipated electric vehicle utilizes a computer platform developed by the tech giant Microsoft to connect people not only to their cars, but the world around them.

Microsoft announced its "industry-leading" platform, Windows Embedded Automotive 7, is not just used in Ford cars, a relationship existing for quite some time with Sync, but with Nissan cars as well.

Since dashboard computers in cars have been around for years, both Microsoft and Nissan looked to replace the outdated computer systems with a platform and software not only comparable to today's technology, but the advancements of tomorrow as well.

Windows Embedded Automotive 7 will provide Nissan Leaf owners access to "speech commands, touch input, hands-free Bluetooth phone communications, advanced dashboard systems for access to music, maps, third-party apps and navigation, and streamlined connectivity with other devices," according to the Microsoft press release.

Perhaps a bit understated in its abilities is the development environment for third party apps. Imagine the same kind of third party integration of apps available on a smartphone being available in the dash of the car to truly understand the output of a fully electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf. Not to mention, it already has the charging status, power consumption reports, and electricity charging station locations included in the software.

Essentially, Windows Embedded Automotive 7 is the platform behind the Nissan Leaf information hub, but perhaps more importantly, it might also be the gateway into the new era of competition between tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple in the automotive industry. 

As Thilo Koslowski of Industry Advisory Service Manufacturing group puts it, "To build and deploy compelling in-vehicle infotainment systems, experienced technology partners, car makers and suppliers must come together. The result of these collaborations turn the automobile into a seamless extension of the digital lifestyle."

The collaboration will certainly make the digital lifestyle more attainable, but it could also create a harsh divide between overly powerful, stubborn companies.

Partnerships between car manufacturers and technology companies will most certainly make brand loyalty a bit more muddled for consumers torn between a car brand and a technology company unable or unwilling to partner together.

Already, Google has partnered with Chevy and developed an app for the Android platform to link to the Volt's computer system to get a read on battery power and to schedule charging for off peak hours.

What partnership and, for that matter, divide is next?

Comments

I really love the specs in Nissan Leaf, and love everything about Google's Android, but hate Microsoft for it's past and wrong principles. I've managed to keep away from windows in the past 10 years. No mater what they promise, just can't stand their policies.
So now I have a big dilema to keep or quit my Leaf's reservation...

Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.  If you hate Microsoft enough to cancel your Leaf reservation - you probably shouldn't be getting a leaf in the first place.  

Buy the leaf, but ignore the windows integration.

Check this out:
http://m.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/mixed-signals-10000051/android-as-microsofts-...
And tell-me if microsoft is playing by users best intrest.

As a LEAF owner, I was very surprised (and disappointed)  to learn that Microsoft's software that reads mp3 files from the USB stick interface doesn't pay any attention to track number tags when playing songs. It took me several days to figure it out.  It doesn't play songs in album order, in track order, or standard long file name order.  Believe it or not, after much investigation, I discovered the stereo actually plays songs in the alpha order of the SHORT 8.3 (DOS) file names. Incredible!  In addition, there is no way to pause when playing a CD or mp3.

I love the car, and I guess this is just an inconvienence / annoyance that I'll live with, but really, how could a multifunction stereo / navigation system get designed this way?