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NEWS RELEASE
FIAT AND MICROSOFT JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH THE ULTIMATE IN-CAR COMMUNICATIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
Fiat and Microsoft will launch Blue&Me™ based on Windows Mobile™ for Automotive at the 2006Geneva International Motorshow (28 February – 12 March) providing the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Fiat Commercial Vehicle ranges with the ultimate in-car communications and entertainment system.
The launch is the first product seen following the formation of a long-term strategic industrial partnership between Microsoft and Fiat Auto signed in July 2004 with the objective to co-design innovative automotive telematics systems.
Blue&Me™ represent a complete redefinition of in-car communication, infotainment and entertainment systems. It is an all-new system, easy to use, accessible and competitive that makes will make car journeys both safer and more comfortable.
The system will exclusively be available on new Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars as well as on Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles. The Grande Punto, Alfa Romeo 159, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider will be equipped this from the middle of this year, followed by the other models of Fiat Auto’s product range.
Fiat Auto’s Blue&Me™ based on Windows Mobile™for Automotive relies on an open system which is always up-to-date, upgradeable, and flexible. It is content modular, and can be matched with a wide service offer.
Instead of costly and rigid hardware, Fiat Auto and Microsoft - with the support of Magneti Marelli - will offer a platform that can be adapted to most mobile phones, digital media players and other mobile devices. The customer is free to change them with new models without compromising compatibility with the car.
Blue&Me™ guarantees maximum security levels and user-friendliness. The voice-activated system, the complete integration of steering wheel control buttons and information on the dashboard display will allow users to utilize any Bluetooth-based mobile phone – even if it is in a pocket or handbag - without removing hands from the steering wheel.
Thanks to a modern voice-recognition system, no preliminary voice training is needed, and even incoming SMS messages are read aloud to the driver.
Among audio functions, it is possible to listen to music stored on a mobile phone, in the newest smart phones, and in MP3 readers or USB removable sticks. All this thanks to a USB port, in the glove box, which enables the connection to any digital device with the correspondent port.
The collaboration between Fiat and Microsoft allows Blue&Me™ to be based on an open platform, compatible with the largest number of devices such as mobile phones, Palms and MP3 players, with the real benefit of continuously catching up with market innovations, thus maintaining the perfect integration with the car at an entry-level price.
A further short-term evolution will offer a particularly simple and interactive navigation system, and access to a set of services among which are a personal assistant to check addresses, weather and traffic forecasts, satellite localization in case of theft, SOS, and other services currently under development.
The system is a completely integrated technology with a one-to-one relation with the customer, as the name Blue&Me™underlines.
About Fiat
One of the pioneer companies in the automobile industry, Fiat has produced more than 87 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including no less than 400 models, since 1899, when the company was founded in Turin, Italy. Many of them have represented milestones in the automotive industry. The Fiat Group’s Automobiles Sector operates world-wide with the following brands: Fiat, celebrated for value, economy, and innovation and whose mass produced cars are distributed over almost the entire price class spectrum; Lancia (acquired in 1969) means prestige cars noted for their elegant styling, and comfort; Alfa Romeo (acquired in 1986) is famous as a maker of sport and luxury vehicles of style and distinction; Maserati (acquired in 1992) represents a landmark in the history of the automobile; Ferrari (acquired in 1969), well renowned for unsurpassed design, performance, and luxury, is a legendary automobile that imparts special cachet to its owner.
Microsoft Automotive Business Unit
Since 1995, Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit has worked collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. By extending its knowledge of software for use in the car to Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, Microsoft is able to deliver the easiest, most convenient and productive software designed specifically to help people take their connected lifestyle with them wherever they go. In addition to offering consumers an alternative means to experience in-car connectivity, Microsoft will continue to provide the automotive industry with its advanced telematics platform, Windows Automotive. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 61 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from 18 world-class automakers and suppliers.
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For further information, please contact
Lawrie Malatios
/ Tel: 09 573 7788General Manager / Fax: 09 573 7789
FiatNew Zealand / Mobile: 021 664 156
E:
Edward Rowe
/ Tel: +61 2 9701 8015Public Affairs Manager / Fax: +61 2 9701 3555
Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd / Mobile: +61 407 913 244
E:
Fiat Media web site:
Release Number: 132_Fiat_NZ
Date of Issue: 27 December 2018. Time of Issue: 02:41:57