Microsoft wants to bring its Windows tiles to your car dashboard

By David Nield April 6, 2014

microsoft wants bring windows tiles car dashboard in the — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft held its annual Build developer conference this week, and one of the concepts it showed off was a new ‘Windows in the car’ concept that could eventually take on the likes of iOS and Android in the battle for the automobile dashboard. Various custom versions of Windows have long been used in systems from Ford, BMW, Nissan and others, but Microsoft’s latest software vision has more than a hint of Windows 8 about it.

The tiled interface previously known as Metro duplicates the display on your Windows phone or tablet, tweaking it to be more car-friendly and simple to operate. The existing Mirrorlink technology is used to beam data from car to device and back, and this is a standard backed by the likes of Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota and Citroen, as well as after-market manufacturers such as Alpine and Pioneer.

Microsoft’s Steve Teixeria showed off the concept at Build, though the presentation made it clear that this is still very much a work in progress. One mock-up did include a marketplace option, so when the final version arrives it looks like you’ll be able to install third-party applications from the comfort of the driver’s (or passenger’s) seat.

Other screens showed the usual collection of music, radio stations and mapping tools, and as you would expect there’s the option to read through text messages and make phone calls. Teixeria didn’t give a shipping date for the software, or even confirm that it would ever see the light of day at all, but it’s evidence that Microsoft is determined to take on iOS and Google on as many platforms as it can. Head over to the Verge for more screenshots.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

Dave is a freelance journalist from Manchester in the north-west of England. He's been writing about technology since the…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.