Microsoft - Connect Car Concept showcased

The future is not so far away when all the things around us will be connected and controlled through our smart phones. Automobiles initially were completely mechanical, then came the era to electronics. Nowadays, everything in your car is controlled through a micro-computer in the electronic-control-unit (ECU). The day is not far away when you car's entire diagnosis is constantly feed into you uber cool smart phones (already started in some high end cars), with mobiles integrated to your car's infotainment unit. In the wake of Apple's CarPlay, which is already rolling out this year, Microsoft previewed Windows based in-car infotainment system at the Build Developer Conference, pinned as "connected car concept".

The system features tablet like huge screen with similar windows 8 like interface, at the right top you get the Start icon along with the few other tabs of music, navigation and others. User can swipe right to shift between tab screens which offers array of features. The Start tab offers The My App, which include apps like Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Amazon Music amongst other, it also include Marketplace where you can download other apps. Microsoft also offers third party app integration with the "connected car concept".

The phone Tab offer favorite contacts with contact pictures along with complete call logs and dial pad; you can even search contacts. The system also read your texts out loud.

The Music tab offers 'Xbox Radio' along with other radio stations. The Navigation map on the prototype looks smaller, but this is pre-production testing stage expect subtle changes. The US techy giant is currently testing the "connected car concept" in simulators and conducting test on prototypes – for in-cabin usability while driving. Cheers to happy days ahead!!