Microsoft and VW to show GPS/media center at CeBIT

Looks like Microsoft is prepared to emphasize the mobile part of the UMPC equation with one of its CeBIT presentations later this week. According to Volkswagen, the company will show off a combo GPS/media center in partnership with the German automaker. The system includes a front-seat display that stows in a console, two rear-seat touchscreens, DVD player, GPS and full PC functionality with internet access (presumably over a 3G connection, though that's not specified). No pricing or launch date, but, hey, we're just happy to be talking about something that actually looks like a real product rather than a mysterious, code-named concept.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 2:16PM]

origami in the headreast.....sick! Wonder if it's detachable.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 2:18PM]

not sure why you would need the nav screen in the back seat though....

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 2:18PM]

yep, I was gonna say the same thing. Origami in the car!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 2:19PM]

...and I always thought of VW as more Apple-ish.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 2:24PM]

As long as they don't pair this with the jet-powered beetle, I'll fell safe.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 2:35PM]

I hate these no launch date no price products.
I might as well invent my own product and hype it!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 2:48PM]

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/8543/04115apple2aproto1ti.gif - check this out, recently posted on a private forum. not aloud linking there.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 3:01PM]

"not sure why you would need the nav screen in the back seat though...."

Ever fly Frontier Airlines? Navigation in the every seat of the plane! "Hey captain, I notice we are over the Grand Canyon, can you fly a little lower?"

But seriously, it could be useful to have a person in the back using it to find POI along the way. Or, coupled with the Internet access, allow kids to play a game or teach a lesson along the route.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 3:04PM]

Didn't VW and google just recently come out with something that was similar to Google Maps for in-car NAV? And isn't Google kind of the anti-Microsoft??? VW you slut!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 3:07PM]

I thought that VW was (probably) going with a Nvidia/google earth Nav system. Anyone else remember this from CES?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 3:26PM]

kids: "are we there yet"
parents: "you tell me"

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 3:38PM]

Lol, lechtoid, exactly what I was thinking. And marco I'm pretty sure that'sa fake (5g pod photoshopped?)

I can't wait for Origami tho, 2 days!

pageshree[dot]com

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 3:43PM]

From indications on the hidden UMPC site the potential for intergrated GPS in the devices would allow for:
* Personalized information and services based on location.
* Environment recognition and adaptability.

IE: - it'll give you information on sales when you're near the mall - or configure your device for work optimization at work, sync MCE programs when it see's that you're home. The idea of intergrating with home/car/portable "modes" is also heavilly touted.

The fact they're going to promote usibility in a car is hardly surprizing, that they're making it sound like a seperate version of the device unlike all the other flavors we've seen over the past week is.

Like most tablet flavors I'm sure we'll see a variety of hardware hook-ups aimed at a variety of needs(keyboarded/detachable keyboarded etc.) I imagine the WiFi will be standard across the board - and ideally we'd get bluetooth and 3G or EVDO in a wide selection as well. But I think the GPS has a huge potential, not only as a helpful utility for the user - but should they decide to opt in: as a marketing device for local businesses,

"Hey, it looks like you're at the grocery store, would you like to see what's on sale today?"

"oh going to the movie's huh? here are the showtimes. I know there are ticket kiosks here - wanna buy your tickets online now and avoid the line?"

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 3:44PM]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/04/vw-nav-prototype-incorporates-google-sat-imagery/
Here's information abot google and VW

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 4:00PM]

Nice Lectoid :o)

"My car was just broken in to"
"What'd they get?"
"The headrests"

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 4:15PM]

Gives new meaning to the term "backseat driver".

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 4:19PM]

My favorite part is the Etch-a-Sketch dial at the bottom.

CLASSY.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 5:05PM]

VW automotive electronics matched up with M$ software. Craptacular!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 6:07PM]

JS you sound stupid using "M$", use MS like a normal person. Next thing you'll start using the oh so cool WinDoze word!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 7th 2006 7:43PM]

I hope, Our road map take out, and than I use this technology in turkey

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 10th 2006 9:50AM]

Inperio Systems, a division of EEPD, manufactures the ENVADER System shown in the picture. The basic system with a single display will be available In Europe next month for around �1500 ($1875US). The system will be available on the US market during the summer. The dual display version (as shown in the picture) for rear seat entertainment will be available later this year.

All the components, including the automotive grade motherboard, sophisticated power supply and display, are manufacture by EEPD. The front display is primarily meant to be used for navigation or control the A/V selection and volume while driving. Features such as internet access, productivity tools, video and games are only available to the rear passengers when the vehicle is in movement.