Share this article
Latest news
With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low
Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app
Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount
Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier
Microsoft and Harman are partnering to offer immersive and personalized experience in the car
2 min. read
Published onJanuary 5, 2016
published onJanuary 5, 2016
Share this article
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Microsoft and Harmanannounced a new partnershiptoday at CES 2016 to collaborate on integrating Harman’s Connected Car Systems and Microsoft’s productivity services. For those of you who might not be familiar with Harman, they are an American firm that designs, manufactures and markets audio equipment for automobiles as well as homes and theaters. In a press release, Harman said,
“This project will introduce new mobile productivity services, as well as utilize existing products, services and technologies, including cloud platforms, telematics and driver productivity, to offer better convenience, safety and reliability for drivers and greater operating efficiency for auto manufacturers. Most importantly, the collaboration will integrate key elements of Microsoft Office 365 productivity suite capabilities into HARMAN infotainment systems.”
While at first glance, the mention of integrating Office 365 into a car seems a little odd. It is hard to comprehend how accessing a Power Point deck or Excel spreadsheet could be either safe or useful when you are on the freeway. But the press release goes on to mention it will be integrating Office 365 services through “intelligent personal assistant software” for drivers to be able to make calls, respond to emails, and automatically join conference calls without having to manually enter a meeting passcode.
Cortana, Microsoft’s digital personal assistant, was never mentioned by name, but the statement describes very similar functionality to what Cortana can do on your phone. Microsoft has also previously said they are planning to integrate Cortana acrossall of their Office 365 services.
Harman also announced the new system which integrates Office 365 productivity services, will be updated incrementally with over-the-air updates to make sure the driver always has the latest version and features.
Connected car systems, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, have been standing out in the news this year at CES, as the long promised systems are finally making their way into production vehicles in a bigger way. While Microsoft’s connected car system wasdropped by Fordwhen the auto manufacturer announced their new Sync 3 software, it looks like the technology company is finding new ways to get its services behind the wheel in this growing market space.
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Radu Tyrsina
