Mobile Operators Go after the Connected Car Opportunity

It was only last month that Apple announced it was launching its in-car, iPhone user interface – CarPlay, but it seems the competition is about to heat up with Microsoft’s unveiling of Windows in the car.

The software giant revealed its new platform for automotive last week at the annual Build conference in San Francisco.

Microsoft has been powering a variety of car entertainment systems over the years. The likes of Ford, BMW and Fiat have each made use of specialised versions of Windows to create their own interfaces and systems, but with Ford calling off its car connectivity relationship with Microsoft earlier this year; it appears the company’s focus has shifted toward a user interface of its own.

The platform, which in its current incarnation requires a windows phone device, seemingly bares much resemblance to that of Apple’s. As with CarPlay, the concept is to mirror what’s shown on your devices screen into a touch- and car-friendly interface.

Microsoft’s Windows in the car is still in its’ early days, with no firm release date being mentioned yet. Apple’s CarPlay on the other hand, is alleged to be rolled out into 215,000 cars this year!

CarPlay, which can only be used with the iPhone 5 and iPhone models thereafter, allows a Siri-voice activated interface to telephone contacts, make or return missed phone calls, play voicemails and text messages and, deliver text responses. “Apple Maps” will also be available within CarPlay’s interface, providing drivers with voice activiated navigation.

The first set of cars to boast Apple’s new interface are Ferrari, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, who will be followed by Honda, Hyundai and Jaguar later this year.

More than 50% of North Americans purchasing automobiles in the next 12 months say that onboard technology options will play an important role in their buying decision. It’s no surprise then that Telematics is one of the fastest growing segments of the cellular machine-to-machine market, which itself will take a growing portion of all cellular subscriptions, increasing from  2.3% in 2012 to 6.8% in 2018.



The Industry Report Store has a brand new report which comprehensively covers this growing market, providing your business with all the tools necessary to thrive within it. Mobile Operators Go after the Connected Car Opportunity examines the cellular telematics value chain, analyzes the different business models and provides market forecast for the telematics industry globally. The report looks at the various market drivers and how they differ between regions and especially between emerging and developed markets; it also examines the main types of telematics applications, such as navigation, emergency services, diagnostics PAYD and PHY insurance, and stolen vehicle recovery.

Contact us if you would like any sample pages or if you want to enquire about any reports that we might have.

Sources: computerworld, theverge

About Industry Report Store:

Industry Report Store is one of the world’s most comprehensive libraries of market intelligence, with the perfect report for every business need at every budget. Business information is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead amid challenging economic conditions and intense competition. Contact us today to take advantage of our premium intelligence insights and keep up with your industry competitors.

Follow us:

Robyn Jones

Marketing

T: +44(0)20 3220 0810

E:  robyn.jones@industryreportstore.com

W: www.industryreportstore.com.