Microsoft is working on turning your car into an office

CES was the perfect stage to set for Microsoft, as the tech giant unveiled its partnership with four car manufacturers, Volvo, Nissan, IAV and Harman. The four car makers will be working on methods to stream Microsoft Windows 10 to vehicles, using Continuum. Each manufacturer will have its own proprietary app.

(Image courtesy of iStock Photos)

IAV and Harman in particular will be working closely with Microsoft, to develop systems that will allow apps to be beamed directly onto a dashboard, from any connected device paired with the vehicle, such as Skype, Calendar, Groove Music, and even Office 365.

One of the most interesting features will also include the ability to use Band 2, the activity tracker built by Microsoft, to unlock a vehicle and turn on the car’s engine.

“When Microsoft talks about mobility, our interest is the mobility of the person, not of any single device. After all, people now want their technology experience to move with them, from place to place and device to device, at home, at work, and on the move.” says Executive VP of Business Development Peggy Johnson, in a post on the official Microsoft Blog.

Cortana integration is also expected to be part of the experience, as automakers prepare to build more connected technologies into the car of the future, whether it drives itself, or not.

Nissan Motor Corporation have already announced a partnership that is expected to see widespread adoption of Connected Telematics Systems, powered by Microsoft Azure.

Drivers will be able to get access to all applications while their vehicles are either parked, or in self-driving mode, with limited access to a set of apps allowed to be accessed with voice commands, without having to take the hands off the steering wheel, such as Groove Music.