Microsoft's personal assistant Cortana coming to car HUDs

Mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android have been making a lot of noise about integrating with car infotainment systems. Both Google and Apple have signed deals with differing auto manufacturers to bring systems such as navigation and voice control to new cars. While Microsoft has made some integration efforts in the past, particularly with Ford's Sync, it has been less active in this area than its competitors.

Now, the company appears to be changing this in a big way. At its Taiwan TechDays, Microsoft unveiled a novel connected car prototype that integrates Cortana, among other features, into an HUD displayed on the car's windshield.

This system differs a bit from Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto in that those solutions are presently restricted to the in-dash infotainment system. Microsoft's concept allows the driver to use a voice interface to display relevant information into the field of view. While the system would also integrate with in-dash screens, the idea is to put as much relevant information in the driver's normal field of view as possible, minimizing distractions. This would allow the driver to see turn-by-turn directions without having to look down at the car's touchscreen, for example.

The design is still in its prototype stage, and it is unknown when or if the system will go into production. Nevertheless, most connected car systems are likely moving toward this direction.

See a comparison table of selected in-car HUD suppliers on GlobalSources.com