Microsoft unveils Windows for the car

Microsoft unveiled a version of Windows intended for in-car use at its Build conference. The interface is based on the Metro concept that Microsoft already uses for Windows 8 and Windows Phone.

That says The Verge based on a presentation from Microsoft during the Build meeting. The operating system for the car is currently in an early version and has yet to be tested in cars. It is possible to connect a mobile device with Windows Phone to Windows in the car. Mirrorlink is used for this, a standard for which several smartphones already have support. The link allows users to project the interface of their smartphone onto the screens in the car.

Windows has familiar interface elements. Microsoft has based this on the Metro concept and in addition the tiles, known from Windows 8 and Windows Phone, are also present. According to Microsoft, developers can create applications intended for use in the car.

The concept unveiled by Microsoft is similar in operation to Apple’s Carplay, an in-car version of iOS that was recently announced. Google is also rumored to be working on a version of its mobile operating system Google for cars, called Projected Mode. It is still unclear when Microsoft thinks Windows for the car will be finished.