Who is going to win the race?

In the wake of the embedded world and CeBIT Microsoft announced details of the next version of Microsoft Auto last week.

According to Microsoft, the new automotive infotainment software platform, will support x86 processors like Intel's Atom Z5xx in addition to ARM and SH processors. This "most comprehensive release ever" will also offer a standard interface for broadcast radio tuners as well as CD playback and ripping support and is to be available during this spring.

But, this was not the only announcement made last week: An open source alliance, codename GENIVI, was also announced with the aim to build an open source In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) reference platform and planning to have its first fully tested reference model available this summer. This platform will also support Intel's Atom Z5xx and will be running Wind River Linux.

So now, we have seen what is "under the hood" let's have a look at the "wheels":

For Microsoft we have Fiat's Blue & Me running in Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat brands as well as Ford's Sync and Ford Work Solutions already on the road and OEM's such as Hyundai and Kia who have also announced plans to offer Microsoft technology. And the soft- and hardware partners are EB, Continental, Magnetti Marelli, Nuance, MPC Data, K2L and more.

GENIVI has just been founded so there is nothing on the road at the moment, but with big OEM's like the BMW Group, General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën this is surely only going to be a matter of time. Other members of the alliance are Visteon, Wind River, Delphi, Intel and Magneti Marelli.

So the bets are on! Who do you think will win the race?
As for me, I will do the same as I did some years ago and put my money on Microsoft.

So long and thanks for all the fish!