Word from Alpine and Microsoft is that these two companies have come up with a broad patent licensing agreement. The agreement allows the two companies to share information on such things as navigation systems and other consumer electronics products.
A partnership between Alpine and Microsoft is not new. Since 2002, Alpine has been using Microsoft’s automotive operating system, Windows Automotive. The consumer software giant as also sold its OS to auto manufacturers as well. This latter means that Alpine will be incorporating even more Microsoft products into its product platforms.
12Volt has more details. Our take? The idea of two top companies like this -- Alpine as a car electronics manufacturer and Microsoft as the software innovator -- working together has got to lead to products and product features that could blow the mind. Be prepared to see some real cool aftermarket car products in the not too distant future.