AutoPC
Encyclopedia
The AutoPC is a brand of carputer
(the integration of a personal computer
in an automotive environment) jointly developed by Clarion
and Microsoft
.
The first (and only) product was sold by Clarion as an aftermarket product. This product utilized a 60 MHz Hitachi
's SH3 processor running Windows CE
. The device had a 256x64 8 color LCD screen capable of displaying information from the navigation program as well as voice recognition and speech capabilities. It also included contacts and calendar applications. The standard version of the AutoPC (sometimes called Auto PC) also included a simple "directions" application which used an add-on GPS module to get the user to their destination. Clarion
followed this up with a more sophisticated navigation application with a map display and turn-by-turn directions. It had a MSRP
of $1799.
Clarion created a follow-up using a next generation version of the Windows CE for Automotive operating system called the Joyride. This included MP3
playback via CD-R
and compact flash cards. It also included an improved navigation system, including GPS receiver and gyroscope
for inertial navigation.
The AutoPC was created by Microsoft
's Automotive Business Unit. This group has gone on to develop several products for car manufacturers, including Ford's Sync
, released in 2007.
Carputer
Carputer is the predominant term used to describe a category of mobile computer designed or modified to specifically be installed and run in automobiles...
(the integration of a personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
in an automotive environment) jointly developed by Clarion
Clarion (car audio)
is a Japanese manufacturer of car audio, automotive navigation systems, AutoPCs, visual equipment, bus equipment, and communication equipment.Up until the end of 2005, products in Japan were marketed under the brand name AddZest, while outside of Japan the same product typically carried the Clarion...
and Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
.
The first (and only) product was sold by Clarion as an aftermarket product. This product utilized a 60 MHz Hitachi
Hitachi, Ltd.
is a Japanese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The company is the parent of the Hitachi Group as part of the larger DKB Group companies...
's SH3 processor running Windows CE
Windows CE
Microsoft Windows CE is an operating system developed by Microsoft for embedded systems. Windows CE is a distinct operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows...
. The device had a 256x64 8 color LCD screen capable of displaying information from the navigation program as well as voice recognition and speech capabilities. It also included contacts and calendar applications. The standard version of the AutoPC (sometimes called Auto PC) also included a simple "directions" application which used an add-on GPS module to get the user to their destination. Clarion
Clarion (car audio)
is a Japanese manufacturer of car audio, automotive navigation systems, AutoPCs, visual equipment, bus equipment, and communication equipment.Up until the end of 2005, products in Japan were marketed under the brand name AddZest, while outside of Japan the same product typically carried the Clarion...
followed this up with a more sophisticated navigation application with a map display and turn-by-turn directions. It had a MSRP
Suggested retail price
The manufacturer's suggested retail price , list price or recommended retail price of a product is the price which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sell the product. The intention was to help to standardise prices among locations...
of $1799.
Clarion created a follow-up using a next generation version of the Windows CE for Automotive operating system called the Joyride. This included MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
playback via CD-R
CD-R
A CD-R is a variation of the Compact Disc invented by Philips and Sony. CD-R is a Write Once Read Many optical medium, though the whole disk does not have to be entirely written in the same session....
and compact flash cards. It also included an improved navigation system, including GPS receiver and gyroscope
Gyroscope
A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of angular momentum. In essence, a mechanical gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disk whose axle is free to take any orientation...
for inertial navigation.
The AutoPC was created by Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
's Automotive Business Unit. This group has gone on to develop several products for car manufacturers, including Ford's Sync
Ford Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
, released in 2007.