Despite of the critics, Microsoft has provided us with a “window” to the world. If it was not for Microsoft many people would not have half the knowledge that they do. I know I would not. I have been in post secondary school for more than 5 years now, and in the last 3 years I have bought only 2-3 books, everything else I was able to find off the Internet using a PC. Whenever I am sick, before I go to the doctor, I check my symptoms online and 9 times out of 10 I can diagnose myself correctly. Again this will not be possible without my PC. I understand that Mac offers the same but my OS of choice is Windows.
Just after the generations grew attached to the little machines with monitors, technology took another leap with the smart phones. Windows then developed their Windows Mobile, which I also use and I am perfectly happy with. Why do I like it? – because I can do everything that I can do on my PC except it takes a little more time and is not save to do when on the road. And here comes my question to Microsoft: When are you going to develop Windows Auto?
An OS for on boar PC is due.
There are some distinctive futures that I would like to see incorporated in such OS:
Has to be voice activated – a driver should be able to activate applications and controls via voice commends. And the computer should be able to answer back vocally. There should be a yes/no buttons handy maybe on the steering wheel so when the computer asks for conformation the driver can easily conform or deny
Should be quickly responsive – Drivers do not need fancy stuff they just want to quickly access information. Shortcuts come handy and the ability to customize them is essential. For example: weather check, GPS, time, radio stations, email, news.
The monitor should be used rarely since it is a risk. But even then the information presented on the monitor should be simple and yet complete so a driver can read it at glance. The colors should be distinct and for some websites the computer should edit colors and even eliminate some information, such as ads, to make it easy for the user.
A repeat button on the steering wheel will be useful too, for when the driver needs to hear a question or statement again. So there will be a set of yes, no and repeat buttons. Most of the commands and feedback will be done vocally.
These are few guide lines that I can think of. SAFETY comes always first, and I think a well designed OS for on board computers will decrees the accidents due to cell phone usage.
