REDMOND, Wash. – March 21, 2012 – Microsoft today officially unveiled codename "Project Detroit," a concept car created to inspire developers to think about building apps and automotive technologies of the future. Connected-device scenarios featured in the car incorporate Kinect for Xbox 360, Xbox 360, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Windows Azure, Bing, Ford Sync and more.
To create Project Detroit, a 2012 Ford Mustang with a 1967 fastback body, Microsoft teamed up with Ryan Friedlinghaus, an award-winning automotive designer based in Corona, Calif., and star of the Discovery Channel's Velocity network reality TV series "Inside West Coast Customs." This Sunday, March 25 at 6 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. EDT), the show will feature Project Detroit, so tune in and set your DVRs.
With open-source code from Project Detroit, developers can do more than just imagine the possibilities – they can start building them.
Project Detroit Photography
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The Next Connected Device … a Car?
Project Detroit is a great example of how Microsoft technologies can empower developers to build the next generation of consumer experiences on devices of all sizes. Microsoft, in partnership with West Coast Customs, retrofitted a 2012 Ford Mustang with the aesthetic of a 1967 fastback while incorporating cutting-edge technology, never before used in automotive applications. With the open-sourced code from Project Detroit, developers can do more than just imagine the possibilities, they can start building them.
Inspiring Developers to Build for the Future
Similar to a concept car, Project Detroit was created to inspire developers to think about building apps and automotive technologies of the future. Connected-device scenarios featured in the car incorporate Kinect for Xbox 360, Xbox 360, the Windows operating system, Windows Phone, Windows Azure, Bing, Ford Sync and more.
Remote Control With Windows Phone
Project Detroit can be remotely located, unlocked and started all from the Viper SmartStart app for Windows Phone.
Built-In Touch screen Displays
Swipe the touch screen instrument cluster to toggle between different dashboard skins and use the tablet embedded in the passenger-side dash to do anything from surfing the Web to sending messages that display on the rear windshield for other cars.
Stream Video and Audio From the Car to the Phone
Using a Windows Phone, remotely watch and listen to the live video stream and audio from the Kinects embedded in Project Detroit. From this same application, your Windows Phone becomes like a microphone for the car’s external audio PA system.
Access the Project Detroit “Garage” From a Windows Phone
Using custom applications for Windows Phone, various aspects of Project Detroit can be altered with the touch of a button or swipe of a finger — from changing the accent lighting and the horn sound “ringtone” to activating the “projector screen” or sending a message to the rear windshield.
Passenger-Side Touch screen Dashboard
Project Detroit’s front and rear Kinect cameras transmit a live video feed of surrounding pedestrians and objects directly to the interior dashboard displays.
Passenger-Side Touch screen Dashboard
Project Detroit features multiple, touch screen, dashboard displays, including one on the passenger side. Use the tablet to do anything from checking the weather to playing Xbox games.