Assuming the Apple Car rumors are true, it would probably be one of the worst kept secrets in the tech industry at the moment, but we suppose it isn’t that much of a stretch. We’re seeing the likes of Google attempt self-driving cars, and we’re also seeing a lot of carmakers trying to get the technology down pat as well, so the idea of Apple jumping in isn’t as far-fetched as you think.
Turns out that Microsoft is also interested in self-driving cars, but instead of actually building the car which is what some of you guys might be thinking (which is what Apple is rumored to be doing), Microsoft is more interested in the software that powers such vehicles. This was revealed by Peggy Johnson, Microsoft’s head of business development during the Converge technology conference.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Johnson was quoted as saying, “We won’t be building our own autonomous vehicle but we would like to enable autonomous vehicles and assisted driving as well.” As to what kind of software or technology Microsoft is looking at, Johnson says that it varies from partner to partner.
For example some carmakers are thinking of how to boost productivity while in the car. “You’re sitting in the car for many, many minutes a day. Can that be part of your new office, can it be your new desk, a place where you actually get work done? We believe it can. Each of them had a little something different that they wanted.” It will probably be a while before we see Microsoft make their mark on self-driving cars, but at least we know their interest is there.
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