TOYOTA is teaming up with Microsoft for an internet service that links cars, home computers and smartphones so users can find nearby tourist spots, connect on social networks and learn about new models.
The service will start in Japan on May 30 as a revamped version of Toyota's internet service called Gazoo.com.
It will be based on "cloud" computing from Microsoft, called Windows Azure and also uses Sharepoint software.
According to the US software giant, it's the first time the technology is being used for a major corporate site.
Gazoo.com users tripled over the last five years to 1.65 million.
Toyota said it wants to raise that to two million over the next year.
All the world's major automakers are working on similar technology to bring autos up-to-date with the internet age, from finding restaurants to helping ensure safe driving.
But a major motive for Toyota is appealing to younger Japanese, who are rapidly losing interest in buying cars and are spending their money on smartphones and video games.
The trend is so widespread it is known as "kuruma banare" or "departure from cars."
Among the Net content in the works are video games, shopping-site links, virtual events and a special social network to chat about cars, according to Toyota.
A smartphone application will guide drivers with an electronic voice to 30,000 destinations from 250 routes.
The site will also offer information on more than 3,000 new and used models, including interviews with engineers.
Switching to Microsoft's cloud computing will cut costs for operating the services, although Toyota plans to invest more money in new content for Gazoo.com.
Toyota reached an agreement with Microsoft in April 2011, to work together on telematics, or network technology for cars.
Toyota looked at other cloud computing services before picking Microsoft for the latest project, said Hiroyuki Yamada, an executive at e-Toyota, which monitors such technology.
It is unclear whether the site will boost car sales but Toyota will be able to tap into data on consumer behaviour, he said.
Gazoo.com is the brainchild of Akio Toyoda, the president and grandson of Toyota's founder.
Toyoda was ahead of his time in foreseeing the importance of social networks and stressing how Toyota needs a presence in the blogosphere.
Toyota has a partnership with another US cloud computing company, Salesforce.com, which runs a social network for Toyota plug-in hybrid owners so they can see how efficiently they have been driving and be alerted when their vehicle has recharged.
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