I had heard about Windows Automotive, and you probably have too, but I basically ignored it. Well, this article got my attention -- Kenwood's "HDM-777" is not o­nly a hard drive navigation system, but it also features a DVD drive. It doesn't stop there; it also uses the internet to download new data and even connect to a home server.

Kenwood announced the a car multimedia system with next-generation network functions, the "HDM-777," o­n November 12th. It will be sold o­n an application-specific basis through Grafrg, an extensive outlet primarily focused o­n nursing homes. The price o­n Grafrg, including installation and explanation expense, will be likely around 193,000 yen.

The HDM-777 is a car multimedia system with both hard drive navigation functions and entertainment functions offered by the DVD drive. It uses "Windows Automotive," a software platform intended for in-car information terminals, as an OS, and can connect to the internet for retreiving information or connecting to a home server.

It features a 7V-type touchpanel TV monitor. Search and other functions are operated by convenient large icons, giving it an enhanced ease of operation. The hard drive capacity is 20GB.

Kenwood has said that the HDM-777 is their first step in creating devices supporting next-generation network functions, and they plan o­n releasing car multimedia systems for general use sometime next year.



Inspired by:
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/lifestyle/articles/0411/12/news049.html

Press Release:
http://www.kenwood.com/j/press/press20041112.html