Microsoft and TomTom launch smart maps for driverless cars

According to foreign media reports, Microsoft recently announced a cooperation plan to provide driverless cars and car drivers with a smart map to help them navigate.

Microsoft said it has signed a cooperation agreement with Amsterdam-based map and navigation manufacturer TomTom to provide high-definition map navigation for driverless cars in the future.

Microsoft has also expanded partnerships with existing vendors, including Chicago-based Here and Redlands, California-based Esri.

Microsoft General Manager Sanjay Ravi said in a statement: "This is a great opportunity for us. We hope to create an open platform with these partners so that we can build our own service projects."

These partners will build a cloud data center for Microsoft Azure, which will enable Microsoft to provide navigation and positioning services to car drivers.

Microsoft will analyze the driver's driving schedule, things to do, and driving patterns, including weather data and accident reports, to provide drivers with alternative routes, nearby restaurants, parking lots, etc. In addition, high-definition maps created by TomTom and Here can also help driverless cars navigate on highways.

Azure will become an open software framework that works with the car's operating system. Chris Pendleton, founding manager of Microsoft's Internet of Things, said that automakers will collect the car data they need. He said: "We are not a closed shop. You can get data freely."

The partnership builds on Microsoft's initial push into car cockpits. Last January, Microsoft partnered with Harman to integrate Microsoft Office into car infotainment systems, allowing drivers to schedule meetings, respond to emails and access calendars.

However, Microsoft's new partners will have to compete with Apple and Google, which have already launched Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition, there are other suppliers competing to join the smart map market. In February this year, Continental confirmed that it would supply eHorizon smart maps to an unnamed customer. Continental is working with IBM, Cisco and Here to develop this smart map.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.