Microsoft "Car Zune" patent?

[tehbeermang]

http://crunchgear.com/2007/05/24/car-zune/

Cliff's notes: Microsoft is patenting an in-car docking station for in-car entertainment purposes.

Time to write a letter.

[tehbeermang]

Actual patent:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7222207.PN.&OS=PN/7222207&RS=PN/7222207

[marx2k]

"Earlier this year, Microsoft and Ford announced an alliance that would put an MS-based stereo into several of its cars — this is clearly the device. Apple already maintains similar arrangements for iPod linkage with BMW, VW, and others. The major difference here is that the Microsoft version will not be made exclusively for Zune due to the fact that it includes various forms of input. This inclusion broadens the devices range and its perceived appeal.

Ford is dubbing the device the Sync and plans to offer it on 12 2008 model year vehicles including the Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred, Edge, Freestyle, Explorer and Sport Trac; Mercury Milan, Montego and Mountaineer; and Lincoln MKX and MKZ. So I imagine we’ll start seeing it toward the end of the year."

Sounds about right. No one buys the Zune, and no (self respecting) auto consumer buys any of these models either.