Microsoft Shifts the Digital Lifestyle Into High Gear

First Cars Featuring Windows Mobile for Automotive-powered in-car

Communication and Digital Entertainment Debut at Geneva Motor Show

GENEVA, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the 2006 Geneva
International Motor Show, Microsoft Corp.'s (Nasdaq: MSFT) Automotive
Business Unit introduced Windows Mobile(R) for Automotive, a software
platform and hardware reference design that helps the automotive
industry speed the development of safer, more reliable and affordable
in-car infotainment systems for drivers and passengers worldwide.

Concurrently, Microsoft and Fiat Auto Group unveiled Blue&Me, the
first in-car infotainment system based on Windows Mobile for
Automotive. Blue&Me allows motorists to use voice commands and a
push-to-talk button to operate their mobile phones, digital music
players and other devices in a safer, more convenient manner in the
car. The system supports hands-free communication for more than 140
types of mobile phones via a Bluetooth(R) connection, and through a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port it can connect with a wide variety of
personal music players and other devices. The software is upgradeable,
so it can be refreshed to accommodate consumers' changing needs
supporting future devices and new industry standards. The system
supports nine languages and is available to drivers and passengers
throughout Europe in the company's Fiat Grande Punto, Alfa Romeo 159,
Alfa Romeo Spider and Alfa Romeo Brera models.

"The digital lifestyle is about staying connected with people and
information, and enjoying digital entertainment, wherever you are --
even in the car. Working with Fiat we have delivered automotive-grade
systems that extend the digital lifestyle into the car at a price that
is affordable to most car buyers," said Robbie Bach, president of the
Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "Windows Mobile for
Automotive provides performance, reliability and flexibility for a new
generation of in-car communication and infotainment solutions."

"By partnering with Microsoft, we've been able to design, test and
deliver a new in-car infotainment system to market in less than two
years," said Giuseppe Bonollo, vice president of Product Portfolio
Management at Fiat Auto. "We look forward to offering similar
Microsoft-powered systems to our customers in every new Fiat, Lancia
and Alfa Romeo model over the next few years."

The Industry's First Standardized Platform

Microsoft(R) Windows Mobile for Automotive provides the industry with
an open, standardized platform for in-car infotainment system
development. Automakers developing in-car infotainment systems using
the platform can tailor functionality for specific models or desired
price points. For example, a navigation system in an economy car might
only provide voice prompts and a heads-up display, while a luxury
model may offer a full-color LCD display featuring maps and real-time
traffic information. As a result, Windows Mobile for Automotive helps
the industry achieve the following:

-- Fast time to market. Manufacturers can move quickly to market with a

standards-based, ready-to-install electronics gateway that gives

consumers hands-free digital access to cell phones, music and

information in their cars.

-- Low development costs. Windows Mobile for Automotive frees OEMs from

the need to develop proprietary software - with its associated high

development costs. This entry-level solution is based on a familiar

Microsoft programming model and supports industry standards for

reliability, power consumption and temperature variations.

-- Flexible implementation. Available in two versions, Windows Mobile for

Automotive can easily be tailored to meet automakers' needs across a

variety of models, vehicle types and price points. Because the software

is upgradeable, support for new devices, applications and industry

standards can be added to increase functionality for drivers and

passengers over the life of the car. Software upgrades can be easily

deployed by the dealer via the wireless connection or USB port.

About Microsoft In-Vehicle Technology

For more than a decade, Microsoft has been working collaboratively
with the auto industry to deliver in-car infotainment solutions that
help drivers and passengers more safely and reliably communicate,
navigate and enjoy digital entertainment on the road.

Whether through its Windows Mobile for Automotive or Windows(R)
Automotive software platforms, Microsoft is dedicated to helping
automakers and suppliers reduce cost and time for development so they
can more easily deliver a wide range of OEM and aftermarket in-car
infotainment experiences. Microsoft's Windows-powered solutions are on
the road today enabling advanced communication, navigation and digital
entertainment experiences in more than 60 OEM and aftermarket devices
from 18 automakers and suppliers, including Acura, Fiat, BMW, Volvo,
Mercedes, Citroen and Honda. More than 30 electronics suppliers
worldwide including Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion and Kenwood are
developing next-generation in-car infotainment systems based on
Microsoft's in-vehicle technologies. More information about Windows
Mobile for Automotive and Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit can be
found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsautomotive.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft, Windows Mobile and Windows are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States
and/or other countries.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by the Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use
of such marks by Microsoft Corp. is under license.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Microsoft Corp.