Microsoft has partnered with the infamous car customizing shop, West Coast Customs to bring you this:
What is it, you may ask. It is called Project Detroit and at first glance it appears to be a overly flashy 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback ( Still dont know why there is an entire blitzkrieg of flashy neon lighting). However, on the inside , it is actually a brand new 2012 Mustang outfitted with lots of neat Microsoft gear. So what does this car contain? Lets find out.
The Good :
- The awesome use of the old school meets new school approach by using the classic Mustang body on the outside while keeping up with today's electronics on the inside.
- The car can be started by the "Viper Start Smart" app, and also be locked/unlocked ( although this is nothing new and has been done for years).
- 4G/hotspot mode which gives wifi enabled devices, access to the internet ( no carriers have been announced for this yet).
- Dashboard instrument cluster is actually a though screen that can be fairly customized to use one of three themes ( Modern Mustang gauges, Classic Mustang gauges, and Windows 8 Metro UI). This seems like a great feature, but how will the car handle the infamous blue screen of death?
- There is also a windows 8 tablet for the passenger.
- Passenger and Driver each get a heads up display with augmented reality technology which gives both the passenger and the driver the option to display onboard telemetry or Bing maps.
- Integrated Kinect and xbox 360 ( you know for the passengers) that can be used to let the passengers play their favourite games on the rear window, or get this.....their side of the wind shield.
- PA system that allows you to express your anger to that guy who just cut you off. You can also trigger this system from outside your car to make people thing your car is cursed....
- Customizable "Horn Tones" that allow you to play Nyan cat, should there be a 2nd offender.... ( note: we recommend you use something like a foghorn for a better effect and to avoid people cutting you off on purpose).
- rear window can be used to deliver messages to people behind you like " nice car"..... or " @##$# $#@@# @#$$#$"
- the source code ( yes the source code) will be available soon.
The Bad:
- The kinect does not seem like a good idea for the windsheild.
The Ugly:
- The lighting on this car seems to be something out of a Tron film( or does it repersent a BSOD?). and really ruins the classiness of the car.
Overall, this car is pure awesomness and it has alot of stuff I would personally like in a car....Microsoft: can you atleast send us a test unit for atleast a couple of days??? I can assure the review will be fairly positive and will promote prospective buyers...better yet.... Y U NO BUILD MOAR??????
Source: Microsoft : http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2012/mar12/03-21projectdetroit.mspx
