Microsoft Still Pushing Forward with SPOT for MSN Direct

January 9, 2007, 12:06 AM by Ed Oswald

Ed Oswald, BetaNews: SPOT is still not dead. Microsoft on Monday said that it had reached a deal with navigation device maker Garmin that would integrate MSN Direct services, based on Microsoft's long-running Smart Personal Object Technology, into select GPS devices. The service would allow the device to directly receive information such as traffic updates, weather conditions, and gas prices.

In addition, Microsoft plans to make SPOT compatible with Microsoft Streets and Trips in the future, along with working with other GPS software and hardware makers to extend the technology’s reach. However, one remaining issue is coverage. While the service covers about 70% of the US population, its aerial extent has not changed much in over two years, and the company has offered no information as to whether it intends to expand the service further.

In any case, that hasn't stopped Microsoft from signing deals with a host of companies to integrate MSN Direct into a wide array of devices. Being shown off in the Microsoft booth at CES are coffee makers, along with new weather stations and watches among other products.

Scott Fulton, BetaNews: Ed, since I can't help but be reminded of Chevy Chase, SPOT receives my official Generalissimo Francisco Franco Award for continually remaining not dead. [photo above from our CES 2006 library]