Microsoft, Toyota Teaming Up To Bring Internet to Cars

With rise of cloud computing at hand, Microsoft and Toyota announced today that the technology would soon be making its way to cars.

The two companies announced today a plan to bring Internet-connected functionality to Toyota's upcoming line of electric and hybrid vehicles.The system will leverage Microsoft's cloud-computing infrastructure, dubbed, Azure. Using the service, customers will be able to control and monitor their cars from anywhere, allowing them to remotely access their vehicles' heating and cooling systems, as well as check on a the status of their cars.

Ballmer also suggested that using the system Toyota customers would also be able to schedule charging cycles for when energy consumption was at its lowest.

The first vehicles utilizing the system will appear as early as next year, Toyota said, with the company's electric and plug-in hybrid cars as the first vehicles to utilize the new features.

Using the system customers would also be able to remotely access and interact with devices in their homes. During a press conference this afternoon, Toyoda proposed a scenario where a driver would be able to remotely activate their home's air conditioning systems in preparation for their return home.

But you may well see applications that go beyond that, he said.

While both companies revealed little more than the possibilities of the system, Toyoda did confirm the functionality would be offered as a paid service.

Shares of Microsoft spiked one perfect on the news of the partnership.