LAS VEGAS - A plethora of gadgets featured at the world's biggest electronics fair are designed to turn cars into multi-media digital command centers, providing navigation assistance for the driver and entertainment for passengers.

Software giant Microsoft unveiled an intelligent car of the future at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show, equipped with technology that allows a driver to find the nearest gas station or download e-mails, music, video games and films. The car is outfitted with a computer using the Microsoft windows operating system linked with satellite navigation and security software as well as digital entertainment.

The firm Clarion is also offering software for cars that links navigation capability with digital audio and video.

Various in-car computers have already hit the market, emphasizing high-definition images and compatibility among different digital devices such as portable GPS navigators, iPods, digital radios and multimedia drives for movies. Some of the products are voice-activated, allowing a driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. Companies such as Ramar, Guidetek and Holux are promoting software products for navigation while VST Rearview, Webwatch, Pyle, Myron and Davis are selling high-definition screens for the back of car seat headrests.

The 2006 International CES, which opened Thursday, boasts 2,500 exhibitors and hopes to attract 130,000 visitors before closing Sunday.*AFP

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