Looks like the The Facet Technology Mobile 360 Van (Windows Live Local Van/SUV) which was being used by Microsoft for it’s Street-Side Technology Preview for it’s Windows Live Local Beta back in 2006 (here / here) is still on the road, this time in Downtown Washington D.C. in the United States. Looks like this is a new Van/SUV make, look at the new encasing on the roof?

If you see this curious looking SUV around downtown D.C. today, don’t expect a news crew to pile out of it.

I asked the driver of this vehicle what, exactly, his ride does. He said it’s equipped with 12 cameras that take pictures in front, behind and to the sides of the truck as he drives along, collecting data for a new Microsoft-owned mapping technology that will be featured in Ford Motors’ new GPS systems.

Bing, maybe?

Via: Washington Business Journal (Thanks Justin)