OK.  I've been MIA from this blog for much too long.  Lame, I know.  Hopefully this entry about a cool Microsoft automotive product with speech capabilities will make up for months of lameness.

Microsoft's collaboration with Italian automaker Fiat was announced awhile back, but the press momentum is building, at least in Europe, where the Blue&Me enabled cars are shipping.  It's too bad Fiat decided not to ship the Alfa Romeo in the States.  Those are pretty sweet looking rides.  And you can talk to it and have it talk back to you in 9 different languages!  There's also a lot of positive buzz at the CeBit trade show and the Geneva Motorshow.

Two of my favorite quotes:

"The most interesting aspect of the new system is the fact that is is more flexible and open than any other available today."  --Quattroruote

"The love affairs between Microsoft and car manufacturers are multiplying.  Today the Fiat Group is the new bride."  -- Le Blog Auto