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Microsoft-powered Fiats to debut in Geneva

Microsoft's deal to equip all of Fiat's new vehicles with Windows Automotive is starting to bear fruit: The first Windows-powered Fiats are due to debut at the Geneva Auto Show later this month. The system, now known as Blue&Me, will initially control the car's audio system, and will allow drivers to access Bluetooth cellphones via the car's audio system, control the audio via voice commands and steering wheel-mounted controls, and have text messages read to them by the car's computer. A glove compartment USB port will allow the audio system to be expanded using any mass-storage compliant device. Future upgrades to the system will include GPS control and weather and traffic-monitoring systems. We assume that any upgrade that will put Windows in the driver's seat is, however, a very long way away.