Microsoft Eye Up The Dashboard

I'm going to say it and then give you a couple of minutes to make all the obvious jokes, then we can get back to business: Microsoft are partnering with Ford to offer embedded software called Windows Automotive in selected models in 2007, with all 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models coming later.  Right, you can make all the "blue screen of highway death" jokes now. 

Finished?  Well, you'll be pleased to know that the only systems it integrates with are entertainment and communication, rather than anything to do with brakes or engine timing or steering or anything.  Available at first on the Focus and Five Hundred models, it'll mean things like managing email and downloading music are possible from the comfort of your velour seat.

Detroit Free Press [via slashdot]