Car Tech: Fiat 500 -- the iPod of cars, powered by Windows

Can you believe it? Somebody's actually released a car that looks like it was designed by Apple, but is actually controlled by Microsoft Windows technology. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the brand new Fiat 500 -- a vehicle possessed by the spirits of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.

The 500, voted European car of the year, uses Microsoft Automotive technology -- a special combination of hardware and software that lets drivers interact with the vehicle using speech. Fiat's re-branded it "Blue&Me" to make it sound less stuffy, but whatever the name, there's no denying it's one of the most interesting pieces of Car Tech we've ever seen.

The steering wheel is home to a Windows Start button (like you'd find on a keyboard). Press that, and Blue&Me will accept voice commands from the driver, and provide verbal feedback -- all without you taking your eyes off the road. The car also packs a USB port, to which you can connect a USB memory key full of MP3s. That too is voice controlled, so you can navigate to the right track by saying 'artist', 'genre', 'folder', etc.

It really is breathtaking. Take a look at the video, and let us know what you think in the comments below. -Rory Reid

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