Fiat Joins Microsoft in a Wireless Partnership 219
bizpile writes "The AP is reporting that Microsoft and Fiat have gotten together to develop a system of wireless communications into Fiat's vehicles. The goal of the alliance, announced Thursday, is to create a flexible, easy-to-use telematics system (think OnStar from General Motors) for Fiat and its Lancia and Alfa Romeo brands sold in Europe, the companies said."
Re:Lovely.... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Lovely.... (Score:5, Informative)
GM didn't make Onstar (Score:3, Informative)
A list of desirable exclusions (Score:4, Informative)
1. ABS
2. Fuel Injection
3. Engine timing
4. Automatic Transmission (or ratios in stick models)
5. Airbag deployment
6. Cruise control
7. Door locks
And before you mod me down for being a paranoid tinfoil-hatted troll read about the Phillipine minister who was trapped in his BMW [thaivisa.com] that refused to unlock and let him out? The HAL-in-a-car was very likely a Microsoft Telematic system [microsoft.com].
They can mess all they want with the radio - I'll be switching it off listening to my iPoD anyway :)
Re:Bluetooth and wireless (Score:3, Informative)
Back to On-Topic:
And as my own car is a 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, I wish it had some integrated way of connecting my phone
Re:Lovely.... (Score:2, Informative)
This car performs very well for such a small engine (non-diesel 1.1cc, 55HP), I never had an engine problem (45k kilometers so far), the electric system performs well, though I had to replace the default front lights (the short ones, dunno how to say that in english) due to low intensity. I have several extras: electric windows, centralized lock, ABS, AC, 2 airbags, mp3 radio car and so.
I cannot speak about engine overheating, since it has no temp meter, but never noticed anything wrong when driving with high temp outside (I live in Seville, Spain, we have HUGE temperatures on summer).
Cannot speak about other models, but I never had a single problem with this little car, I am happy with it since I do mostly city driving (though I did some large trips with it).