I keep telling friends that I talk to that the Microsoft Auto products on the market change the way you think about communication and the way you access your music and entertainment data in the car. Of course, I'm not the only one who's noticed. The Microsoft Automotive Business Unit has won a Frost & Sullivan award for the work they've done with European manufacturers:

Frost & Sullivan Award Underlines Microsoft’s Outstanding Innovations in Customer Service in the Automotive Sector

The 2007 Frost & Sullivan Customer Service Innovation Award in the European automotive software market is presented to Microsoft Automotive Business Unit in recognition of its exceptional customer service and value-added offerings, based on its Microsoft Auto platform.

“Through the Microsoft Auto platform, Microsoft provides the most advanced, innovative and simple to use in-vehicle infotainment and multimedia solutions,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Niveditha Srinivasan. “Through this platform, partners can quickly react to consumer requirements and develop offerings to deliver improved customer relationships coupled with enhanced understanding and effective fulfillment of customer needs.”

The one thing you can't fault 10 for is having a wide range of interest. I originally got hooked on the custom chopper scene with Discovery Channel's "Biker Build-Off" series. The winner of the first build-off, Jesse James, got his own show and soon the Teutel's were lighting up the screen as well.

Convincing Jeff that there would be a technology angle (it's in there, I swear), I got the green light to interview one of the biggest hitters in the Custom bike world today: Counts Kustoms of Las Vegas. It was amazing to see how it's done up close. And, for the record, I've never interviewed a nicer, more genuine bunch of guys.